Chapter 3
NORA
I’m not sure what it is about Nickel that had me turning to him for comfort. It isn’t like me. I’m rationalising it as finally being able to put my sister’s memory to rest and taking out the animal who put her in that position.
It hurt me deeply when I discovered it was Lloyd Eade.
I’ve carried vengeance in my heart for years. He was like a brother, treated like family, and his betrayal hurt more than I allowed myself to comprehend.
Now he’s gone. Dead and buried. Willow and my parents can rest in peace. There’s still more to be done, but that can wait for another day.
Exhaustion pulls at me as we ride towards Southampton.
I’m wrapped around Nickel, holding him tightly.
My thoughts are scattered when it comes to him.
Instinct. Some part of me knew he was what I needed.
He didn’t utter a word as he enfolded me in his big arms and held me tightly to his muscular body.
And he was hard all over. No way I could’ve missed the length of his hard cock as it nestled against my belly.
Adrenaline, high-stakes situations, and torture make me horny. I’ve always believed it’s nature’s way of ensuring we know we’re alive. God knows, Bee and Copper didn’t hide how hot they were for each other.
I expected Nickel to make a comment or push the moment, but he didn’t. He seemed content to hold me until I pushed away from him. It was natural to follow him to his bike so I could ride with him to his home.
I’m curious about the Queens Wraiths. The Skulls seem closer to them than most, and I wondered about their history. That’s something for another day, because I’m exhausted and fighting to keep my eyes open as we turn into a property with security out the wazoo.
Nickel gestures to Coal, who raises a hand and nods, and we veer away from them. They head for what I assume is the clubhouse, while we continue toward the mobile homes.
Nickel pulls up under a lean-to alongside one of them and parks his bike next to a truck. Switching off the engine, he removes his helmet but remains sitting. He turns slightly to look at me over his shoulder, his eyes on my helmet. Taking the hint, I remove it.
“This is my home.” He nods at the mobile home where we’re parked.
“Okay,” I reply in a puzzled tone.
I’m not sure why he’s announcing it. Does he think I’ll judge him? I don’t even have a home, so I’m not in a position to judge anyone.
“I’m not good at talking, Nora,” Nickel admits. “I don’t always read situations right, and I say the wrong things at the wrong time, so I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut unless I’m with my family or my brothers.”
He sighs and swipes a hand across his face. “What I’m trying to say is: this is my home, and I’d like you to come in with me so you can have a shower and rest. But if you aren’t comfortable doing that, I’ll grab my things and bunk with Brass, Iron, or Cross.”
That unfamiliar flutter from earlier returns low in my belly. The same one that caught me off guard the moment I saw him through the rifle scope.
This man has taken me by surprise. Here he is, being so careful with his words, intent on explaining himself. Worried about crossing an invisible line, concerned about offending me in some way.
Something softens inside me, something I thought I’d buried alongside my family.
That he’s not as perfect as he looks makes him even more beautiful to me.
I like his honesty, his quietness, and his concern.
Things I haven’t had in a very long time.
It makes me happy in a way I’m not ready to untangle.
But at this moment, I know he means something to me, and I’m going to ride this out and see where it takes me.
Because for the first time in years, I have the freedom to do so.
Nickel shifts restlessly, and I realise I haven’t replied.
Surprising myself, I give him a soft smile and cup his cheek. “I’d love to come in with you.”
Heat flares in his eyes before he banks it. He holds out his hand and helps me off his bike. Standing aside, I wait for him to get off, welcoming the warm clasp of his hand as he pulls me up the stairs of what looks like a newly laid deck.
He opens the door and gestures for me to go inside.
I’m surprised at how large the interior is. The kitchen and sitting room are open plan. The couch and chairs are big and look comfortable, which doesn’t surprise me. Nickel is a big guy.
I turn to find him still standing at the back door, hands shoved deep in his pockets as he watches me looking over his home. He wasn’t lying when he said he was quiet.
“Your home’s lovely, Nickel.”
He smiles, and it changes his entire face. Softens it.
“Thank you, Nora. I’d like you to be comfortable here.
Help yourself to whatever’s in the fridge, although there won’t be much.
We tend to eat at the clubhouse. The bedroom and shower are through there.
” He points toward a doorway leading to a short hallway.
