I used to love surprises, but losing my arm had changed things. Now, I needed to know what I’d encounter ahead of time so I could mentally and physically prepare myself and—if necessary—arm myself with excuses why I couldn’t go. By keeping the details of today’s activity a secret, Stocks was challenging my comfort zone, which I didn’t appreciate at all.
“At least give me a hint, Stocks.”
He shook his head. “No. You’ll be fine. Trust me.”
I had two options. I could either hunker down in my room like a frightened little bitch, or I could trust him not to drag me into a situation I’d hate. Over the past week, Stocks and I had spent a lot of time together. I’d told him more about myself than I’d ever told anyone. I felt no need to define our relationship, but I definitely considered him a friend.
Everyone around us was mounting up.
Stocks threw his leg over his bike and looked at me expectantly. “You comin’?”
His question sounded a lot like a dare. I didn’t want to go, but I was tired of feeling like a frightened little bitch. Growling in frustration, I popped my helmet over my head and climbed on his bike, settling myself against his back.
Naomi was watching me. Maya and Eagle had been keeping her busy enough that I hadn’t seen her much lately. No doubt my nosey friend would have all sorts of questions for me after today’s ride.
Engines revved to life, sounding impressive as hell. This was the first time I’d been on Stocks’s bike since the night I met him, and it was crazy how different this time felt. Back then, he was a stranger, nervous as hell and clearly intimidated by me, while I had enough confidence for both of us. My outfit and hair were on point, and I had every intention of rocking his little white-boy world. It had been a game to fuck with him and see how badly I could throw him off, but in the end, he rose to the occasion. Literally. Stocks had matched my filthy talk and kept up with my out-of-control libido, impressing the hell out of me.
Still, when I left the hotel I never thought I’d see him again.
Now, he’d implanted himself in my life. I’d had fuck buddies before, but none of them had been like Stocks. He understood me on a level that nobody ever had, and he seemed hellbent on taking care of all my needs. The man had bought me a shoe organizer and hauled a second dresser up the stairs and into my room. He brought me breakfast every morning and wore my ass out every night.
“Remember the last time I was on the back of your bike?” I shouted over the roar of the engines.
He patted my hand on his stomach. “Babe, I will never fuckin’ forget that night.”
His answer warmed me from the inside out. Making a mental note to reward him later with the kind of blow job that would have him bowing to my awesomeness, I squeezed him closer. I thought about that night sometimes, but now I saw it in a whole new light.
The bikers rolled out in some preassigned formation with Link and the rest of the officers riding in front. Since Stocks hadn’t been a member of the club for long, his spot was toward the back, which enabled me to see the majority of the convoy. It made one hell of an impressive sight. Straight lines, evenly spaced, pristine American flags flying on the back of each bike, we turned heads like a goddamn parade. Drivers stared as we passed. Little kids plastered their faces to car windows to watch us.
And for once, nobody seemed to even notice my missing arm. I’m not even sure anyone saw me. Just like back in basic, I was part of a unit designed for anonymity, and I loved every second of it.
I didn’t know what we were up to, but I was honored to be a part of it and proud to ride with the Dead Presidents.
We pulled into one of Seattle’s military cemeteries, parking in tight, even lines. Dismounting, helmets were removed but nobody spoke as we waited.
Link stepped onto the curb and turned to address the group. “Thank you all for coming out today,” he said as his gaze scanned the group. “There’s a lot of shit you could be doing today, but you’re here serving. We may not wear the uniforms anymore, but hell if we don’t bleed red, white, and blue. I’m damn proud to call every one of you brothers.” His gaze scanned the group. “And sisters.”
Everyone cheered. Standing in front of us, Havoc pulled Julia against him and kissed the top of her head. She glanced back at me and smiled, looking content.
Link waited for the cheers to die down before continuing, “We’re here today, because we know freedom sure as hell isn’t free. With the lives it’s cost us, I’d say freedom’s the most expensive thing our country owns. Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, ‘Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.’ We stand here today, because we have not forgotten the brothers and sisters who gave their lives for this country. We will never forget!”
Goosebumps sprouted across my skin at the conviction in his voice. Cheers erupted around us as everyone shared in the president’s enthusiasm. Stocks wrapped his arm around my waist and tugged my back against his front. Naomi looked at me sideways, but I didn’t give a damn. It felt right to be here experiencing this with Stocks.
Link raised his arms, silencing the group. “Today, we decorate the graves of our fallen brothers and sisters. May their bravery and commitment to our country live on through us and our children.”
More cheers erupted.
Stocks released me to open his saddlebags, removing several bunches of small flags attached to wooden stakes. “For the patriotic vampire hunter,” he joked, passing a couple bunches to me before keeping several for himself.
“Do you usually encounter vampires in this graveyard?” I asked, following him toward the entrance.
“It never hurts to be prepared. I also know what to do in case of a zombie apocalypse.”
“That’s handy.”
He pinched my ass. “I got your handy for you.”
Squirming away from him, I asked, “Shouldn’t that be my line?”
