14. Liam
14
LIAM
I ’m sitting at the bar, nursing a beer that’s long gone warm, pretending not to notice the tension clinging to the air like cigarette smoke. It’s not my usual spot—I’d rather be out doing something useful, like fixing the generator that’s been whining for a week—but Ryder dragged me here to relax . Like that’s ever going to happen in this place.
Then she walks in. Laina .
She moves like she’s trying to be invisible, which, around here, makes you stand out like a sore thumb. She’s got a nervous energy about her like she’s bracing for a fight she knows she can’t win but one she’s too stubborn to walk away from. I know the type. Hell, I used to be the type.
I watch her for a second, not because I’m curious. Definitely not. It’s just… she doesn’t fit. Not in this clubhouse, not with us. She’s all sharp angles and quiet defiance in a world full of loudmouths and blunt force. She’s like a corner piece in a puzzle that doesn’t have any corners.
Ryder notices me watching her. He shoots me a grin, the kind that makes me want to punch him. “Go talk to her,” he says it like a dare.
“Why don’t you?” I shoot back.
“Already did,” he says, taking a swig of his beer. “She’s not as scary as you think. And she tastes better too.”
“I don’t think she’s scary,” I mutter, but Ryder’s already lost interest, his attention shifting to whatever chaos is brewing in the corner.
Laina’s heading toward the hallway, her movements tight, controlled. She doesn’t look around or hesitate. She just goes, and without knowing why I find myself following her.
Maybe it’s curiosity. Maybe it’s because Ash has been on edge ever since she showed up, and I want to know what makes her tick. Or maybe it’s just that I’m bored out of my mind, and she’s the most interesting thing to happen around here in weeks.
I catch her just as she’s ducking into one of the back rooms. Storage, I think. Or maybe it’s the old office no one uses anymore. I pause in the doorway, leaning against the frame like I’ve got all the time in the world.
“You hiding, or just exploring?” I ask casually.
She spins around, her eyes widen for a split second before she narrows them at me. “What do you want?”
Straight to the point. I can respect that.
“Just checking on you,” I say truthfully, stepping inside and letting the door swing shut behind me. The room is small, cluttered, and smells faintly of oil and sawdust. “Saw you storm out of the main room. Thought you might need some air.”
“I’m fine,” she says, crossing her arms defensively. Interesting.
“Yeah, you look fine,” I say, leaning against the wall. “Totally calm. Not at all like someone who just had it out with Ash.”
Her eyes flicker, a tell she doesn’t realize she has. “How do you know about that?”
“News travels fast around here,” I say, shrugging. “Especially when it involves Ash yelling loud enough to shake the walls.”
She sighs and runs a hand through her hair. “I don’t need a babysitter, you know.”
“Good,” I say. “Because I’m not volunteering.”
That earns me a small, half smile, and for some reason, it feels like a win. She studies me for a moment like she’s trying to figure out what my angle is.
“Why are you here, then?” she asks again.
I shrug, “Like I said, checking on you. Making sure you’re not planning on burning the place down.”
Her lips twitch into a real smile. “Not today.”
“Good to know.” I push off the wall, taking a step closer. “Look, I don’t know what your deal is with Ash, and honestly, I don’t care. But if you’re going to survive around here, you might want to pick your battles a little more carefully.”
Her eyes flash, and for a second, I think she’s going to tell me off. But she surprises me by confessing quietly, “I didn’t mean to storm in there, I just... I couldn’t stand listening to you guys talk about me like I wasn’t even there.”
“Yeah, well, Ash isn’t exactly known for his warm and fuzzy leadership style. But for what it’s worth, he’s not wrong about one thing. Reynolds? He’s dangerous. You can’t underestimate him.”
“I don’t,” she says, her voice steady. “I know exactly what he’s capable of.”
The way she says it, with so much certainty, makes me pause. There’s a story there, one she’s not ready to share. And for once, I don’t push. Dagger’s told me enough.
I hear her at night, moving like a lost, restless shadow. I’d do anything to help her forget.
“Well, if you ever need to vent,” I say, heading for the door, “I’m usually around. Just try not to get Ash so worked up next time. Makes the rest of us nervous.”
She laughs softly, a sound that catches me off guard.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she says.
I leave the room, closing the door behind me, but her laugh lingers in my head longer than it should. For someone who doesn’t fit in, Laina sure knows how to make an impression.
