Chapter Twenty-Two
Akira
I stared at the stark white walls of the ICU, my fingers tracing the tattoo on my arm. The steady beep of monitors echoed through the sterile hallway, a grim reminder of Venom’s condition. It had been days since Justin was released, but Venom remained unconscious, tubes and wires snaking from his still form.
“Any change?” I asked as Ridley emerged from Venom’s room, her eyes rimmed with red.
She shook her head. “The doctors are getting worried. They say the longer he’s out…”
I swallowed hard, not wanting her to finish that thought. The Dixie Reapers were on edge, a current of tension running through the compound. There was nothing we could do but wait, and the helplessness was suffocating.
After making sure Ridley would eat something, I left the hospital and went home. One thing I’d learned from all this was that life was precious and could end in a split second. Having made up my mind, I pulled a suitcase from my closet, the zipper loud in the quiet room. As I began folding clothes, heavy footsteps approached.
“What are you doing, Akira?” Dad asked.
I turned to face him, chin lifted. “Packing. It’s time.”
His jaw clenched, his imposing frame filling the doorway. “With everything that’s happened, you think now’s the time to leave?”
“There’s never going to be a perfect time,” I countered, my voice steady despite the flutter in my chest. “I need to start my own life. Logan and I are engaged. I don’t see a reason I shouldn’t move in with him.”
“It’s not safe out there.” He crossed his arms over his broad chest. “You’re better off here, where we can protect you.”
I sighed, setting down the shirt in my hands. “Dad, I love you, but I can’t stay here forever. I’m not a little girl anymore.”
His eyes softened, a flicker of pain crossing his weathered features. “You’ll always be my little girl, Akira. I just want you safe.”
“I know,” I said, stepping closer to him. “But I need to do this. For me.”
A gentle knock interrupted us, and Mom poked her head in. “Need any help packing?”
I nodded gratefully, and she slipped past Dad to join me. As we folded and packed, she caught my eye. “You know you can always come home if you need to, right?”
“I know,” I replied, a lump forming in my throat. “Thanks, Mom.”
Dad lingered in the doorway, his presence a mix of concern and reluctant acceptance. As I zipped up the suitcase, I felt a strange mix of excitement and trepidation. This was it -- the start of my new life. But as I looked at my father’s worried face, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was making the right choice.
I put the rest of my things into boxes, leaving the bare minimum in my room. As Mom had pointed out, I could return any time I wanted. If Logan and I had a fight, I’d have a place to hide out until I was ready to forgive him. Dad helped me load everything into my car, and I drove to Logan’s place. No, our place.
Since I’d decided to do this alone, I had to carry everything up by myself. Thankfully, Logan had already given me a key to the apartment. We’d discussed me moving in, but I just hadn’t gotten around to it.
It was a good thing I was stronger than I looked. I heaved the last box into the apartment, my arms shaking with the effort. The place was nice, but it was definitely a bachelor pad -- all sleek lines and neutral colors. I couldn’t help but smile, though. It was ours now.
My phone rang and I answered the FaceTime call. Logan’s image appeared on the screen and I smiled at him. “Hey! Guess who’s all moved in?”
“You sure about this?” Logan asked, his warm brown eyes searching mine. “I know your dad wasn’t thrilled.”
“I’m sure. Dad’ll come around. Besides, after what happened…” I trailed off. “Between getting kidnapped outside the bar, then everything that happened with Justin and Venom, I think it’s safe to say I need to live each day and make it count.”
Logan’s jaw tightened. “You’re not going back there. It isn’t safe.”
“I know.” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “But what am I supposed to do now?”
“We can figure it out together. For now, just… breathe. Nothing has to be decided right this second.”
I nodded. “So, about this apartment. It could use a woman’s touch, don’t you think?”
Logan chuckled. “There’s a credit card in my top dresser drawer. Go wild, within reason.”
I grinned, already picturing throw pillows and art prints. “Kasen’s free today. Mind if I dragged her along? Maybe treat her to lunch?”
“As long as someone goes with you. I know you can take care of yourself, but I have a feeling Tank would feel better knowing someone was keeping an eye on his daughter. Speaking of which, when I was at the hospital earlier, I saw Emmie taking him in for a follow-up. Looks like he’s healing well.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help feeling touched by his concern. “Fine, fine. We’ll have a girls’ day out and just pretend there isn’t a bodyguard following behind us. And that’s great news about Tank. With Venom still unconscious, the Dixie Reapers are under enough stress. I don’t think they could handle losing two of their older members right now.”
“Love you. Be careful,” Logan said. “I have to get back to work.”
“Love you too.” I blew him a kiss and ended the call.
As I grabbed my purse, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was the start of something amazing. Something exciting. And maybe a little scary.
* * *
The aroma of garlic and sizzling meat wafted through the air as Kasen and I stepped into the cozy Italian bistro. My stomach growled, reminding me we’d been shopping for hours.
“There’s Logan,” I said, spotting his familiar form at a corner table. He wasn’t alone. One of his partners, Beaumont, sat across from him, both looking sexy in their paramedic uniforms. Not that I’d tell a soul I thought someone other than Logan was sexy.
