Chapter 14
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Stiletto
The engine of my bike purrs as I roll into the lot, the familiar hum quieting my nerves.
I’m not usually able to ride my bike much this time of year, but the roads are clear enough to ride.
The clubhouse looms ahead, a second home that smells like leather, old cigarettes, and hopefully some pot roast.
I ran into Ashley this morning when I was grabbing a hot matcha latte at Tart with Miles.
She told us to make sure we came back hungry this evening because she was starting a huge pot roast for the club.
I park and swing my leg off the seat, heart thumping with relief.
This truly is my home.
They didn’t throw me a big welcome-back bash. Thank God. I’m not ready for all that attention yet.
As I step inside, the door creaks, echoing in the empty space and a whiff of something familiar hits me.
It smells like the pungent scent of ginger, but I have to be mistaken. No one in here cooks with ginger.
A few heads turn, but most of the crew are glued to their conversations, eyes darting around like they’re expecting something—or someone.
“Hey, Stiletto!” Ripper calls out, but his voice lacks its usual enthusiasm.
Something’s definitely going on. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I’m not going to worry about it.
I settle onto the worn leather couch, pulling out my phone.
Scrolling through messages, I catch snippets of chatter behind me. Whispers. Glances thrown my way.
“Ugh,” I mutter under my breath, biting my lip.
What the hell is going on?
“Hey, girl.” Poison’s voice cuts through my thoughts like a knife.
She plops down beside me, her long silvery blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m fine," I reply, shrugging, but even I hear the edge of uncertainty in my tone.
“Fine? Please.” She rolls her eyes, crossing her arms. “None of us are fine today.”
“Mmm,” I take a deep breath, curious to know why she said that. Glancing at her, I cock a brow. “What’s going on?"
Poison leans closer, a smirk dancing on her lips. “I don’t want to spoil it, but I can see how rigid you’re being. You might want to brace yourself, girl. The club’s throwing a ‘welcome home’ party for you tonight. All your favorite foods—homemade Chinese, especially.”
“You’re shitting me,” I laugh, the tension easing off my shoulders. “I thought I was smelling ginger when I walked in!”
“Yep,” she chuckles. “A lot of the ladies have been in the kitchen all day. So you should probably start drinking now.”
I feel so much lighter. This is what I mean when I say the club is my family.
“I can’t believe you guys planned something. You know I’m not the kind of person who wants to be the center of attention.”
Poison cackles, “Yeah and no one cares. You’re loved by everyone here. You went through something horrendous and then we almost lost you after you got home. We’re glad to have you back, girl.”
Poison grabs my hand and gives me a squeeze.
I force a soft smile, trying to keep my emotions at bay. “Thank you,” I clear my throat, forcing my feelings back down. “Um, how’s Asher doing?”
Her smile fades slightly. “He’s got custody of Tilly which is awesome, but Rachel’s still being a pain in our asses, trying to appeal the court or whatever.”
Rachel is Asher’s ex-girlfriend, and she’s a real piece of work from the stories I’ve heard.
“That woman needs some fucking help,” I say, shaking my head. “But that’s a win for you guys, right? You have custody of Tilly!”
“Exactly”" Poison nods, her gaze growing serious.
“Speaking of wins,” I change the subject, leaning in closer, “have you guys dealt with The Commander, or his men?”
I have to know.
I lost a portion of myself that I repaired years ago because of that man.
“Stiletto,” Poison swallows hard. “Zane doesn’t want me talking about it. He doesn’t want you getting too involved. I… I even agree with him. After everything you’ve been through, you need a break from this shit.”
Our gazes lock. “I deserve to know. What I don’t deserve is to be punished by the club or kept in the dark.”
After a few moments of tense silence, I shoot Poison a pleading look.
“Okay, okay.” She hesitates, then adds, “They’ve got the one guy stashed in the woods. He’s in an old cabin on the back part of the property. But they’re struggling to get anything out of him.”
My gut tightens. We need this fucker to talk.
Hell, I need him to talk.
“Maybe I shouldn’t be worryin’ about this shit,” I lean back, trying to sell that I don’t give a shit. “And since you told me about this surprise, I have plenty of time to get a couple of drinks in me before it all starts.”
“Smart thinking,” Poison nods, her expression softening. “If I was in your shoes, I’d need at least five to deal with the shenanigans the club is gonna put you through.”
