Never Letting Go

Never Letting Go

Knights of Sin MC

By Erin Trejo

Copyright 2017@erintrejo

   All rights reserved.       

Cover Design: Erin Trejo

Cover photos: iStock

                No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written consent from the author, except in the instance of quotes for reviews. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded, or distributed via the Internet without the permission of the author, which is a violation of the International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and imprisonment.

        This is a work of fiction. The names, characters, incidents and places are products of the author’s imagination, and are not to be construed as real except where noted and authorized. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or actual events are entirely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, names featured are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Chapter 80

Chapter 81

Chapter 82

Chapter 83

Chapter 84

Chapter 85

Chapter 86

Chapter 87

Chapter 88

Chapter 89

Chapter 90

Chapter 91

Chapter 92

Chapter 93

Epilogue

Aubrie

  “You’re such an ass,” I say, slapping at Micah. He laughs before pulling me into him. His hard body heats me from the inside out.

Micah had been my boyfriend for the last two years. I met him when I was fifteen. Now, at seventeen, I love him more than anyone my age should.

“You love it when I’m an ass,” he growls. His lips roamed over my neck, making me squirm. Micah is only a few years older than I am, but I’m sure he doesn’t mind at all.

“Are you sure you have to leave?” I whine. I want him to stay. I don’t like when he has to go out on runs for the club. I get it, I do... I just don’t like it.

Micah has been a patched member of Knights of Sin MC for a year now, along with my brother, Benny.

“You know I do. I’ll be back in an hour. You can wait here, Benny’s hangin’    back,” he says as I roll my eyes. That does little to make me feel better. Benny and I haven’t gotten along in a very long time, and now is no different.

“I’d rather hang out with Link.” Micah chuckles before pressing his lips to mine. I could stay lost in this man forever.

“See you soon,” he says before giving me a wink. I watch him as he turns and walks away from me. I make sure to get a good glimpse of his ass on the way out, too.

“You and that man,” Link sighs as he throws his arm around my shoulder.

Link is the resident computer genius. You need something found; Link is your guy.

“What? I can’t help that he’s hot.” I elbow him in the ribs and watch as he chuckles.

“Are you hangin’ around with us tonight?” he asks. Smiling up at him, I nod.

“Just you though. I don’t need to see Benny.” Link knows that Benny and I don’t get along. He blames me for our parents’ death. They were on their way to pick me up after having a night out partying. I suppose I should take the blame... but I haven’t.

“I like havin’ you around. Come on; we have shit to do.” Link pulls me along with him to his little office in the back of the clubhouse.

I often wonder how he came to be a part of all of this. It was never something I asked him.

“You gettin’ shit goin’?” Bomber, the club Prez stalks into the room. He isn’t much older than the rest of the guys here. He took over when his dad became too sick to handle it.

“Hey, Aubrie. Didn’t know you were here, darlin’.” I give him a little wave, but I mostly stay to myself. The guys are all great here, but I never felt like I belonged. Maybe that’s Benny’s fault, too.

“Yeah, just about to dig in. I’ll let you know what I get.” Bomber nods, giving me a wink before leaving the room.

I lay my head back on the couch and close my eyes. I let the sounds of Link clicking away at his computer, lull me to sleep.

“Better open those pretty eyes.” His breath tickles my skin. His voice floats through me like a dream.

“Micah,” I say his name with a smile. I pry my eyes open to see him standing in front of me.

“I’m glad you’re back. I need to tell you something,” I say. Micah leans down, brushing his lips over mine.

“What is it?” I swallow hard, forcing myself to speak the words that I’ve known for some time now. I was just too afraid to say them.

“I’m pregnant.”

Chapter 1

Micah

Ten Years Later

  “Stop fuckin’ starin’ so hard,” I roar. The whores around this place are really beginning to piss me off. I swear every time I turn around, there’s a new one popping up.

Sure, the way they lick their lips makes my dick stir but damn, they have been used so many times, they’re hardly worth the fuck.

“What the hell has your nuts all bunched?” Kane says as he sits on the stool next to me. I shrug. Kane is our Sergeant at Arms and one hell of a person.

“Nothin’, just thinkin’ about Benny.” He knows how close I was to him. I miss him badly.

“Yeah, heard that. I know Benny was like family,” Kane says with a sad tone in his voice. Nodding, I grab the beer off the counter in front of me, taking a long pull.

Benny was my family, regardless of blood. We were always together. We went off to fucking war together.

We fought like hell to stay alive over there. Who the fuck would have thought that one, little punk, could have taken him down back home?

That’s the element of surprise though. You never know what’s coming for you.

“Aubrie know yet?” Kane asks. I shake my head, hearing that name rips my heart to shreds.

Kane blows out a breath before I say, “As soon as Link gets me an address she    will.” They all know the back-story with Aubrie. They all know what I did to push her ass away.

That’s the part that kills me. I feel like I pushed her too hard. I hate myself for it to a point. We were young, though, it made sense at the time.

“You talkin’ about me?” Link winks. “Got the address, brother. You’re gonna be drivin’ for a while,” Link says, holding a paper in between his fingers. My eyes come up to meet his.

My brows furrow as I look at him and ask, “Where is she?” Link slides the paper across the counter to me. I glance down and sigh.

“Florida? What the hell is she doin’ there?” Not talking to anyone, in particular, Link decides to answer me.

“She lives alone. No other family, Micah.” What the hell does that mean?

“What’s that mean?”  I ask in a gruff voice. Link looks to Kane, before dragging his eyes back to me.

My heart slams into my chest. I don’t know what he’s about to say, but I’m pretty sure it isn’t something I want to hear.

Link takes a deep breath, readying himself before he says, “It means, there’s no kid livin’ with her. I went through medical records, too. I didn’t find shit on a baby bein’ born to her, Micah.” The air leaves my lungs in one big whoosh.

What the hell happened to my kid?

Chapter 2

Aubrie

  “My feet are killing me! I don’t know why Amber always makes me pull doubles,” I whine as Michelle laughs next to me.

“Because she’s evil. At least you got to work with me! Don’t complain,” she retorts. Nodding my head, that much is true.

Michelle is a good friend to me. She’s older than I am but she’s amazing.

I met Michelle years ago when I first came to Florida. She saved my life in more ways than one.

“So, Gregor’s Friday night?” Michelle says before bumping my shoulder with hers. I groan. She always makes me go out to the local bar with her to hunt men.

“Fine... If I must...” She knows I’m only playing with her. I love her to death.

“Great. Go home and get some rest. You look like shit,” she says with a giggle. Michelle walks away laughing as I grab my purse from the locker.

I worked my ass off when I came to Florida. I finished school and became an LPN, thanks to Michelle.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was driving down here alone. Pregnant... and alone.

A drunken idiot flew over the line, slamming right into me. My car rolled and I was trapped for hours.

Or at least that’s what they tell me. I don’t know how long I lied there. I had a brain injury that kicked my ass for three months.

Can you imagine losing three months of your life?

When I woke up, Michelle was the first face I saw. She’s the one that told me the baby didn’t make it. I wasn’t but four months along, although, it still hurt like hell to know the one good thing in my life was gone.

Michelle took me in, though. She took me under her wing, gave me a home when I needed it, and got me on my feet.

I can’t thank her enough for that either. She’s a lifesaver. A godsend!

I walk the few short blocks home, ready to get into my bed and not come out for at least two days.

The rumble of a motorcycle catches my attention, though. My heart starts pounding, and I can feel my cheeks flush.

I watch the guy fly by before closing my eyes, and shaking my head. I’m such an idiot to think that Micah would be looking for me.

It’s been ten years. He never tried to find me before, why the hell would he now?

A part of me wishes he would, but I know that he’s the past and that’s where I need to leave him. Nothing good could ever come out of the two of us, not anymore. The one good thing there was, had been taken away from me.

Chapter 3

Micah

  I watched her face from a distance. When that bike rumbled its way past her, I saw the look on her face. It was hope.

When she closed her eyes and shook her head, my heart almost broke in half.

Was she thinking of me? Does she still miss me, the way I miss her?

She looks amazing. She isn’t that same little girl that left the clubhouse ten years ago. She’s filled out. She has womanly curves. Sexy curves.

Link gave me the address to her house. Believe me; I already went there first. He gave me the address to her work, too.

I was going to go inside, but I knew she was getting off soon, so I waited. I did my research. I’ve learned patience over the years, and that comes in handy time and time again. This being one of them.

As soon as I saw her step out of those revolving doors, a million memories exploded in my mind.

Shaking them all away, I watch her as she walks down the road toward her house. She doesn’t live far from work, and for some reason that makes me happy. It gives me a sense of peace, not like I deserve it.

Maybe because she doesn’t have to go far and it’s safer? I don’t fucking know, but it does.

I parked my bike down the block and walked over here, not wanting her to see me just yet. I wanted the time to take her in, and feel her out.

Walking about twenty feet behind her, she doesn’t seem to notice me back here. That’s good, I don’t want her to flip out right here in public. That’s the last thing I need.

She walks up to her door, pulling her keys from her bag. I lean against a tree, crossing my arms over my chest and watch. I feel like a goddamn stalker, but she’s so fucking different now, I can’t help but feel intrigued by her.

Once she steps inside, I know I need to go and talk to her. This was the last thing Benny asked of me... and I sure as fuck won’t let him down. He was the one solid thing in my life. I can’t let him down, not even now.

I stride toward the door, my heart pounding inside of me. I feel like I’m about to have my first kiss.

I don’t know why I’m so goddamn nervous, but I feel like a ball of fucking energy right now. Aubrie had always done strange things to me but ten years later... and I still feel it. That has to mean I have some kind of sanity issues, right? How can someone affect your whole being after so long?

I raise my hand and knock. I swear to God the neighbors could probably hear my heart beating. It’s wild in my chest.

When Aubrie opens the door with a smile, I watch it slowly fade when she realizes it’s me.

I can see her swallow hard.

“Micah.”

Chapter 4

Aubrie

  Everything spins. The world, me… everything.  He’s standing at my door. Why? How? Questions form in my mind, but they won’t budge past my lips.

He looks so different, yet the same. His name left my lips softer than I would have wanted but shit, he threw me off my game here.

“Hi, Aubrie.” God, the way he says my name, quickly takes me back ten years. The shiver that rolls through me doesn’t go unnoticed either, judging by the cocky ass grin on his face. He has always known how to affect me whether I wanted him to or not. This is one of those times I’d prefer not.

“What are you doing here?” I ask. Time to harden that shell of mine back up. I never thought I’d have to, but then again, I never thought I’d see Micah again either. I always let my guard down around him, but not after the way he reacted to my news ten years ago. He doesn’t deserve it.

“We need to talk,” he says as he brushes past me, our shoulders touching. The groan that fell from his lips wasn’t missed by me either. I try not to let him affect me the way he used to, but damn, that’s harder than you would think.

“No, please. Come inside,” I say sarcastically.

Micah only chuckles lightly.

“Nice place. Live here alone?” His tone has changed. Like he had to ask. I’m sure he already knows the answer to that. I don’t have any doubt in my mind that he was thorough checking into my life.

Turning to face him, I can see his looks have changed as well. He looks like a stone-cold killer. He’s not the same sweet man I left.

Rage and hatred vibrate off his massive body. I can feel it across the room. Isn’t that sweet? He thought he could come into my house and muscle me around. Well, he has another thing coming.

“I didn’t realize that was your business,” I say smugly. Crossing my arms over my chest, I mimic Micah’s stance. I’ll push back.

“Everything is my business.” The laughter that erupts out of me pisses him off, I can see it in those stormy gray eyes of his.

“Not when it pertains to me it isn’t. Do you want something? Otherwise, I have a date to get ready for,” I say, not to piss him off or anything. Oh, who the hell am I kidding? I want to piss him off. Yeah, right. Matt is hardly my date. We have been seeing each other for some time now, but tonight is more of a hang out and watch a movie type deal. No one has ever come close to my heart the way Micah did.

I watch Micah’s face. His jaw clenched, the muscles jumping slightly.

“Clench those teeth any tighter and you’ll break them,” I say. Dropping my arms, I head toward my room, ready to get out of these clothes. If he wants to brood around my living room without saying what it is he’s here for, then he’s more than welcome, but I have other things to do.

I grab some clothes out of the closet and toss them onto the bed when I feel his looming presence in the doorway.

“Can you get to it, Micah? Some of us have lives now,” I snap. His eyes burn with fire. I’m not sure if he wants to kill me... or fuck me.

“Benny’s dead.”

Chapter 5

Micah

  I watch her face pale after I said that. She doesn’t move, just stands there in silence. It’s hard to see her like that. It hurts.

I want to move toward her, but I don’t. I give her the space she needs.

“When?” The one word leaves her lips, and tears through me. Fuck, this is harder than I imagined it.

“A few days ago. He was attacked. Didn’t see it comin’,” I tell her, my voice low and full of pain. Aubrie blinks her eyes rapidly before sitting on the edge of her bed.

I know they didn’t get along. Hell, I knew that from day one, but Benny was still her family.

“I’m sorry, Aub’s.” Her old nickname leaves me like I’ve been saying it for years.

“You know who it was?” Her voice is laced with pain, that much is evident. It’s hurting her more than she will let on. She was always stronger than most people thought she was.

“We’re lookin’ into it. When we find out who did it—I’ll take care of him,” I assure her. She nods her head but doesn’t speak. She doesn’t need to. She knows what I do.

I stand there, unsure of what to do next. I don’t know what to say to her.

When I hear the sob leave her, though, I lose it.

Rushing toward her, I drag her up, wrapping her in my arms.

“I’m so sorry, Aub’s.” She cries into my shirt, wetting my skin. It kills me to hear her cry... even after all these years. My broken girl.

“He was all I had left, Micah,” she cries. God, I know that all too well. He was her blood. He loved her in a way no one else could understand, not even her.

“I know. I’ll make it right, Aubrie.” Squeezing her a little tighter, she hesitates before she pulls away.

I look down at the broken girl that stands in front of me.

“You’ll make it all right?” I see the look in her eyes. She isn’t asking me. She’s telling me. She needs that reassurance. I will gladly fucking give it, too.

“Yeah, I will. It’s what I do, Aubrie.” She never liked that side of the club. She never liked the way we fixed things... or took revenge.

Aubrie steels herself before she says, “Get out of my house, Micah.” I shake my head; there is no way in hell I’m leaving without her. I promised Benny.

“Can’t do that. You need to pack a bag. You’re goin’ home.” The smile that crosses her face should scare the shit out of me. She’s fucking hysterical right now.

“I’m not going anywhere with you.” Crossing her arms over her chest, the defiant girl I once knew is back in action. How she can flip her moods that quickly does little more than intrigue me.

“We’ll see about that.”

Chapter 6

Aubrie

  He has the audacity to stand in my room and tell me I’m going to go back home with him? Yeah, that won’t happen! It isn’t even my home anymore. It hasn’t been for a long time.

“What are you going to do, Micah? Huh? Kidnap me?” I laugh in his face. The laughter that escapes me doesn’t seem to faze him, though.

“If I have to... We leave tomorrow, so you might want to give your work a call,” he says. Micah steps back, turning on his heel, and leaving my room.

I know I’m standing with my mouth open. That bossy asshole! Who the hell does he think he is?

Once I compose myself, I storm out of the room behind him, only to find him sitting on my couch with a beer in his hand. My beer!

I walk up to him, grabbing it out of his hand.

“You need to leave!” I scream. My nerves are on edge right now. I’m beyond pissed that he’d even show up here, let alone boss me around. And touch my beer? Nope... not happening.

A knock on the door pulls me away from him.

“Might wanna get rid of the company,” he mumbles from the couch as I walk toward the door.

“The uninvited one won’t seem to leave,” I say with an attitude. Piercing him with my eyes over my shoulder, he smirks.

Fucker.

I pull the door open to see Matt with a pizza, and a smile on his face.

“I missed you all day,” he says, leaning in to kiss me. For some stupid reason, I pull back a little. Why did I just do that? I’ve never pulled away from him.

“I... um... we need to cancel for tonight.” I see the hurt in his eyes. Matt is such a good guy that I hate to do this to him. I also know that Micah is a stubborn son of a bitch and he isn’t going to walk away easily. If he has something in his head, he will damn sure follow through with it.

“Why? Are you okay?” he asks, full of concern. His free hand raises to my cheek when Micah walks up next to me. Matt’s eyes leave mine, and take him in instead.

“Don’t be stupid, pretty boy. She said not tonight.” Micah’s voice rumbles next to me. Matt’s hand falls away from my face before I turn to shove at Micah. The fucking brick wall I pushed doesn’t move, though. Such a dick.

“Do you mind?” I ask. Micah drags his eyes back to meet mine before shaking his head.

“Not really.” Oh, my God! I want to kill this asshole. Arrogant prick!

“What’s going on, Aubrie?” Matt asks.  Looking back at Matt, this is going to suck. This is not how I pictured this night going at all.

“This is Micah. He came to tell me that my brother died a few days ago,” I tell him. The name registers with Matt because I’ve told him all about Micah when we first met. How could I not? He was all I could think about.

“You’re the piece of shit,” Matt mumbles before Micah grabs him by the throat. Slamming him against the door, I try to wedge myself in the middle. A lot of good that does me.

“Micah, stop!” I scream. My hands rest on his rock-hard chest. Fuck, he wasn’t this filled out when we were together. He was solid, but not like this. Why am I feeling him up? Jesus, Aubrie, get a grip!

His eyes lower to my hands before coming to meet my gaze.

Reluctantly, he lets go, but doesn’t move back.

“I’m sorry, Matt. This isn’t a good time.”

Story of my life.

Chapter 7

Micah

  The pretty boy left in a hurry. That made me smile.

I kick my feet up on the coffee table and eat the little fucker’s pizza. Aubrie isn’t at all happy, but I don’t give a shit. I’ll do what I want... when I want. She has no hold over me anymore.

What floors me is that he knew who I was. She’s talked about me. Does that mean she missed me?

“You have some fucking nerve coming here and acting like that,” she roars. Fuck, I love watching her stomp around. The way her ass slightly shakes when she does it. Damn! Those little jeans hug her ass something fierce.

“I don’t like him,” I say with a shrug. I go back to the pizza, like this is just another conversation.

“You don’t need to like him! I like him!” she squeals.  I think I like that I can get her this riled up. I never could push her too far before, but that was when we were younger. A lot has changed.

“Why? He’s a pansy. I bet he’s an accountant.” Aubrie stops stomping and glares at me. The look on her face is almost funny.

“He’s not an accountant! He’s a manager at the grocery store,” she clarifies. Laughter erupts out of me. I didn’t expect it to, but it did.

“That’s even worse! A fuckin’ grocery store?” I laugh some more, but Aubrie is on fire. She went and downgraded to a grocery store manager. Saddest thing I’ve ever heard.

“Why the hell are you still here anyway?” Her hands land on those filled out hips, making my mouth water. I would love to grab onto those and fuck her senseless.

“Told you, babe. We’re goin’ home tomorrow.” Winking at her serves to piss her off more. I like her on fire. It’s sexy.

She turns around and stomps into the kitchen. The way her ass sways, I shove off the couch and follow behind her.

“What made you so pissy? You weren’t like this before.” She stands at the sink washing dishes, not looking at me. That’s okay; I can still see how I affect her without seeing her face.

“I didn’t have a reason to be before...” The way she mumbles makes me grin. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, her little ass moving as she does it.

I swallow the groan that ripped its way up my throat.

Shit, I can’t take it anymore. I move closer, placing my arms on either side of her, caging her in.

Leaning in close to her ear, I say, “Your ass is even sexier than I remember it. Tell me why I don’t have you naked—in that bed—screamin’ my name right now.” Her body trembles. I can feel it.

Aubrie gasps when I move even closer. My dick is straining against my zipper and into her ass. She loves that feeling, I know she does.

I bite her earlobe before pulling away and heading back toward the couch.

Yep, that’s the kind of asshole I am. Leave her little body hot, and wanting more.

Chapter 8

Aubrie

  How dare he! How dare he come into my house and make me feel like a little puddle of need. That prick. He knew what he was doing, too.

Jackass.

I left his ass on the couch and texted Michelle, saying that I had to go back home for a funeral. She said she’d get with our supervisor and let her know.

I stand in front of the mirror, staring into my own eyes.

I can’t believe that Benny is actually gone. We talked a few times over the years. No one knew because I didn’t want Micah to find me. That plan backfired.

Benny knew I was making a new life here. He understood for the most part. It wasn’t like we talked like normal siblings. We talked maybe five times in the last ten years. He was still my brother, though. He was still the last part of a real family that I had left. Now that’s gone, too.

I press my hands onto the counter in front of me as I drop my head forward. He was all I had, and that part is what hurts. I don’t know how to say goodbye to him.

Shaking my head, I pull my shirt over my head, tossing it to the floor as I study the scars that mark my body.

I run my fingers over them, disgusted by how they ruined me, in more ways than one. Every one of them a reminder of why Micah is bad for me. Every one of them a reminder of what I had to live with the last ten years.

The gasp I hear wasn’t my own. Turning my head, Micah stands in the doorway to my room, watching me intently.

“Who did that to you?” The growl that rips from his chest startles me slightly. He’s pissed, although he has no right to be.

“You did,” I say softly. Pushing the bathroom door closed, I blow out a breath and close my eyes.

Tears spring forward as I lean my back against the door, and slide to the floor.

All the memories, good and bad... rush me at once.

My world spins and I’m once again lost and helpless.

How do I move on when I can’t even stand to look at myself in the mirror?

How do I forgive myself for not taking the time to make it work with my brother?

I should have been there for him. I should have tried harder to reach him. I shouldn’t have made him hold my secrets inside of him.

Now, I’ve lost that. I’ve lost everything all over again.

In my mind, I know things will be alright but in my heart, I feel like I’m breaking down once again.

There is nothing left for me to lose now. Everything that has meant something to me has been taken away from me.

There’s only me.

Chapter 9

Micah

  I stand here like a goddamn fool after what she said. Clearly, whatever it was, she blames me.

All my year’s training for the fucking Marines couldn’t prepare me for this part of my life.

I broke her more than I thought I did. It’s not like I didn’t think she would be upset with me, but the look in her eyes ripped me apart.

I hear her sobs coming from behind that bathroom door and as much as I know I need to walk away and let her have her moment, I don’t do it. I can’t do it.

Call me stupid, but I need to hold her right now.

I grab the handle, shoving the door open when I see her curled into herself. Something inside of me hurts. It’s a physical pain.

Reaching for her, she slaps me away when her head pops up.

“What is wrong with you, Micah? Why did you have to come here and ruin what I’ve worked so hard to build?” she screams. She’s mad at me. It’s not like I didn’t see it coming. I knew she didn’t want to see me, but this isn’t about her. It’s not about me either. It’s about Benny.

“I promised Benny that I would find you. I promised you’d be at his funeral and I fuckin’ plan on makin’ that happen for him,” I roar. Aubrie reaches up, wiping at her eyes.

“You promised him?” Her voice has softened only slightly. She shoves off the floor, her half naked body calling out to me. There’s a war waging in those beautiful eyes. A storm is brewing and I’m about to be on the receiving end of it.

“You promised me that you would never hurt me. You promised me that you would never push me away. Why is your promise to him so fucking important to you and mine weren’t!” Wow. She’s on fire. I knew it. She needs to let it out.

“Don’t do this, Aub’s,” I plead with her. I can’t do this. Her face reddens as she looks me in the eye.

“You did this. You came here and fucked up my life once again, Micah! How dare you!” Her little fists slam into my chest. She doesn’t hit me hard enough to move me, though.

Over and over, she slams into me. I let her do it, too. I know I fucked her life up once before. I know I ruined her in ways that I can’t fix.

When the tears finally consume her, she goes limp in my waiting arms. I hold her close to my chest as she cries.

“I hate you, Micah. You killed pieces of me. I hate you so much!” She fists my shirt in her hands as I run my hand down her back.

“I know. I hate me too, but I have to ask... Where’s the baby?” I need to know. Aubrie sniffles before pulling out of my arms. The one little moment that I let her have, I ripped away from her, yet again. What kind of sick fuck am I? How selfish can I be?

“The baby?” she huffs as she takes a step back.

“Yeah, you were pregnant when you left me, Aubrie.” Shaking her head, I watch the smile tug across her face. Oh shit, what did I just do?

“Left you? I remember that differently. In fact, I remember every single word you said to me. That I was trapping you. That it wasn’t yours. Why do you care now?”

And there it is.

Chapter 10

Aubrie

  Micah takes a step toward me. His power is consuming the air in the room. He’s lethal and I can see it.

Pushing his buttons might not be a good idea, but I do it anyway. He started this shit. He came here.

“Don’t you dare. You ran...” Gritting his teeth, I shrug. Maybe I did, but it was him that forced it.

“Makes no difference now does it?” I say. A small step closer and I can feel the rage as it rolls off his body. He’s heated and I don’t care.