By the following morning, I’m regretting all of my life choices. Not the big ones, like joining the Dead Demons or deciding to stick with this madhouse, but the smaller ones. Specifically, whatever I had done to get stuck with babysitting duties.
Ash, Dagger, and Ryder are off doing important things; scout meetings, intel reviews, all the stuff that makes them feel badass. Me? I’m stuck in the garage, leaning against the hood of an old Chevy, watching Laina pace like a caged tiger.
“How’s this supposed to help?” she asks, turning on her heel to glare at me. “I should be out there with them.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Out there where? In a room full of guys who don’t trust you and are probably talking about things you’d rather not hear? Sounds like a blast.”
She stops pacing long enough to shoot me a look that could peel paint. “You know what I mean.”
“I do,” I say, crossing my arms. “Trust me, you’re better off here. Ash isn’t exactly big on group participation with outsiders.”
“Outsider,” she mutters bitterly. “That’s all I am to you guys.”
I shrug, “Not to Dagger.”
Her head snaps up, her face flushing. Bullseye.
“That’s none of your business,” she says, but her voice wavers just enough to make it my business.
“Relax,” I say, holding up my hands. “I’m not here to judge. Dagger’s a good guy. Quiet, but good.”
She doesn’t respond but crosses her arms and looks at the floor. For a moment, I think she’s going to ignore me entirely, but then she surprises me.
“Why are you here?” she asks, looking up. “Why aren’t you out there with Ash and all of them?
“Someone’s gotta keep you company,” I say with a smirk. “Apparently, I pulled the short straw.”
She glares at me again, but there’s less heat this time. “Babysitting duty. Great.”
“Hey, don’t knock it,” I say, pushing off the car. “You’re not exactly a picnic, either.”
A picnic I’d be interested in having for dinner. I think to myself.
The first part gets a smile out of her. It’s small, but it’s there. Progress.
I grab a wrench off the workbench and start tinkering with the Chevy’s engine, mostly to give her some space to stew. A comfortable silence stretches between us until she breaks it.
“Do you think they’ll find him?” she asks quietly.
“Reynolds?” I glance over at her, her arms are still crossed like she’s trying to hold herself together. “Yeah. Sooner or later.”
“And then what?”
I don’t answer right away. Instead, I tighten a bolt and wipe my hands on a rag. “That depends on him,” I say finally. “And on Ash.”
Her brows knit together. “What does that mean?”
“It means Ash plays his cards close to the chest. He’s got a plan, but he’s not gonna share it until he’s ready. And Reynolds? He’s unpredictable. Dangerous. If Ash finds him, it’s not gonna end with a handshake.”
She nods, her gaze distant. “I figured as much.”
I toss the rag onto the workbench and take a step toward her, lowering my voice. “Look, I know you want to be out there, helping. But the best thing you can do right now is stay out of the way. Let Ash and Ryder do their thing.”
She frowns, looking like she wants to argue, but she doesn’t. Instead, she sighs and leans against the wall, her shoulders slumping forward. “This isn’t how I pictured any of this going.”
“Yeah, well,” I say, leaning next to her, “life’s full of surprises.”
”It’s only a matter of time until he figures out where I’m at.”
”Well, this is probably the last place he’ll look. Especially since you’re tight with the Hellfire Riders next door.”
”That’s true,” she agrees.
For a moment, neither of us says anything. The garage is quiet except for the faint hum of the overhead lights. It feels almost peaceful.
Then she speaks again, her voice softer this time. “Thanks. For not treating me like... I don’t know. Like a burden.”
I glance over at her, surprised.
“Don’t get used to it,” I say with a smirk. “This is a one-time deal.”
She laughs, and it’s the kind of laugh that makes you forget about all the crap going on outside this room. Just for a second.
And for reasons I can’t explain, I suddenly don’t mind babysitting duty as much anymore.
“You need air,” I say, pushing off the wall.
Laina looks at me, confused. “What?”
“You’ve been pacing around here like a caged animal. You’re wound up tight, and it’s not doing you any favors.” I jerk my thumb toward the door. “Come on.”
“Where?” she asks warily, like I’m about to lead her into a trap.
“For a ride,” I say, heading for the garage exit. “Unless you’re afraid of motorcycles.”
She narrows her eyes and with a huff follows me. “Fine. But if this is your idea of babysitting, you’ll need to rethink your methods.”
I chuckle, swinging my leg over my bike and grabbing an extra helmet. “You’ll thank me later.”
She doesn’t look fully convinced, but she takes the helmet anyway and climbs on behind me. Her hands hover awkwardly over my sides before she finally grabs hold. “Just don’t get us killed,” she mutters.