“If you’ll come with me, I’ll grab you something to change into.
We can put your clothes in the wash, so they’ll be clean in the morning. ”
“A shower sounds amazing,” I say. “And Cahir will arrange for some of my things to be sent, or I can go shopping tomorrow. Whichever is quickest and—”
We’re interrupted by a knock on his door.
My hand immediately goes to the gun tucked into the back of my waistband.
“Nickel? Mom sent me over with some things for the lady,” a female voice calls.
Nickel holds up his hand. “It’s my sister, Opal,” he explains. “You’re safe here, Nora.”
Safe is not something I’m used to. I only ever felt safe when I was at the Skulls castle. It’ll take me a bit of time, but I need to learn to live without constantly looking over my shoulder.
Nickel pushes open the door, and I laugh as he’s tackled by a girl in her late teens.
They share the same thick black curly hair, and when she turns to look at me, I’m struck by how similar they are.
She’s tall and curvy. Her cheeks still have the round softness of childhood.
She’s stunning. Her eyes sparkle, exuding kindness.
I ache at the loss of my sister and all I’ve missed since she was taken from me.
Opal squeezes Nickel, turning her face up to him, “I’m glad you’re home, bubby.”
His gaze softens as he looks down at his sister and presses a kiss to her forehead. “It’s good to be home, squirt. I missed you too.” He turns her towards me. “This is Nora. Nora, my baby sister, Opal.”
She smiles at me as she takes a bag from her shoulder and places it on the bench by the door.
“It’s nice to meet you, Nora. Mom and I put together a small bag for you.
Nothing fancy, just some hygiene stuff and a few t-shirts.
We guessed your size, so if they don’t fit, let us know and we can get you others. ”
That small act of kindness makes my heart clench, and tears prick my eyes. “Thank you, Opal. That’s very kind of both you and your mum.”
Opal shrugs. “It’s what we do.” She tilts her head up at Nickel. “I’m going back to the clubhouse. You’re missing the debrief that’s going on right now, and Coal says to tell you to make sure you’re at Church tomorrow at ten for your and Nora’s debrief.”
“Thanks, squirt, I’ll be there.” He turns to me. “I’ll take Opal back to the clubhouse.”
I grin when she rolls her eyes, but I’m happy they're protective of her. Being a motorcycle club, I’m sure they know better than most that shit can go wrong when you least expect it.
I nod. “No problem.”
“Make yourself at home. Grab a shower. If you want something to sleep in, help yourself to my drawers for whatever you need. I won’t be long.”
“Take your time,” I assure him. It’ll be good to have a moment to myself. I need time to think.
Picking up the bag Opal brought, I heft it over my shoulder. “Thank you again, Opal, and tell your mum thanks.”
“I will.” She smiles. “I’ll see you tomorrow for breakfast.”
The two of them turn and leave.
I wander down the hallway and see that the internal walls have been removed, creating one big room with a king-size bed, built-in wardrobes, and an ensuite. The only other door opens into what appears to be a home office.
Entering the bedroom, I strip, fold my clothes, and put them on the floor outside the door.
I empty the bag that Opal brought, smiling when I see a sealed pack of panties.
They’ll be a little big, but I’ll make do.
There’s a three-pack of coloured V-neck t-shirts and socks, as well as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, and a hairbrush. Everything I’ll need for tonight.
I select what I need and take it to the bathroom.
While the water heats up, I brush my teeth.
Once the water is warm, I step into the shower.
Releasing my hair, I quickly shampoo and condition it.
It’ll be a bitch to deal with in the morning, but I’m too tired to worry about that tonight.
I don’t linger in the shower; that king-size bed is calling me.
When I’m finished, I dry off, wrapping a towel around my hair. I slip on a pair of panties under the towel I’ve wrapped around me and walk back out to the bedroom.
Nickel isn’t back yet, so I take him at his word and grab one of his shirts from the drawer. Holding it to my nose, I sniff, a little sad that all I get is a whiff of laundry detergent and not him.
Shaking my head at myself, I unwrap the towel and hang it up, slipping his t-shirt over my head. I collapse into his bed, drawing the duvet over me and sliding into sleep the moment my head touches the pillow.
I don’t stir until I’m woken up the next day by Nickel and the scent of freshly brewed coffee.