Chapter 19 Blue
I wake up in Vapor’s strong arms, our bodies still tangled from the night before. The sound of waves gently crashing against the shore creates a soothing melody. Beside me, Vapor stirs, pulling me closer and nuzzling my neck.
“Babe,” I murmur, my voice thick with sleep, “I can’t believe four days have passed so quickly.”
He opens his sharp blue eyes, gazing at me with an intensity that makes my heart race. “As much as I wish we could stay on this island, we have to go home today.”
“These last four days have been the best days of my life,” I confess. I lean in to kiss him, tasting the salty ocean air on his lips.
“Every day with you is better than the last,” he whispers, stroking my hair. “I just can’t seem to get enough of you.”
Our passion reignites, and we make love once more. Vapor is tender and gentle, and yet, there’s a raw, sexy energy that pulses through our connection. He takes me to new heights every time we’re together, and when we finally come crashing down, I always feel blissfully complete.
The distant rumble of a boat approaching sets Vapor into motion. We scramble to get dressed before the captain arrives to take us back to civilization. Last night, Vapor and I packed up our belongings so we wouldn’t have to rush our last morning on the island.
“Back to reality,” I sigh as the boat pulls up to the shore.
The captain hops off. “How was your stay?”
“Great.” I beam.
“What she said.” Vapor smiles down at me.
“Glad you two had a good time.” Hunter and Vapor load all the gear and trash bags onto the boat. “Ready to set sail?”
“No,” I say, “but I suppose we need to go home eventually.”
“Don’t worry,” Vapor says, helping me climb aboard. “If your father hasn’t given up yet, we’ll figure something out.”
I nod but don’t say anything. I don’t even want to think about that right now. Instead, I want to stay in fantasyland for as long as possible.
As the boat starts to drift away from the island, I look back at the spot where we camped. It’s as if we never touched it, still wild and undisturbed. A sense of awe washes over me. I’ve never truly experienced the beauty of the natural world before this trip. My parents didn’t go camping or hiking or anything that would require bug spray. They considered it beneath them.
“I want to go camping again sometime.”
“We’ll go again as soon as I have time. I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He grins, his dimples making my knees weak.
My heart swells with happiness. Having experienced something so precious and pure with Vapor, I can’t help but feel more connected to him than ever before. We really needed this time alone to see how things could be without any outside pressure. What we have together is real. It’s not just because I want to leave a bad situation behind. There’s so much more between us, and I hope we spend a lifetime getting to know each other better.
Wind whips through my hair as the boat speeds toward the Biloxi marina. The closer we get to the mainland, the more I feel a sense of bittersweet anticipation brewing within me. As if he can sense how I’m feeling, Vapor’s arms wrap around my waist protectively. His warmth is a comforting presence against the cool sea breeze.
“Once we’re back at the clubhouse, we’ll spend the night there,” he tells me, his voice soft yet decisive. “Tomorrow, I’m taking you on a motorcycle club run.”
“Really?” I ask, intrigued by the idea. “I overheard some of the guys talking about club runs. I thought those were only for patched members.”
“Usually, they are,” he admits, “but this time it’s just gonna be you and me, with Diablo riding behind us to make sure we stay safe. Bones is coming too, in the cage, since the kid we’re picking up isn’t old enough to ride safely yet.”
The prospect of being included in something so significant to Vapor’s life sends a thrill down my spine. I wasn’t sure what to expect when it came to club life, but it doesn’t seem that bad. Instead of keeping me in the dark, he’s letting me get a glimpse of his reality. I’m both excited by this and also relieved that he isn’t keeping me in the dark.
As we near the marina, the outline of the dock appears, signaling the end of our idyllic escape. I sigh and snuggle back into his arms.
“This trip meant more to me than you know,” I whisper, leaning against his broad chest.
He presses a tender kiss to my temple. “It was my pleasure.”
“And mine.” I turn and give him a sexy grin.
“Keep looking at me like that and I won’t be able to drive us back to NOLA.”
“Why not?” I ask, feigning innocence.
“My kickstand will be too hard.”
“Oh, my God.” I burst out laughing.
“All right you two, save it for home,” Hunter says, teasing us.
Our boat slows down and docks smoothly at the marina. Hunter hops out first to secure the vessel. Vapor follows suit, turning to help me off the boat with a steady hand.
“Thanks for the ride, Hunter,” I say as my feet find solid ground. Vapor keeps a reassuring grip on me as we move away from the boat.
“Anytime,” the captain replies with a genuine smile. “You take care now.”
“You too.”
Vapor,” Hunter adds, his gaze stern yet caring, “you’ve got yourself a special woman here. Don’t fuck this up.”
“I don’t plan to.” Vapor chuckles, meeting his friend’s seriousness with an uncharacteristically vulnerable expression.
“Good,” the captain nods, satisfied. “Now go on, get outta here. I’ll take care of everything else.”
We head off the dock, and as we walk away, I see the prospect who was supposed to pick up our gear waiting nearby. He’s anxious but eager, a combination that Vapor seems to appreciate.
“Great job being on time,” he tells the young man, clapping him on the back. “I’ll see you back at the clubhouse.”
“Thank you, Pres!” The prospect beams.
As we get ready to leave the marina behind, I can’t help but feel the weight of the world we’re reentering settling onto my shoulders. I wish we could get back on the boat and sail away forever, but that’s impossible. Vapor’s life is with his club. I could never ask him to leave it.
My heart races as we approach Vapor’s motorcycle, not only from the thrill of riding with him but also from the gnawing uncertainty about my father’s relentless search for me.
“Ready?” Vapor asks, his voice steady and strong as he throws a leg over his bike.