“Where is it? Where is my kid?”  he growls. His eyes burn into me. I want to curl inside myself when he looks at me like that. He’s deadly and it’s scary, but I won’t let him push me, not anymore.

“You see this one,” I say, pointing to one of the scars on my stomach.

“A piece of metal went straight through me. This one... was glass. This one... another piece of metal. I wasn’t supposed to live. No one thought I would—and with the brain injury—they didn’t expect me to wake up. This one though... this was the one that took that little life away from me. That accident ruined what was left of my life,” I tell him as his eyes follow over every scar on my abdomen. He traces each one with his gaze. A soft look crosses his features as he puts it all together.

Shaking his head, he drags his gaze back to mine.

“When did that happen?” he asks in a calmer tone. I let my arms fall to my sides. There is no reason to hide it from him. It’s his fault.

“When I first left. I knew this was as far from you as I could get. The guy crossed over the line; he was drunk. He was carrying metal rods on his truck. They flew over the top since they weren’t tied down. Slammed through the windshield... and into me. I was in a coma for three months.” His jaw clenches. The muscles in his arms cord tighter than they were.

“You lost the baby that day.” He doesn’t need me to back that information up. He realizes it.

“I lost a lot that day. I turned into this. No family, no baby. Nothing left.” Micah takes a step toward me before I stop him. My hand lands on that solid wall of muscle. He doesn’t get the right to do this to me.

“I don’t want your pity, Micah. I woke up three months later and found a new life waiting for me. It was hard, but I did it. I made myself a life here. This is who I am now,” I tell him. He doesn’t like my answer, but I don’t give a damn.

“There were no records of you.” He’s looked for me? Why would he? Why does he care now?

“There wouldn’t be. No one knew my name at the time and the hospital brushed away all the bills when I started working there. They are good people. They have been really good to me.” His mouth opens and closes, but no words come out. He’s at a loss for words. How ironic!

“I shouldn’t have said those things to you, Aub’s.”

Why does he think that will fix things now? Those things are my past. They need to stay there. I can’t let him drag the past back up; I won’t.

Chapter 11

Micah

  Torn would be an understatement. I feel like a complete asshole now. To even think of the hell she must have gone through and she did it all alone. It almost makes me sick to think about it. I should have been there for her.

I can hear her snoring quietly in her room. I left her alone after that.

My eyes drift closed but I can’t seem to sleep. Not like that’s any different than any other night.

The dreams come like always.

“Stay alert. Reynolds, we got movement on the ground.” The words play through my earpiece.

I adjust the scope and look around... I see it.

“Roger that. There’s a kid at your twelve o’clock.” I blink the sweat away from my eyes. It’s hot as hell on this rooftop. I’ve lied here for sixteen hours straight, in a puddle of my own piss.

“Don’t do it, kid,” I mumble under my breath. I watch his movements, noting something in his hands. He can’t be more than thirteen. Shit, I hate this.

“Reynolds, you got a visual?” Blinking a little more, I focus on the kid. I see the fucking grenades in his hands.

“Reynolds, do we move?” Shit!

“Negative. Hold your positions. The kid’s got grenades.” I hear the curse words as they float through the earpiece.

“Damn you, kid!” growling, I watch as he brings the grenades closer to his face. Ready to pull the pins with his teeth. I know my guys are down there. Fuck! I do the only thing I can think of.

Squeezing the trigger, I watch as the boy goes down.

“Threat’s taken care of. Move!”

“Micah!” My name isn’t coming from anyone I remember.

“Micah! Stop!” Shaking my head to clear the fog that I feel, I gasp.

In my hands, is Aubrie’s throat. Her eyes are wide with tears streaming down as she claws at my grasp. Her nails dig into my skin.

My eyes widen as my hands loosen.

“Fuck! I’m sorry, Aubrie.” I step back, my eyes dancing around the room. I try to get my bearings but I’m confused and disoriented. I hate this shit. I hate what I’ve become.

“Hey, Micah. It’s okay.” Her sweet voice is soothing. Her hands come to rest on my upper arms, her touch electrifying me.

Shaking my head, I try to step back, but she doesn’t let me. She holds me tighter. How the hell is she the one comforting me now? This wasn’t supposed to happen. Nothing in my life has worked out the way it was supposed to.

“Micah. Look at me.” Her voice is firm and demanding. I’m lost, though. My heart slams in my chest, sweat drips down my body. Shit, I had my hands on her throat!

“Micah!”

Chapter 12

Aubrie

  His eyes are wild. He’s not fully here, and I don’t know what to do to help him. I’ve never been in this position before. He’s wild and disoriented.

“Micah, please. Look at me.” I slide my hands up his arms, gripping his face.

Bringing it to my level, his eyes dance with fear. It shreds my heart to see him look that way. What the hell did he go through when I was gone?

“Aub’s?” His voice is full of hurt and fear. Tears shimmer in my eyes as I nod my head.

“It’s me. It’s Aubrie.” Micah is shaken. He looks so far gone. At this moment, I realize that he’s just as broken as I am, if not more. There’s more to his past than even I know.

His eyes hold the stories that haunt his dreams.

“What the hell’s happenin’ to me?” he asks more to himself than me. Micah tries to pull back, but I don’t let him. I can’t.

In fact, I pull him closer. He needs to feel safe. He needs to know that he’s okay.

“It’s okay. It was a dream.” He shakes his head as he stares into my eyes.

“I could have killed you,” he says, his voice falling to a whisper.  The regret is evident. I need to calm him down before he loses himself completely.

“You didn’t. I’m okay... Micah, I’m    okay.” I don’t know who I’m trying to convince of that, him or me. That was the scariest shit I’ve ever seen in my life. The way his eyes were gone to somewhere else, his body moving on instinct alone.

His body is taut. He stands there so stoically.

“Aub’s, I’m sorry.” His hands come up to cover mine, so soft and sure.

“Stop. I’m okay.” Once again, he shakes his head, unknown things whirling behind his eyes.

I lose myself to him at that moment. I know it’s wrong. I know I shouldn’t, but the fragileness I see in him right now eats me alive.

Brushing my lips over his, he grips my hands tightly. What’s happening is so wrong, but he needs this. Or is it me who needs it?

All that is Micah rush my senses.

His lips move slowly, taking their time with mine. I’ve never felt him kiss me like this before. It’s as though he knows that I need it as much as he does.

“Aubrie.” My name is only a breath from his lips. The taste of him is intoxicating. I press my lips back to his. Hungry for that taste that only he has.

His hands leave mine, circling my neck. He pulls me in closer, his tongue forcing its way into my mouth. Our tongues dance in the most sexual way.

My body vibrates with need, a need that only Micah can fill.

I wrap my arms around his neck as he lifts me off the floor. My legs encircle his waist, pressing against him.

The groan that erupts from inside of him is swallowed by my own.

Chapter 13

Micah

  This is wrong. I know it is. I can’t stop myself now. Her legs are wrapped around me as I grind against her. No, there is no stopping now.

Laying her on her bed, my hips grind painfully against her, our mouths never breaking apart.

We’re both heated, but the thoughts of what I’d just done to her still flicker in my mind. I could have killed her. The thought alone makes me sick to my stomach, but Aubrie isn’t letting up. She needs this too much. Or do I?

I can feel her wetness as it seeps onto my jeans. She’s fucking wet, and not wearing anything under this shirt.

Pulling back just enough, I reach between us, unzipping my jeans. I shove them down with my hand, but when Aubrie shoves them rest of the way with her feet, I nearly cum on the spot. She’s in a frenzy and I can’t do anything more than egg it on.

Her lips continue to torture mine. She’s like a crazed animal right now, and I love every second of it.

With my dick in my hand, I run it up and down her slickness as her moans fill my mouth.

“I don’t want to do anything you don’t want... Aub’s.” When I finally can pull back and say the words, her eyes filled with lust. She wants this, I can see it.

“Did I say to stop?” she asks me breathlessly. Shaking my head slowly, she watches me intently. I can’t do this, can I? I ruined her so long ago.

“Then don’t stop.” Her hands yank my mouth back to hers. I position myself at her entrance before sliding in.

I almost choke at the feel of her being wrapped around me after all this time. It’s just like I remember her. So wet and tight.

Grunts filter out of my mouth and she eats up every one of them.

Aubrie tilts her head back while I rain kisses down her neck as my hips slowly take what they want from her.

“I know you can fuck harder than that.” When I bite down on her shoulder, she screams. She wants it harder? I can do that.

I push myself up, looming over her luscious body.

I don’t give a shit that I can’t see her tits just yet, I lean down and bite her nipple through her shirt.

I pick up speed, thrusting into her rough and fast.

My dick bottoms out, slamming relentlessly into her cervix. Aubrie screams my name just like she used to.

“Micah! Harder!” Her cries send me spiraling out of control.

Her body is on fire, her pussy clenching me tightly.

“You keep that up and I won’t be able to stop myself.” Licking her neck, she shivers before clenching me tighter.

This woman is going to fucking kill me and I’ll stay right here and let her do it.

Chapter 14

Aubrie

  I roll over stretching. The soreness of my body reminds me of what happened last night. I don’t know how I feel about it either. Last night it made sense to me. He was so lost in himself that I didn’t think I would get him back. That’s no excuse for what we did, but there was something about him, that I couldn’t let go.

Glancing at the clock, it’s only four thirty. What the hell am I doing awake already?

I snuggle back into my blankets when I hear it.

What the hell is Micah doing out there this fucking early?

Throwing my legs over the side of the bed, I drag my tired body toward the door. As soon as I crack it open, my heart tumbles in my chest.

He’s on the floor, sweat coating his skin. He’s working out. God, I never thought that the sight of a half-naked man could be so sexy. A good workout is nice, but Micah’s rippling muscles, coated in sweat, makes my pussy tingle just looking at him.

“Is there a reason why it’s not even light out, and you’re awake?” I ask, not amused to be up this early but enjoying the view. Micah shoves off the floor, his eyes traveling over my body.

“Sorry... I’m just used to gettin’ up early.” His soft, sweet features, have hardened once again.

“I’m goin’ for a run. Sleep for a while. I’ll get breakfast before we head out,” he says standing there, not saying anything more. He looks to be having a war with himself. He has something to say and before he can rethink it, he says, “I shouldn’t have touched you, Aub’s... I’m sorry.”

Shaking my head, I knew this part was coming. I knew it when he touched me, but at the same time, I knew I didn’t want him back in my life either. It was just something that happened.

“It’s okay. It won’t happen again,” I say, being honest. His eyes jerk to mine. A predatory stare that sends shivers over my body glistens in his eyes.

He stalks toward me, stopping only inches from me.

“I didn’t say that. I said I shouldn’t have touched you, but I did. And now, I will fuckin’ claim you all over again,” he growls. Shaking my head repeatedly, there is no way I’m getting back into a relationship with him.

“No, you won’t. I made the mistake of letting it happen, Micah. Don’t get that shit twisted. It won’t happen again. You made your choice ten years ago—when you pushed me away—I won’t feel that pain again.” I step back into my room, reaching for the door.

As I try to close it, Micah’s large hand comes to stop it.

His breathing has picked up its pace. His eyes are feral as he looks down at me. That fucking gaze of his drips with sex and lust.

“Whether you like it or not, you’ve always been mine, Aubrie. That shit hasn’t changed. I will make you want me again,” he says before he steps back, pulling the door closed.

Has he lost his mind for good?  He isn’t going to make me want anything. I knew we messed up last night, but I also know that he wouldn’t have calmed down any other way. It was wrong, yes, but he needed it. Hell, I needed it.

Closing my eyes, I knew last night was a bad idea though, no matter how much we both needed that release.

I should have never let myself get lost in him again.

Chapter 15

Micah

  Jogging has done nothing to erase the scent of her on my skin. I could have taken a shower, but I wanted that scent to be embedded into me.

My mind is all over the place. I almost killed her... and fucked her in the same night. How does that even make sense? How does that happen? I shouldn’t have let myself fall into her, but the more she kissed me, the weaker I became.

I stop in a small diner and order us some breakfast, but I can’t seem to get my mind to settle.

She was so into me last night. This morning... not so much.

Telling me, she made a mistake almost ripped my heart out. Knowing what she’s gone through all these years leaves me feeling unsettled. Do I really want her back, or is it just the idea of having her that sets me off? She has a life now, one that I’m not a part of. She made that fact ardently clear.

Paying the woman at the counter, I walk back toward her house in a daze. I don’t know how I feel about bringing her back home with me either.

Once I have her there, what if I don’t want to let her go? She was my world at one point and granted, I’ve fucked everything in sight, but none of them were Aubrie. Nothing came close to her. My mind always drifted back to her.

I made it a point to throw myself into the Marines. It gave me focus, and the discipline I needed. I had to have it. It was something I craved, something that I needed to move past her. Extreme? Fuck yes, but necessary.

Now, though? It feels like everything I learned there had been wiped out of my memory. All I can see is her. There is no discipline when it comes to her. I act without thinking... and that’s always a weakness.

Stepping inside, the smell of coffee assaults my nose. That’s not what pisses me off, though.

That voice does.

Stalking into the kitchen, the little pussy from yesterday sits with his hand wrapped around hers. My eyes travel from their connected hands to his face. I look forward to crushing his nose.

“Didn’t know we were havin’ company,” I say. Aubrie’s head pops up, her eyes locking with mine. Pretty boy doesn’t seem too impressed with me still being here either. Not that I give a shit.

“Matt was stopping by before he heads to work.” Her smile brightens as she turns her head back to him. I don’t like this shit at all.

The two of them carry on a conversation as if I’m not standing here. Ok, if that’s how she wants to play this, I can play too. The problem is, I play better... and harder. I play stronger because I know how important winning is.

Setting the food on the counter, I walk right up next to her, leaning in, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

Her face turns red as Matt’s mouth hangs open.

“I’m takin’ a shower, babe. We’ll leave when I’m done.” I stalk out of the kitchen with a giant shit-eating grin on my face.

I’d say that should take care of pretty boy.

Chapter 16

Aubrie

  Storming into the bathroom, I yank the shower curtain back. That was mistake number one. Fucking Christ, that body.

“How dare you act like that! What the hell is wrong with you?” I scream. Micah acts like he doesn’t hear me as he rinses his hair.

Asshole!

“Are you listening to me?” screaming a little louder, he still doesn’t look over.

When he reaches for my loofah, I lose it.

“Don’t you dare wash your dirty ass with my loofah!” Grabbing it out of his hands, he chuckles before gripping my wrist. Yanking me quickly, he pulls me into the shower with him.

The water falls over the two of us. Micah looks at me with amusement. Is it funny that I still have all my clothes on?

“Don’t you ever let that motherfucker touch you again.” His voice is lethal. Something inside of me stirs, heat’s forming in my core. Why do I let him affect me like this? I shouldn’t let him.

“He’s my boyfriend, Micah. He has every right to touch me,” I say, more to push his buttons than anything else. His nostrils flare... showing me that I’m doing a great job.

I try to pull out of his grasp, but he doesn’t let up. In fact, his grip tightens.

“He’s nothin’ and if I have to make him nothin’, I will.” I can tell by the way he’s talking that he isn’t playing. He’s serious.

“You wouldn’t dare,” gritting my teeth, I don’t know who the hell he thinks he is saying that to me.

“Oh, sweetheart. I dare... I dare you to let me see that son of a bitch just one more time in this house,” he growls in a low lethal tone. Micah leans in closer, his lips mere inches from mine. He takes a small step, his dick as hard as ever, pressing against me.

My body responds. I hate that it does, but it heats from the inside out, and he knows it. He knows what he’s doing to me.

“You can’t threaten me. You don’t own me, Micah.” My voice is steady but on the inside, I’m melting into him.

“Make no mistakes, Aub’s. I’ve killed for a lot less,” he informs me. His lips glide over mine softly. The way they touch me, makes me want to burst into flames.

I don’t want to take his threat to heart, but the look in his eyes makes me believe him. He was never a liar before. What makes me think he is now?

As quick as he was there, he’s gone. Micah climbs out of the shower, his hard ass on display for me.

Standing in the warm shower, I’m lost in myself.

What am I going to do now?

Chapter 17

Micah

  Yeah, I worked her up really good. She didn’t know what to do with herself, but I’m sure pretty-boy won’t be back in that house ever again. That is... if I let her out of mine.

With her wrapped up tightly around me on my bike, I feel a sense of peace. It’s been ten long years since I’ve had a woman on this bike. Even after I came home from war, no other woman has been on here. It wasn’t anyone’s place, but hers.

Aubrie may not like it, but she is mine. She can refuse me all she wants, but that won’t stop me from claiming her.

She may have the idea in her head that he’s her boyfriend, but I can quickly take care of him. I don’t want to resort to that. I don’t want that to be something that comes between us, but it is still an option in my book.

Her body tenses as we pull up to the clubhouse. It’s been a long time since she’s stepped foot in here. I can only hope that it doesn’t hurt her.

I park in my usual spot before climbing off, offering her my hand. I’m almost ecstatic when she takes it.

Helping her off, I don’t miss the way her hands shake slightly.

“Everything’s okay, Aubrie,” I tell her. I pull her helmet off her head as she nods.

Her eyes roam the parking lot and come to a stop on Benny’s bike. We haven’t moved it from where it was parked. He’s had the same bike since he joined this fucking club.

“Benny’s bike.” The two words fall from her lips in a world of pain. I hate it.

“We didn’t move it. Come on...” Trying to pull her along, she stops and shakes her head. I knew this was going to be hard for her. It just pains me to see it.

“Can you give me a minute?” she asks, sounding almost helpless. I don’t want to. I don’t want to let her go. I want to hold onto her.

“Yeah. I’ll be right inside.” My heart drops in my chest. I knew they had issues, but this is hurting her worse than I thought it would.

Walking away is like a slow death. I leave her standing next to the only thing left of her brother. Her family. That was it... he was it. As much as I’d like to claim a spot in her life, she isn’t mine anymore.

I shove through the door and head straight to the bar. This is crazy hard. I wish I would have thought this over a little more, planned it out better.

Bomber moves toward me, grabbing a beer before he says, “How is she?” Popping the top off the bottle, he takes a long pull.

“I don’t know, brother. She’s different. Hard headed. She looks so fuckin’ lost out there right now.” Bomber sits next to me.

“Saw her out the window. She doesn’t look too good. We’re here, though. We’ll take care of her,” he assures me. Nodding my head, I know the club will... but that’s not what I want. I want to take care of her. I want to be the one to hold her and tell her it’s okay.

I don’t see her letting me do it, though.

Chapter 18

Aubrie

  I run my hand over his bike. This was it. This was one of the last things he touched. This was one of the last things he loved.

As much as we fought, I still loved him. He was still my family.

Tears slowly fall down my cheeks. The pain in my heart is almost unbearable.

“I’m so sorry, Benny. I should have been a better sister. I should have been here for you.” Sobs choke me. I don’t know how to handle this. I left him alone. I left him to this.

“He loved you, darlin’. No matter what happened between the two of you.” My head falls when I hear his voice.

I turn around, to come face to face with the one person that I have really missed all these years.

“Link,” I say his name softly. Throwing myself into his arms, he holds me tightly to him. Link was always a safe place. He was always there when I needed him.

“It’s alright, Aubrie. We’re all here for you.” Crying into his shirt, I never want to let him go.

Link was a good friend, even so long ago. It killed me to cut off that part of my life when I left. It killed me to lose Link but I knew I had to. Keeping Link would have meant keeping Micah, and that couldn’t happen.

“You’ve gotten so much bigger.” Link laughs a little when I pull back and look at him. He’s not the same kid I remember. He’s a man now. A well-built man at that.

“You’re fucking huge, Link,” I say.  His hands come up to wipe my eyes with a shit eating grin on his face.

“You filled out, too. Look at you. Hot as fuck.” His eyes travel over me, making me smile.

“Yeah, right. How have you been?”  I ask. Link smiles, his eyes coming back to mine.

“I miss him, too. At least Micah can shut the hell up now. I see my address was on point,” he says with sureness. Link winks at me and my mouth drops open. Did he find me?

“You gave him my address? What the hell were you thinking?” I snap. Now, I’m a little pissed. I should have known Link was the one that found me. If anyone could do it, it’s Link. Smart ass.

“He made a promise to Benny. I couldn’t not find you.” I suppose I should let this one go, but damn!

“Couldn’t you have come? Or called?” His eyes glance around before coming back to meet mine.

“I take it that it wasn’t a happy reunion then?” he says. He, of all people, should know better. He knows how things went down and clearly, he knows how he is now.

“No! He’s a dick! I knew he was back then, but I didn’t realize he had amped that up a hundred times over,” I say somewhat in a joking voice. Link’s eyes filled with amusement.

“The Marines took a toll on him. Give him a little slack. Just a little, though.” Winking at me, I wrap my arms around his waist again.

“I’ve missed you, Link.” His hands tighten once more around me.

“I missed you, too.”

Chapter 19

Micah

  I watch her walk in with her arms around Link, a smile on those perfect lips. I want that smile to be mine. I want her to look at me the way she’s looking at him.

Bomber laughs next to me as my hands clench before he says, “Calm down, brother. It’s just Link.” The fucker doesn’t even know what I feel right now. Calm down? My body hums with anger, and I don’t even know who it’s directed at.

I watch as he pushes up and makes his way over. Pulling her into a hug, the smile on her face is natural. If you didn’t know her, you would think this is where she belonged. Her safe place.

“Who is that new bitch? Goddamn, that body is nice.” Bullet whistles as he sits next to me.  He’s lucky he’s the enforcer and my boy or I’d snap his goddamn neck for him.

“That’s Aubrie, motherfucker,” I growl. Rage sizzles through me.

“The Aubrie? Like... your long-lost love, Benny’s sister, Aubrie?” Clenching my teeth, I glare over at him. One more word out of his mouth and I’m going to lose it.

“Goddamn, Micah! You didn’t tell me she was that fuckin’ hot! I’m goin’ over   there.” Shoving off the stool, I grab the back of his shirt, yanking him back. His eyes are full of amusement.

“Put your dick back in your fuckin’ pants or I’ll cut it off.” Hearing the growl rip out of me, his eyebrows raise. Asshole is clearly trying to fuck with me and it’s not the best idea.

“Damn, you already hit that again, Micah?” The look in my eyes must mimic what I’m feeling because Bullet takes a step back with his hands up.

“Got it. She’s off limits,” he says. Turning back to look at her, she looks so lost. The happiness is gone. The sadness slowly crept its way back in.

I shove off the stool and head toward her before sliding my arm around her shoulder. She sniffles a little before looking up at me.

“Doin’ okay?” I ask. She nods her head. She doesn’t look it, though.

“I can get you outta here. Go back to my place if this is too much.” She looks to be torn. She’s so indecisive.

“I don’t know what to do now, Micah. What do I do now? Tell me what to do,” she asks needing an answer. This situation is a lot more complicated than I thought it would be.

“We can talk if it will help.” Her head cocks to the side. She watches me with interest. I know why, too. I’ve never said those words to her. EVER!

“I don’t feel like talking. I don’t know what I feel!”  she screams. Her tears come back full force—ripping my heart out of my chest.

“Fuck! I’m so sorry, Aub’s.” Pulling her back into my chest, I hold her there while she cries.

I knew this was going to be hell, but this is almost more than I can handle. She’s breaking down and I have no idea how to help her.

Chapter 20

Aubrie

  The past few days have dragged on. The new guys seem nice enough. They’ve all been great to me. A few have tried to hit on me, which is almost funny with Micah brooding around.

I’ve missed this, though. The way they’re all a family. I remember it from so long ago, but this club has grown into something more. It’s more than just a club. They truly are family.

The funeral was nice. The guys all rode behind the hearse on their bikes. It was beautiful to see. It was amazing that they held him in such high regard. It makes me proud of him.

“Holdin’ up alright?” The secretary, Dax, puts a hand on my shoulder.

“I guess. I don’t know how to do this.” Looking up at him, he nods as if he knows. Maybe he does.

“Death is never easy. It swallows you up. Just know we’re all here. Bomber will say a few words and then we’re goin’ to the bar over on third for a while. Benny had friends outside the club that wanted to celebrate his life with us,” he says. I take a deep breath, wanting to ask the question that floats around inside my head.

“Did Benny ever mention me? I mean... never mind.” Dax slides his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side. He takes a deep breath before he says, “Benny talked about you, sweetheart. Whatever the hell was goin’ on between the two of you meant shit. He loved you. You need to know that. Sometimes I think he talked about you just to piss Micah off, though.” The smirk on his face makes me smile.

“Sounds like my brother.” Dax nods before pulling away.

“I need to go check on some shit. You okay?” he asks. Nodding once, I watch him walk away. At least the club got some good guys in here.

I feel hands slide around my waist. I don’t have to look back to know their Micah’s. I would know that touch anywhere.

