Chapter 5
Tank
The next day started like any other. I woke up early, the sun barely peeking over the horizon. My black leather cut was slung over a chair, a reminder of the chaos from the night before. I stretched, feeling the familiar ache in my muscles, and headed to the kitchen for coffee. The strong brew was my lifeline, kicking me into gear for the day ahead.
After a quick breakfast, I hopped on my Harley and headed to work. The ride through the quiet streets was a perfect way to clear my head, the roar of my engine drowning out any lingering doubts or regrets from the previous night.
Doghouse Delights was my sanctuary, my little slice of peace in a world of chaos. The shop was a blend of rustic charm and biker edge, with wooden shelves lined with jars of treats and the walls adorned with black-and-white photos of dogs and bikers alike. I loved the juxtaposition of soft and hard, just like my life.
As I opened the door and turned the sign to "Open," I let out a long exhale, ready for the day ahead. Regulars and their furry friends started trickling in, and I greeted them with my usual gruff friendliness.
"Hey, Mrs. Thompson, how's Baxter today?" I asked, handing over a bag of biscuits to an elderly woman and her fluffy Pomeranian.
"He's great, Tank. Thanks for asking," she replied with a warm smile.
I inhaled deeply, loving that the clientele called me by my road name. It was a reminder of who I had become, of the strength I had found within myself. The day passed in a blur of barking dogs, ringing cash registers, and the scent of freshly baked treats. Despite all the craziness, I couldn't get the bar fight and Boiler's fierce protection out of my head. I shook my head, trying to focus. I had sworn off relationships, especially with bikers from rival clubs. But Boiler had gotten under my skin in a way I couldn't ignore.
As evening approached, I closed up shop and headed home for a quick shower and a change of clothes. The Roost was calling to me. Perhaps it was the thrill of the previous night, or maybe it was the lingering thought of Boiler, but I needed to be there.
The bar was already thumping when I arrived. The familiar scent of beer and leather filled the air as I pushed through the door. My sisters were scattered around, laughing and chatting. Razor was at the pool table, her sharp eyes watching every move. Pixie was behind the bar, mixing drinks with her usual flair. Rage was in a corner booth, deep in conversation with her man Mud who showed up sporadically.
I grabbed a beer and found a spot at the bar, my eyes scanning the room. Part of me hoped Boiler would walk through the door, even though I knew it was unlikely. The fragile truce between the Hell on Heelz and the Slayers meant we had to tread carefully, but that didn't stop my mind from wandering.
Pixie slid a shot of whiskey in front of me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "On the house. You look like you could use it."
I smirked, raising the glass. "Thanks, Pix."
She leaned on the bar, her gaze searching mine. "You okay, Tank? You seem... distracted."
Shrugging, I tried to play it cool. "Just thinking about last night. There’s always a guy treating me like nothing but a piece of ass. Glad Boiler put him in his place."
Pixie raised her pierced eyebrow. "And you're hoping to see him again, aren't you?"
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't hide the truth. "Maybe. He’s a good fighter, I’ll give him that."
She laughed, shaking her head. "You're a tough nut to crack, Tank."
“Yeah, I know. I’m tough. I get it.”
Pixie frowned, leaning in closer. “I didn’t mean it like that. You’re real sweet, too. When you wanna be.”
I scoffed, trying to hide the blush creeping up my neck. "Don't go spreading that around. I've got a reputation to uphold."
The night wore on, the club filled with laughter and music. I found myself glancing at the door more often than I cared to admit, each time hoping to see Boiler’s rugged face. I wasn't used to feeling this way, all vulnerable and shit.
Rage sauntered over, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “You keep looking at that door like you’re expecting someone.”
Lifting my shoulder, I tried to play it off. “Just on edge, I guess. Lot of changes happening with this truce.”
She nodded, understanding. “Yeah, it’s a lot to take in. But we’re strong. We’ll make it work.”
As the clock ticked closer to midnight, I sighed, accepting that he wasn't going to show. I took another sip of my beer, trying to drown the disappointment. As we drank, I couldn't shake the thought of Boiler from my mind.
Pixie noticed my distraction and nudged me playfully. "Still thinking about him, huh?"
I groaned, rubbing my temples. “Yeah, damn it. I hate feeling like this. It’s like he’s under my skin, and I can’t shake it.”
She smiled softly. “Maybe you don’t have to. Maybe it’s time to see where this thing goes.”
“Yeah, maybe.”
The Roost was winding down, the crowd thinning out as the night stretched toward dawn. I was still nursing my beer, lost in thoughts of Boiler and the strange pull he had on me. I barely noticed the door swing open, too caught up in my own head. But the moment I heard his voice, a chill ran down my spine, and my blood turned to ice.
"Well, well, if it isn’t my runaway wife," Jeff sneered, swaggering into the room like he owned the place.
My heart skipped a beat, then pounded with fury. I turned slowly, my eyes narrowing as I took in the sight of my ex. Jeff looked as smug and menacing as ever, his presence a dark shadow over my hard-won freedom.
"Why on earth are you here, Jeff?" I growled, standing up to face him. My muscles tensed, ready for a fight.
He chuckled, a cruel sound that grated on my nerves. "Heard about your little doggie biscuit business. Thought I'd come by and see what my share is."
I clenched my fists, resisting the urge to deck him right then and there. "You’ve got no share. I built that business from the ground up. You got nothing to do with it."
Jeff’s eyes darkened, his hand reaching out to grab my arm.
Before I could react, a familiar figure appeared in the doorway. Boiler. His presence was like a storm rolling in, powerful and undeniable. He took one look at the scene and his eyes hardened.
“Is there a problem here?” Boiler’s voice dripped with menace.
I pulled my arm free from Jeff’s grip and took a step back. “No problem that can’t be handled,” I said, then added with a smirk, “Boiler, meet Jeff, my ex. Jeff, this is Boiler, my new man.”
Boiler stepped forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over Jeff. “I think you heard the lady. She owes you nothing. So why don’t you turn around and leave before things get ugly?”
Jeff glared at Boiler, his swagger faltering slightly. "This isn't over, Nessa," he spat, but I could see the fear evident in his eyes.
“Yeah, it is,” I replied coldly. “You show up here again, and you won’t walk out.”
Boiler’s presence was like a shield, protecting me from the ghosts of my past. Jeff took a step back, clearly weighing his options.
"Fine," he said, sounding pissed off. “But don’t think this is the end of it. I’ll be back for the biscuits.”
As Jeff slunk out of the Roost, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
Boiler turned to me, his expression softening. “You okay?”
"Yeah," I said, experiencing a surge of gratitude and another emotion, something more profound. “Thanks for that.”
He shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Just doing what any man would do for his woman.”
I couldn’t help but smile back, despite the lingering tension. “Yeah, sorry about that. Saying you were my man.”
“I’m not sorry.”
“Guess that makes you my hero for the night. And it means we’re more than even.”
“Who’s your beast on a bike?” He asked, stepping closer, his hand brushing against mine.
I rolled my eyes, but for a moment, we stood there, the chaos of the night fading into the background. It was just the two of us, standing in the Roost, finding a strange sense of peace in each other’s presence.
“Let’s get out of here,” Boiler suggested. “I think you could use a break.”
Feeling a weight off my shoulders, I nodded. “Yeah, I could.”
As we walked out of the Roost together, I wondered where this beast was taking me.