Logan’s eyes lit up as we approached. He stood, pulling me close for a quick kiss. “Hey, babe. This is perfect timing.”
I smiled, reveling in the warmth of his touch. “Kasen and I were starving. You mentioned eating here and it sounded good. Mind if we join you?”
Before Logan could answer, Beaumont chimed in with his easy Southern drawl. “Well now, who’s this lovely lady?”
Logan’s arm tightened around my waist, a proud smile spreading across his face. “Beaumont, I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Akira.”
My heart skipped a beat. It was the first time he’d introduced me that way, and the word “fiancée” sent a thrill through me. Of course, I’d known about Beaumont. Logan had talked about him before, and I’d seen pictures of the two of them together.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I managed, extending my hand to Beaumont.
He shook it warmly. “The pleasure’s all mine, darlin’.”
I was about to respond when Logan’s radio crackled to life. Both men tensed, listening intently to the dispatcher’s voice. Logan’s expression shifted, and I knew that that meant. He had to go.
“Sorry, sweetheart,” he said, already moving. “Duty calls.”
I nodded, understanding but disappointed. “Be safe,” I called after them as they rushed out, leaving Kasen and me standing awkwardly by the empty table.
I spotted Tempest outside the window and wondered if we should invite him in. I knew Kasen liked him and had the feeling he felt the same about her.
“Don’t even think it,” she said, noticing where I was looking. “I’m not ready yet.”
“Fine. But if you really are interested, you need to make a move. Otherwise, someone else might.”
As we settled in to order, I couldn’t help but wonder about the emergencies Logan faced every day. Were any of them dangerous? I’d thought he had the safest job out of the Swift Angels, but what if I was wrong? Great, now I’d worry until I saw him again.
* * *
Logan
The sun hung low in the sky as I pulled up to Scarlet’s apartment complex. Exhaustion tugged at my limbs after a grueling shift, but this couldn’t wait. I needed to tie up this loose end. Or in Scarlet’s case, more like a loose cannon. I thought she had learned her lesson, but better safe than sorry.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the confrontation ahead. Scarlet’s actions had put Akira in danger, and I couldn’t let that slide. But as I climbed the stairs to her unit, a twinge of guilt nagged at me. If it weren’t for Akira, I wouldn’t be doing this. Was I being fair?
I knocked on the door, my heart pounding. There was shuffling inside, then Scarlet appeared, her eyes widening in surprise.
“Logan?” Her voice was small, uncertain. “I… I didn’t expect to see you here.”
I forced myself to meet her gaze, keeping my voice firm but not unkind. “We need to talk, Scarlet. About what happened, and what happens next.”
She nodded, stepping back to let me in. As I crossed the threshold, I silently prayed I was doing the right thing. For Akira. For Scarlet. For all of us.
I stepped into Scarlet’s apartment, the scent of floral air freshener almost overwhelming. She fidgeted nervously, her hazel eyes darting around behind her glasses.
“Scarlet,” I began, my voice steady despite the tension coiling in my gut, “you have two choices. Either you quit your job, or I will make sure everyone knows what really happened. You’d be facing jail time. In all honesty, Justin wanted to haul you off in handcuffs, but I asked him to let me handle this.”
Not to mention, if we got the law involved for Scarlet’s part in everything, it would put a spotlight on Tinker. The chief might have swept that incident under the rug, but we didn’t need to bring it to anyone else’s attention. That wouldn’t be good for either club. But Scarlet didn’t know that.
Her face crumpled, tears welling up. “But, Logan, I… I love you. Can’t you see that?”
I shook my head, feeling a mixture of pity and frustration. “This isn’t love, Scarlet. Obsession and stalking aren’t what love is about. You put Akira in danger. That wasn’t okay. Not to mention, I never told you I thought of you as anything other than a co-worker.”
“I never meant to --” she started, but I cut her off.
“Intent doesn’t change what happened. Pack your things and leave town. It’s for the best.” I paused. “And not just for Akira. I think you need a fresh start somewhere. Maybe a place no one’s heard of you before. You have the opportunity to reinvent yourself, be anyone you want. Just… be honest and don’t go around stalking people, or trying to kidnap them.”
As I turned to leave, Scarlet’s sobs echoed behind me. I hesitated at the door. I’d never been one to make a woman cry. Scarlet might deserve everything she was getting, and then some, but it still made me feel like shit. But then I thought of Akira. My resolve hardened.
Walking back to my bike, I couldn’t help but wonder if the Dixie Reapers had rubbed off on me. This ultimatum felt more their style than mine. But sometimes, I reminded myself, you had to be tough to protect the ones you loved.
The drive home was a blur of streetlights and introspection. As I climbed the stairs to my apartment, I was already looking forward to seeing Akira, to washing away the day’s stress in her presence.
I opened the door and stopped short, taken aback by the transformation. A framed watercolor of a Japanese village now hung above the couch, its soft colors lending a sense of tranquility to the room. Colorful throw pillows and a new area rug added warmth to the once-spartan space.
And there was Akira, setting a framed photo of us on the end table. She turned at the sound of the door, her face lighting up with a smile that made my heart skip.