“Yeah, well, even though I’m not a fan of shit like this… I’m grateful for the club.” I stand up and flick my hair over my shoulder, feeling the weight lift just a bit. “Thanks for the heads up, by the way. I really do appreciate it.”
“Anytime. Just… don’t let Zane see you too tipsy.” She raises an eyebrow, teasing me with a playful smirk.
I’m not worried in the least bit. Zane’s been in the club for a long time, so I’m sure he’s seen some prospects drunk as all hell and with any luck, I’ll be another drunk one.
“Please. I can handle myself just fine.” I roll my eyes, though deep down, I know he’d probably hover like a hawk—always protective, always watching.
I’ve really seen his protective nature since he visited me at the hospital.
It’s a good thing he’s the Prez of the club. I couldn’t imagine anyone else who would literally put their heart and soul into it like Zane does.
“Good to hear. Now go grab that drink while you can,” Poison says, nudging me playfully.
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” I hop off the couch, my excitement bubbling over as I head toward the bar.
This night might just be the break I desperately need.
Oddly enough no one is manning it. Weird. Zane must not know, or someone would have their ass on fire.
Whatever. I’m sure one of the guys is supposed to be back here.
Making my way behind the bar, I pour myself a drink, the amber liquid swirling in the glass.
The sharp scent of whiskey hits my nose, and I take a quick sip, letting the warmth spread through me.
The heavy doors swing open, creaking like an old coffin. I glance up, and there he is—Miles.
Strutting in like he owns the place.
His buzz cut glints under the low lights, tattoos dancing on his arm as he moves closer.
How is it that he’s a complete outsider when it comes to the club, and yet he demands the attention of everyone around him?
“Song,” he says, his voice thick with that New York accent. “Get ready. I’m takin’ your fine ass out on a date.”
My heart skips and for a second, I’m frozen.
My mouth opens, but nothing comes out.
Miles doesn’t know that I know about this party.
Poison’s eyes widen, a smirk creeping onto her lips.
“Yeah?” I finally manage to say, trying to sound nonchalant. “And what makes you think I’d say yes?”
“Because I’m not giving you the option to say no, sweetheart,” He leans against the back of the couch, arms crossed, a cocky grin spreading across his face.
That confident spark in his brown eyes ignites something inside me.
“Well, that’s bold,” I tease, arching an eyebrow. “Don’t get used to getting what you want all the time,”
He shrugs, unfazed. “I always will when it comes to you,”
“Smooth talker,” I reply, rolling my eyes playfully.
I catch Poison’s gaze, and we share a laugh, an unspoken understanding passing between us.
“Don’t let her fool you,” Poison chimes in, leaning forward. “She’s totally down for a date. Right, Stiletto?”
“Poison,” I protest, shooting her a glare that’s half-hearted. “I’m not desperate to be romanced.”
“That’s a lie. What woman isn’t?” Poison winks, her silvery hair cascading over her shoulder.
“Right,” I say, looking back at Miles. “What’s the plan, then? Dinner and a movie, or just more of your charming banter?”
“How ‘bout you leave that all to me?” His eyes sparkle with mischief.
“Okay, make the executive decisions,” I laugh, the tension easing between us.
“Then it’s settled.” He pushes off the couch, extending a hand toward me as he gets up. “Go get ready and we’ll head out.”
I stare at his outstretched hand, suddenly nervous.
The last time we were this close... it wasn’t on good terms.
I swallow the lump in my throat, trying to ignore the fluttering butterflies threatening to break free from my stomach.
“Whatever you say, boss,” I place my hand in his. His touch is warm and comforting. “But Miles,” I start, pulling my hand back and tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, “this is all fresh, so be patient with me.”
“I know, Song,” he assures me, his brown eyes softening but the spark never leaving them. “We’re just headin’ out for a bit, all right?”
I nod slowly, not entirely convinced.
“And Song?"“He says again as he turns away.
“Yeah?”
“Don'‘ worry about tonight,” he smiles mischievously over his shoulder. “I just want you to have some good ole fashioned fun.”
A laugh bubbles up out of me as I shake my head.
There’s a lot about him that hasn’t changed—like that cocky attitude and I love it.
In hindsight, I’m glad we’re giving this a shot.
Everything is so fresh and awkward, but being with Miles makes me happy.