Chapter Six
Tornado
I would lay down my life for her. -Tornado
Like a creep, I watch her sleep. I think of all the nights I’ve laid in this same bed, thinking of her, dreaming of her. It doesn’t seem real that she could be here now.
My body aches to touch her everywhere, not just the hand I hold. I watch as she breathes gently in and out, her golden hair splayed out on the pillow I usually sleep on. She looks like a princess. I feel like a peasant.
“Fuck,” I swear under my breath, and she murmurs in response.
I reach out and touch her cheek and she leans into my touch. She emits a sound of contentment so close to a cat’s purr that I can’t help but smile. She wants my touch. She came to me when she was in trouble. She thought of me.
I’m transported back to that night so long ago. The night I left everything behind. I touch her soft cheek again.
I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want to be anywhere else but with her. Fuck, I’d give anything to go back and try…I shake my head. No, I did what had to be done.
I can’t believe she thinks I never loved her. As if I could feel anything else. All the time away from her has done is cement the fact that I will never want anyone the way I want her.
I turn and stare up at the ceiling. Five years ago, I gave her up because of things beyond my control. But now, I’m an adult. And I have friends. Friends that will defend her with their lives just because of how I feel about her. It’s time to call for the reinforcements.
What if it’s not enough? What if we can’t overcome someone so strong? What if…
I take a deep breath. The time for running is over. The time to fight has begun.
I reach for the cell phone on my nightstand and press the familiar name. He answers on the first ring, as always when one of his brothers is calling.
“Tornado, what’s up man?” he asks in his deep, authoritarian voice.
“I’ve got someone I’d like you to meet, Silver.” I pause, glancing over at my girl again. She hasn’t moved. I lower my voice anyway. “I’m going to need your help.” I take a deep breath. “Actually, I’m going to need the whole club’s help.”
“You got it, brother. Always.”
With those simple words, something breaks free in my chest. The family I’ve been welcomed into will make sure she’s safe. She has their protection.
Five years ago, I made the choice to leave. Today, I make a vow to myself and to her to stay. Always.