“Don’t do this right now.” Gritting my teeth, I don’t want to fight today.

“Do what? Claim my woman?” He’s going to do it. He is going to make me lose my shit on the day I buried my brother. This is too much. He is too much.

“I’m not your woman! I told you that more than once,” I snap. Pulling out of his grasp, I take a step forward.

“Yeah, right. We’ll see about that.” His growl is so loud; it catches the attention of the other people standing around. Why is he doing this to me? Why now? Today?

I spot Link across the room and quickly make my way over to him needing some space.

“Hey beautiful,” he says as I smile up at him. I sigh when he wraps his arm around me.

“Hidin’ from the big bad wolf?”  he asks. Giggling at the way he said it, I nod. I suppose that’s the nice way to put it.

“It’s not gonna work. I see the rage from here. You tryin’ to get my ass beat?” he asks me. I start to pull away from Link before he laughs.

“I wasn’t trying to do that,” I assure him. Link chuckles once more.

“I know. I’m playin’ with you. I ain’t scared of that fucker.” God, I have missed this man.

Chapter 21

Micah

  “We all know that Benny was a crazy son of a bitch. But he was our son of a bitch. He took hits for this club that not everyone would be willin’ to do. He brought peace to us when we needed it most. We lost a good man. A good brother. We will miss him dearly. There won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t miss his ass. He was a part of this family and will be forever. Tonight, we celebrate his life. We don’t want to forget that we have his sister here with us now. Aubrie is a part of this club no matter what. You keep your eyes on her just like you would any old lady.” All eyes turn to Aubrie. I can see the redness in her cheeks from the attention.

“Let’s take this last ride for our brother, Benny!” Bomber finishes his little speech before we all file out toward the bikes. In our club, when a member dies, we ride with his cut on the front of the President’s bike to the bar. Today won’t be any different.

As we walk out, I can hear Aubrie and Link talking, although I can’t make out what they’re saying. I don’t like that she’s spending so much time with him, even if they were friend’s years ago.

“Aub’s. Come here,” I call out to her. She hugs Link before moving toward me.

I watch her as she walks closer, her ass hugged tightly in her little leather pants. Fuck, my dick is screaming for a piece of her even though I know it’s all wrong.

“You’re ridin’ with me,” I say.  Holding the helmet out to her, I don’t give her the chance to say no. Why the hell should I? She’s mine, and the sooner she realizes that, the better off we all will be.

Aubrie watches me intently for several seconds before snatching the helmet out of my hand. I have to suppress a grin when she slides it on her head. I knew she would see it my way.

I climb on, glancing over at her.

Rolling her eyes, she climbs on behind me. Her hands move around to grasp my abs. My dick strains in my jeans. I want nothing more than to bend her over this bike and show her who it is she belongs to. Who she will always belong to.

Revving up the bike, we pull out in formation. Prez is up front, with me right behind. It’s a somber feeling, knowing that this is Benny’s last ride with us.

I never thought the day would come when I would lose him. We went to war together. We rode together. There wasn’t much that we didn’t do together.

I miss him. I miss what we were. I miss the laughs, the good times. Hell, I even miss the bad ones.

Thoughts run wild inside my head. Thoughts of finding the asshole that took him away from me—but more so—who took him away from Aubrie.

In reality, she’s the one that’s hurting worse.  She’s the one that has lost more than any of us, and it kills me to know that I couldn’t stop it.

Chapter 22

Aubrie

  The bar is packed with people, but mainly bikers. Apparently, Bomber rented out the whole thing for this. I don’t know why I expected any less.

It’s nice to see that so many people loved Benny. I didn’t know he had as many friends as he did, but then again, we hadn’t spoken much.

People dance and drink like the world is perfect and maybe to them, it is. Maybe to them, this is just another death.

Link tosses his arm over my shoulder before he says, “He had a lot of good people on his side.”

“I’m glad. I just wished things were different for us.” It saddens me to know that we will never be able to work out our problems. I will never have the chance to tell him I loved him. It hurts. The pain is physical.

“He knew, sweetheart. Don’t doubt that,” Link says softly. As if he knew what I was thinking, Link adds his two cents.

“Dance with me, Link.” He furrows his brows, looking like I’m insane. Hell, I may be... but I need to let myself go.

“We are celebrating his life, right? Dance with me.” I grab his hands in mine. Link just shrugs his shoulders and follows me out onto the dance floor.

Bodies are everywhere, dancing and moving to the music. People are having a great time as they celebrate my brother’s life.

Link’s hands land on my waist but the feeling is strange. It isn’t like when Micah touches me.

I plaster a smile on my face regardless and let myself go, if only for a while. I’d like to think that he would want me to be a bit happy.

“You are really buffed up, Link!” I tell him. Laughing, I let my hands move over his hard chest and abs.

“You ain’t so bad yourself,” he says as he winks at me, I can’t help but smile at him.

The music changes and a slow song comes on. Link jerks my body against him, and I revel in the feel of him. He’s rock-solid beneath my touch.  He isn’t Micah, but he’s warm and calming.

I lay my head on his shoulder as he glides us over the floor. It isn’t until I feel the rumble in his chest that I realize we’ve stopped moving.

“What’s wrong?” I ask. His gaze drops to mine.

“I think that ass whoppin’ might be comin’ sooner than I thought,” he says smugly. I look at him a little confused until I feel his presence behind me.

Micah.

Link leans down close to my ear.

“Find me later.” Pressing a kiss to my cheek, Link walks away from me when I feel Micah’s hands wrap around me from behind.

“This is our song.” His breath tickles my skin, igniting bumps over my body. I feel like I’m slowly falling into darkness.

“I didn’t know we had a song,” I say softly. He spins me around in his arms, something dark, taking hold of his features.

“We do now.”

Chapter 23

Micah

  What the hell am I going to do with this girl? She is pressing my buttons at every chance she can get.  Seeing her with Link just ripped me apart. No other man—regardless of who he is—needs to have his hands on her.

“You handlin’ this okay?” I ask her, truly concerned.  I move us around the floor, her body pressed into mine. It’s the perfect feeling holding her against me.

“I wish everyone would stop asking me that.” I know she isn’t happy, I can hear it in her voice. It has to be ten times harder on her than the rest of us.

“The lawyer is comin’ in a week. He said you could sign off on Benny’s benefits from the Marines. They’ll go to you    now.” I made sure to push that shit out as long as I could, too. I don’t want her to leave. I also wanted to make sure that she had a future. I know she can handle herself. I know she can take care of herself but she deserves this.

“I can’t stay that long. I have work,” she says, not looking at me. I knew she’d say that, too. That’s why I took the liberty of calling her supervisor and letting them know. I wonder how that’s going to go over?

“Yeah... I took care of that,” I tell her. Aubrie tries to pull back, but I don’t let her.

“You can’t run my life, Micah.” I don’t know who the hell she’s trying to convince of that, her or me. I can do whatever the hell I want. And I want her.

“It has to be done, Aub’s.” She sighs into my chest, letting it go for now. She knows what I mean.

The song blasts through the speakers making more sense to me than it should. The words keep playing over and over.

“When you love her, don’t let her go.”

Is that what this is? Do I still love her? Of course, I do. I never stopped. I’ve always held her in a special place inside of me.

I let my lips linger near her ear, my breathing coming quicker. I know it’s all wrong, but my body responds to her. It knows her and Hell help me, it wants her.

“You can calm that hard-on now since you won’t be getting anything from me.” Her words are serious but her tone isn’t. I chuckled against her softly.

“You say that now.” I keep moving us, a smile on my face.

“What are you thinkin’ right now?” I ask her. I can feel her hands tighten and loosen around my cut. I know there’s something running around that pretty little head of hers. I always know when there’s something going on.

“I never got to tell him I loved him, Micah. He held a lot of secrets for me and I never told him.” Her sobs wrack her body. I blow out a breath, trying to think of what to say to her.

It hurts me that she feels like that. It kills me a little each time I see her cry.

“You didn’t need to say the words, Aubrie. He knew.... He always knew.” Her cries come harder.

It breaks me, but a part of me it turns on. Her crying is so goddamn beautiful.

“Can I stay at your place tonight? I don’t think I can handle being alone in the clubhouse.” How cute it was that she thought I’d even let her out of my grasp tonight. Or any other night for that matter.

Chapter 24

Aubrie

  The thought of being alone hit me harder than I thought it would. I know I could have stayed with Link, he made the offer, but something didn’t feel right about that. The fact that I didn’t want him to get his ass kicked crossed my mind.

“Shower’s in there if you want to take one. You can use my loofah,” Micah says smugly. The smirk on his face makes me smile.

“I don’t know who else has used it... I’ll pass,” I say. The light in his eyes fades before my eyes.

“I’ve never brought anyone here, Aubrie.” He turns and walks away from me, disappearing into the kitchen.

My heart sinks a little further knowing that. I walk into the bathroom, starting the shower.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I lose it.

Benny and I looked a lot alike. We had the same eyes. When we were younger, people always thought we were twins. I was hard on him. Mainly because I knew he was better than he thought.

He always looked down at himself, and I always looked up. I knew Benny held a lot of strength inside of him and at times, I was jealous of that. I wanted it. I wanted to be able to look at the world the way he did.

Now I can’t picture living without at least knowing he’s just a phone call away. It’s all gone now.

Tears slide down my cheeks before I wipe them away.

I brought this on myself. I left. I left and never told him goodbye. A fucking phone call five months later. That’s how he knew what happened to the baby and me. He offered to come to me. He offered to be there and I kept him away.

It’s my fault I never got to see him again. It’s my fault that I never got to say goodbye.

I didn’t realize just how hysterical I had gotten until the bathroom door flies open. I scare myself with the sounds that are leaving me right now.

“Aub’s.” The way he says my name just sinks me that much further.

He drops next to me on the floor, pulling me into his arms. I don’t know why I let him. I don’t need this shit.

“Why did I ruin it, Micah? Why didn’t I let him come to me when he said he would!” Screaming through the tears, I can hear just how stupid I sound.

I’m slowly falling apart and I have no idea how to fix it.

Chapter 25

Micah

  I held her until she couldn’t hold her head up. I feel like a complete ass for wanting her the way I do right now. I can’t help it. She was always that tiny thread that held a part of me together. She was always that piece that was missing.

Standing her on her feet in the steamy bathroom, I slowly pull her clothes from her body.

When Aubrie stands there helpless and naked before me, my mouth starts to water. I pull my clothes off before lifting her in my arms.

Stepping in the shower, I let the warm water hit her body first. She needs this. She needs me regardless of what she says.

My fingers come up to wipe the tears away from her cheeks.

“You wanna talk about it? Might help.” Aubrie doesn’t move at first. She stands there so still in my arms.

“I called him a few months after the accident. I told him what happened. He offered to come be with me and I said no. I didn’t want him there. I didn’t want to see the look on his face. The knowing... The knowing that I fucked up again.” What the hell? He knew about her and the baby and he didn’t tell me? How could he do that to me?

I swallow hard, not wanting to lose myself and get angry at him. The truth of the matter is, I am. I’m pissed that he hadn’t told me. He knew that whole time.

“Fucked what up?” I ask. Changing the subject back to her, I can be pissed later.

“My life. His life. I fucked it all up! When we were younger, he blamed me. Hell, he had every right to!” She’s getting herself worked up, but I can still see the hurt inside of her. She needs to let this part of herself go.

“What happened?” I ask as I swallow hard. I want to know. I never knew the story behind why those two weren’t closer than they were.

“We were young. I went to a party when I wasn’t supposed to. I just wanted to have fun. I never told you either. I didn’t want you to be mad. The girl I was with was drunk; she couldn’t drive me home. I called my mom. She went off like a mother should but they got up and got dressed to come get me. The cops never really knew what happened, but they somehow veered off the road. The car rolled, neither of them made it. Benny blamed me all the time. He had every right. I killed them.” She breaks down in my arms once more. Shit! I had no idea that’s what she’d been living with all this time.

That hatred for herself must run as deep as her veins.

She’s bottled that hatred up inside for so long—she needs to let it go.

She needs to take a breath and let the past stay where it needs to be.

Chapter 26

Aubrie

  I lie here in one of Micah’s club t-shirts. He got a phone call and had to head out for a while. I didn’t ask questions. I don’t care.

My heart feels like it crumbled inside of me.

I sent a quick text to Michelle, letting her know I wouldn’t be back this week. She seemed to understand.

I snuggle down into the pillow when I hear the door slam.

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

I close my eyes, pretending to be asleep when I hear his voice. He isn’t alone either.

“I don’t give a fuck. They aren’t comin’ anywhere near her, Stryker!” Micah snaps. He’s beyond pissed. That’s never a good thing.

“Never said they were, brother. We need to figure out where the hell they are, though.” Stryker’s harsh voice filters into the room. Stryker was a new one to me. I now know he is the Road Captain for Knights of Sin. He seems nice enough, but his look is as deadly as the others.

“She stayin’ or she gonna make this shit harder on us?” Stryker roars. I wonder who they are talking about? One of the old ladies, I’d assume.

“She is for now. I don’t know how long I can keep that up,” Micah says solemnly. I hear Stryker cursing under his breath.

“Get the fuck to the clubhouse in the mornin’. I’m callin’ Dax to get church at ten,” Stryker says with a growl. I hear Micah grunt before the door closes again.

I keep my eyes tightly closed, hoping he thinks I’m asleep.

The bedroom door opens and his presence is palpable. How is it the man can hold so much of the air hostage when he’s in the room? It’s overwhelming.

The bed shifts next to me, I know he sat down. My heart races.

“I’m so fuckin’ sorry for everything, Aub’s. If I could take back the past, maybe we would have still been together, raisin’ a family now. You didn’t ruin shit—I did. Wantin’ to blame you was a bitch move on my part.” His fingers brush a piece of hair away from my face.

I have to try with all my might to hold back the tears that want to fall. I can’t let him know that I heard him.

The bed shifts again before I hear the door close.

I pop my eyes open and let what he said sink into me.

Would he have wanted to raise a family with me?

Would he have been able to step up and be that kind of man? Maybe my leaving was worse than I thought. Would he have still gone off to the Marines?

Chapter 27

Micah

  Aubrie is pissed that I made her get up. After last night, she won’t be staying anywhere alone.

“I got church. We’ll get somethin’ to eat after that. Wait out here,” I say. Nodding toward the chairs, she watches me.

“Did you sleep last night? You look    tired,” she says as though she cares. What the hell is she doing?

“I’m fine,” I cut her off and start to walk away.

“You don’t look fine,” she grumbles. Why is she pushing me? She didn’t want anything to do with me, and now she’s pushing me. I don’t know where the hell my head’s at right now.

“I said I’m fine! Sit your ass down and wait for me.” She jumps slightly when I raise my voice. I can’t say sorry, though. She’s pushing me too much.

I run my hand through my hair as I make my way into the office. Taking my seat next to Bomber, he chuckles before he says, “She workin’ your ass over?” Cutting my eyes at him, he laughs harder.

“Pushin’ my goddamn buttons,” I tell him.  He nods his head, knowing how she used to be. She didn’t always push me this hard, but she did push.

Once all the guys are around the table, Bomber brings the gavel down.

“You all know that Mystic Waters MC made a threat last night. They admitted to taking Benny out. This didn’t come directly... so we’re still lookin’ into it,” Bomber announces to the room. The room erupts in roars. They are all beyond pissed.

“Shut the fuck up! Mystic Waters has been off the grid for years now since their Prez was killed. No one ever took over that we knew of. This makes the situation that much worse. We don’t know who the fuck we’re dealin’ with,” he says sternly. I close my eyes, pissed beyond words.

“I’m on it, Prez. I’ll see what I can get,” Link speaks up before Bomber nods.

“Kane and Sebastian, head out and see if North Star has any intel on this shit. Last we heard, they hated those sons of bitches as much as we did. The rest of you, keep your guard up. Aubrie was a direct target that was mentioned, bein’ Benny’s sister. We don’t know what the fuck Benny had to do with this, but she’s one of us,” he roars. Slamming the gavel down, the guys all stand and start heading out of the room.

“You okay with all of this?”  Bomber asks me. My eyes come to meet his.

“Does it matter? She’s my responsibility now. I made that promise to Benny. Whether she fuckin’ likes it or not, she’s stuck with me.” I shove out of my chair and head toward the door when Bomber laughs.

“Got you whipped again.” I let that one slide, given the situation.

Chapter 28

Aubrie

  “So, you are Benny’s sister?” Some short blonde drops into the chair next to me.

“Yeah, I am.” Looking back at the magazine in my hand, I try to ignore her nasty stare.

I can hear her little huffs next to me. I don’t know who she is, but I don’t like her. That much I do know!

“Did you want something?” I ask, clearly annoyed with her. Dragging my eyes over to hers, she sneers at me.

“You know, I heard all about you and Micah. He’s moved on, though. He isn’t into you anymore,” she purrs.  Oh, Christ! It’s my first club whore run-in!

Even back when I was first with Micah, I never had to deal with the club whores. This is my first.

“I suppose that’s a good thing since I’m not into him anymore either.” Winking at her seems to make her mad.

“He’s been with me. A lot,” she says as she smiles. Why does the thought of that make my stomach churn?

“That’s good for you! You should be proud of marking the VP off your fuck list.” Her face reddens when she stands up. She grabs me without warning.

She pulls my hair before I stand. With a handful of my hair in her hand, I am getting way beyond pissed.

“I’ll give you ten seconds to take your fucking hands off me before I lose it,” I warn her. The blonde snickers, until her hands fall quickly away from me. I don’t need to turn around to know that there’s someone behind me. Their body heat is stifling.

“She was being a smart-ass,” the little slut says, putting her hands on her hips when I giggle.

“Yeah, that’s what it was. If her telling me all about her little list of fuck buddies is being a smart-ass, then I guess I was...” I don’t turn around to see who it is. I stare at the red face of the little bitch in front of me.

“Oh, yeah? Who was on that list?” Damn it to hell. It would be Micah behind me. Why would I expect anything less?

Turning on my heel, I start to pass him before slapping a hand on his chest.

“You are... big boy.” I can’t stop the laughter that comes out of me as I walk past him. The growl that ripped out of him doesn’t sound like it will end well for blondie. Then again, I don’t give a shit.

“What the hell is happenin’ over there?” Bullet steps in front of me watching over my head.

“She was telling me about all her belt notches. Apparently, Micah has been the main one.” Bullet’s eyes widen before he looks back down at me.

“You don’t have to say anything. We aren’t together,” I tell him. Laughter blows out of him, taking me by surprise.

“Does he know that?” Bullet asks. He points at Micah and I’m confused again. I know Micah likes to pretend. I’m not his. I haven’t been in a long fucking time.

Chapter 29

Micah

  I would have killed that bitch. I would have snapped her nasty, little neck, if Bullet hadn’t stepped in.

I can’t believe Char would say shit like that to Aubrie. That’s just one more thing I’ll have to work out with her later. As if my list with her isn’t ever growing. Right now, we have a job to do.

“You sure takin’ her is a good idea? You’re gonna be there a few days, Micah. We can get Link to keep an eye on her,” Bomber says smoothly.  That’s the last fucking thing I need. Link up in Aubrie’s ass any further than he already is? I don’t think so.

“I wanna keep an eye on her, Prez. She’ll be alright.” Bomber nods as I gather up the camping gear.

“This oughta be good,” he mumbles on his way out the door. I can’t do shit but smile. He knows me all too well.

Once I’ve finished gathering everything we’ll need, I head back inside the clubhouse.

Spotting Aubrie off to the side with Stryker, something sparks inside of me. I never want to let her go. I knew it the day I saw her at her house.

Aubrie is like a fine wine. She gets better over time and she sure as hell has had time.

Stryker’s gaze catches mine before she turns to look at me. So perfectly perfect. How the fuck did I ever push her away?

She smiles at me. A real fucking smile crosses her face. I stand there emotionless. I don’t know what to do. I miss her... I want her.

Do I try to win her back? She said she had a life of her own, a boyfriend. Do I get in the way of that? She seemed somewhat happy with pretty-boy even though I can’t stand him.

Maybe this is all in my head. Maybe I shouldn’t try to make a move on her. She has been someone else’s for a long time now.

I let her go. I pushed her until she left so why the hell do I think I deserve anything from her?

Shaking my head, her smile’s gone, but her eyes are still on me.

She takes slow, but deliberate steps toward me. Her eyes never leave mine.

“Are you okay?” she asks, looking concerned. I don’t know what to say... I just nod.

“We have business. I don’t wanna leave you here. You’re goin’ with me.” I don’t give her the chance to say no. I turn and haul the rest of the gear out the side door and toward my truck.

It almost makes me laugh when she stomps out behind me.

“What if I say no?” I toss the stuff into the back of the truck before moving toward her.

I lean in closely, almost daring her to challenge me before I say, “Then I will tie your ass up and force you. In fact, that would give me great pleasure.”

Chapter 30

Aubrie

  The thought of being tied up and at his mercy sent shivers through my body. In fact, I’m still thinking about it now. I can’t seem to shake that image from my head.

I got in the truck like a good little girl. We’d been driving for hours before he pulled onto a dirt road about thirty minutes ago.

I have zero fucking clue where we’re going. Micah hasn’t said a word... and I haven’t asked.

His jaw has been firmly set, the muscles in his arms twitching. Clearly, he’s pissed off and so focused, he doesn’t notice. It intrigues me, though. I find myself liking to watch him when he’s like this. He’s focused and unwavering. Not the same man I knew.

“You have fuckin’ stared at me for half an hour. If you have somethin’ to say—fuckin’ say it.” His growl vibrates through the truck. What a dick!

Fuck him. I cross my arms over my chest, looking out the window.  Maybe he isn’t as intriguing as I thought.

His attitude has for sure changed in the last ten years. Micah was never like this before.

I guess times change, people change. I know I have. After everything I went through, I’m not the same little girl.

“Why do I have to be here?” I know I’m whining but I have better things to do with my time.

“Cause I said you do,” he growls. Wow, way to be an asshole!

“You’re annoying.” His grunt is all I get in return.

“Why are you such a bastard? Why drag me along if you don’t want me here, Micah? Fuck! I’ll be glad when I get that shit signed and can go back home.” Micah slams on the brake.

I put my hand up to stop myself from slamming into the dashboard. Jesus Christ!

His jaw tics but now, words come out of his mouth, and they are harsh ones at that.

“You push my goddamn buttons, Aubrie. I’m not the ‘old’ Micah. Being in the Marines changed me, and not in a good way.” He doesn’t look over at me. He’s telling me shit I already know, too.

“Thanks for that observation. I’m pretty sure I came to that conclusion all by myself.” Huffing, I lean back against the seat.

“Why do you like doin’ that? Huh? Does it give you a fuckin’ thrill? Get your pussy wet?” What the hell is he talking about now? God, this man is unnerving.

Turning toward him, I study him for a minute.

“Did you get hit in the head overseas?” I ask with slight amusement in my voice. Micah cocks his head to the side, watching me with a lethal glare.

“You keep pushin’ me, Aubrie. One of these times I will break, and God help that pretty little ass of yours when I do.”

Damn. I don’t know how to take that. A part of me is afraid to see exactly what he’d do, but the other part, the one that craves that man, wants to see it.

What kind of shit fuck does that make me?

Chapter 31

Micah

  She’s lucky she closed her mouth when she did. She was pushing me to a limit I’d never been pushed to before. Most people know when to stop with me. They know when enough is enough... but not her. She doesn’t know because she never saw it.

You would have thought my time in the Marines would have pushed me into gaining some self-control, but it’s quite the opposite.

There are days when I feel like I’m losing my grip on reality. Those days have been coming a lot more lately. The nightmares, too.

It’s always the same shit. I see everything I did overseas replay in my mind. Doc told me it was PTSD. What the fuck does he know anyway?

But still, it’s like a piece of my sanity is being ripped away, and now Aubrie is right in the middle of it. I don’t like being this way to her. I was never this much of a bastard to women. My head’s not right anymore, and I’m not sure it ever will be.

I set up the tent while she sits on the ground, playing in the dirt. It’s such an innocent act.

I wonder what she’s been doing all these years? How she managed to get along on her own for so long? Her place in Florida wasn’t bad. It was actually nice for just her working.

“Now you’re staring.” She doesn’t even look up at me when she speaks. I chuckle before pounding the last stake into the ground.

“I was just thinkin’, that’s all.” She rolls her eyes before tossing the stick she’d been dragging through the dirt down in front of her.

“Then say it,” she says. Shaking my head, I blow out a breath.

I look over at her and say, “I was just wonderin’ how you dealt with everything if you were alone down there. After the accident, I mean.”  Aubrie shrugs before shoving herself off the ground. I watch her as she dusts off her jeans.

“I wasn’t really alone. I had Michelle. She helped me through a lot. Some days... I just felt so lost. Nothing made sense. Over time, I learned that I was alone and accepted it. I moved forward. Went to school, got a job. I made something out of myself that I was proud of.” Damn. How could I love her more than before? I do, though, I feel it all throughout me. She has lived a life of her own hell, one that I probably created, but she pulled through it all.