“No promises,” I reply, revving the engine.
The roar of the bike drowns out her response, and I take off, feeling her grip tighten around me.
Her thighs squeeze around me and her breasts press against my back. My hand wanders back and rests on her thigh to reassure her.
We weave through the back roads, the clubhouse, and all its tension fading in the distance. The wind rushes past, carrying away some of the weight pressing down on us.
After about twenty minutes, I pull onto a dirt path that winds up a hill. At the top, there’s a small clearing with a view of the valley below. It’s quiet, peaceful, and removed from everything.
I kill the engine, and the sudden silence feels heavier than it should. Laina climbs off the bike, pulls off her helmet, and looks around in surprise.
“Wow,” she says softly. “This is... nice.”
“Yeah,” I say, leaning against the bike and crossing my arms. “Figured you could use a break.”
She turns to me, her expression guarded but less sharp than before. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
“Guess I’m having an off day,” I say. But when she doesn’t laugh, I sigh and push off the bike, stepping closer. “Look, you’ve been through a lot. I get that. And I know Ash isn’t exactly handing out warm fuzzies. So... maybe I thought you could use a minute to breathe.”
She blinks, her walls cracking just a little. “Thanks,” she says quietly.
We stand there for a little while, the silence filled with the sound of rustling leaves and the distant hum of cicadas.
“I feel like this is all my fault,” she whispers after a few minutes. “The Hellfire Riders, your club... Reynolds wouldn’t even be a problem for you if it weren’t for me.”
“That’s not true,” I say firmly, stepping closer. “Reynolds was a problem long before you came along. You didn’t make him into what he is. You just got caught in the crossfire.”
“Maybe. But it doesn’t feel that way. It feels like everywhere I go, I drag chaos with me.”
Her words hit hard and before I can think better of it, I say, “You’re not the only one who feels that way.”
She looks at me in surprise. “What do you mean?”
I rub the back of my neck, debating how much to share. But the way she’s looking at me—like she actually wants to know—it’s not something I can brush off. “I’ve... made mistakes,” I say slowly. “People I couldn’t save. People who paid the price for things I didn’t see coming. It sticks with you. The guilt. The what ifs .’”
Her gaze softens. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” I say with a shrug. “It’s just how it is. You learn to live with it.”
She hesitates, her arms still wrapped around herself. “Do you?”
“Not really.”
We fall back into silence, the weight of our words hanging between us. Then, without thinking, I reach out and brush a strand of hair away from her face. She doesn’t pull away.
“You’re stronger than you think, Laina,” I say quietly. “You’re still standing, aren’t you? That counts for something.”
“So are you,” she says gently.
The space between us disappears in an instant. I don’t know who moves first, but the next thing I know, my lips are on hers. It’s not a soft or tentative kiss, it’s one filled with desperation. It’s messy and electric. A clash of everything unsaid and everything we’re too afraid to admit.
Her hands grip the front of my jacket, pulling me close as I slide my arms around her, anchoring her against me.
The longer our lips stay connected, the more I feel like I can't breathe without her, like she's become the very air I need to survive.
Her tongue teases at my lips, and I part mine without hesitation, deepening the kiss. Her taste sends a shiver down my spine that pools low in my stomach. My hands find their way to her hips, pulling her even closer as if that were possible.
She moans into my mouth.
Chests heaving, we break apart, gasping for air. Laina's eyes are wide, equal parts surprised and enthralled. "I didn't," she starts to say, “I don’t know what it is about you guys but?—”
I cut her off with another kiss. This time it's slower and gentler and we flow into it like it's the most natural thing in the world; our hands an extension of our souls, greedy to know more.
My lips trail down her jawline, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. "Shh," I murmur against her skin. "No talking. It’s just you and me. Don’t worry about the other guys.”
With a need surpassing any logical thought, I slip my hand under her shirt, caressing the softness of her stomach. Laina moans into my mouth as she rakes her nails down my back, fueling the fire between us. I can't get enough of her and I don't want this moment to end.
“It’s just the way you all make me feel,” she whispers.
“What do you mean?”
“I can’t think,” she says as she pulls back again, but this time to tug at her shirt. “I just want you.” With shaky fingers, she unbuttons her jeans and kicks them off carelessly onto the ground.
I can't look away as she undresses before me, her eyes never leaving mine. It's like she's daring me to stop her, but I'm far from stopping. I'm on fire, burning up with desire for this woman who has become an obsession.
