Chapter 14
The faint glow of dawn peeks through the curtains as I stir awake, the warmth of Rock’s embrace cradling me from behind. His steady breaths echo a sense of serenity that envelops me, even in the hushed morning hours. I shift slightly, feeling his arms tighten around me, unwilling to disrupt the tranquil start to our day. The world feels right in moments like this, wrapped up in his arms.
A gentle kiss is planted on the nape of my neck, stirring me from my thoughts. “Morning, Princess,” Rock’s voice, rough with sleep, whispers against my skin.
“Mornin’,” I turn around to face him, greeted by his endearing morning scruff and those eyes that hold the universe within them.
“I’m off for a shower.” I’m not sure I’m ready for the madness to begin.
The shower’s warmth soothes my senses as the steaming water cascades over my skin, washing away the remnants of sleep. Rock’s proximity is a soothing balm, his silhouette a familiar and comforting sight through the frosted glass. I know he’ll walk in. It’s almost a ritual and even if it doesn’t have to have something sexual involved, I love when he wraps his arms around me while the spay caresses our skin.
Drying off and getting ready for the day, I glance at the clock, noticing the time is ticking by too quickly. I dress in layers, prepared for the cold arena. “There’s no need to have someone with me, I’ll be there till five p.m. and then I’ll come right back home.”
“Princess, I’d feel better if they’re by your side,” Rock murmurs, his gaze filled with concern as he adjusts his black t-shirt.
I can feel something else is bothering him and I can’t pretend for him to tell me what it is. The meetings and texts even late at night are frequent and I wonder if it’s because of me. “Okay,” I reassure him, giving his hand a squeeze. “Blue and Vin be.”
He perks at my lips before kissing me for good. “Enjoy your day and let me know when you come home.”
“Will do, Rock.”
The ice rink, gleaming under the bright lights, beckons like a blank canvas awaiting my artistic strokes. Raven stands by the edge, her watchful eyes now lost in thought. I lace up my skates, the cold seeping in through the thin layers, but the excitement of the ice quickly replaces any discomfort.
With every stroke and pirouette, I feel the familiar thrill course through my veins. Raven’s precise instructions echo in my ears as I attempt intricate figures, my muscles remembering the choreography ingrained from hours of practice. Blue and Vin hover nearby, a comforting presence amidst the flurry of spins and leaps.
“Awesome, Ashley! Just like that,” Raven’s encouraging voice echoes across the ice as I execute a graceful turn, my movements fluid and precise. The ice beneath my skates feels like an extension of myself.
The adrenaline-fueled hours pass by swiftly, the routine becoming second nature. With each perfected step, the anticipation for the upcoming performance swells within me, a mixture of exhilaration and nerves. The looming performance feels like a crescendo in a symphony, and amidst the controlled chaos, I find solace in the familiar touch of the ice beneath my skates.
The sound of blades slicing through the ice fills the air as I twirl and glide across the rink, my body moving in perfect harmony with the music playing in the background.
Sweat beads on my forehead as I land the final jump, my breath coming in ragged gasps.
Raven’s applause echoes. “We’re done for today.” She gives me a thumbs up while I calm down and skate around the rink.
“Prez,” Pitbull greets me and steps aside. Brick and I walk through the doors that lead us to the cage.
“It’s unfair you”re the only one to play with him.” He scoffs.
“I only need information.” For now. I haven’t forgotten what he did and how he has put Ashley’s life in danger.
“Hmm-mm,” he opens the door for me. “Have fun.”
The cage itself is nothing more than a basement in an old but still secure building in the west part of our charter where we make sure to squeeze all the information we need. If you get here, it means you fucked up big time and no one gets out alive.
The acre smell and blood doesn’t bother me anymore. I grew up in the MC and got my colors at fifteen making sure the club always comes first even before me. The idiot is sleeping in his seat.
“Tell me little shit,” I kick his feet, making him startle. “what the fuck were you thinking?”
“I wanted to talk to her, that’s all.”
And still his voice makes me doubt it. “Right.” I take out my knife and make it spin. “Let’s try again.” His eyes get wide and I can see how he’s struggling to get free. I’m wondering about his role in The Vipers. He seems too weak to wear the colors. He won’t last long, and I need all the fucking information today.
“Maybe have a taste of…” my fist meets his nose within a second, but he starts to laugh. “I’m good at sharing, you know.”
Throwing my Ka-bar it lands exactly where I aim. Inches from his crotch. “I have all day ahead.” I smirk as he holds his breath. “Why are you here?”
“H-Harrison.” He stutters. “They want him because of the deputy’s death.”
“Which one?”
“Slay. Prez said he was involved.”
“Bullshit,” Brick snaps while eating his chips. “It can’t be the real reason.” I cock a brow at him. “What? I’m bored.”
Shaking my head I focus on the fucker. “I’m done playing the nice guy.” My fist meets his jaw, making him land on the floor.
His cry fills the air as he spits blood. “Prez wants revenge for his brother.” He starts coughing. “and he wants Newtok back too.”
My mind works on thousands of theories and the more the bastard spills out, the more I need to get everyone ready.
Twenty minutes later I leave Brick to stitch him up and go to Totally Ink. I need to clear my mind because this shit is a lot to deal with and they couldn’t choose a worst moment.
Fuck, why? Couldn’t it be easier for once?
Tattoos have always been therapeutic. It keeps me focused on the moment or better only on one thing and now I need to shut my brain and focus on how to put down the things to Harrison. He’ll go crazy when he’d find out Ashley has a target on her back because of him.
“Prez,” Mac throws his cigarette and gets on his feet before sharpening his gaze. “Is everything okay?”
“The calm before the storm.” I sigh.
“Brick told me you saw Drew.”
As I sit in the tattoo parlor, the sharp buzz of the needle against my skin echoes through the room. The sensation is familiar, the slight sting oddly comforting.
“Yeah, it seems the past is about to crash on us.”
Mac carefully etches Ashley’s name onto my skin, permanently marking her presence in my life. “I knew they wouldn’t let go. Slay was their deputy but we’re ready to kick their ass again.”
“Most definitely.”
“Can I say I’m excited for you?” his eyes meet mine.
“I can’t wait to give her the vest tonight.”
I glance down at the swirling script taking shape on my forearm. It’s not just a name; it’s a declaration, a promise etched into my skin, a testament to the depth of my feelings for her.
The buzzing stops momentarily as Mac wipes away excess ink, inspecting his work. He nods in satisfaction before resuming his meticulous work and I find myself smiling.