“It was brave of you,” I tell her. Aubrie huffs.

“No, it wasn’t. There were days when I thought death would be better than opening my eyes. A lot of the time I hated myself for surviving that crash.” The words that leave her mouth crush my heart. How could she even say something like that?

She had so much to live for. She had me.

But she didn’t. I pushed her away. And like everything else in my life, I let her go.

I was the one that messed up. I was the one that made her the way she is.

All of it’s my fault.

Chapter 32

Aubrie

  He looks at me like he wants to say more. He doesn’t, though. He just stands there.

“When I was overseas, I thought about that a lot. I didn’t think anyone would miss me. It was hard knowin’ that I did what I did,” he says, his voice low and full of his own pain. That makes no sense to me, though. He kills people all the time.

“You kill for the club. How is that different?” I have to ask. His eyes burn into me. There’s so much emotion in them that I can’t place which one I’m seeing.

“That night—at your house—the nightmare I had.” He stops, swallowing hard.

“I was on a rooftop. I was up there for sixteen hours straight. No sleep. No rest. I was focused when I saw a kid walkin’ toward my crew on the ground. I didn’t want it to be true. I didn’t want to see it, but there in his hands... were two grenades. I waited. I watched and waited. When I saw him bringin’ it to his lips to pull the pin, I had no choice...” His voice has grown quiet. He doesn’t need to finish. I know what happened next.

“You killed him,” I say. Micah nods, his eyes full of sadness. He’s full of hurt and pain. Anger at himself for what he had to do.

“He couldn’t have been older than thirteen. I pulled the trigger. It was my crew... or him.” It wasn’t his fault. God, he thinks it was his fault.

I move toward him, grabbing his arm.

“Micah, you saved your guys. You did what you had to do,” I say, trying to reassure him. He shakes my hands away from him. He looks at me like I’m some kind of monster. Like I don’t understand.

He’s lost. He’s in his own head.

“I killed a kid, Aubrie! You don’t know what that has done to me. Yeah, I kill people. It’s become a part of who I am, but I never killed another kid. Not until I pushed you away! Not until you told me I killed our baby,” he roars. His words go straight to my heart. He’s blaming himself for that, too? I know I blamed him. It was wrong. I shouldn’t have... but I had to blame someone!

I stand there in a stunned silence. Unsure of how to move forward. What do I say to him?

Words don’t form and I don’t think that at this moment they need to.

I reach for Micah’s face, holding it in my hands.

“The guy that hit me was drunk. That wasn’t your fault.” My words are softer than I wanted them to be. I know I should say sorry for blaming him.

“I pushed you away, Aub’s. If you hadn’t run from me...” Shaking my head, I don’t let him finish. I can’t.

Pressing my lips to his, I lose myself in this man.

The man that has held my heart in the palms of his hands since I was a kid.

The man that has managed to retake his place back inside of my heart.

Who the hell am I kidding trying to keep him away? I can’t.

I miss him too much.

Chapter 33

Micah

  As heated as this kiss is getting, it’s hard as hell for me to pull away.

“We can’t do this, Aub’s. I won’t let you forgive me for that,” I tell her. The look in her eyes burns deep. She can’t, though. I ruined that part of her life. As much as I want her, it isn’t forgivable.

“That isn’t your choice. As much as you think every decision in life is yours—this one isn’t.” Aubrie shakes her head as she speaks to me.

How can she say that after I killed our child? I may not have directly had a hand in it, but I did push her away... and that should be enough.

“Aubrie, I’m not the man I used to be.” Her fingers slip over my skin like a piece of silk.

“I’m not the little girl that ran away   either.” She’s right. She’s not…. She’s so much more than that.

Our lips touch and lightning explodes within me. Every part of my being is calling out to her. Every ounce of love that I have left inside of me belongs to Aubrie. It always has.

My tongue slides past her lips, tasting her. The way she glides her tongue against mine, my dick instantly knows what it wants.

My fingers come up to knot in her hair, pulling her impossibly closer to me. The feel of her hardened nipples against my chest makes me groan.

Aubrie shifts, pushing herself closer to me. Her hands wrap around my neck, her nails digging in. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she wants me as much as I want her.

I back her up toward the tent. I don’t know why because there is no one out here but us.

Pulling my mouth from hers is like a piece of myself breaking away.

Her sexy lips are swollen from my kiss, her hair a mess where my hand was holding on for dear life.

“You are so fuckin’ beautiful, Aub’s.” Reaching for the hem of her shirt, I pull it over her head. Her arms automatically cross over her scar covered stomach. I know that she is self-conscious of it but she shouldn’t be. This is her—this is what life has made her.

“Don’t cover up... I want to see all of    you.” Her arms slowly drop from her stomach. My eyes travel over her, loving the way bumps form when I’m not even touching her.

Her eyes sparkle when I look into them. Gripping the button on her jeans, I slowly unsnap it before lowering them down her legs. My breath catches in my throat.

Burying my face between her thighs, I inhale her scent. I can smell her arousal.

“God, Aubrie.”

Chapter 34

Aubrie

  His face is between my legs. He hasn’t touched me, though. My body is engulfed in flames. Micah has always had this effect on me.

His hands come up to rest on my ankles before sliding up slowly. The way his fingers skim over my skin, I want to melt into him. He feels so good.

His fingers hook into my thong, slowly dragging them down my legs. I step out before he stuffs them into his pocket.

“Spread your legs, Aub’s,” he demands. I slide my feet apart like he told me to when I feel him bite the inner part of my thigh.

Heat floods my body before his tongue thrashes over the same spot.  He hasn’t even touched my most sensitive spot yet, and I feel like I could cum at any second.

His fingers continue their way up, sliding through my wetness. My eyes clenched shut, reveling in the feel of him touching me. He’s so easy and sweet. Far from the man I know him to be.

Micah licks his way up my thighs when he slips a finger inside of me. The gasp that falls from my lips isn’t missed by him either as he lets out a soft chuckle.

His breath tickles my skin before his tongue flicks over my clit. My eyes stay closed as I let the pleasure of feeling him take hold of me.

My hands come to grip his hair, holding him in place.

I never want him to move from this position again.

His finger glides in and out of me with ease, but when his teeth tug on my clit, I almost lose it.

“Micah!” His name rips out of me as he chuckles against me. He works my clit with his teeth and tongue, making my body tighten up.

“Shit!” I hiss when he slams his finger inside of me. The deeper he goes, the hotter I am. I don’t know how much more I can handle of this tortuous pace he’s picked up.

I find myself moving my hips to meet his licks. I get a groan of approval before my body overheats.

Lightning bursts behind my eyes, my orgasm shakes me to the core.

Micah doesn’t move or stop, only slows his rhythm.

I’m out of breath when he pulls his finger out of me. I don’t want him to stop. I want more... so much more.

“Don’t whine... I’m not done yet.” Micah stands up, pulling his clothes off quickly from his body.

The man is like a solid statue standing in front of me. He looks so good naked, his dick throbbing and bobbing in front of me.

Chapter 35

Micah

  I have never been so hard in my life. My dick is practically screaming out in pain to be inside of her.

Aubrie’s hand comes out to capture my dick, gliding up and down. A hiss escapes my lips as I close my eyes.

“As much as I’d love to feel your hands all over me, I can’t wait that long,” I tell her.  Reaching for her, I wrap my arms around her waist before laying her down inside the tent. Climbing between her thighs, I let her feel what she’s doing to me. The overwhelming need to own this girl is shaking me.

I lean my head down, taking her nipple into my mouth. I slowly twirl it around, flicking and tugging. Her moans are music to my ears.

Sliding inside of her, though, almost sucks the air from my lungs. She was made for me. There is no doubt about it.

Letting her hardened nipple go with a pop, I lean back and look down at her. Her eyes are shining with lust. I love seeing her like this. Cheeks flushed, hair wild.

“So, beautiful,” whispering the words, she smiles.

I lift her leg, tossing it over my shoulder. My hips rock slowly at first, but the more she tightens around me, the harder I go.

I buck my hips, plunging deeply. Her hands grip my arms. Nothing in the world could compare to this.

Rotating my hips, she tilts her head back. I take that as my cue to move in. Leaning down over her, I bite her neck roughly before flicking my tongue over the same spot.

Aubrie cries out from the pain that turns to pleasure. Her nails dig into my skin, only sending that burst of need through me.

“You feel so good, Aub’s. You’re mine. Tell me you’re mine,” growling against her neck, my balls tighten. Heat courses through my veins, forcing my blood to thump in my ears.

“Say it!” Grunting, I thrust harder, faster.

“I’m yours! Fuck, Micah!” Hard, rough thrusts, finish me. My dick explodes, filling Aubrie with every piece of me.

Her body shudders, with her release coating my skin. There is nothing in the world better than this.

I lower my head to rest on Aubrie’s. Our eyes lock as our breathing calms.

“I love you, Aubrie. I always have.” Pressing my lips to hers, I can feel her grin against me.

“I love you, too.” Those four words send jolts throughout my body. My dick hardens inside of her once more.

Chapter 36

Aubrie

  Micah has fucked me in every position possible. My body is sore but in a good way.

He makes me feel so special. He makes me feel cared about.

I’ve lied here awake for the last hour, wondering where he is. I thought he might need some time to himself, but this is just insane.

I grab his t-shirt, and slide it over my head before pulling my shorts on.

Once I have my boots on, I head out of the tent.

Stretching out, I glance around when I see him on the ground, a rifle in front of him.

I make my way cautiously toward him, not wanting to startle him.

“What are you doing?” I ask.  I’m confused as to why he’d have a rifle out here.

“Lie next to me,” he says smoothly. I look down at the blanket that he’s lying on before I move to lie next to him.

“Why are we lying here in the dark?” Micah chuckles before pulling away from his rifle. His eyes burn into my soul, much like they always have.

“We got word on some shit that may be goin’ down. If anyone shows up, I take them out.” Winking at me, my stomach cramps.

He leans back down, his eyes coming to rest in front of the scope. My insides tremble with the thoughts of what he’s doing.

“Who is it?” I ask. Micah clears his throat.

“Can’t talk about it.” Well, that’s a little vague. Asshole.

“So, you drag me out here in the middle of nowhere to shoot at people, but can’t tell me who they are or why?” I ask. That’s pissing me off. Why is he acting all closed up now?

“It’s club business, Aub’s. We don’t talk to our old ladies about club business.” His words slice through my chest like a knife. Is that what he thinks I am?

“Old ladies? Since when is that what I am?” I don’t miss the breath he blows out. In fact, he sounded a bit frustrated with me. Good, that makes two of us.

“I didn’t realize it wasn’t clear enough when I fucked you six times in that tent,” he says smugly. I don’t miss the hostility in his voice either, though.

“I didn’t realize sex had so much meaning,” I retort. I watch his hand clench next to the rifle.

He doesn’t say anything else, though.

Chapter 37

Micah

  I knew she would question me about this operation, but I didn’t think she’d question that she was mine.

I guess the reality is that she has her life back in Florida. As much as I hate it, I understand.

I’ve thought long and hard about it and if she wants to go back, I don’t know if I can let her.

Aubrie doesn’t realize just how much she means to me. I plan on showing her, but right now, I know she’s pissed.

“I wish it were easier to tell you what’s goin’ on but it’s against club rules. You should know that,” I tell her. She was with me before; she understands the rules.

“Yeah, guess I forgot. I’m just ready to go home.” She sighs before laying her head on her arm.

“We will after these assholes show up.” Mumbling under my breath, I know she heard me.

“My home, Micah. My house with my friends and my job. Why is that so hard for you to understand?” she questions me. Well, fuck. I’ve pushed her buttons.

“Cause, I don’t want you to go. I don’t want you to leave,” I answer her honestly, but I won’t look over at her. I know that look, and I don’t want to see it right now.

Aubrie asks, “What was it like over there?” She changes the subject like it was a breath that she took.

“Hot.” I’ve never liked talking about my time over there. The fact that I killed without regard still lingers in my mind. At least here, I have a set reason why I do it. Over there, I just took orders.

“Fine. I’m going to sleep.” She starts to shove up when I reach for her. Grasping her wrist, she flattens back out. I know I need to open up to her a little more. I know she’s just curious.

“It was a small piece of hell. Everywhere you looked... bombs were goin’ off, people were dead. I lost a lot of friends, a lot of good guys over there. I met some good ones, too. Bullet was a Scout Sniper like I was. We looked out for each other.” I keep my eyes on the land ahead of me. Watching and waiting.

“I didn’t realize Bullet was in the Marines, too.”

“Yeah. He was a ruthless motherfucker. We watched each other’s backs over there, much like we do here. He saved my life once.” I know she’s smiling, I can feel it without looking. That’s the beauty of Aubrie and me, I know her.

“Sounds like you have a good friend.” She’s right. I have the best fucking friends.

“I have a family. That’s what they all are to me.”

“What happened when he saved you?”

Chapter 38

Aubrie

  I love when Micah opens up and talks to me. It makes me feel like he trusts me with those parts of his life.

“It was late one night. We were both on watch. We had been in our spots for almost twenty-four hours. It was like a livin’ hell. I dozed off. I didn’t realize I did it until I heard the shot go off. That woke my ass up quickly. Someone had snuck up behind me. He was about to blow my fuckin’ head off when Bullet took the shot. I thank fuckin’ God every day that he did,” he tells me in all honesty. A smile pulls across my face. I don’t know how to respond to that, but I agree. I thank God that Bullet was there.

“That must have been scary being over there.” He pulls back from the scope, glancing over at me.

“It was like nothin’ I’ve ever felt before. You never know what’s around the next corner. You never know if there’s some kind of explosive device where you take your next step. When I say it was hell—I mean it. People were blown to fuckin’ pieces. You didn’t know who to trust, but you have to trust the ones with you. Scared the shit outta me but it also made me.” His eyes sparkle in the moonlight. He’s gorgeous.

“How did it make you?” I ask. I want to keep him talking. I want him to connect with me. I don’t know why, but there’s a yearning deep inside of me that’s pushing me for more.

“I learned how to work with a team. I learned how to look out for the ones I cared about. Kept my ass sane after you left.” With those last words, his eyes drop from mine. I immediately feel the loss.

“Show me how it works.” With a smile, I reach for his chin, lifting it to meet my gaze.

“How what works?” he asks. He looks confused, his brow’s furrowed. All I can do is smile.

“The rifle. I want to see what it is you see in there.” Flipping my finger in the air, he chuckles.

“You’re crazy, you know that?” he says. Nodding my head quickly, this I already know.

“Scoot over here.” Micah climbs on his knees as I scoot across the blanket.

Taking his place, I feel his muscular thighs as he straddles my ass. God, the heat coming off this man is stifling.

“Don’t touch anything. Just look through there.” Pointing to the scope, I lean up, looking through it.

It’s weird seeing the world through that tiny hole.

“So, what? You just wait until your target is in the scope?” His chuckle is closer to my neck this time.

My body responds just like always.

Chapter 39

Micah

  My dick drills into her ass. I know she can feel it. I felt the way her body tensed up.

“No. You see the crosshair in there? Get your target right in the middle... then pull the trigger.” My hips rock into her ass as I talk.

“Huh? What if you’re off?” she asks. She wiggles her ass against me knowing that she’s only wearing those tiny ass shorts.

“There’s always a second shot. You just have to make it quick,” I tell her. Her gasp is like a slap in the face. She wants me.

“You have to stay steady. Keep your focus... no matter what you feel or hear.” My lips brush over her neck, my hand moving down her body.

My fingers glide over the crease of her ass just as a hiss escapes my lips.

“Your focus is what will save you. You can’t let your guard down even for a second.” Slipping my fingers under the bottom of her shorts, I glide over her soaking wet pussy. Hearing her pant, I know she wants me.

“Your eyes have to stay wide open. You never know when someone might show up.” Pushing a finger inside of her, she lets out a soft cry. Fuck, she has me hard as a rock.

“Are you focused, Aub’s?” In, and out, I slide my finger, making her body shake with need.

“Micah.” My name is sexy as hell leaving her lips.

“I know, babe.” I pick up speed when I feel her tighten up. I know she isn’t ready yet!

“No, Micah. Someone’s there.” Pulling my finger out quickly, I move Aubrie out of the way. I climb up, looking through the scope at who she saw.

“You little fuckers.” My eyes stay on the two bikes that are rounding the area. When the first one turns, and I can see his cut, my body amps up for the kill.

“Only two of you, huh? Stupid move.” I know I’m mumbling to myself, but it’s what I do when I’m focused.

“Who is that?” Aubrie whispers like they can hear her. I almost laugh, but I don’t want to upset her.

“Why only two? Where are the others?” I don’t answer her because frankly, I’m in my zone. I don’t do conversations when I’m this focused on a task. I learned that the hard way.

Moving the gun around, I check the surrounding area until I’m satisfied that there are only the two of those fuckers.

“Say good night, motherfuckers.” I fire off two shots, one right after the other. Neither one of them saw it coming.

“We gotta go.”

Chapter 40

Aubrie

  He shot them both. He didn’t even bat an eye. His focus was stellar. He didn’t move a single muscle.

“Aub’s. We gotta move!” Snapping at me, I finally close my mouth, shoving off the ground.

Micah has the rifle in its case and the tent half down before I ever moved.

“Grab the blanket,” he says. The rest of the tent goes down as easily as taking a breath for him. He just keeps working as though nothing happened.

My heart is slamming inside of me. I just saw someone get killed. Right in front of me. I just saw them alive through that scope, and now they’re not.

I don’t know how I feel about that.

“Look at me!” Micah growls, jerking my attention to him. When did he move? When did he put his hands on my shoulders?

“We have to go. We’ll talk later. Understand?” He’s trying to be calm with me. Nodding my head slowly, I roll the blanket up before walking in a trance toward the truck.

I knew what he did. I knew he killed people, but holy shit! He just did it while I was lying right there! How do I know they deserved it? Maybe they didn’t! Maybe they were just in the wrong place!

Micah jerks the blanket out of my hand, tossing it into the back of the truck before opening my door. When I don’t move, he huffs and lifts me in.

He settles me in the seat before reaching across my chest and buckling me in.

He doesn’t say a word. He’s focused on the task at hand, just like he said he had to be.

My mind overworks itself. Why did he bring me with him if he just intended to show me what he did? I didn’t need to be around for that part.

I didn’t want to see that part.

Micah looks around the area, checking for something or someone. When he looks satisfied, he climbs into the driver’s seat.

“Hold on.” I don’t move. Hold on? Shit, I don’t even know where the hell my head is right now!

Micah takes off, throwing rocks as he hauls ass out of the area. I wonder if there are more?

I wonder if he saw something and that’s why he’s driving as erratic as he is.

“Are there more?” My voice cracks when I speak. He just killed them, though!

“Yeah, there are more. Just not here.” My heart rate spikes before falling again.

“I’m going to throw up.”

Chapter 41

Micah

  Thank fuck, Aubrie held out on barfing until we got back to the main road.

I stopped at a gas station where she’s currently locked in the bathroom. I can hear her in there.

I take that as my chance to call and check in with Bomber.

“Tell me you got some...” He doesn’t say hi, we are way beyond that.

“Two. That’s all I saw. They circled the fuckin’ area, but never saw us.” Bomber laughs into the other end of the phone.

“Didn’t expect them to, Sniper! You get your ass outta there?” Blowing out a breath, I know what he’s thinking. If there were two, there were more to come.

“Yeah, Aubrie lost her shit. Stopped at a gas station so she could use the bathroom. Make sure you’re locked up tight. We’ll be there soon.”

“Heard that. Take care of her.” Grunting into the phone, he doesn’t need to tell me twice.

I slide my phone back into my pocket before heading inside the store.

I grab her some crackers and a soda, tossing the cash on the counter.

Giving the clerk a quick nod, I head back around to the side where Aubrie is leaning against the building.

“Here. Drink a little.” Passing her the drink, she takes it. Popping the top, she takes a small sip before looking away from me.

“You killed them,” she states. As if I needed the reminder—I know what I did.

“I had to. There was no choice.” Her head snaps up, cocking to the side. I know what she’s thinking before she ever says it.

“I had to, Aubrie! You don’t understand the situation!” I roar. I don’t want to lose my shit with her, but she is pushing me, yet again.

“You’re right. I don’t understand, Micah. I don’t understand because you refuse to tell me!” she screams. Passing me the can back, she starts to storm passed me. I toss the can, grabbing her arm.

Yanking her back in front of me, I can see how pissed she is, but she should see the rage in my eyes, too.

“Don’t do this shit.” I try to keep my tone even.

“You did this shit. How do I know they weren’t just there enjoying the goddamn scenery! How do I know they weren’t out there to have a little fun?” Damn her!

“You want to know how I know that? Because they are lookin’ for you, Aubrie! They want you!”

Chapter 42

Aubrie

  He’s obviously lying to cover his own ass. Why would anyone be after me? I don’t have anything to do with any of this shit.

He’s lying.

“You’re a liar. You’re lying to me right now to make it okay for what you did.” Gritting my teeth, I will not be lied to.

“Am I? Ask Bomber when we get back about that. I wouldn’t lie to you, Aubrie! Not about this!” he hollers. He pushes me back against the brick of the building. My heart roars in my ears.

“Why? Why would they be after me? I just got here!” Raising my voice, I’m glad it’s late, and there’s no one else out here, or I’d be drawing an audience.

“Not my place...” Shoving into his chest, I cut him off.

“Not your place. Nothing is your place is it, Micah? You drag me around with you like your own personal rag doll and I get to know nothing!” Pounding my fists into his chest once more, he takes a step back.

“That’s not fair, Aubrie! I’m tryin’ to keep you safe. Let’s just get back and see what Bomber says.” His eyes plead with me. I can see it in there.

Fuck him. I won’t go back to that club and be held hostage.

“No. I’m not going anywhere with you.” I can see the deadly glint in his eyes. I’m pushing him further and further to his breaking point.

Sliding my phone out, I send a quick text to Link. I asked him to come pick me up and please not tell Micah. I know they’re brothers and all that shit, but I can only hope he doesn’t write or call him.

“The fuck you’re not! We’re almost home. Let’s go,” he snaps. Grabbing my arm, I snap it back out of his grasp.

“Don’t touch me! I said... I’m not going anywhere with you!” His nostrils flare. The fire in his eyes is consuming. Yep, I’ve pissed him off pretty good.

“Don’t act like a goddamn baby out here. Get your ass in the truck!” Pointing toward the front of the store, I cross my arms over my chest.

“Aubrie! I will fuckin’ tie your ass up and put you in there!” His roar startles me slightly, but I quickly regain my composure.

I like being defiant. I like pushing him, but what I don’t like, is being lied to.

“You won’t do it, Micah. You won’t because I’ll cause the biggest scene you have ever seen in your life.”

Chapter 43

Micah

  Oh, my fucking Christ. I am going to strangle her with my bare fucking hands!

The defiance in her makes my dick hard. I want to slam her against that wall and fuck the shit out of her but we need to get back.

“I won’t say it again,” growling low in my throat, I lean into her.

Her eyes stay on me when I hear the roar of an engine. I’m already on high alert with the Waters’ out there somewhere.

I grab Aubrie, even through her protest. I drag her ass around to the front before I see the single bike pull into the parking lot. What the fuck?

Link pulls up next to us, glancing between the two of us as he cuts the engine off.

“Hello.” His greeting is meant to piss me off, or I’m overly agitated.

“What the hell are you doin’ here?” I growl. If my eyes could set a fire, this motherfucker would be burning.

“I was asked for a ride,” he says. His eyes move to Aubrie before coming back to mine.

“We’re fine,” I grunt. My hand doesn’t loosen off her wrist.

Her little huff makes me harder by the second. Shaking herself free, she moves toward Link.

“We’re not fine! I told you I wasn’t going anywhere with you!” she snaps at me again and I swear I want to lose it. It’s taking all the strength I have to keep myself from ripping both their heads off.

“That’s how you want it? Fuck you!” I yell. I watch her raise her eyebrows, but Link remains silent. That would probably be for the best.

“Get her ass back to the clubhouse,” I tell him.

“I don’t think so. I’m not going back there... or to your house,” she says smugly. I take a couple of deep breaths. I need to reign in my anger before I snap her neck. The way she’s acting, the thought had crossed my mind.

“You better pick one, sweetheart—because those are your only options.” I scrub my hand over my face when she decides to speak again.

“I have other choices. That’s the beauty of being me. I’m free to make my own choices, Micah.” She stares me down, so much rage inside of her. I want it, I want every last drop of it, but she won’t give it.

“You are mine!” The growl rips through my body. My muscles tense up.

Aubrie laughs before looking over her shoulder.

“Link, can I stay with you until the bus station opens tomorrow?”