“I feel like I’m being greedy,” she confesses taking a step closer. Every movement of her body is like a siren's song luring me in deeper. She reaches for the zipper on my pants, slowly dragging it down with a delicious lack of urgency. I grind against her, my need for her almost unbearable now that she's so close.
“Then be as greedy as you want, baby.”
Her hand slides inside my boxers, wrapping around me; hot and firm. Any composure I had left evaporates. Groaning, I pick her up and press her back against the bike, clothing falling away like leaves in the wind. Her legs wrap around my waist as if they were made to be there.
“All I want is for you to feel good, Laina.”
“God,” she gasps out.
I can't form words anymore, all I can do is feast on her neck, nipping and sucking as we rock against each other furiously.
Our bodies move together in a desperate rhythm as if we've been waiting for this moment for a lifetime. It's raw and primal, our need for each other outweighing any sense of restraint. Laina's breathless moans fuel the fire between us, and I know this is more than just lust.
I don’t know how we make it to the ground, but suddenly we're tumbling onto the soft grass, our hands and lips never once parting company. The ground below us is scratchy and damp, but I don't care; all I can feel is her soft skin against mine.
Laina arches her back, inviting me closer, and I waste no time obliging. She's hot and wet against my aching length, her entrance slick with want, and when I push inside her, it feels like finally coming home.
“F... fuck," I manage to grunt out, every ounce of my willpower focused on not losing control too soon. This moment is too damn perfect to rush.
Laina's answer is a breathless moan as she begins to move with me, her hips rising to match my every thrust. It's an unspoken union, our bodies learning each other's rhythms in a matter of seconds. Slowly at first, then building in intensity as the fire within us grows white-hot.
Her hands roam over my chest and skims down my abs to my hips as she pulls me deeper inside her.
"Liam" she pants out.
I groan at the sound, I want to hear her say my name like that for the rest of my life.
Taking it as the invitation it is, I increase the pace, driving into her with more force, determined to give her a better time than Dagger.
Every thrust is electric, our bodies moving in perfect sync. Laina's nails rake down my back as she cries out in pleasure, her body tightening around me like a velvet vice. I bury my face in her perfect tits, inhaling her intoxicating scent as I lose myself completely in her.
"Liam," she gasps again, her voice ragged with need. "Don't stop...please..."
As if I could stop now. She was consuming me, body and soul, setting every nerve ending ablaze.
I can feel her getting close, her inner muscles fluttering around me, drawing me deeper. I slip a hand between our sweat-slicked bodies, finding the sensitive bundle of nerves. Laina nearly sobs as I circle it with my thumb in time with my thrusts.
“That's it, baby," I murmur against her skin. "Let go for me."
Her back arches off the ground as her orgasm crashes over her and my name falls from her lips like a sacred prayer. The sensation of her clenching around me is too much, and with a hoarse grunt, I bury my face in the crook of her neck as my own release barrels through me. Her name is on my lips as I spill myself inside her. Wave after wave of pure ecstasy floods my system until I'm utterly spent, collapsing on top of her in a tangle of sweat-slicked limbs.
For a long moment, the air is filled with nothing but our ragged breathing and racing heartbeats as we slowly come back to earth. Laina's fingers rake through my hair, her touch is gentle and soothing. I press a tender kiss to her collarbone before reluctantly rolling off of her, not wanting to crush her with my weight.
We lay side by side on the grass, fingers entwined, our chests heaving as we looked up at the clear blue sky. The sounds of nature surround us; chirping birds, rustling leaves, the distant hum of cicadas. I can’t remember the last time I felt so peaceful.
"That was..." Laina’s voice trails off breathlessly.
"Yeah," I agree with a chuckle, "it was."
She turns to look at me, her dark eyes soft and vulnerable.
"I didn't plan this," she says quietly. "With you, I mean."
I turn on my side to face her fully, propping my head on my hand. "I know. Me neither. You probably didn’t mean to fuck your babysitter, huh?”
She laughs and swats my chest playfully. “Shut up,” she teases. A minute later, a flicker of uncertainty crosses her features and she asks, "Seriously though. What happens now?"
It's a loaded question, one I'm not sure I have the answer to. In the space of a few heated moments, everything changed between us. Lines have been crossed, walls have come down. We both know there's no going back to the way things were.
I know the other guys want her. But that’s something I’ll deal with later. It’s not for her to worry about.