“Always,” I reply, trying to match his confidence. I climb onto the back and grip him tightly around his waist.
As we ride back from Mississippi to New Orleans, the balmy air is a bittersweet symphony of freedom and apprehension. With every passing mile, my anxiety grows. Has my father given up on finding me? I hope so, but deep down, I know he won’t stop until he drags me back into the life I’m desperately trying to leave behind.
“Everything okay?” Vapor shouts over the roar of the engine, sensing my unease.
“Fine,” I lie, burying my face in his back and inhaling the comforting scent of leather mixed with his unique musk. Being this close to him calms me down a little. I know he’s got my back, so that lets me relax enough to enjoy the ride.
When we finally arrive at the clubhouse, the sound of laughter, music, and revving engines greets us like a thunderclap. A huge party is in full swing, and women in skimpy outfits lounge everywhere, draped over bikes and club members alike. My stomach twists with jealousy, but I remind myself that Vapor chose me, not them.
“Let’s go inside,” he suggests, taking my hand as we walk toward the chaos.
As we enter the living room, a few of the club girls glare at me, their eyes filled with envy and disdain. But instead of cowering, I smirk back at them, realizing that I hold the one thing they all want—Vapor. He’s mine now, and I need to show them that.
“Hey,” I say softly, pulling him close. He looks down at me, his blue eyes curious and questioning.
“Hey,” he replies, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
“Watch this,” I whisper before pressing my lips to his.
Our tongues dance passionately and the room around us fades away as we share this intimate moment, claiming each other in front of everyone.
When we finally break away, the silence that has fallen over the room speaks volumes. The message is clear: Vapor’s off-limits.
“Damn,” he says, grinning, “that was one hell of a kiss.”
“Good,” I reply, smirking back at the club sluts who now look thoroughly defeated. “That’s exactly what I wanted.”
I tug his hand, drawing him toward the stairs that will take us up to his room. The moment the door closes behind us, I feel like I can finally breathe again. The loud party downstairs fades into the background as his strong arms wrap around me.
“All right, babe,” he says with a smirk, “what was that kiss in the living room all about?”
“I just wanted everyone to know that you’re off-limits,” I admit. I bite my lip, suddenly feeling shy.
His grin widens, and he pulls me closer. “I love it when you get possessive,” he murmurs before capturing my lips in a searing kiss. Our tongues slide together as we lose ourselves in each other’s embrace.
Slowly, he peels away my clothes, revealing my body to his hungry gaze. As he undresses me, I can’t help but think about how much has changed since we first met. No longer am I the girl who was afraid of her own shadow—I’ve found strength and courage by his side.
He lays me down on the bed, gazing at me with ravenous eyes. I reach for him, pulling him down until our bodies melt into one. Fused together, we make love in a slow, sensual dance. He’s tender and passionate, a testament to the deep connection we’ve forged during our time on the island.
Afterward, we lay entwined under the covers, our bodies slick with sweat and thoroughly sated. He strokes my hair gently, his blue eyes filled with warmth.
“Get some sleep,” he says softly. “Tomorrow, we’ll be leaving at first light to pick up the kid.”
“I can’t wait to go on my first run with you,” I murmur, my heart swelling at the thought of riding beside him. I snuggle closer to him, breathing in his intoxicating scent. No matter how many times we make love, I always want him again and again.
“Babe,” he starts, a hint of hesitation in his voice, “you can’t go on all the runs. Non-members don’t typically join, but I just don’t want to leave you alone. There’s no telling what your father would do if he knew you were here with me.”
“I wish he’d just leave me alone. Thank God I have you to keep me safe,” I whisper, touched by his concern for my well-being.
“You’re mine now. Eventually, he’ll understand,” Vapor says with a finality that gives me hope. For the first time in years, I’m starting to believe I won’t have to marry Broussard. Vapor would never let that happen now that we’re together.
I must have drifted off because the next thing I know, it’s morning. I stretch languidly, my body still humming from the passionate lovemaking we shared. He’s so big that I still get sore every time, but it’s worth it.
As I watch him sleep beside me, I can’t help but feel more confident about fitting into motorcycle club life. Last night, I showed the club girls that he’s mine. Today, he’s taking me on a run. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.
“Hey,” I whisper gently, nudging him awake. “We should probably get going soon, huh?”
He stirs, blinking sleepily at me before running a hand through his tousled hair. He grins as he sits up, pulling me close for a quick kiss. “You’re right. Let’s get ready.”
As we dress and gather our belongings, I find myself lost in thought, reflecting on the whirlwind journey that led me here, to this new world of leather jackets, roaring engines, and unwavering loyalty. There’s so much I still need to learn about club politics and how everything works, but I’m determined to figure it all out eventually.
“Hey,” he says, snapping me back to reality as he pulls on his boots. “You okay? You look deep in thought.”
I smile at him, nodding. “Just thinking about how much I’ve grown since meeting you and joining this life. I know there’s still a lot to learn, but I’m excited for it all.”
“Good,” he replies with a grin, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “Because you’re one hell of a woman, babe. I have no doubt you’ll thrive in this life. If nothing else, it’s going to be fun to see who you become now that you’re free.”
“Freedom,” I whisper, leaning into his embrace. “That means more to me than you could ever know.”
As we head downstairs, hand in hand, I feel a sense of belonging that had eluded me my entire life. No one has ever stood up for me before. But now that Vapor’s on my side, I have a whole club behind me. Maybe not the club girls, but they can’t protect me anyway. The guys can.
I’m counting on them to keep me safe. Going out into public again feels dangerous. My father could be watching the clubhouse, just waiting for me to appear. I hope we can get away safely, because the last thing I want is for anyone here to get hurt because of me.