Chapter 44

Aubrie

  I bat my eyelashes at Link, hoping he will say yes. I can see that look, though. He’s afraid of what Micah has to say.

“I’ll sleep on the couch. Please...” One more time, I bat my eyelashes. Link grins, looking at me.

“Fine. You can stay.” Link finally gives in to me. Micah roars behind us before I feel his hands on my shoulders.

He jerks me back into his solid wall of muscle.

“You won’t be stayin’ anywhere but with me. Do you understand me?”  Damn this man! Spinning in his arms, he is really pissing me off.

“You know what caveman! I am an adult. I’ve been on my own for a long goddamn time now. I don’t need you throwing your weight around! I don’t need you telling me what to do, and I sure as hell don’t need you in my life! Now, leave me the fuck alone before I call the police.” It was a low blow, and I know it, but that’s the only way he’s going to let go of me.

His grip tightens, but only for a second.

“Fine. Go cool off, but you aren’t gettin’ on no goddamn bus tomorrow. You’re responsible for her. One fuckin’ thing goes wrong... I’ll shoot you myself,” he says. Pointing over my shoulder at Link, I roll my eyes.

Micah grips the back of my neck, dragging me into him.

His lips slam into mine, a hard, rough, dominating kiss. I don’t kiss him back, I won’t.

“One false move, Aubrie.” Shaking his head, he reluctantly releases me.

He climbs in the truck, revving the engine when I turn to Link.

“You’re just askin’ for trouble, aren’t you?” Link says with the hint of humor. The lopsided grin on his face is adorable.

“I’ve been known to cause a little trouble here and there.” Link passes me a helmet that I quickly slide on when the truck squeals out of the parking lot.

“He’s gonna kick my ass for this.” His voice is full of amusement.

“He dragged me along to kill someone. In fact, two people. That’s not okay with me, Link. I get what you guys do, but I don’t need to be involved in it.” Link nods his head as though he agrees.

“He didn’t want you out of his sight. There are things goin’ on within the    club.” Shaking my head, I’ve already heard all of this.

“I know. Someone wants to kill me. I don’t give a shit. I’m not involved, Link.” He grips my shoulders, smiling at me.

“I know you’re not, but bein’ around, kinda makes you a part,” Link says, trying to reason with me. Link shrugs, but it doesn’t register with me. I don’t care, I just want to go home.

Chapter 45

Micah

  There’s a storm brewing inside of me tonight, much like the one outside. It isn’t much different than any other night, though.

Bomber put the club on lockdown, making me happy. That means Link has to bring Aubrie back here.

She was dead set on not being near me, but I guess that’s too bad for her now.

I sit in the back of the room, half-drunk out of my mind. I don’t know which way my head’s running. Toward Aubrie or those asshole Waters’. Either way, I want them both.

The door opens and I watch Link walk in with Aubrie at his side. My muscles tightly clench when I see her smile up at him. It takes everything I have in me to stay in this seat.

She moves with such confidence that I can’t believe she’s the same girl I used to love.

“You okay?” Sebastian sits down next to me. Shrugging my shoulders, I don’t know if I am or not.

“She’s different. She doesn’t listen to me anymore, brother. It’s like I can get to her, but not get through to her,” I admit. Bash laughs. That’s our nickname for him.

“She grew up, Micah. I didn’t know her back then, but I’ve heard. She’s a woman now, not a little girl. You can’t just boss her around. You have to know what she wants,” he says. Why am I taking advice from this shit-head?

Cocking my head, I look him in the eyes. Maybe he’s right.

“I just want her to be safe. She won’t even let me fuckin’ protect her, Bash.” Bringing his cigarette to his lips, he inhales before blowing out a breath.

“Well, that will make it harder for you, but you know the right thing to do. Shit's gonna get bad for her if she doesn’t understand that.” Bash shoves out of the chair, walking back toward the rooms. The lightning strikes and thunder crashes around us.

I glance out the window, watching the storm as it brews.

“She’s out on the back porch.” My eyes come to meet Link’s. Shaking my head, she doesn’t want to talk to me. Not after what I did.

“She doesn’t wanna see me, man. I’ve fucked this up one more time.”

Link shakes his head with a smile on his face. Smug bastard is probably enjoying the hell out of this.

“You threw her ass into the middle of a war, Micah! What the fuck did you expect from her? She doesn’t know this life anymore,” he snaps. I watch him walk away, letting that play over in my mind.

Chapter 46

Aubrie

  Standing with my arms crossed over my chest, I glare out at the storm. I’ve always found some kind of comfort in them.

The way the lightning strikes, but you never know where it’s going to lead hypnotizes me.

“You always loved the storms.” I don’t turn to face him. I don’t want to. He’s trying to control my life, and I won’t let that happen. I’ve come too far, and worked too hard, for that.

I keep my eyes trained on the yard out in front of me, not wanting to rehash the past again.

His hands slide over my shoulders in a soothing motion. My head drops forward.

“I’m sorry, Aub’s. There’s a lot goin’ on right now. I didn’t mean for you to get involved, but it wasn’t really me anyway. I just want to keep you safe.” Why does his voice do things to me? Why do I let him affect me the way I do?

“I haven’t had anything to do with this club in years, Micah. What do they want with me?” I ask. His hands tighten on my shoulders, his tension is palpable.

He moves in closer, and his body is now flush with mine. His heat swims through me like a river.

His hands slide from my shoulders, around the front of my chest, just holding me.

“Benny had some trouble with them a while back. They knew he had a sister, much like the rest of us, they didn’t know how to find you.” His breath is warm as it tickles my skin. I want to get lost in him, but I can’t. Can I?

“What does that have to do with me?” His lips brush over my ear, making my body come to life.

“Revenge. He took somethin’ of theirs... now they want to take somethin’ of his.” I nearly gasped loud enough for the whole club to hear me.

“He’s dead.” God, as much as that hurt to say, it’s the truth.

“I know, babe. That doesn’t stop them. I won’t let them have you.” His tongue drags painfully slow down my neck, causing bumps to form in its wake.

Giving in to my body’s urges and just letting Micah take me would be perfect, but there is something else deep inside of me that’s conflicted and I don’t know why.

“I don’t know what to do anymore, Micah.” My words are all choked. I don’t like feeling this way, but with him so close, I’m losing my mind.

“I do.”

Chapter 47

Micah

  My dick is extra hard and my heart’s painfully breaking. I don’t want to lose her again. I just got her back.

Sucking the soft skin of her neck into my mouth, I moan against her.

“Everything can’t be about sex, Micah,” she says. The pain is evident in her voice. It hurts like hell to hear it, too.

“I know.” My words hold no merit. I’m lost in her. I can’t help myself when I’m near her.

My hand moves to splay over her stomach, the other gripping her breast through her shirt.

The weight of it rests in my hand much like the weight of her life. I can’t let them near her... I won’t.

“Micah, please.” She’s torn. That much I can hear, but what is she torn between? Wanting this or wanting me?

“All you have to say is that you don’t want me anymore, Aub’s.” I don’t want her to say it, I don’t think I can handle those words leaving her lips.

She’s silent as I kiss my way up and down her neck, her body jerking in my grasp. She’s trying to remain strong and fight against the attraction we have for each other but she’s failing.

“I have a life, Micah. I have friends.” Moaning against her neck, I don’t stop what I’m doing.
I won’t either, not until she tells me she doesn’t want me anymore.

“Hmmmm.” Humming against her, I lift one hand to tilt her head, allowing me the access to the rest of her neck.

My tongue flips and licks as small gasps escape her.

“I want to go home.” I almost stop. Almost. She didn’t say she didn’t want me, though.

Slowly spinning her in my arms, I bring my lips to hers. Slowly tasting her, caressing her.

The lightning and thunder do little more than harden this moment in stone.

Our lips move like they’ve always been meant for each other. In reality, she has always been meant for me.

My tongue snakes into her mouth, fighting with hers. The way they slide together, nothing in the world could take that from me. I want her so bad that it actually hurts.

My fingers slide under the hem of her shirt, caressing her soft skin.

Chapter 48

Aubrie

  How do I pull away from him? Is it even possible? He feels so perfect for me. He was made to be in my arms, but the past is still there.

I’ve lost so much, but I’ve also found myself, too. Can I just throw all that away for Micah? I told him I loved him, and that was no lie. I do love him. Maybe more so now than before but that doesn’t change the ten years that we’ve been apart. I can’t just throw it all away for a few bouts of hot sex.

His lips are so soft and gentle but I know that roughness is in there, too. I yearn for it.

My hands land on his chest, causing a growl to rip from his throat. It vibrates through my body, heightening everything I feel.

Pushing him back slightly, the look on his face is gorgeous. He’s gorgeous. He’s in ecstasy and I’m about to rip it away from him.

“I can’t.” Two little words. That’s all they were. And now I can’t take them back.

His eyes flicker with fire, the gray storms turning to tornadoes inside of him.

“You can’t or you don’t want to?” His question throws me. Doesn’t he understand?

“Are you so used to having everything you want handed to you, Micah?” I ask. Shaking his head, he runs a hand through his hair as he steps back.

“My life was never handed to me, Aubrie!” A growl rips out of him startling me.

“I have been shot. I have lost my best friend. I have seen so many others killed before my eyes. Nothin’ was ever handed to me!” His hollering is going to cause a scene.

“Not in life... with women. I hardly see you having to fight for anything of that nature. I’m not a piece of ass that you can use and toss aside, Micah! I have a life, a job. That’s all I’ve had for ten long years. I’ve worked hard to make myself something. I can’t just throw it all away for this.” His face hardens as he points between the two of us.

The look in his eyes should tell me to walk away... and now. The look in his eyes is one of a pure killer.

It’s lethal, and frankly, it’s scaring the shit out of me.

“So, it’s when I fuck you? It’s okay when I tell you I love you? It’s okay when I want to protect you with my goddamn life, but you don’t want to lose your little job or pretty-boy? Is that what the fuck you’re sayin’ to me?” The words come out of his mouth before he can stop them. I can see that he didn’t mean it, or at least I didn’t think so.

“Shit’s gettin’ a little heated out here. Why don’t you two take a little break?” Glancing over, I see Link with his arms crossed over his chest.

Chapter 49

Micah

  Facing the truth is hard at times. I didn’t want to believe that shit any more than I wanted to say them.

I know Aubrie has a life now that doesn’t include me in it, but I don’t want to accept that. I don’t want to accept that we are nothing, not after the week I’ve had with her. She’s more to me than that.

“The papers are all signed.” Bomber’s voice snaps me out of my daze. I nod my head, knowing damn good and well what that means.

“It’s not my business, Micah, but fuck! You can’t just throw your weight around with that one. She isn’t a club whore,” Bomber says. My eyes jerk to his.

“Never said she was.” Gritting my teeth, I have to try to control my temper before I lose it on him, too.

“Then treat her like she’s not. That girl is stubborn as all hell. She’s just like her goddamn brother. She’s grown up, changed. You can’t force her into things she can’t find herself.” Bomber turns and walks off. My heart falls in my chest.

He’s right. I’m trying to force her into my world. A world that she doesn’t deserve to be in. She’s better than this... always has been.

She walks out of the office with a sad smile on her face, shaking hands with the lawyer.

It rips my heart into pieces seeing her like this. Her eyes come to meet mine and before she can lose it, I’m on my feet.

Aubrie throws herself into my arms, in a crying mess.

“It’s okay, Aub’s.” Trying to soothe her, I hate that she has to deal with this and feel this way.

“He’s actually gone, Micah,” she cries. It’s like the final nail in his coffin. She signed off on the paperwork and now it’s final. She lost her brother.

“He’s always with you though, Aub’s. You, of all people, should know that.” My words only make her cry harder.

“I just want to go home, Micah. Please, just take me home.” My stomach rolls inside of me.

“I’ll take you home, Aub’s.” Whispering the words does nothing more than tug my heart out of my chest. “I’ll take you home.”

I wanted to be her home. I wanted to be where she wants to sleep at night and wake up in the morning.

I wanted to be her family now.

Chapter 50

Aubrie

  “You look tired. Are you feeling okay?” Michelle worries about me all the time since I’ve been back. It’s nice, though.

“I’m tired. I just pulled another double.” Her mouth falls open, making me laugh.

“I thought you had the day off yesterday,” she asks.  She looks pissed now. It’s so cute.

“I did. Princess Pearl called in sick. Again...” Michelle shakes her head as I set my charts on the counter.

“I’m so sick of that bitch. She is always calling in. I’m going to get her fired.” Wiggling her eyebrows, I laugh. It’s the first real laugh, I’ve had in weeks.

Micah brought me home, just like he said he would. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t hard as hell letting him go. It tore me apart inside. It still is, but I know my place is here. Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself.

“So, as a treat, I want to take you out tonight. Girls only.” Winking at me, I smile even bigger now.

“Really? Won’t your husband get mad? It’s Friday night,” I remind her. I know her and her husband go out every Friday as a little date night. I think it’s wonderful for her to have a man like that.

“He’s going to Roger’s to watch a football game. No way is that going to be my date night.” Signing off on a few more charts, I glance over.

“Who’s Roger?” A smile crosses her face and a twinkle forms in her eyes.

“Mick’s brother. He’s single. He’s cute. He likes football, Chinese food, and hanging out at home.” Laughing again, I throw my pen at her.

“You sound like a dating website. Oh, God! Tell me you didn’t just lie to me and find him on a dating website?” It wouldn’t be the first time she’s done that to me.

“NO! He really is Mick’s brother! That one time was a lapse in judgment. When that guy showed up with a six-pack of beer and a paddle, trust me, I learned my lesson.” That was the worst day ever!

Michelle thought she was doing me a favor, but when this greasy man, walked up to us looking for me, our names changed to Beth and Sara. No way in hell was I going to go anywhere with that man.

“Well, I appreciate the offer, but I’m fine.” Michelle shrugs before passing my pen back.

“Girls night it is!” I’m actually a little excited to have a girl’s night with Michelle. It’s been a long time since we’ve hung out together, just the two of us. That usually means trouble when we do, though.

Chapter 51

Micah

  “I don’t know about you, but Florida is growin’ on me,” Stryker says, adjusting his dick while he watches all the women walking past.

“Sick fuck,” I grumble. Shaking my head, I pull out my phone and answer a few texts.

“How long we out here for, VP?” he asks. I know he doesn’t like being on watch duty, but that’s too fucking bad. Waters’ made a threat, and I intend to keep Aubrie safe regardless of where she is.

“You’re here for another few days. You go home when Dax gets here.” The guys have been taking shifts out here with me on Bomber’s orders. He didn’t like the fact that Aubrie went home either.

Not with a lingering threat out there.

What made it worse? We got some photos sent to the clubhouse. Aubrie and her friend at work. It killed a piece of me. As soon as that shit hit my hands, I was on my bike and headed to Florida.

“These bitches barely wear any clothes out here, brother.” Stryker is in pussy heaven right now. His eyes haven’t remained on anything other than that since he got here.

“You know why you’re here, right?” I ask as a little reminder. Smirking at me, I smile, shaking my head.

“Maybe we need to move a charter over here. I think I’d sign right the fuck up,” Stryker says with a laugh.  Glancing around, I don’t know how long we should stay out here.

I know the threats were made, I saw the pictures, but I haven’t seen or heard from any of those fuckers in weeks.

“She means a lot to you.” It wasn’t a question. I wouldn’t be doing this otherwise.

“We were gonna have a kid. She was pregnant when she left me the first time,” I admit to him. Stryker’s eyes widen, his fingers tangling in his scruffy beard.

“No shit? What happened?” he asks. Cracking my neck to the side, I look over at him.

“I pushed her away. She ran like hell from me and came down here. She was in an accident, killed the baby. Nearly killed her, too.” Stryker lets out a low whistle before stuffing a cigarette in his mouth.

“That’s some heavy shit, brother.” Nodding my head, I know that all too well. I don’t know how much more I can handle, though.

“There they are. Why don’t we just tell her we’re here?” he asks. I cut my eyes back to Stryker. It would make our little stake-out easier.

“She doesn’t want shit to do with me, man. She made that clear. She doesn’t call... or anything.” Nodding his head, he seems to understand.

We wait until they are far enough away from us to rev up the bikes.

Chapter 52

Aubrie

  “Michelle, seriously, I look like a slut.” She laughs as she finished applying her eyeliner.

“You look sexy as hell. Stop whining.” When she’s finished, she spins around, looking me in the eye.

“Damn, I wish I still had a body like that.” Her eyes move over me. Her words were meant as a compliment, but I don’t think I look that good.

“Please. Look at you in that dress.” Rolling my eyes, she laughs before grabbing me into a hug.

“I love you, Aubrie. I just need you to know that.” Kissing my cheek, I can’t help but smile.

“I love you, too. You’re the best person I know.” We stand in silence for a minute before I see the tears in her eyes.

“What? What’s wrong?” Grabbing her hand in mine, I want to hold her. I love this girl like she’s a sister.

“I just remember the day you woke up. I talked to you every day, hoping, praying, that you would open those eyes of yours. You were so young. It killed me to see you like that.” Michelle and I have talked about that more than once. Michelle is highly emotional which is all the more reason to love her.

“And I did open them. And I saw you. I thought you were an angel.” Her smile brightens when I say that.

“Okay, enough of Michelle’s mommy moments. Let’s go get drunk and see what men we can get to buy us drinks.” Slapping her arm, she laughs before I follow her out of my bedroom.

“Mick will be pissed if he knows men are buying you drinks.” Michelle stops suddenly. Spinning to face me, I see the sly grin on her face.

“Mick knows I’ll flirt. He’s okay with that as long as I don’t go home with any men! I can get all the free drinks I want.” Sticking her tongue out at me, she laughs.

“Micah would have killed me if I ever did that. No, he’d kill the man that was buying the drinks first.” Michelle laughs as we head out the door.

“See, you need a big brooding bad boy to keep you in line. I bet he whipped you too, didn’t he?” The twinkle in her eyes makes my day better.

“Only when needed.” I love that she and I can be so playful. She knows all about Micah, I’ve filled her in. She doesn’t make me feel any kind of way about my decisions either. She always tells me that whatever is best for me, she’s okay with.

That doesn’t stop us from cracking jokes about it, though.

“Big biker, spanks. Maybe I need a biker.” She puts her manicured nail to her lip as though she’s thinking it over.

“Trust me. You don’t want one. They are overbearing. They think they own you.”  Letting my own words play in my head, Micah does own me in a way.

A way that I don’t want him to.

Chapter 53

Micah

  “Goddamn.” Adjusting my dick in my jeans, it’s taking all the self-control I have to not storm in this bar.

“Fuck me! I have to agree, brother,” Stryker grunts. Looking over, Stryker is doing the same as he eyes up my girl.

“Hey, asshole! Don’t forget who she fuckin’ belongs to.” Growling at him only makes him grin.

This place is huge for a damn bar. I don’t like it. I don’t like the atmosphere at all.

Stryker and I sit in the far back corner, off anyone’s radar. Aubrie can’t see us, and that’s what the goal is. Keep her safe from a distance.

“This what these uppity shit-heads do all the time?” he asks. He drags his beer to his lips as we watch people mingle and dance like they have no care in the world.

“Suppose so. I wouldn’t fuckin’ know, man. We didn’t have bars to visit overseas,” I say. Stryker chuckles.

“Oh, shit.” The low grumble in his voice makes me look back up from the beer label I’d been picking at.

Aubrie smiles while a guy holds her hips. They’re just dancing, but that doesn’t mean shit to me. She’s mine. Always will be.

Heat courses through my body, my blood’s starting to simmer before the boil.

“Now what?” Stryker’s eyes find mine again, and I’m pretty sure he can see the fire in them.

“Nothin’. We don’t fuckin’ move.” He laughs, pissing me off further.

“You’re gonna break your goddamn teeth grindin’ them like that,” he says. Nodding toward my face, I can’t help it. That bastard has his hands on my girl!

My fists clench, knowing damn good and well I’m about to snap at any second.

“Watch her. I need a smoke.” Shoving off the stool, I head toward the back doors. I didn’t miss the chuckle coming out of that fucker when I got up either.

Stepping outside, the warm, humid air surrounds me.

What the fuck am I doing? Is this keeping her safe or fucking stalking her?

There is a beginning of a line that I’m not sure which side I belong on anymore.

I light up my cigarette and lean against the wall.

Running my hand through my hair, I think I’m actually starting to question my own sanity.

Chapter 54

Aubrie

  The music is blasting, and I feel so free. Michelle and I are dancing like crazy.

There are a few guys dancing with us, but no one holds my interest.

Michelle grabs me, spinning me around. I love this girl.

A slow song comes over the speakers, and everyone grabs a partner.

“May I?” The guy that has been dancing behind me the whole time extends his hand to me. It’s the sweetest of gestures.

“I’m Aubrie.” Smiling up at him, he pulls me into his chest.

“I’m Jack.” Holding onto me like I’m the only one in the room, my heart beats faster.

As much as I miss Micah, I know there can’t be anything between us. We’re from two different worlds. He has his life... and I have what’s left of mine.

Micah basically ran Matt off. He hasn’t spoken to me since I’ve been back. I can’t say that it surprises me either.

“You’re lost in thought,” he says. Shaking my head slightly, I look up into the bluest eyes, I’ve ever seen.

“Sorry. I do that sometimes.” His smile is beautiful. He has short dark hair, that seems to be brushed to perfection. His college boy style makes me wonder how old he is.

“Are you from around here?” he asks. I nod my head.

“What about you?” Getting the attention off me is for the best.

“I was born in New York. Moved here for work.” The way he grins at me makes my stomach tumble.

I hear Michelle laughing, but when I look over I didn’t expect to see a bunch of bikers with her.

“Excuse me,” I say. Pushing away from the guy, I move around him and straight for Michelle.

“Hey, what are you doing?” Grabbing her arm, I pull her toward me.

“Having a good time! This is Bull and his guys.” Glancing at the main guy, he’s massive. He could easily take what he wanted right now.

“Great. We need to leave,” I tell her. I try to pull Michelle away, but Bull stops me. His arm wraps around my waist, holding me tightly.

“Now, that’s no way to greet a friend,” he growls into my ear. I clench my eyes closed.

“You aren’t a friend, and we are leaving,” I tell him. I try to pull out of his grasp. I try to move, but he just keeps me pinned to him.

“She’s right. We need to be going.” Michelle can sense the fear, or at least I hope she can.

“The party just started.”

Chapter 55

Micah

  I come back inside, just in time to wander into a world of shit. Stryker is shoving off his stool just as I round the table to him.

“What the fuck is goin’ on?” I look him in the eye but his attention has shifted. I follow his gaze, seeing what he sees when I flip my shit.

“Who are they?” I ask with a growl. My heart picks up its pace.

“Not sure. Can’t see the cuts from here. Sit back, I got this.” Like fuck, I will. There is no way in hell that I will wait here while he’s holding onto my girl.

“Cut the shit, Micah! She’ll see you,” Stryker snaps.  Shoving me off, he heads toward the crowd. I watch from my corner, but my hand is near my gun. Ready at a moment’s notice.

I watch him step up to the guys. I see him trying to control the situation, but it’s getting out of hand.

When I see the big fucker that has Aubrie slap her, and her go down, I lose it.

I storm through the crowd, my eyes clouded with rage. A red-hot rage that only blood can stop. He put his hands on something that belongs to me!

“You fucked up, brother!” I growl. Grabbing him by the front of his cut, I pull my hand back. Smashing his nose gives me great pleasure. The sound of the bone cracking, the sight of blood spraying across my fist.

Everything happens in a blur of fists and cracking bones.

Before I know what’s happening, I’m being cuffed.

“They fuckin’ started that shit!” I roar.  My eyes jerk to Stryker’s. He’s pissed, but I can see that he landed some good blows, too.

“Sort it out at the station!” the cop hollers into my ear. Fucking prick. I should head butt this bastard, but I don’t need the extra charge.

“Aubrie! Call Bomber!” She stands in front of me in a matter of seconds. Her cheek is bruising from what that fucker did to her. Tears stream down her face as she looks at me.

“What are you doing here?” she asks. The cop puts his hand up, pushing her back slightly.

“Don’t fuckin’ put your hands on her like that!” Roars rip from my throat when I glance back at her.

“Please, babe. Call Bomber.” I see her nod once before being shoved out of the bar.

Out in the night’s air, I can hear Aubrie yelling at the cops. It makes me smile that she is putting up a fight.

“Fuck you, pig!” she screams. Her voice is closer now. I glance over as she shoves her way past the cop that tried to hold her inside.

Chapter 56

Aubrie

  How dare those fucking cops take Micah and not the assholes that started it. He had his hands on me, to begin with.

“Are you sure you’re okay with all of this?” Michelle worries while we wait at the police station. I already paid the bonds, now we are just waiting for them to be released.

“Yes, I’m sure. Go home. I’ll call you tomorrow.” Kissing her cheek, I usher her out the door toward her waiting husband.