“Welcome home,” she said, and suddenly, I knew I had made the right choice. Having her move in, telling Scarlet to leave, both had been the best thing for all of us.
I headed for the kitchen, craving a cold drink after the day I’d had. The moment I stepped through the doorway, I was hit with a wave of savory aromas that made my stomach growl. Akira already had dinner cooking, and I couldn’t help but smile. Not once had I ever come home to food cooking. I could get used to this. Of course, it wasn’t like I expected her to do this all the time. Only when she wanted to.
As I opened the fridge, I noticed it had been completely reorganized. Everything was in its place, and there were even some new healthy options I didn’t remember buying. The cabinets, too, had been given the Akira treatment. New, colorful towels hung from the oven handle, adding a pop of life to the once-drab space.
“You’ve been busy,” I said, grabbing a bottle of water.
Akira appeared in the doorway, a grin on her face. “Just making it feel like home.”
I crossed the room in two strides, pulling her into a hug. Her familiar scent washed over me, and I felt the tension of the day start to melt away. I planted a kiss on her cheek, lingering for a moment.
“I’m going to grab a quick shower,” I murmured against her skin.
By the time I emerged, feeling refreshed and human again, Akira had put dinner on the table. The aroma of teriyaki chicken and roasted vegetables filled the air as we sat down to eat.
“So,” Akira said, her chopsticks poised over her plate, “how was your day?”
I took a deep breath, knowing I needed to be honest with her. “I, uh… I went to see Scarlet today.”
Akira’s eyes widened, but she stayed silent, waiting for me to continue.
“I told her to leave town,” I admitted. “Or I’d make sure everyone knew what really happened.”
“Logan…” Akira started, her brow furrowed.
I reached across the table, taking her hand in mine. “I promise, you won’t have to worry about her ever again. I couldn’t bear the thought of you being in danger because of her, or feeling awkward if you ran into each other around town.”
Akira squeezed my hand, her eyes softening. “Thank you.”
As we continued eating, I couldn’t help but marvel at how right this felt -- sharing a meal, sharing a life, with this incredible woman who had brought so much color into my world.
I pushed my empty plate away, feeling satisfied and content. Akira’s eyes met mine across the table, a spark of mischief dancing in their depths. Without a word, she stood and extended her hand to me. My heart rate quickened as I took it, her small fingers intertwining with mine.
She led me toward the bedroom, her hips swaying hypnotically. I followed, entranced. As we crossed the threshold, Akira turned to face me, her expression a mix of desire and vulnerability.
“Logan,” she whispered, her fingers toying with the hem of her shirt. “I want you.”
My breath caught in my throat as she slowly peeled off her clothes, revealing her beautiful body inch by tantalizing inch. I drank in the sight of her.
“You’re beautiful,” I murmured, reaching out to cup her cheek.
Akira shivered under my touch. “Your turn,” she said, her voice husky.
I quickly shed my own clothes, my eyes never leaving hers.
Akira’s breath hitched as my hands roamed over her body, trailing kisses and soft caresses. She moaned in delight when I brushed my thumb against her already damp pussy. My cock hardened even more at the sound of her desire.
I picked her up effortlessly and pinned her against the wall, our bodies flush together. The feel of her soft curves against my hardness sent a shiver down my spine. She wrapped her legs around me and met my lips with an insatiable hunger that matched my own.
Her tongue danced with mine as I grunted, taking control of the kiss. With one hand on the wall to steady myself, I used the other to squeeze one of her perfect breasts, eliciting a soft moan from deep within her throat. My fingers found their way into her wet heat, teasing and playing with her clit as we continued to kiss passionately.
Breaking away from the kiss, I looked into her lovely eyes for permission to take things further. She gazed back at me with a mixture of trust and submission that made me want to claim her completely. And so I did.
Without any further hesitation, I slid my throbbing cock between her folds and plunged deep inside of her. She arched her back against me in response, gasping for air as we found our rhythm together.
I looked down upon this goddess who was now mine -- and I knew I was the luckiest bastard on earth. Her eyes were half-closed with pleasure while she bit down on her lower lip in anticipation of what was yet to come.
I pulled out almost all the way before thrusting back into her tight heat again, feeling every inch stretch around me as if her pussy were made for me alone. Each time I pushed deeper, Akira let out small moans that reverberated through my entire being like a drug coursing through my veins. Her nails dug into my shoulders as she urged me on without saying a word -- a silent plea for more or perhaps just surrendering herself completely to me?
The room was hot and humid with desire. Sweat dripped from our bodies onto each other’s skin -- a testament to how much we needed each other right now. We moved together in perfect harmony, lost in our own world where nothing else mattered but this moment between us.
As we came together, I was overwhelmed by the rightness of it all. This was where I belonged. Afterward, I carried her to the bed and we lay tangled together, our bodies cooling. Akira’s head rested on my chest, her dark hair fanned out across the pillow.
“I love you,” I whispered into the quiet room, tightening my arms around her.
Akira lifted her head, her brown eyes meeting mine. “I love you too, Logan.”
As we drifted off to sleep, I couldn’t help but feel that despite all the chaos and danger we’d faced, we’d finally found our peace. Together.