I reach gently brush a strand of hair away from her face. "I don't know," I answer honestly. "But I'm not going anywhere."
She searches my eyes as if looking for any hint of deception or regret, when she finds none, a small smile tugs at the corners of her lips. "Good."
We lay there for a little longer, basking in the peaceful afterglow. But reality is never far away, and soon the weight of everything waiting for us back at the clubhouse starts to creep in.
With a sigh, I sit up and reach for my discarded clothes. "We should head back,” I mutter regretfully, “before Ash sends Dagger on a manhunt.”
Laina nods, sitting up and reaching for her own scattered clothing. We dress in comfortable silence, the intimacy of the moment still lingering in the air between us.
As I swing my leg over my bike and hand Laina her helmet, I can't help but notice how different everything feels. Like a fundamental shift has occurred, altering the very fabric of our reality.
Laina climbs behind me, her arms circling my waist and holding on tight as I rev the engine. The ride back to the clubhouse is a blur, the wind whips past us as my mind replays every heated moment, breathless moan, and electrifying touch, shared with Laina.
When we pull into the garage, I kill the engine and help Laina off the bike. Our eyes meet, and in that brief, charged moment, an unspoken understanding passes between us. Whatever this is, whatever it means, we're in it together now.
The spell is broken by the sound of approaching footsteps. I see Ryder and Ash striding into the garage, their expressions grim.
"Where the hell have you been?" Ash demands, his gaze flicking suspiciously between Laina and me.
“We went for a ride,” I say, raising a brow as I help Laina off the bike.
Ash rolls his eyes. “Yeah, I fucking bet. Get your ass inside. I need to talk to you.”
I turn back to take the helmet from Laina.
“Now!” Ash snaps.
“Jesus Christ. You sound like my goddamn mother.”
Ash glares at me, his jaw clenching in irritation. "Don't make me tell you again, Liam."
I hold my hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'm coming, mom." I turn to Laina and drop my voice. "You good?"
She nods, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah. I'm just gonna... go to my room for a bit." As she turns to head inside, her eyes meet mine again briefly, a silent acknowledgment of what transpired between us.
I watch her go, my chest tightening with an unfamiliar ache. But there's no time to dwell on it, not with Ash breathing down my neck.
I follow him and Ryder into the clubhouse, the tension rolling off them in waves. We head straight for the chapel, the room where the club's most serious business is conducted.
As soon as the door shuts behind us, Ash rounds on me. "You want to tell me what the hell you were thinking, taking her out of here like that?"
I cross my arms, leaning back against the wall. "She needed a break, Ash. Laina’s been through hell, and you want to keep her cooped up like some kind of prisoner?”
He points a finger at all three of us in accusation.
“You’re all falling for her.”
Dagger shrugs, “Speak for yourself.”
Ash takes a step forward, his eyes narrowed. "Don't play dumb. I see the way you all look at her, the way you've been hovering like a bunch of lovesick puppies. Your cocks practically ripping your fucking pants.”
I feel a flare of irritation at his words, but I bite it back. "So what if we give a damn about her? Someone around here has to."
"She's not your responsibility," Ash snaps. "She's a liability, and the sooner you all get that through your thick skulls, the better."
Ryder leans forward, bracing his arms on the table. "She's not just some random girl, Ash. Reynolds is after her. That makes her our problem, whether you like it or not."
Ash shakes his head, frustration etched into every line of his face. "You're not seeing the bigger picture. Getting tangled up with her and letting emotions cloud your judgment, it's a risk we can't afford to take. Not with Reynolds circling."
"So what do you suggest?" Dagger asks, his voice low and even. "We just cut her loose, let her fend for herself?"
"Of course not," Ash says, running his hands through his hair. “Just fuck. Give me a minute to figure this out. Alright!”
“It sounds like you're jealous,” I say, sinking into the leather armchair.
Ash's eyes flash with anger. "Jealous? You think this is about jealousy?" He lets out a harsh laugh and snaps, "This is about keeping my club safe and keeping my brothers alive. Something you seem to have forgotten, Liam."
His words sting, but I refuse to back down. "I haven't forgotten anything, Ash,” I say firmly. “But I'm not going to treat Laina like she's disposable just because it's convenient for you."
"Convenient?" Ash slams his hand down on the table, making us all jump. "There is nothing convenient about any of this! Reynolds is out there, building an army, and he's made it clear that Laina is the key to whatever fucked up plan he's got brewing. So forgive me if I'm not thrilled about my brothers thinking with their dicks instead of their heads!"