I turn back just as the doors open. Micah and Stryker both walk out looking pissed and bruised.

His eyes find mine. They lock and hold there. He makes his way slowly toward me. His eyes are telling a story his mouth can’t possibly begin to.

“Who paid the bail?” he asks. His eyes burn through me. Is he pissed?

“I did. Can we go... I don’t like cops,” I say. Stryker chuckles as he walks up next to me. He throws his arm over my shoulder, pulling me into him.

“He might not be all that happy, but I sure as fuck thank you for savin’ me, darlin’. Let me get to a bank, and you will be paid back.” Shaking my head, I don’t give a shit about the money. I want to know what the hell they’re doing here.

“Why are you here?” I ask him. Stryker pulls away from me quickly.

“That needs to be discussed with him.” Nodding over his shoulder at Micah, I know he isn’t going to tell me. That’s the way Micah is.

Stryker walks ahead of me, but I’ve had enough. I stop walking, Micah slamming into my back.

His hands wrap around my shoulders, pulling me against him so I didn’t fall.

“Are you okay?” he asks. The softness in his voice tugs at my heart.

“I’m fine. Why are you here?” Micah releases me before I spin around to face him. My heart’s in my throat. I didn’t plan on seeing him.

“I want to know what the hell you are doing here, Micah?!” I snap at him, his eyes flicker. I don’t know what I see in them. I don’t know what he’s thinking.

“There was a threat. I wouldn’t leave you unwatched.” My stomach clenches. The pain is nearly unbearable.

“How long have you been here?” I swallow hard, not knowing what he’s going to say.

“A few weeks.” I gasp when the words leave his mouth.

A few weeks? What the hell?!

Chapter 57

Micah

  This is ridiculous. She’s beyond pissed at me, but I won’t stand in front of the police station arguing with her.

The ride back to her place was like a slow, torturous death. Wanting to touch her, hold her, it was all so overwhelming.

Stryker sat in the back of the car, not saying a word the whole ride. That made it that much more awkward for me.

I follow Aubrie to the door, but Stryker just clears his throat. We both turn to look at him.

“I’m just gonna make a few calls. Let Bomber know what’s goin’ on.” I nod, but Aubrie rolls her eyes, earning her a chuckle from him.

Once she has the door open, I make my move.

Grabbing her by the shoulders, I spin her around, pinning her against the door.

“What the fuck were you thinkin’? Don’t you know who the fuck they are?” I snap. I lose it. Why she feels the need to push me is something I’ll never understand.

“Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t know I had to learn about every goddamn club in the country because of you!” Shaking her arms, trying to get free of my grasp pisses me off.

Holding her tight, she shifts around in my grasp.

“You knew there was someone after you. Did you think frequentin’ a bar that bikers filter to was the best idea you’ve ever had?” I’m in her face, my voice a low growl.

“I can do, and go, wherever I want. You don’t have any right to be here or anywhere near me for that matter. I don’t need a goddamn babysitter. I was fine the last few weeks without you,” she retorts. My laughter makes her face redden.

“Is that why you look around you every time you hear the rev of an engine? Why every time you see a bike go by, you get a partial smile on those little lips? All that because you’ve been fine?” I know she’s lying. She may be putting up a front, but she is far from fine.

“Is that why you’ve been stalking me? Did it ever occur to you that I might just be being cautious?” Look at her trying to put on her brave act for me. I should be flattered, but she’s testing me.

“Cautious? You mean like you were when that bastard hit you in the face?” My nerves are firing off one by one. I can feel the heat rising in my chest.

Chapter 58

Aubrie

  I keep telling myself not to let him push me that far. Don’t let him win.

Reality is a bitch of a pill to swallow. He knows me. He knows that I’m not fine. I might put up the front to everyone else but I’m far from being okay.

My heart hurts. It misses my brother, but most of all, it misses Micah.

Coming back home and watching him leave killed me. It ripped pieces of my heart out and stomped them into the floor.

My world slowly crumbled and the only good thing in it was work and Michelle.

“What do you want from me, Micah?” My voice shakes as tears fall from my eyes.

“I want you to be safe, Aubrie. I want you to be happy and have the life you’ve always wanted. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you!” Watching the way he gets pissed does something to me.

“You want all that for me, but you won’t let me go. What if that’s what I need, Micah?” I ask. His eyes widen as he looks at me. He takes a step back, his hands falling to his sides.

He doesn’t know what to say. Neither do I.

“Is that what you need, Aub’s?” His voice has dropped down to a low, hushed whisper.

“I don’t know what I need anymore, Micah.” He nods his head. I turn to walk away from him, needing the space to breathe.

All the air is sucked from the room when Micah’s in it.

Before I can get too far, he’s lifting me in his arms, moving toward my room.

My body wants to ignite in flames and my mind wants to protest. I have no way of stopping him once he starts, I won’t want to.

“Stop, Micah!” I scream. He kicks the door closed behind us, placing me on the bed.

His hands move to pull his shirt off, his massive chest on display for me. God, he’s so perfect.

“Stand up.” The growl that rips from his chest was almost scary.

I rise to my feet, our eyes locking with each other.

“Give me your hand.” Shaking my head, I don’t know what kind of game he’s playing.

“Now. Give me your hand!” Growling, I hold my hand out to him.

Micah’s touch sear’s into me. It’s like hot lava has scorched my skin.

He brings my hand up to his chest, resting it over his heart.

My eyes widen when I look up into his.

“Feel it? That’s beatin’ just for you, Aub’s. It’s never beat for anyone else like that.”

Chapter 59

Micah

  I don’t know how else to make her understand what the hell I’m feeling here. Seeing that man put his hands on her almost killed me.

“I’ve never loved anyone but you, Aubrie. I get that you have a life now. I get that you think you’ve moved on... but I can’t. There’s nothin’ for me to move on to without you. Don’t you see that?” I plead with her. She shakes her head slowly, her warm hand still resting on my chest. I don’t want to let her go. I can’t.

“The idea of us has always been in my head. Losing Benny took something from me. I get that life’s too short but what if they take you, Micah? What do I do after that?” God, she’s worried about losing me. That’s what the whole problem is.

Releasing the hand that held hers to my chest, I move to cup her cheeks.

“I can’t promise you tomorrow, Aub’s. I can only give you today, and all that I have within me.” Leaning my head down, I take the last chance that I have with her. If she doesn’t want me after this, I will walk away from her and let her live her life. I just pray that she doesn’t push me away. I don’t think I could handle it.

My lips caress hers. She doesn’t move to meet me, but she doesn’t pull away either. I’d say that’s progress.

I don’t stop either... I won’t until she tells me to.

“If we do this again, I want to go home.” Surprise slams into my stomach like a lead brick.

I pull back slowly, looking into her teary eyes.

“You mean it?” I ask. A small smile curls her perfect lips. She looks like an angel sent from heaven. She is an angel. My angel.

“I don’t want to be away from you, Micah. If we do this... I need you.” That’s all I needed to hear. I move in, lifting her in my arms.

Laying her on the bed, my mouth claims hers. Every piece of me has belonged to this woman for the past ten years.

Letting her walk away from me was the stupidest thing I’d ever done in my life.

“I love you, Aubrie.” Pulling back just enough to get the words out, I kiss her roughly.

I need to feel her. I need to know that she’s mine.

“No one else will ever touch this body again.” Growling against her neck, she shudders beneath me.

I move quickly, removing her clothes and mine. She agreed to be mine again, and now I’m going to claim every part of her body.

Chapter 60

Aubrie

  Micah has kissed me everywhere. He has been slow and considerate. He’s touched my skin, igniting flames from deep within me but when I look into those stormy gray eyes, I’m lost in all that is Micah.

He’s beautiful. He’s pure perfection. He’s everything that I have loved since we were kids.

“What are you thinkin’ about?” His hips rock slowly into me, but his eyes never leave mine. There’s a connection between us that only our hearts can hold onto.

“You were everything to me for so long. When I left, nothing ever felt right. There was always a gap that couldn’t be closed. I thought I could move on without you. I tried. Ten years... I tried for ten years, but when I saw you again, it was like you were always here.” He seems to understand what I mean. His lips curl at the sides of his mouth.

“I was always here. Just like you were always in mine.” His hand comes to rest over my heart. My sweet, Micah, is here with me now, and I don’t think I ever want to let him go.

His hips move slowly, our gaze is still connected. I clench around him, getting a growl from his throat that sends me over.

My hands wrap around his neck, pulling him down to me. Kissing him with such passion, I feel him cum deep inside of me.

“Have you thought about havin’ more kids?” He rains small kisses up and down my neck.

This is something I haven’t talked to him about. In my heart, I know I need to, but I just can’t, not right now.

“I don’t know. I just got you back.” Micah pulls his head back, looking me in the eyes.

“You never thought about havin’ kids with someone else?” His voice questions me, but I can see it in his eyes that he knows the truth.

“Never.” That wasn’t a complete lie. I never wanted kids with anyone but Micah.

His soft smile tugs at my heart, but it also breaks it.

“You want kids?” He nods his head slowly, making me rethink everything we just talked about.

“Only with you. I want what we lost, Aubrie. I want a family.” Swallowing hard, I wonder if I’ve made a mistake.

Maybe going back home with Micah isn’t the best idea.

Chapter 61

Micah

  She’s coming home with me. Fuck, I’ve never been so happy in my life. My stomach flips around inside of me at the thought of that.

“Could you smile any fuckin’ bigger?” Stryker watches me with a smile on his face.

“Fuck you! She said it... she’s comin’ home with me,” I remind him. Why wouldn’t I smile like a fucking lunatic? I got my girl back and I’m never letting her go this time.

“I’m happy for you.” Giving him a quick nod, I finish loading the box in front of me.

Aubrie went to clean out her locker at work and to let them know she was leaving. She was upset that she didn’t get to give her two weeks’ notice but I plan to fuck that out of her head later.

Stryker and I rented a U-Haul to haul Aubrie’s stuff back to my place.

As I place the things out of her dresser in the box, my heart stops beating.

I stare at a little black and gray image in my hand.

“That was the first time I saw her.” Her voice rushes through me. I don’t look up, though.

“We were havin’ a girl?” I ask. Her hands come to rest on my shoulders.

“Yeah.” Her voice is strained. Tears sting my eyes when Aubrie moves to stand in front of me.

“I need to tell you something.” Her face is full of worry, and something I can’t place.

“No, I don’t wanna talk right now. It hurts too much to know that I lost a daughter, but I almost lost you, too,” I tell her. Pulling her against my chest, I let a single tear fall. A tear that held onto hope that I would have found my child when I found Aubrie. Hope that we will make it further in life than we did last time. Hope that we may have a family again someday.

Those are all things that I’ve always wanted but pushed away. It hurts me to know that I let that part go. I shouldn’t have pushed her away.

“Are you okay?” Her sweet voice floods me with warmth. How could I not be okay when I have her in my arms?

“Perfect. I’m just glad you decided to come home, Aub’s. Everything is gonna work out this time, I promise.” Nuzzling my face into her hair, I sigh.

This is what I’ve always wanted. Her. Always her.

“I’m scared, Micah.” Pulling back, I grab her cheeks, bringing her face up to meet mine.

“There’s nothin’ to be scared of. All I want is you. I will protect you with my life, Aub’s. I should have done that, to begin with. I should have never let you leave, but that’s somethin’ I have to live with now.” Her eyes brim with tears.

“No more tears. We’re movin’ on. Movin’ forward, Aubrie. Me and you.”

Chapter 62

Aubrie

  I love this man. I love him. There is no one else I want more.

I watch him as he drives the U-Haul. He’s so big, and manly.

I’ve never really seen him off his bike. He’s miraculous.

“You keep starin’ like that... I will pull over.” Giggling to myself, I marvel at the man that has meant the world to me for the last ten years.

“Do you think Bomber is going to care that I’m back at the clubhouse?” I ask. Micah chuckles before glancing over at me.

“Not a chance. They all love you. Link’s fuckin’ stoked.” I smile to myself knowing that Link is excited. I really click with him.

“Is it going to be weird for you?” I ask. He knows what I’m asking. I know Micah hasn’t been alone all this time. There were girls, club whores. I’m not that naive.

Micah blows out a breath before he speaks.

“I never kept any of the girls around, Aubrie. I fucked them, that was it. It was just the need to release. There are very few club whores I even messed with. You have nothin’ to worry about.” His words are meant as a comfort, but they still sting just the same.

I knew he had women, how could he not? I mean, look at him!

“Stop it, Aub’s.” He glances over at me out of the corner of his eye.

“I see the wheels spinnin’, babe. I mean it, anything you’re uncomfortable with, it’s out. Includin’ girls,” he says. His words slammed into my chest. My heart leaps up into my throat.

Would he throw girls out over me? For me?

I can’t stop the smile that crosses my face. I never dreamt that I would be back with Micah. None of that crossed my mind but being here in his presence, I wouldn’t want it any other way. He is my world, whether I like it or not.

I lie my head back on the seat, just watching him as he drives.

His strong jawline, the way the spot between his eyes creases when he’s concentrating. The way the little lines crinkle next to his eyes, everything about this man is perfect.

I used to think that we were meant to be. I used to believe that Micah was my soul mate.

After everything that happened, there was still a part of me that wanted to believe that, but I pushed it away, locked it up tight.

Now, I want to let that part run free. I want to let myself run free. Right into his arms.

Chapter 63

Micah

  I watch Aubrie move around the room like she’s always been here. It’s like nothing has changed over the years. She’s still the most beautiful girl in the room, and her whole presence just calls out for attention.

She’s adjusted well to being back. It took her a little while to find her feet, but there she is, just as perfect as ever.

The last few weeks have been great. The club’s running smoothly, and we haven’t heard anything out of the Waters’. That’s the part that bothers me, though. When we don’t hear from them, they are planning and plotting. I know how this works, we’ve been here before.

“What are you thinkin’?” Sebastian sits on the stool next to me, following my gaze to Aubrie.

“Waters’ are too quiet, Bash. I don’t like it.” I know he understands me. He lets out a sigh before turning to face me.

“I gotta agree there. I asked Bomber while you were out if we could do a little recon,” he says.  My eyes come to meet his, wondering why I’d never heard anything about this.

“Yeah? I didn’t hear shit.” Bash nods his head slowly before glancing around, making sure no one is near us.

“Thing is, I don’t like how Bomber’s been actin’ lately. Is it a coincidence that those guys showed up when you were in Florida?” Fire rages inside of me. I don’t know if it’s from what he’s saying or the fact that he’s saying it to me.

“What the hell does that mean? You questionin’ Bomber now?” I grit my teeth, trying not to lose my shit. How the hell could he question our President?

“Look. Obviously, I made the wrong choice to bring it up to you.” Bash tries to move away but I’m faster. I have him around the back of his neck, shoving him back in place.

My eyes dart around the room, making sure no one sees this little altercation.

“You better talk now before I bring that shit up at church.” He knows my growl isn’t a threat. It’s a promise.

“While you and Stryker were out, he was actin’ all kinds of strange, Micah. He went on solo runs. He was on that damn phone, locked up in the office. His attitude shifted.” I let him go before bringing my hand up to run through my hair.

“Anybody follow him on those runs?” Bash shakes his head. Why would they? They didn’t have a reason to.

“You think that’s why Waters’ is layin’ low?” Bringing my eyes to meet Bash’s, I didn’t expect to see that look.

“Yeah, in all fuckin’ honesty, I do.”

Chapter 64

Aubrie

  “I’m just aggravated. I’ve put out at least twelve resumes and no one has called me back.” Slumping against the bar, Link chuckles.

“You want me to hack their systems? Get you in?” Slapping him in the chest, I knew he’d say that.

“No! I want to earn my job. It just doesn’t make any sense. I have a good track record. I’ve only ever worked at the hospital. It’s frustrating.” Link nods his head as if he really understands.

“If you change your mind, I’ll do it,” Link laughs.

“What’s he doin’?” Bullet leans onto the bar in front of me.

“Trying to hack me into a job.” Bullet grunts before looking up at me.

“Work here. Fuck knows we need a good Doc on hand.” I shake my head when he winks at me.

“I’m a nurse... not a doctor. And besides, I know how you men are. None of you ever want to be checked for anything.” Dax raises his hand behind Bullet.

“Now that’s not true. I have this rash on my junk if you wanna take a look,” he says with a straight face. Ewww! I scrunch my nose up as the guys all laugh.

“I’d rather claw my own eyes out.” They all laugh when I feel hands wrap around my waist. God, I love feeling him.

“What are we laughin’ about?” His lips are so close to my ear, I can feel every tickle on my skin.

“Nothin’. Dax was gonna show your girl his dick rash.” Bullet’s eyes are full of tears as he laughs harder.

“What the fuck, Dax! The only dick she wants to see is mine.” His arms tighten around me, but he knows they’re only joking.

“Besides, if you got a rash I can bet it came from Ginger. I heard those bitches talkin’ over there.” Dax’s eyes shoot up and over our shoulders. I can’t stop the laughter that erupts out of me. The look on his face is priceless.

“Goddamn!” Dax stomps down the hallway toward the rooms.

“He seriously has a rash? I thought he was joking!” Laughter bubbles out of me until I see the serious look on Link’s face as he looks at Micah. Something in their eye contact is throwing me off.

“What? What is it?” Spinning to look up at Micah, he gives me a weak smile. Yeah, nice try.

“What’s going on, Micah?” He shakes his head, not wanting to tell me anything.

“Club business.” Here we go again.

Shoving out of his arms, I head toward the door. I’m not in the mood for this shit today.

Chapter 65

Micah

  “Fuck!” I’m sick of this shit already. I don’t like hiding shit from her.

“Bullet, get with Bash and Stryker. We have a little inside situation,” I tell him. Bullet looks strangely at me before he nods.

I shove off the bar and head out the side door where Aubrie just went. It’s bad enough that I have to deal with the Waters’ being MIA... and now I have to wonder if my own goddamn President might be involved.

I spot her out by the trees. Making my way over there, I can see how pissed she is.

“You promised me that we would move forward, Micah. This isn’t moving forward.” Her arms are crossed over her chest, rage in her eyes.

“We are movin’ forward. This is club shit. You know better than to ask me about that.” My tone may have been slightly condescending.

Her eyes widen as she looks at me. Dead in my eyes, I can feel the wrath of her. She can look so deadly, yet sexy at the same time.

My dick responds to every little look that she gives me. Fuck, I love this woman.

“I know. Shit... I’m sorry, Micah. I’m just used to being on my own and knowing, you know?” She shakes her head before I reach for her.

“I know this is new. I know it’s old too, but what I just found out isn’t somethin’ I can discuss with you right now. When I can... I promise I will.” My lips find hers, claiming her all over again.

Aubrie’s arms wrap around my neck, pressing her body against mine. The heat that swirls between us is pure perfection.

Aubrie’s lips move to my neck, sucking her way to my shoulder.

“Your takin’ it a little far outside don’t you think?”  I ask.  Her fingers slowly move under the hem of my shirt into the waistband of my jeans. Sliding lower, she grips my dick in her soft little hands.

I close my eyes, loving the feeling that she sets off inside of me. She strokes me slowly as her lips continue to torture me.

The more she touches me, the more my body wants to explode.

“You asked for it.” Growling, I rip her hand free of my jeans, shoving her back against the tree.

My jeans fall to the ground in seconds before hers do the same.

Lifting her in my arms, I slam inside of her. Her pussy wraps around me like a glove.

Aubrie bites her lip, taking all the pleasure I’m giving her.

Chapter 66

Aubrie

  My back screams in pain as it scrubs against the rough bark of the tree. I don’t give a shit, though.

Micah pumps into me with such a need that it almost overwhelms me.

My legs are locked tightly around his waist, savoring the feeling of him being inside of me.

His thrusts become rougher, and I know that he’s close.

I clench around him as he lets out a rough, low growl.

“You tryin’ to kill me, babe?” he asks. I giggled against his neck before running my tongue up it. Micah’s body shudders before I feel him swell inside of me.

“Get it tight, baby. Come on.” The harder he thrusts, the higher I become. Micah knows just the right way to fuck me to bring me to the edge of my existence.

Micah cums, hitting me so deeply inside. I cry out his name, digging my nails into his back.

“That’s right. Get all of me,” Micah grunts against my neck as his dick twitches inside of me.

His head falls to my shoulder as he holds me in place. Our breathing is sporadic.

“I’ll never get tired of that,” he says breathlessly. I giggle at his words. I don’t think I could ever get used to the way this man can own my body.

Micah pulls out of me, dragging his jeans back up before doing the same with mine.

“Fuck! I want you safe, but I don’t want you to know too much,” he growls. I look up into his eyes as I button my jeans. He looks so torn, and I don’t like it.

“It’s okay, Micah. I get it.” He runs his hand through his hair, looking anywhere but at me.

Reaching up, I grab his face, bringing his lips to mine.

“Don’t worry... I’m fine.” His eyes look so lost in this moment. I don’t like it at all.

“I know you are. I want to keep you that way and I don’t know if tellin’ you is a good or bad thing.” Bringing my lips to his, I shut up him up.

The feel of his stubble against my skin just intensifies the need I have for him.

Micah has always had a good heart. He’s always been one to protect me.

I hate to see him so torn between the club and me.

“Everything will be fine, Micah. We’re together.” His eyes tell me another story. One that his lips can’t.

It rips me apart inside to see him this way.

Chapter 67

Micah

  Helicopter blades rip through the madness. The sounds of screaming and crying are all around.

My heart pounds in my chest. So many things have gone wrong already. The mission was completely fucked.

Everything that could go wrong did. We lost three guys. One lies in front of me, half his face gone. Bile rises in my throat.

I reach down and grab his dog tags, snapping them from his neck. Stuffing them in my pocket, I reach back down, pulling the other guy up by his arm.

“We gotta move!” I holler. The helicopter has orders to be on the ground no longer than two minutes. If we don’t make it, we’re left for the next round. Who knows when that will be.

Noises pierce my ears. Gunshots, screaming, crying. It’s all so overwhelming.

I drag my friend toward the chopper before his body goes limp in my arm. I reach back, lifting him.

“Get up, Jones!” Screaming out to him, he doesn’t respond. Fuck!

We reach the chopper in just the nick of time. I try to pass Jones in but they check his pulse and shake their heads.

“We can’t take the dead! Get in soldier!” Shaking my head, he was just alive. There is no way he’s gone already! I can’t lose another one.

“No! He was just walkin’!” I roar. Turning back to him, I lay his body on the ground at my feet. I kneel next to him, checking for a pulse. There’s not going to be a pulse and I know it. Deep down... I know it.

“Goddamn it! Wake up!” Shaking him slightly, the rest of the world blurs around me. Nothing else can be heard, but my own heartbeat.

I don’t know how long I sat there shaking him, trying to wake him. He didn’t move, though.

“We gotta go, Micah!” Hands yank me up by my shoulders. I’m ready to fight them off when I see Bullet’s deadly eyes. He just gives me a nod. That was it. Just a nod and I knew we had to go.

“Are you okay?” Her voice rips me out of the dreams that haunt me. I wake up in a cold sweat, Aubrie on her knees next to me.

“Shit! Did I hurt you?” I ask. The fear that I may have done something to her like the last time takes over my brain.

Aubs shakes her head before pressing a hand to my cheek.

“You didn’t hurt me. You never hurt me.”

Chapter 68

Aubrie

  I ran straight to the bathroom after I seen him wake up. His body was so tense that I wondered what he was dreaming about.

I wet the rag before coming back and sitting on the edge of the bed.

I softly wipe the sweat off his forehead and face.

“What was I sayin’?” he asks as though he needs to know. His eyes are glossy. That dream really shook him.

“You kept saying that you couldn’t just leave him.” Micah swallows hard before closing his eyes.

“It’s horrible there. It was a harsh realization to me that people actually live like that.  So much death and blood. You would think that it would have changed somethin’ in me, but it didn’t. All I wanted to do was kill someone when I came back. Bullet kept me from doin’ it when it wasn’t needed. The look in his eyes, though. Fuck! Bullet’s the one that got my ass on that chopper. I wouldn’t have gone if I didn’t see the look in his eyes. I would have died there,” he admits. The reality of his words chokes me.

How could he want to die there? How could he not want to come back to his friends... his family?

My hand falls away from his face when he opens his eyes.

“I guess I need to thank Bullet, then,” I say softly. That earns me a small smile. I return the rag to his cheek, wiping the sweat away.

My broken, Micah. I can only thank God and Bullet for him getting on that helicopter and coming back home to me.

“Lie with me, Aub’s.” I set the rag on the nightstand, climbing in bed next to him. Micah pulls me closer than he ever has before. I don’t mind, though, I need to feel that closeness to him.

“I thought about you all the time. I tried to push you out of my mind. Tried to make what I did to you okay. There was a part of me that knew you were okay somewhere else away from me. There was a part that wanted you to suffer, too. I knew that my heart would never be the same without you in it. I went back for another tour. They needed more scout snipers. I was the first one to sign back up.” His fingers tangle in my hair in such a sweet way.

