Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
Stiletto
My mind races, still unable to believe he’s found me.
Miles makes his way toward the steps, yelling up the stairs. “I got her!”
I use what little strength I have and keep my arms wrapped around his neck.
The world shifts, and I feel weightless.
I bury my face against his shoulder, inhaling his scent—leather and something warm and spicy.
We head up the stairs and he’s careful not to jostle me too much.
Merely having my arms around his neck hurts from the open wounds on my wrists.
Light bursts into my vision as we exit the darkness.
I squint, the brightness stinging my eyes.
I can’t look too long, but it doesn’t matter. I’m alive. I’m saved.
When we reach the top, my eyes land on Bull.
He strides over, his presence commanding. “Fuck, Stiletto. You okay?”
A shaky laugh escapes me. “Not dead, so that’s a plus.”
I’m not okay, but I’m better than I was thirty minutes ago.
Bull chuckles, his laughter like a balm. “Good to hear your humor’s intact.”
Behind him, chaos swirls. But all I see is Miles.
He keeps me close, and I cling tighter.
I don’t want this moment to end.
I feel grounded, like he’s my shield against the world.
“Get her in the SUV,” Bull instructs, glancing at me.
There’s a fierceness in his gaze, a promise that I’ll be protected.
Miles carries me toward the door.
I glance back and catch sight of my sister, Siren.
She rushes up, relief washing over her features. “Thank god you’re okay!”
“I’m okay,” I lie, trying to sound as brave as I can. “Just tired.”
Miles helps me into the SUV and slides on the seat beside me.
The door shuts with a solid thud, sealing us in a cocoon of safety.
I lean against him, feeling the warmth radiate from his body.
I look up into his eyes, searching for assurance.
“You’re safe now,” he murmurs, as if he knows all the fears tumbling in my mind.
Just hearing those words steady me.
For the first time in what feels like forever, I let myself believe it.
Before long Bull, along with the rest of the club members who came with Miles are outside of the house.
“Let’s move,” Zane, the MC Prez orders, urgency creeping into his voice.
Bull rushes in the driver’s seat and Chaz sits beside him.
They don’t waste any time peeling out of the driveway, leaving all of this madness behind us.
Bull looks at me in the rear-view mirror, determination etched across his face. “Let’s get you back to the clubhouse and sorted,”
I murmur a reply out of necessity. “Okay,”
Miles wraps an arm around my side, holding me close against his body. “All you have to do right now is relax,”
Outside I know the club is going to face repercussions, but that’s another worry for another day.
Inside this SUV, I take a breath. I’m safe.
I don’t know how much time passes, but I shut my eyes and rest for the first time in what feels like weeks.
After a while, I’m jostled awake from hitting a pothole.
Chaz turns to me, brows furrowing slightly. “You doing okay back there?”
“Yeah, just peachy,” I say, trying to infuse some sarcasm into my words. “Nothing like a little excitement to spice up my day.”
“Here.” Chaz leans toward me and grabs a water bottle from the console.
The crinkle of the plastic echoes in the confined space.
“Thanks.” I take it, feeling the coolness against my palm.
“Drink up,” he urges, watching me closely.
I twist the cap off and take a long sip.
The crisp water washes away the dryness in my throat.
I glance between the three of them—Chaz’s protective gaze, Bull’s imposing body, and Miles’ fierce concentration.
“So,” I start off, my heart racing but not from fear anymore. “What’s the plan?”
Bull glances at me in the rearview mirror, his eyes sharp. “First, we’re grabbing you some food. Then we head back to the clubhouse. Cheyenne needs to check you out.”
“Check me out?” I arch an eyebrow. “I’m fine. I don’t need her to do that.”
Bull’s eyes drill into my own in the mirror. “It’s not optional, kid.”
“Fine,” I lean back, letting the leather hug me.
The world outside whizzes by—neon signs, trees, the blur of life moving on while I’m still here, trying to catch my breath.
Chaz shifts in his seat, staring off ahead. “What do you wanna eat?” he asks.
“Anything, honestly.” I admit.
My stomach growls like a disgruntled beast.
“Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you get something good.”
We drive for what feels like forever, the hum of the engine lulling me into a daze.
Each mile pulls me further from danger, and closer to comfort.
After a point, it feels like my heartbeat finally starts to slow down.
I break the silence, my voice softer now.“How far are we going?”
“Just a little bit longer,” Bill replies, focused ahead.
“McDonald’s coming up,” Chaz announces, pointing at the golden arches glowing in the distance.
“You have no idea how happy I am to see that logo.” I sit up, excitement bubbling inside me.
We pull into the lot, the tires rolling over the pavement.
My mouth waters at the thought of fries, hot and salty.
“Stay in the car, Stiletto,” Bull instructs as he hops out. “Chaz and I will go grab the food. Miles, you want anythin’ specific?”
Miles clears his throat, “A double cheeseburger, six pack of nuggets, large fry, and a large Coke.”
“Got it,” Bull nods, then looks at me. “What about you?”
“A cheeseburger, fries, and a sweet tea.”
Bull winks at me and heads inside with Chaz.
I watch closely as they stride toward the entrance.
I take a deep breath, taking in the familiar scent of fast food grease wafting through the air.
Minutes tick by, and when they return, Bull hands me a brown paper bag.
The aroma fills the SUV, making my stomach growl louder.
“Double cheeseburger, fries, and sweet tea,” Bull says, grinning at me. “I figured you needed the extra calories.”
“You’re my heroes,” I declare, tearing open the bag.
“It’s one of our many duties,” Bull replies, his voice light and infectious.
I unwrap the burger, steam rising like a small cloud.
It looks perfect.
I take a big bite, savoring the tangy ketchup and melted cheese.
“God, this is amazing,” I mumble through a mouthful, feeling a wave of relief wash over me along with the taste of freedom.
Bull wastes no time getting back on the road, shoving his Big Mac in his mouth as he drives.
Miles eats in silence, eyes boring into me.
The SUV hums along the highway.
The tires grip the asphalt, a steady rhythm beneath us.
I take another sip of my sweet tea, letting the sugar settle against my tongue.
I blink rapidly as I finish my food, fighting against the drowsiness. But it's no use.
The warmth of Miles beside me is intoxicating.
His presence wraps around me like a soft blanket.
“Just close your eyes and rest,” he murmurs, sounding almost protective.
I glance at him, and for a fraction of a second, his brown eyes hold mine—intense, unwavering. It feels safe.
“I don’t think I have much of a choice right now,” I whisper, letting my eyes flutter shut.
The hum of the engine becomes a lullaby.
I sink deeper into the seat.
A few moments pass before I feel his arm slip around my shoulders.
He pulls me closer.
“Gotcha,” he says softly, as if reading my mind.
His warmth radiates through the fabric of my shirt.
I allow myself to melt against him, surrendering to the exhaustion.
“Thanks, Miles,” I murmur, feeling a sense of security wash over me.
As I drift away, I realize I’ve never felt more safe.