Chapter 1
Chapter One
Cassie
From the top of my head to the tips of my toes, the rumbling of multiple motorcycles gives me chills. I shudder and step back, shaking off my immediate arousal. Hide. I need to hide.
"Fuck," I hiss, the revving of their engines rattling my heart against my ribcage. I've locked the beating organ away for a while, and I'm not ready for Maddox to let her loose yet.
Hustling away from the wall of windows, I plop my ass down in the reception desk chair and decide I'll just wait to head home. I watch with trembling hands as four bikes slow down on their drive-by.
"Shit shit shit." Panicking, I duck down to hide my fire-engine-red hair from Maddox's view. I'd recognize his body, posture, bike, and helmet anywhere. His glossy all-black Harley doesn't seem like it should stand out, but it does.
The breath whooshes out of me as the bikes continue down the busy streets of Detroit. An ache forms in my neck from the rapid tension when I went on high alert.
How pathetic am I? I hid from the man I'm in love with. Maybe I should dye my hair back to my normal auburn hues, but where's the fun in that?
My fear of being seen by Maddox or one of his men keeps me rooted in place. No matter that their bikes have stopped thrumming through my veins, I'm staying here until I know they're not coming back.
Thunking my forehead on the reception desk, I let the chill of the wood ice the headache pounding in my skull. Thank fuck our front desk is empty today and everyone else is working on big tattoos that will keep them busy for a few hours.
I'll wait it out for a bit.
Over and over again, I try to force my heart and mind to cooperate with each other. I doubt they ever will, but it's worth a shot. I'm just so sick and tired of being yanked around by a man who won't even fight for me.
I want, no, I need someone who demands my attention. Possessive and over the top in his need to claim me. I deserve to be shown off and never need to question where I stand in their life.
I don't just want a connection that burns the sheets, but a love that sets my soul on fire with passion and devotion. Fuck, I want to be loved like the world is ending and we're trying to get as close to each other as possible.
Is it too much to ask that for once I want someone to make me cry happy tears? I've already got the sad, frustrated, and out of my mind with pleasure tears, but I. Need. More.
"What the hell are you doing?"
Groaning, I thump my forehead onto the reception desk one more time. "Go away, Jamie."
My friend's husband snorts and kicks the stool that seats my sorry ass. "No can do. I'm heading out, and Violet would kick my ass if I left you here when you should have been gone almost an hour ago."
With a heavy sigh, I sit up and glance out the front windows of the tattoo shop. When I expressed my interest in learning how to be a tattoo artist, Jamie took me under his wing. That was years ago, and I haven't wanted to work anywhere else.
Plus, my bestie's daughter comes in with Violet for lunch a few times a week. Raven may not be my niece biologically, but I've claimed the aunty title. I'm convinced she's the greatest kid ever. She's already an amazing combination of her three dads and her mom.
"Do you want to come over for dinner tonight? Raven will be up for a few more hours so you can get some toddler snuggles."
Stretching my wrist enough to work the joints, I think about his offer. The problem is I'm in a foul mood and don't want to bring it into their house. Plus I'm going out tomorrow night with Violet and don't want to steal her from family time two nights in a row.
"No, thank you. I would love to next week though, if that's okay with you?"
Jamie frowns and leans his hip on the table a few feet away from me. "Of course. You know you're always welcome. What's wrong?"
Sighing, I try to ignore his intense stare. "I don't want to say. It's embarrassing."
"More embarrassing than the time you—"
"Let's not start that game," I cut in and decide to tell him. "I heard motorcycles drive by and froze."
Jamie hums and scratches his jaw. I know what he thinks, what they all think—I deserve better. I deserve a man who doesn't make me want to hide and bang my head into solid wood to knock some sense into myself.
"This is the longest I haven't seen him, and I'm terrified the next time I do, I'll do something drastic."
"Like break things off with him?" Jamie asks with a tinge of hope lining his words.
Sometimes their disapproval of my relationship, or lack thereof, with Maddy annoys me. Jamie's story with Violet and the other two men wasn't easy or healthy for a long time either.
Of course, I know they don't judge me, but I don't like feeling like I'm under a microscope. Their worries come from a good place. I just wish it didn't have to be this way.
Sighing, I stand and push the rolling desk chair in. "Or lose my shit and force his hand."
"Oh, do tell," Jamie pleads, clapping his hands in excitement. "What would you do?"
"More like already did..." I murmur and grab my purse. "I bought a Harley."
Jamie gasps, making me roll my eyes. "Cass, that's not—"
"Don't you fucking dare," I growl, pointing at him. "I've had enough of men telling me what I can and can't handle. Jake's teaching me how to ride, and nobody can stop me."
His eyes bug out of his head. "Jake?! Maddox will kill him. You know that. He's my best tattoo artist, Cass. Why couldn't you find anyone else?!"
"He'll be fine. Jake's my friend and knows how much I've been struggling." Trying to appease his protective side, I add, "He's the only one I trust to teach me fairly and correctly. I'm being safe. Promise."
Jamie narrows his eyes at me and crosses his arms. "Fine. I don't want either of you hurt, though. Understand?"
"Sir, yes, sir," I grumble, and turn on my heel. "'Night, boss!"
Jamie's muttered cursing follows me out the door and wraps me in a familiar comfort. He means well, and honestly, he's family. It's nice knowing someone supports me.