“Did you love what you did?” It’s an honest question. One I’ve never asked before.

“Hell, yeah. I was top of my class. After a while, I just couldn’t take it anymore. Bullet got out a little while before me when he got shot. It wasn’t the same without him and Benny. Nothin’ was. But not havin’ you? That’s what ripped me apart. All I could think about was you. I wanted you. To hold you and to know that you were okay.” A small sob clogs my throat.

“I missed you too, Micah.”

Chapter 69

Micah

  Everything happens for a reason. That much I believe. I was in that hell for a reason and now I have Aubrie in my arms for a reason.

I don’t want to fuck up with her this time. I want to make a family and have that love that we had so long ago.

Aubrie drives me insane on a daily basis, but I love every second of it.

“This is bullshit!” she screams. I watch her stomp around the main room of the clubhouse. Her tits sway with every stomp she takes. Her ass looks good enough to eat. Shit, I can’t help myself with this girl.

“What’s bullshit?” I ask. Taking a long pull from my beer, she spins around to look at me. Her eyes level me with a gaze that could kill. It’s downright sexy as hell.

“Why won’t anyone hire me, Micah? Huh?” Her hands landed on her hips and I swear my mouth goes dry.

“I wouldn’t know.” My eyes travel her body... pissing her off but turning me on.

“Be serious for once in your life! I can’t find a damn job, Micah.” She stomps her foot when Bullet throws an arm around her shoulder.

“Maybe they aren’t hirin’ right now,” he says. She jerks her gaze to his and I swear that man saw the devil.

“Do I look so dumb that I would apply to places that didn’t have a now hiring sign?” Oh, shit! She is on a roll today.

“You don’t look dumb at all. In fact, this pissed off Aubrie is sexy as fuck. If you didn’t belong to my boy—I’d bend you over this counter and fuck you hard. That’d be the only job you needed,” Bullet tells her.  Her elbow slams into his ribs. Bullet chokes on the laughter that erupts out of him as he tries to catch his breath.

“Work on your pickup lines, Bullet. No wonder you’re single.” I can’t help but laugh. She’s goddamn gorgeous right now.

Her eyes jerk back to mine when I motion for her to come to me. She does, just as I knew she would.

Sliding my hands around her waist, I pull her into me.

“You don’t need to work. I got this.” Her body tenses up. I know she wants to work and I won’t tell her she can’t.

“I am getting a job, Micah. I love my job,” she huffs. She tries to pull away, but I won’t let that happen.

“I know you do, but for now, we’re good. You can keep applyin’ okay?” When she finally gives into me, my heart swells. I know how much her job meant to her in Florida. She told me all the stories about Michelle.

That’s one part of her life that I wouldn’t want to take away from her.

Chapter 70

Aubrie

  “Stryker, goddamn it. You can’t go inside with me!” I snap. His lips curl into a smile. I want to slap the shit out of him right now.

“Just walkin’ a lovely lady to the door. Calm those tits, sweetheart.” God, I don’t know why Micah sent him with me.

I finally got to talk to someone at the local hospital, and he quickly set up an interview with me.

“Do I look okay?” I ask him. I’m nervous. I didn’t even have to interview for my job in Florida. They all knew me as the “coma girl”, and that was that.

“You look sexy as fuck in that skirt. Don’t tell Micah I said that,” he says. His eyes grow serious, but I can’t help but smile.

“I mean it, Stryker. I’ve never had an interview before.” His hands come to rest on my shoulders, his eyes burning into mine.

“Look, you have the knowledge. You know what the fuck you're doin’. If these bastards don’t hire you, I’ll kill them all.” I don’t know if I should laugh or slap him! His look is serious, though.

“Ok. You’re right. I got this. Wish me luck.” He releases me with a grin. I turn on my heel to head inside the building when he whistles.

“Sexy momma! Show em’ some skin!” Stryker hollers. Flipping him off over my shoulder, I try to regain my cool.

I glance around the inside of the lobby. Something settles inside of me. This is what I love to do. I was meant to be here.

“Excuse me. I have an interview with Doctor Porter.” Smiling politely at the woman at the desk, she nods.

“Take the elevator up to the third floor. He’s the last door on the left,” she says. Nodding quickly, I turn toward the elevator.

I feel such a sense of peace here. I have nothing but good thoughts as I step into the elevator.

I didn’t notice anyone getting on with me but the overwhelming smell of leather and grease stings my nose.

Glancing over, I see a greasy man in a cut, much like the one Micah wears. Except this guy is dirty and grimy.

I reach over, pushing the button to the third floor.

“You visitin’ someone?” His gravelly voice startles me slightly.

“Uh, no. Job interview.” I try not to look at him. I try to look anywhere but at him.

“You a doctor?” Giggling a little, I shake my head.

“No, I’m a nurse.” He grunts a little before inching closer to me.

Something digs into my side.

“You’re also Micah Reynolds old lady... and Benny Dell’s sister. Don’t make a goddamn move or I’ll shoot.”

Chapter 71

Micah

  “What the fuck do you mean she isn’t in there?” Roaring like a lion, I grab Stryker by the throat.

“Calm the fuck down, Micah!” Kane slams his fist into my ribs, making me let go of Stryker.

“What happened, brother?” Kane side eyes me as he talks to Stryker. My blood is heated and I’m ready to start a war.

She was supposed to go to a goddamn interview today. That was it. A fucking interview, and now she’s gone.

“She went a while ago. When she didn’t come back, I thought maybe they were givin’ her a job, so I waited. Still didn’t come out, I got worried and went in. She never made it to the goddamn interview,” Stryker says.  My hands clench at my sides. She wouldn’t have lied to me.

“She said her interview was at one. Did you check with the desk?” Kane asks. Stryker nods his head before looking me in the eye.

“She said she remembers her. She told her to take the elevator up to the third floor. She never got off there that anyone seen.” Turning, I slam my fist into the building. The things coming out of my mouth right now are lethal.

Bullet yanks me back to reality, much like he always has.

“Just talked with security. They’re willin’ to let us look at the surveillance if you’d calm your shit.” I almost laugh. Willing to? Yeah, I bet that’s what it was.

“You heard from Bomber?” I ask. My eyes look to Stryker.

“Nope, ain’t answerin’ his phone.” Those words rush through me... sucking all the air from my lungs.

Bash’s words play over in my head. What if Bomber is fucking with other club’s? Why would he be after her, though? What is he gaining by fucking Aubrie over?

I follow in a stunned silence as Bullet leads us around the back of the hospital and into the basement.

I don’t even know how the hell he knows all these hallways, but I’m in no position to ask.

“In here.” He directs us into a room full of security officers. That does nothing but make my skin crawl. Fucking fake cops at their finest.

“We pulled the feed from the lobby and the third floor. We also pulled every other floor, thinking maybe she made a mistake.” I eye this asshole. She didn’t make a mistake.

He presses a button and my eyes fall to the screen. There she is, with a smile on that pretty face of hers.

She turned to walk away from the desk and toward the elevator.

“Stop it!” Who in the hell is that?

Chapter 72

Aubrie

  I kick, I scream, I even bit the motherfucker.

“You better calm down bitch!” Growling in my ear, I know he isn’t playing, but neither am I.

The big guy drags me through a back hallway of the older part of the hospital. I assume they don’t use this wing anymore.

It’s dark, and dusty.

“Let me go, asshole!” I scream. Kicking, even more, my shoe falls, clinking to the floor.

“I’m warnin’ you to be nice. If you don’t stop—I’ll fuck you until you throw up my dick and I promise you—I like it rough.” His words slammed into me. I know the warning tone when I hear it. He will do it, too.

I stop fighting as hard but still try to wiggle my way free.

“He’ll kill you,” I say growling between my teeth, he laughs at me, yanking me harder.

“He won’t kill anyone.” He has so much faith in that. I know better. I know Micah... and he will kill every one of them.

“Why do you want me? I’m a nobody!” Tears form in my eyes as I try to be rational here.

Yeah, be rational with a killer, that’s never going to happen.

“You are somebody. Your brother took somethin’ that didn’t belong to him. We killed his ass in the end, but his debt was far from paid.” Oh, God. Not Benny.

“You son of a bitch!” I roar with anger. When Benny’s name leaves his mouth, I fight again.

No way in hell can he say that to me and not expect a fight.

The man grabs me roughly, tossing me against the far wall like a rag doll.

I slam into the hard cement with a thud. My shoulder screams in pain, the world spinning before my eyes.

“Now, I warned you to play nicely. Once I get you back to the clubhouse, the wolves will descend and you will be their prey.” My heart slams in my chest. Who the hell is this guy, and what does he want with me?

“I wasn’t even around Benny. We hadn’t seen each other in ten years,” I cry. I don’t know what else to do.

“We know that. Don’t you think we know that? But you are back with Micah. That made our job a lot easier. Now shut the fuck up before I knock you out for the rest of the ride.”

Chapter 73

Micah

  My focus is stellar. I’m on point. It took me a minute to compose myself, but now that the mission is in front of me, I’m all in.

“Right there. Where does that elevator lead?” Glancing over at one the security pricks, he leans in closer.

“South wing. It isn’t used anymore. It’s vacant.” As soon as those words leave his mouth, I grab him around the throat.

“Take me over there.” He nods his head. He better not fuck with me right now.

We follow him out into the hallway. Bullet’s hand lands on my shoulder.

“We’re gettin’ her back, brother,” Bullet says. I give him a quick nod. I didn’t need him to tell me that. I already knew that.

We all follow the prick over to the vacant area of the hospital. Stryker and I share a glance before I turn to the security officer.

“We don’t need you from here. Make sure if you find anything else, you call him.” Jerking my head toward Bullet, the guy nods and turns around.

“Fuckin’ flashlight cops. They make me sick. Thinkin’ they're all badass. I’d like to show him badass,” Kane mumbles under his breath. If it were a different situation, we’d all be laughing at him. He always has had a thing against security officers.

“Stay alert. Keep your eyes open,” I say. Pulling my gun, we already know that the security footage stops at the elevator to this area. Why they don’t have it set up is beyond me. I suppose they didn’t plan on any kidnappings, though.

We walk the dark, dusty halls, on high alert. Flashes of my time overseas are breaking into my mind’s eye. I shove them away, focusing solely on finding Aubrie.

My heart can be heard beating in my ears as I resort back to my years of training. Stay calm and focused. Everything in front of you is something. A target, a hiding spot, a place to take cover. You have to stay focused on the task at hand.

“What the fuck,” Kane grumbles. I turn to face him when I see Aubrie’s shoe on the ground.

The marks left in the dust tell me she didn’t go easily.

“She’s a fighter,” Stryker chimes in with a smile in his voice. That she is.

“Check that door. We’ll keep movin’.” Nodding to Bullet, he moves to check the side door just in case. The tracks in the dust point us in this direction, though.

Coming up to the end of the hall there is only one door left.

I hold up my hand for them to stop before motioning…

1…2…3.

Chapter 74

Aubrie

  I try to right myself, but I’m being slammed against the walls of the van I was tossed into.

Once I get my bearings, I realize I’m not alone either.

I move quickly, slinking against the edge when I realize it’s another girl.

“Hey, are you okay?” I ask. Her head lolls to the side, but her eyes finally come to focus on me.

“Who are you?” Her voice is weak and full of pain.

I shift around, but with my hands tied behind my back, it’s a little hard to do.

Sliding across the floor, I make my way closer to her.

“Hey... look at me. I’m Aubrie. What’s your name?” She tries to focus. She tries to lift her head, but someone, probably that filthy greaser bastard, has  done a number on her face.

“Shannon.” Her voice is laced with pain. Those fucking assholes!

“Everything’s okay, Shannon. I’m here.” A small smile creeps across her face.

“You don’t know them, do you? Everything is not okay, Aubrie. We’re both going to die.” She turns her head away from me, not wanting to look me in the eye.

Her words hang in the air. We’re going to die. I don’t want to die. I just got Micah back in my life. I’m not ready to die yet.

No, I won’t let them kill me, not without a fight.

I lean against the side of the van as it thumps its way along to wherever the hell we’re going.

So many things run through my mind.

I wished I would have told Micah I loved him more. I wished we had more time to be together.

I find myself wondering what life would have been like if I didn’t leave when we were younger.

Would we have been happy? Would we still be together?

Micah went to war. Would he have still gone if I would have stayed?

So many “What if’s” that I may never know the answers to, now.

I close my eyes and let the visions of his face seep into my memory.

If I’m going to die, I’m going out with a bang.

If I am going to die, I’m going out thinking of the man I love.

Chapter 75

Micah

  “You wanna tell me how the fuck they can just kidnap a person from the goddamn hospital!” I roar.  Slamming my hands on the counter, no one says a word.

The hospital led us to nothing. Nothing but the fucking Waters’. I saw his cut. I know who it was.

“I don’t get it either. Someone had to have seen somethin’. Kane hung back to ask questions.” Link looks at me, but I don’t need his shit right now. I can see the look in his eyes. He blames this on me.

“Say it, Link! Fuckin’ say it!” I snap. My body is taut. I want a war. I want blood... and if it has to start with Link, so be it.

“You want me to say it? Fine! You should have protected her from this shit! You go all after her again, and for what? To drag her into your hell?! She deserves a lot more than what she’s gettin’ here, Micah, and you know it!” That’s it.

I move quickly, so quickly, no one saw me until my fist collided with Link’s face. His blood splatters across my hand, making me grin.

“You always wanted her. You are fuckin’ jealous that you never got her!” Our fists connect with each other’s bodies.

The air is ripped from my lungs when he lands one to my ribs.

“You don’t fuckin’ know shit! I love that girl like a sister! You’re a fuckin’ coward!” We are yanked apart, both of us trying to catch our breath.

“A coward? Right,” I say.  Shaking my head, I wipe the blood from my lip on my arm.

“Yeah, a fuckin’ coward! She was happy, Micah. She moved on. You dragged her back here for your own selfish reasons! She didn’t deserve this shit! You know that as well as I do!” Link shoves out of Dax’s grip before walking off.

Is he right? Did I drag her back here for myself? No, she wanted to be with me. Didn’t she?

“He’s right.” The words fall out of my mouth when Bullet slaps my shoulder.

“He’s just pissed. We all are. He didn’t mean it.” I know what he’s trying to do but it isn’t working. He’s right.

“No, I did drag her back here. I barely gave her the goddamn option. I forced this life back on her. She was happy. She had a job. Good friends. Fuck, she even had a pansy ass boyfriend. She didn’t have to worry about this shit.” Running my hand through my hair, that is one hell of a reality to be handed.

“I fucked up.”

Chapter 76

Aubrie

  The light is blinding when the back door of the van is ripped open.

The ugly man that took me stands there with a few others, eyeing Shannon and me like we’re pieces of meat. I guess to them... we might be.

One of the younger ones climbs in, grabbing me by the hair and dragging me to the door. I cry out in pain, but that only gets me a backhand to the cheek.

Shannon isn’t far behind me.

“Where are we?” I ask. I try to take in my surroundings in case I get the chance to run. I don’t fucking know where we are, though.

“Don’t you fuckin’ worry about it,” the one with his hand around my neck growls before yanking me forward.

I try to replay what Micah said to me that day I was with him looking through the scope. The day he killed those two men.

Stay focused... I need to stay focused.

“So, you’re the one and only, huh? I didn’t realize Benny had such a pretty sister.” The guy in front of me crosses his arms over his chest, glaring at me.

He isn’t bad looking... if he wasn’t a monster.

“Like I told your goons—I haven’t talked to my brother in years.” He nods his head before walking closer to me.

“I know that. I’m Cell.” Like I give a shit who he is. Maybe I should, that way when Micah finds me, I can give him names.

“I’d tell you my name but I’m sure you already know it.” His lips curl into a devious grin.

“I like the spunk, sweetheart. I don’t want to make this any more painful than it needs to be. You play nicely... so will I.” What the hell does that mean?

I’m about to ask when he nods over my shoulder. Once again, I’m being shoved forward.

“Where are you taking me? What are you going to do to me?” I ask. My words fall on deaf ears. No one says a word as I’m shoved into a small shack. There are no windows and only one door.

It smells like death and I worked in the hospital, I know what that smells like.

My stomach clenches when I’m shoved to the floor.

The man that pushed me kneels behind me, untying my wrists.

“What are you going to do with me?” Pleading with him, I turn to look up.

“I don’t make the rules here, sweetheart. Just do what he says, okay?” He seems nicer to me than the others.

“What’s your name?” Shaking his head, he shoves off the floor and heads toward the door.

I sigh, dropping my head in defeat.

“Darren.”

Chapter 77

Micah

  “What do we know... and where the fuck is Bomber?” I ask. My nerves are running on a short fuse.

We haven’t heard from Bomber all day and it’s starting to piss me off.

“On his way in, VP,” Bash hollers over at me. I nod my head before turning back to Link.

“Hey, I’m sorry about earlier. You’re right, brother. I dragged her back into this,” I say. Link scrubs his hand over his face before looking up at me.

“No... I was wrong. She wanted to be here. She wouldn’t have came back if she didn’t. She’s hard-headed, just like she had always been.” I slightly huff before I smile. She is that.

“Okay... we got a lead on a few of the Waters’. Don’t have a set place, though. Mickey, over with Hellions ran into two of them on their turf. They didn’t seem like a threat, so he let them slide.” My brows furrow as I think about that one. That’s pretty far south.

“They ever have set-ups that far south?” I know I was out of the game for a long time but to my knowledge, they didn’t.

“Not since I’ve known them.” Bomber struts in looking like walking hell. I don’t know what the fuck is going on with him but I will find out.

“Nice of you to join us,” I grunt. Gritting my teeth, he doesn’t even acknowledge me.

“Aubrie wasn’t the only girl that’s been missin’. My niece has been gone for almost three weeks now.” FUCK! That’s what he’s been up to.

“Goddamn it, Bomber! Why didn’t you say shit?” My hands clench at my sides as I turn to face him.

“My brother wanted to keep that a family matter. He didn’t want the club involved. It’s lookin’ more and more like it’s the club’s problem, though.” Shit, this isn’t good.

“Where did she get picked up?” I ask. I know I need to find Aubrie but we also need to find his niece.

“Near her college dorm. A friend of hers said she had been hangin’ with some bikers. Bet you can’t guess what club.” My stomach rolls inside of me. I can’t believe this shit. How did they get her, why did they get her?

“Link’s got word that two of them rolled through Hellions not long ago. Think that means anything?” Bomber shrugs his shoulders. He looks older somehow. Like he’s aged in the span of a few days.

“I sent all the girls outta here. We got a plan yet?” Bash walks in looking deadly.

“We’re about to,” Bomber says.

Chapter 78

Aubrie

  My body aches from lying on this hard floor. I wince every time I have to move my shoulder.

Shannon stays curled up into herself in the corner.

She doesn’t speak to me, just moans every once in a while.

Scooting closer to her, I touch her back. She jumps as though she’s frightened.

“I won’t hurt you,” I say. I keep my voice soft and low, not knowing where those assholes are.

“I’m sorry.”

“How long have they had you?” Shannon shrugs.

“I don’t know. I lost track of the days. A few hits to the head will do that to you,” she says. God, I know how that feels all too well.

“We have to figure out a way out of here.” Shannon’s laugh is forced.

“There’s no way out. They keep moving me around. I can’t do it anymore, Aubrie. I don’t have any fight left in me.” Her words hurt. It’s a deep hurt that pierces my heart.

She’s so young. She has so much more to live for, and she’s giving up. What the hell did they do to her?

“Look at me. I can’t do this alone. I need you.” Her head moves up slowly to look me in the eye.

“No one has ever needed me for anything.” Swallowing hard, I have to make her want to live.

“Well, I need you. I can’t face this alone. Please, Shannon. Please help me,” I beg her. The look in her eyes changes when the door opens.

“Look at you two all cozied up. Isn’t it cute, Lock.” My eyes jerk from one man to the other’s. His slimy grin makes me sick to my stomach.

“It’s a beautiful sight. You ever had a threesome with another bitch?” His eyes come to meet mine. Bile rises in my throat.

“Fuck you, Lock.” Shannon’s weak voice startles me.

“Oh, I already fucked you, darlin’. Plenty of times. Need a repeat?” Her body shudders next to me. I can only imagine what that asshole did to her.

“What do you want from us?” All eyes leave her and come raining down on me.

“Your brother killed a few of our guys and one of the old ladies. He stole a shit ton of money from our club. Now, I think we need to repay that favor.” My body shakes as he stares at me.

Shannon was right—they are going to kill us.

“She didn’t do anything, let her go.” Lock laughs to himself before moving forward.

“She was our original bargainin’ chip. When they didn’t see her as such, we had to come up with a new plan. That was you.” His snarl is lethal.

I’m confused, though. Who is she?

Chapter 79

Micah

  “We can’t just go in blind. We need a location. Stryker, get with Hellions and see if they can run a search from their end. They know the area better than we do.” Stryker nods, shoving out of his chair and heading toward the door.

“Kane, you and Bullet go pull the arsenal from the warehouse. We go in... we go all in.” They both nod and leave the same way Stryker did.

Link, Bash, and Dax look at us in silent concern. They know we’re both off right now. At the drop of a dime, I could come unhinged.

“You guys, give us a minute,” I say. They all nod at me before shoving up and leaving the room.

It’s thick with tension in here.

“She was a good kid. I don’t know why they took her, Micah. My brother kept himself at a distance from me,”  Bomber says. I know that all too well.

“I know. I don’t get that either, Bomber. We’ll find her, though. We’ll get them both back.” Bomber shakes his head, not looking all too optimistic.

“I never thought about shit, Micah. I never gave a damn that my brother didn’t want shit to do with me once I was a part of this club. Family was shit. The only family I needed was you guys, this club. They took her though—they made shit personal.” I know that feeling all too well.

“I hear you, brother. We’re gettin’ them both back. You think Waters’ have her, too?” Bomber shakes his head.

“No way to know for sure. Makes sense, though, if that’s who she was hangin’ around.” I don’t get it, though. Why take her if they were good?

“She have a man in the club? Anything like that?” I have to ask. I can see the rage inside of him. He doesn’t like my questions.

“She was a good girl, Micah!”

“I know that, Bomber! She was in with a shit crowd, though! We need that information. Do we know she’s missin’ or did she run off to be with her man?” The look in his eyes tells me all I need to know. He never thought of that. Hell, I wouldn’t have either until he said she was hanging around them.

It would make sense, though.

If she had a boyfriend in the club, he might have told her to leave home. I don’t know enough about Bomber’s family to know what kind of girl she was.

“Goddamn it! I never thought it over, Micah. Even still, they aren’t good for her to be around.” Nodding my head, I didn’t need him to tell me that.

“We’ll get her back.”

Chapter 80

Aubrie

  I can hear motorcycles come and go. There’s always chatter outside, though. None of it seems to be near the front door, which makes me wonder if it’s locked. If it’s not, we have a chance to run.

“Shannon... I know you’re hurting but can you run?” Her hand lands on mine. There’s only a sliver of sunlight coming in around the door’s edges.

“They’ll kill you. Don’t do it.” She speaks from experience that I don’t have. I won’t wait around to die in here, though.

“I can’t sit here and wait for them to kill me. If they are going to kill me, I won’t be going down without a fight,”I tell her. Her hand tightens around mine before the words leave her lips.

“Okay... I can run,” she says. Relief floods my chest. I didn’t want to go without her. I don’t know that I could have left her here to this shit.

“Okay. Let’s get ready. One round of bikes already left. That means another will be coming in soon. The only voices I hear are around back. If that door is unlocked—we run.” Scooting closer to the door, I can see her face in the little light that shines through. Whatever they did to her, they hurt her badly.

Her face is so sad. She looks so lost.

“Okay... I’ll do whatever you say.” Nodding my head, I reach for the doorknob. A heavy sigh leaves me when I realize it’s unlocked.

I close my eyes tightly, mentally preparing myself for what might happen. I may never see Micah again. I may never get to hold him and tell him I love him.

A tear falls down my cheek before I feel Shannon’s hand. She wipes it away before I force my eyes open.

“What’s his name?” she asks.  As if she could read my mind, I smile.

“Micah.” Her brows furrow for a second like the name means something to her.

“Micah... Knights of Sin, Micah?” Oh, God. How does she know him?

Nodding my head slowly, tears fill her eyes.

“My uncle is Bomber.” Her words suck the air from my lungs. That’s what he meant by using her as a bargaining chip.

My mouth falls open as I realize just how bad this could get.

“We’re going to get out of here, okay?” Shannon nods her head, a newfound reason to live floats across her features.

Chapter 81

Micah

  I stand outside, smoking a cigarette. Everything is crashing down on me.

The weight of everything is overwhelming. Rage, fury, hatred, anger, regret. These are all emotions that are sucking the life out of me.

Link rounds the corner, his face as contorted as mine. His anger is visible.

“Hellions are runnin’ around now. They have a few spots that they are focusin’ on.” Nodding my head, I want blood. I can taste it. I need to feel that high I get when I know a threat is taken care of.

“Kane back?” I ask. Link nods before grabbing my cigarette and bringing it to his lips.

“Yeah, they got shit ready. We’re loaded up. Takin’ the van, too. Stryker’s gettin’ it ready.” I know what happens when the van comes out. Either we are moving one hell of a shipment, or we’re preparing for bodies.

I swallow hard, knowing that we could be doing the latter.

“She’s tough, Micah. She survived your ass,”  Link says. His chuckle makes me smile. He’s right though, Aubrie is strong.

“Yeah, that’s true. She lived through all that hell without me.” The door flies open, and guys come marching out.

“We got a location! Don’t know if they’re there.” Stiffening my back, I crack my neck from side to side. I’m ready for this.

“Let’s get your girl.” Bomber looks me in the eye. I give him a quick nod before heading to my bike.

Sliding my helmet on, I have this overwhelming sense of dread creeping around under my skin. I don’t know if that’s a premonition as to what’s to come or I’m just overthinking shit.

Either way, it scares the hell out of me.

The bikes rev up, and Stryker pulls out in the van.

This is it. This is what we were born to do. We need to protect what belongs to us.

Aubrie is mine. There is no way around that anymore and as soon as I get her back, I will make it official in every way possible.

I will never let that woman out of my arms again. Hell, she’ll be lucky if I ever let her out of my bed after this.

We file out in formation like always. My heart thunders inside of me as I try to keep thoughts of what she might be going through out of my head.

I will kill every one of those motherfuckers.

Chapter 82

Aubrie

  I listen at the door. My ear is plastered to it, trying to hear anything I can.

I motion for Shannon to get ready. She inches closer to me.

“I figure we have only a few minutes before the next round of guys come in.” Shannon nods her head as I shove to my feet.

“Don’t stop. No matter what,” I tell her. She nods her head, knowing what I mean.

She reaches for my hand, giving it a quick squeeze.

Just as I reach for the knob, it flies open.

My heart slams against my ribs as the man we now know as Lock, grins down at me.

“Goin’ somewhere?” My stomach rolls. Bile rushes up my throat, burning as it goes.

He takes a step toward me when I push Shannon forward.

“RUN!” I scream. Shannon ducks around him, rushing out the door. I feel a small sense of relief until Lock’s hand connects with my jaw.

“Stupid mistake, darlin’.” He grabs his belt buckle, undoing his jeans next.

My eyes widen as I realize what’s about to happen.

Micah’s words ring in my head. Stay focused.

“This oughta be fun.” His massive hand wraps around the back of my neck, jerking me into his chest.

“You can fight, sweetheart. It makes it that much better for me.” His eyes burn into me as he looks at me.

He lowers his mouth to mine. My body shakes with fear, but there is a little rage inside of there, too.

When his lips touch mine, I open my mouth, biting  his lip.

His blood filters into my mouth before he pulls back with a howl. His hand wraps around my throat, cutting off my oxygen. I claw at his hands, trying to free myself.

He lifts me, slamming me against the wall, my eyes blur.

“This is gonna be fun.” I feel his hand go between my legs. Tears run down my face as I think of what’s about to happen.

“So wet for me, slut.” I can feel his dick so close to me when he’s suddenly knocked away from me.

“Micah?” I ask. Gasping, I look around, trying to force my eyes to focus.

“No... It’s Darren. You need to get out of here. Run!” I force my feet to move. They don’t want to, but this is my only chance.

Chapter 83

Micah

  “This is it?” I ask.  Looking at Drew, Hellions President, he nods his head.

“Back in those trees we have a little shack for personal reasons,” he says. I know what that means.

“There are some tracks leadin’ back there. We haven’t used it in months. I didn’t know your plan... so I didn’t move in.” Bomber slaps a hand on his shoulder before looking at me.

“We move in hard. We watch out for the girls,” Bomber says. Nodding my head, I hear the guys behind us getting ready.

Dax passes a gun over my shoulder to me. I love knowing that these guys have my back.

“We got your backs. We’ll go around and come in from the east. That’ll put us behind the shack. Only one door, no windows.” My eyes catch onto Drew’s. He gives me a small nod; a silent understanding washes between the two of us.

“None of them walk,” Bomber adds as we get ready to move in.

Bomber twirls his finger in the air, a sign that we’re moving out. Too much of this reminds me of my time in the war.

Flashbacks pop up before my eyes as I shake them away.

My heart is racing. Sweat beads on my forehead.

“Stay low.” Bullet comes up next to me. God, I fucking love having this man next to me. He’s always had my back and now is no different.

“You see her... you get her out, Micah. I’ll make sure they all pay.” Bullet’s like me. He’s in his zone. I give him a quick nod as we move forward.

The shack comes into view, but it looks more like a madhouse the closer we get.

A few guys run around like they’ve lost something. Then it hits me.

What if she got out? That’s when I see it. One of the guys is on his knees in front of the shack, a gun to his head.

I can hear the screams but I can’t make out the words just yet.

Bullet and I share a glance before getting closer.

“You let them go? What the fuck kind of soldier are you!” The gun slams into his temple, but the man doesn’t bat an eye.

“I fuckin’ loved her and you knew it, Cell! Shannon was all I had!” My eyes close briefly when I hear her name. Shit!

“Move in!” Bomber’s voice rises above all the rest.

Shots ring out through the air. Bullets fly.

Chapter 84

Aubrie

  “Shit!” mumbling under my breath as sticks and rock cut my bare feet, I want to stop and sit down. I know I can’t.

I’ve run as hard as I could.

I hear the shots behind me, and I can only imagine what the hell is happening.

Did they get Shannon? Was it Darren? Why did he help me?

So many questions are left unanswered as I make my way through the trees.

I take a few more steps, but when I hear something, I stop.

I look around quickly, taking in my surroundings. What the hell was that... and where is it coming from?

My eyes jerk around as a tear rolls down my cheek. I don’t want to die like this.

Another noise, this time I recognize it as a sob.

“Shannon?” whispering her name, I look around more. She has to be over here.

“Shannon?” A little louder and I hear her.

“Over here.” Her little voice is full of sadness and fear.

I move toward her voice and find her curled up near a fallen tree.

“Are you okay? We need to keep moving.” Reaching for her hand, she grabs mine.

I pull her to her feet and check her over.

“Are you hurt anywhere?” I ask. Shaking her head, I hear the shots getting closer. Shit!

“Get back under there!” I whisper loudly. Shoving her back to the ground, she slides up under the tree. I drop down next to her, sliding as closely as I can.

I wrap my arms around her, holding her tightly. We can’t outrun them. What the hell made me think that we could? I’m so stupid.

“Shh... Just be quiet. Maybe they won’t come this far.” That’s what I’m praying for in my mind anyway. That they will keep going. Not stopping here.

My heart races. Shannon sobs quietly into my shirt. This is hell. This is what hell on earth would be like. The fear that sits inside of me is overwhelming.

The need to tell Micah how much I love him is eating away at any hope that I had.

I hear the branches and leaves crunching as someone gets close.

Oh, God, this is it. This is how I’m going to die.

Chapter 85

Micah

  They weren’t in the shack. They weren’t fucking in there!

Bullet kept his promise, though. Once we saw they weren’t in there, I went out to look. I heard movement and took out a few of them on my way into the trees. They had to have run.

It kills a piece of me to know that my sweet Aubrie is lost out here in this mess. She has to be scared to death by now.

If those motherfuckers hurt her at all, I’ll kill them again.

My focus is on point. Too many reminders of doing this not so long ago haunt me.

My ears tune into everything around me. Even the faintest of noises, I’m trained to hear.

That’s when I hear it.

I step over a downed tree and wait. I know I heard it come from over here.

I close my eyes for a second and just listen.

Sobs... I know that sound anywhere.

“Aubrie?” Calling her name in a low tone, I hear her gasp.

“Micah?” Spinning around, I kneel on the ground next to the downed tree.

That’s when I see them. Wrapped up in each other’s arms.

“Oh, God. Aub’s...” She climbs out from her hiding spot, throwing herself into my arms. I fall back, landing on my ass, but I hold my girl tightly.

“I was so fuckin’ scared, Aubrie.” Pressing my lips into her neck, I sigh. God, I’ve never been so scared in my life.

“I knew you would come,” she sobs. Her cries rip my heart open. She’s my everything.

“We need to move. I don’t know how many more are comin’.” Aubrie nods before pulling back.

“I love you, Micah. I just need you to know that... I love you!” Throwing herself back into me, I hold her a second longer.

“I love you too, Aubrie. More than you know.” Reluctantly, she pulls back so we can move. She holds her hand out to the girl under the tree.

She looks so torn but I can see it in her eyes. That’s Bomber’s niece. She looks like she could be his kid.

Aubrie pulls Shannon up next to her, but she’s weak. I look down and notice Aubrie doesn’t have shoes on, and her feet are bleeding.

“Let me carry you. You’re bleedin’.” I reach for her, but she pushes my hand away. Confusion slaps me in the face.

“She’s weak. Get her...” My unselfish woman. Shaking my head, I reach for Shannon, lifting her in my arms.

Chapter 86

Aubrie

  My throat's dry and my head swims. The distinct scent of bleach assaults my nose.

“Not again,” mumbling under my scratchy voice, I know I’m in the hospital. I know that smell anywhere.

A slight chuckle comes from next to me.

I turn my head, to see Link sitting with his elbows resting on his knees, a grin on his face.

“Nice of you to wake up. Doc said you passed out from dehydration and a concussion.” God, need I be reminded?

“So, that’s why I feel like I’ve ridden the tilt-a-whirl at the fair a thousand times?” Link laughs before shoving out of the chair. He leans against the edge of the bed for a long time before he says anything.

“He was scared shitless. I’ve never seen a man go from calm to deadly that quick,” he tells me. I know he worries about Micah. They have been best friends for a long time.

“I know. He’ll be okay though, Link. Micah’s strong.” Link nods. He knows that already.

“What about you? Are you okay?” His hand comes to my head, brushing my hair away from my face.

“I am perfect. I mean, look at me. I look like I won the beauty pageant.” Link smiles while shaking his head.

“You’re my beauty.” Micah’s voice filters into the room. I can hear his boots hit the floor before he walks closer to the bed. My heart nearly leaps out of my chest when I see him.

He cocks his head to the side, looking at me before looking at the machine.

“What’s goin’ on with your heart rate?” he asks. I see the amusement in his eyes.

“You... ass. You know what you do to me.” I crack a small smile that feels like it’s ripping my head in two.

Micah notices the hurt on my face.

“Stop smilin’ so hard.” I stick my tongue out at him before I hear Link closing the door behind him.

Micah sits on the edge of the bed, his hand wrapping around mine.

“I was scared to death to lose you.” I drag my eyes up to meet his.

“You thought you could get rid of me that easily?” His smile is beautiful.

“Never. I want you. We’re a family, Aubrie.” His thumb caresses my knuckles when I feel sick. I have to tell him.

“Micah, I can’t have any more kids.”

Chapter 87

Micah

  Her words dug deep into my soul. In fact, a part of my heart feels hollow.

I don’t say anything as I let that sink in. I should be mad at her, but I’m not. I should be pissed that she never told me.

I know how much having a family used to mean to Aubrie. This has to be tearing her apart, too.

“I understand if you want to leave. I would, too.” Is she insane?

“How hard did you hit your head? I’m not leavin’ you, Aubrie. It’s just a shock that’s all,” I say. She won’t look at me. She doesn’t believe I’d leave her for that, does she?

“When I lost the baby, it tore up everything else inside of me. I should have told you, but I couldn’t.” A tear falls down her cheek.

I lean down, pressing my lips to her cheek.

“You should have told me, but that makes no difference. I love you. I wouldn’t leave you...” Her head turns slightly, her lips capturing mine. God, this woman is the other half of me. She’s everything I could have dreamed of, and she’s mine.

“How’s Shannon?” she asks. Her eyes are full of worry.

“She’s okay. She’s gonna be okay. Her parents are here, but she seems to be holdin’ onto Bomber.” Aubrie nods her head.

“She has lived through hell. I feel so bad for her.” My fingers trail over her soft, wet cheeks.

“So have you... Shannon said you were a fighter.” Her eyes meet mine, and I’m lost in her.

“She was too. They tried...” She shakes her head, unable to finish and I don’t think I want her to. I can’t hear it.

“I know. Did you hear them talkin’ or hear any names? We took out a lot, but I want to make sure we got them all.” She bites her lip, her memory working overtime. I don’t want to put too much stress on her, but I do want to make sure we have them all.

“Cell was the main one. Lock, and Darren. That’s all I remember, but Micah, Darren helped us.” Her eyes fill with tears as she looks at me.

“He was Shannon’s boyfriend, I think.” My hands clench around hers. My nerves begin to fire off.

How the hell could he let them do that to her?

“He’s dead.” My tone is harsh. Tears stream down her cheeks.

“I killed him. Whether he helped you or not, he took her there and let them do what they did.”

Chapter 88

Aubrie

  Micah stayed with me until I fell asleep. Now that I’m awake, alone, my heart hurts. It hurts for Micah. I saw the look in his eyes when I said I couldn’t have kids. It was as though the world slapped him in the face.

Tears well up in my eyes again, but I shove them back down. I can’t keep crying over the same things. I can’t change what happened. I can only move forward now.

A soft knock on the door has me quickly wiping at my eyes.

When it opens, I see Dax with a cup of coffee and a smile.

“Hey, sunshine. Thought you might need this.” Holding the cup up, I nod.

“Thank you, Dax. Do you know where Micah is?” He lets out a sigh before taking a seat in the chair next to my bed. I know that sigh isn’t a good one. I can feel it.

“He had some things to take care of.” He passes me the cup before I shove up to a sitting position.

“What stuff? Did they find more guys?” Dax doesn’t look like he wants to talk to me. In fact, he seems to be ignoring me now.

“If you’re just going to sit here and be an asshole, get out!” My scream rips through the room. Dax shifts in his seat but doesn’t make a move to leave. The door pops open again and Bomber strolls in.

“Givin’ my man a hard time, darlin’?” Bomber says.  His smile is bright, but I know better.

“Where is he, Bomber?” He must notice the look in my eyes. I’m not playing... I need to know where Micah is.

“He ran outta here as soon as you were asleep. We can’t find him. He said he had unfinished business to handle. Link’s lookin’ for him.” My hands begin to shake when Dax moves to take the cup.

“He’ll be fine, Aubrie. He’s a tough son of a bitch.” Shaking my head, I know it’s what I said to him.

“Bomber, I told him the names I heard,” I say. His eyes meet mine, a worry etched across his face.

“What names?” He leans in closer, his hand clenching at his sides.

“Cell, and Lock.” His eyes jerk to Dax before they are both heading toward the door.

I don’t know what the hell just happened, but I need to find out.

I need Micah.

Chapter 89

Micah

  Blind rage simmers its way through my bloodstream. Rage may not be a strong enough word for what I’m feeling right now.

He touched her, he took her, and now he will pay for that.

Of all the people in this world, when his name fell from her lips, I almost lost it at that moment.

Cell was a part of my squad. He was by my side throughout my five years in the Marines. How the fuck could he do something like that?

I pull up to their old clubhouse. One goddamn bike in the lot. I knew he’d come back here. I knew he’d go back to the one place that he called home, to lick his wounds. Fucking bastard.

I climb off my bike, leaving my helmet hanging on the handlebars. Checking that my guns are in place, I head toward the door.

My heart’s like a ball of fire in my chest, begging to burn this place to the ground, but I want him to see me when he dies. I want him to know that I’m the one that sent him to hell.

I pull my gun from the back of my jeans, shoving the old wooden door open.

There he sits, like it’s any other day at the bar, with a beer in his hands.

“Figured you’d come.” He doesn’t even look over at me. He knew it would be me... and only me.

“You touched somethin’ that belongs to me, Cell. I thought you knew me better than that.” He takes a long pull from the bottle before turning to face me.

“I did know you better than that. What you didn’t know—is that you let somethin’ of mine die.” Confusion shakes me to the core. What the hell is he talking about?

“You’re not makin’ much sense here,” I say. His drunken lips curl into a smile when he reaches up toward his neck.

Ripping a set of dog tags free, he throws them at me. I catch them in one hand before bringing them up to read them.

“Patrick Jones.” That one name sends a flood of memories through me. I can still see his face. I had to leave him, I didn’t have a choice. They left me no choice.

“He was gone.” Shaking my head, I lower the gun  to my side.

“So, they say. You were there. He was my brother, Micah!” His roar rips through the room, kicking me in the chest.

“Fuck! I didn’t know that. It wouldn’t have mattered if I did, Cell. He was gone!” I holler. Cell nods his head slowly before standing. My finger remains on the trigger, ready for whatever he’s about to do.

“He might have been... but he was all I had left. I knew takin’ that girl would get you. I wanted you to feel the pain that I felt losin’ my only family.” Our eyes connect and so much loss slams into us both.

“That war ruined more lives than it should have. You can’t blame me for Patrick’s death. He was dead! I couldn’t bring him back!” Before I know what’s happening, Cell pulls a knife off the counter.

“Now you have two brothers’ blood on your hands.” He slides the knife across his throat as I watch.

Chapter 90

Aubrie

  I pace Micah’s bedroom at the clubhouse. I can’t sleep, I can’t eat. I just want Micah back.

No one has heard from him in days. It’s like he just vanished into thin air.

Link has had a search on his cell phone since he left, but it’s either broken or turned off.

My heart hurts. I need him.

I run my hand through my hair, hoping to God, that he’s okay wherever he is.

The pounding of boots on the floor pulls my attention.

I head out of the room to see the guys running around like crazy.

“What’s going on?” Grabbing Kane’s arm, he looks down at me.

“Link got a signal on Micah’s phone. It’s here at the clubhouse.” My eyes widen. I don’t know what I’m feeling right now. Fear that he may be hurt. Anger that he left me.

It’s all too much to deal with.

“AUBRIE!” Bomber’s voice calling out to me has me picking up my pace.

I run into the main room and see the guys all crowded around.

I step in the middle of them when I see Link’s pale face.

“What? Where is he?” My body is shaking when he turns a screen to me.

Oh, God, no... he can’t do this to me.

Micah sits outside the clubhouse in the grass, a gun against his head.

“What the hell are you doing standing here?” I scream at them.  No one moves, maybe it’s the shock of seeing him like this. I don’t know, but I move. I run.

Slamming through the door, I run to him.

“Don’t come any closer.” He’s crying. I can hear it in his voice.

“Don’t tell me what to do,” I say. I keep walking when he jerks his head around.

“Aub’s...” My name slips between his lips. I move to sit in front of him, pulling his attention.

“What are you doing?” I ask him. Looking at the gun and back to his eyes, he shrugs.

He’s so lost. My poor lost, Micah.

“I can’t handle anymore.”

Chapter 91

Micah

  Cell was right. I have his brother’s blood on my hands. I left him there to rot. I should have stayed behind. Now Cell is dead, and not by my hand. I did cause it though, in a way.

“Talk to me, Micah.” Aubrie pleads with me. Shaking my head, I don’t deserve her either.

“I don’t deserve you, Aubrie. Do you know how many people I’ve killed? How many lives I took in that war? Some were even kids. Kids, Aubrie!” God, how could I have done that?

“You did what you had to do to survive, Micah. Don’t you dare blame yourself.” She has no idea how much I love her. She just doesn’t know.

“I could have changed things. I could have done somethin’ different. I don’t know...” Shaking my head again, she leans forward, grabbing my face in her hands.

“Are you kidding me? You came home! You came home to Benny, to Bullet, to me. You did what you had to do to get here, and there is no shame in that.” I want to believe her.

“Cell killed himself. I watched his brother die over there. I didn’t realize at the time it was his family, though. He blamed me. Said I let him die, and then he cut his goddamn throat. He left that blood on my hands too, Aubrie.” She shakes her head.

“He made his own choice, and you made yours. If that’s the case, then I killed our daughter.” She releases my face, shoving away from me. I watch the hurt in her eyes and it guts me.

She didn’t kill our baby.

Aubrie turns to walk away from me.

“You didn’t kill her!” I holler. She stops, turning slowly to face me again. Sadness wraps itself around her.

“Neither did you. You didn’t kill people unnecessarily. If you can’t live with that, then I can’t live with knowing I killed our baby.” She wouldn’t dare. She wouldn’t try to hurt herself, not after how far she’s come.

I watch her walk away. I know I should go to her, but I can’t. I’m a selfish bastard, that wants to wallow in his own self-pity.

I hear the shot before I’m on my feet. Running toward the clubhouse, I can hear the commotion inside.

As soon as I step in the door, my eyes find her teary ones.

“I won’t live without you, Micah! I won’t fucking do it anymore.” She holds a gun in her little hands so close to her head.

Shaking my head, I set my gun down. Moving toward her slowly, her eyes stay on mine. The air is sucked from the room.

The guys stand around in a circle, ready to move in if they have to.

“You don’t have to live without me, Aub’s. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you away again.” Her lip quivers before she explodes into tears.

I rush to her, taking the gun and passing it off to whoever is closest to me.

Wrapping her in my arms, I hold her as we both cry.

Chapter 92

Aubrie

  Does life ever settle down? I suppose it does for some. Me, on the other hand? It keeps running at a fast pace.

I love every second of it, though.

I got a job at the hospital, just like I had planned to do to begin with.

Micah has been in therapy for a while now and seems to be making progress. His nights are still filled with dreams that he has no control over, but I do the best I can to help him through it.

It’s hard at times. We never know when something will change, but we all know it can in the blink of an eye.

“Close your eyes.” I hear him behind me. I don’t want to close my eyes. I want to see him.

I hear him huff when I sigh.

“Okay, okay. I closed them.” I can feel Micah’s presence all through me as I sit in the same spot where he thought about killing himself not long ago.

“Open them.” Pulling my eyes open, I can’t stop smiling.

“A puppy?” I squeal. I reach for the little furry mess in his hands. Pulling it into my chest, it licks my face.

“You got us a puppy?” My eyes fill with tears as Micah nods his head.

“Shrink thought it would be good for us.” Shrugging like it’s no big deal, I set the puppy on the ground. Grabbing Micah around the neck, I pull him into me. Kissing him roughly, he groans before laying me back in the grass.

His heat consumes me. I’ve always loved feeling his weight on me. It soothes me.

“Do you know how much I love you?” His words are like a song to my heart.

“Not as much as I love you.” Pressing my lips to his, he grins against me.

“I said that once I had you back, I was gonna make you mine in every way possible.” One more kiss and he pulls away from me.  I watch him confused, until I hear someone clear their throat behind us.

Cocking my head to the side, I see all the guys standing there, Bomber with a box in his hands.

Micah grabs me, pulling me up with him.

“What’s this?” I ask. Looking at all of them, they just grin. Those bastards.

“It’s a surprise,” Shannon’s little voice filters in. I can’t stop smiling at that girl.

“You’re mine, Aubrie. In every way that matters. Now I want to make that official.” I look up at Micah, unsure of what that means.

Bomber opens the box, as Micah steps up and pulls something out.

Chapter 93

Micah

  I like the anticipation that I see in her eyes. It makes my dick hard.

“I’m announcin’ this here and now. Aubrie is officially my old lady,” I say with the most pride I’ve ever felt. The guys all roar with excitement, but it’s the look in Aubrie’s eyes that makes me smile.

I slide the cut that I had made for her over her shoulders.

“I love you, Micah.” The words keep falling from her lips. I love every second of it, too.

“I love you. You make me better, Aubrie. You make me rethink everything about myself. I don’t know how you do it, but you do.” Kissing her roughly, she moans into my mouth.

“NEXT STEP!” Bomber yells, breaking our moment, but I know he’s as excited as I am.

Aubrie looks at me with her brows furrowed, wondering what else I have planned for her.

I turn my back to her, taking the ring I bought out of the box that Bomber holds.

Taking a deep breath, I turn back to Aubrie before dropping down to one knee. I grab her hand in mine, nerves shaking me.

“I’ve loved you for a long time, Aubrie. You were my first love and I want you to be my last. Marry me...” I don’t give her the chance to answer. I slide the ring on her finger before standing up and grabbing her in my arms.

She slaps at me laughing.

“You didn’t let me answer!” she laughs as I spin her around.

Putting her feet back on the ground, I kiss her again.

“I already know the answer. You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried.”

Life can throw us some hard shit to handle. I would know that first hand. My life was never a fairytale, but it did bring me to where I am today.

Without the struggle, there’d be no me—there’d be no Aubrie—and there sure as hell would be no us.

Thank you for reading Never Letting Go, Micah and Aubrie’s story! If you enjoyed it, don’t hesitate to leave a review on amazon and Goodreads!

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