“To impress you, obviously,” he retorted, the corner of his mouth twitching upward.He winked at Violet, and the gesture transformed his entire face from intimidating to almost boyish.“Did it work?”
“Always does,” she replied with a laugh that sounded so free, so unburdened it made my chest ache.
In one smooth motion, Riot pulled Violet into his arms, engulfing her completely in a bear hug that lifted her feet off the ground.She melted against him, her hand coming up to rest on his cheek with such casual intimacy I had to look away, feeling like I was intruding on a private moment.
I couldn’t remember the last time someone had held me like that, like I was precious, like they’d always keep me safe.The casual affection between Violet and Riot stirred something in me I’d thought was long dead.Not just desire for a partner, though God knew it had been years since I’d felt wanted in that way, but for that evident security.The knowing that someone had your back, completely and without question.
I glanced at my girls, still engaged with Caleb.Zelda was actually smiling now, a sight so rare these past few years that it made my throat tight.Kira had edged closer to the boy, her perpetual wariness easing just a fraction.They deserved a life where smiles weren’t rare, where they didn’t have to be constantly on guard.
“Sorry,” Violet said, returning to my side after Riot set her down.Her cheeks were slightly flushed, her eyes bright.“He always insists on doing everything in one go.”
“It’s nice,” I said softly, meaning more than just Riot’s determination with the groceries.
Violet seemed to understand.“It wasn’t always like this,” she admitted.“Trust takes time to build.For both of you.”She nodded toward Riot, who was now unpacking the groceries with the same intensity he’d carried them with.“He’s a good man.They all are, in their own rough ways.”I knew what she meant.I’d been wary of the idea of MC members being the security, but the men I’d met so far had been nothing but kind to both of us.
I watched as Riot noticed the kids and made his way over, offering Caleb a fist bump before nodding politely to my girls.He didn’t crowd them or try to engage beyond that simple acknowledgment and a kind smile.He respected their space.
Maybe this strange alliance between bikers and abused women wasn’t as contradictory as I’d first thought.Maybe sometimes safety came in unexpected packages.I didn’t know if I could trust these men -- trust was a luxury I hadn’t been able to afford for a long time -- but seeing Violet with Riot, seeing how she’d built a life here from the ruins of her old one, gave me something I hadn’t felt in years.Hope.Fragile and tenuous, but there all the same.And for now, that was enough to get through one more day.One step at a time.
Chapter Two
Tiny
I ducked my head and turned slightly sideways as I stepped through the door of the large warehouse, a habit born from years of door frames too small for me.The club had renovated the structure several months ago because the club’s old ladies demanded the place be secured for their new project.The shelter only accepted horribly abused women deemed high risk for retaliatory violence from their abusers.We’d started calling the shelter Haven.The girls all did their best to make it a haven.It also meant men my size weren’t exactly welcome.
I smelled fresh coffee when I stepped inside, a stark contrast to the exhaust fumes that clung to my leather and clothes.Inside, the few conversations stuttered to silence as heads turned my way.The newer people stared at me with wide eyes and a touch of fear.I was used to it.Nearly seven feet tall, shoulders wide as a doorway, with a Mohawk and a beard you could lose a small animal in, I never entered a room without changing its atmosphere.
Violet spotted me from across the common area and waved me over with an enthusiastic smile.I moved carefully, each step measured, making myself as predictable as possible.Prison taught me how to move without threatening, how to exist in a space where sudden movements could get you shanked.Also taught me how to use my size to every advantage I could.Here, those same skills served a different purpose.
“Tiny, I’m glad you could make it,” Violet said, her voice warm but pitched just loud enough that others nearby could hear.Deliberate.Showing them I was expected and approved of.Safe.
“Knight asked me to check the security systems,” I replied, keeping my voice soft.When you’re my size, everything about you can intimidate, even your voice.Especially when there were young children around.It’s why I played Santa at Christmas.It helped the kids associate me with Santa so when they saw me out and about, they remembered.At least, that was my theory.It had worked pretty well last year, but the very nature of this place meant the kids didn’t stick around long.Though, I was pretty sure the old ladies had invited every mother and child who’d come through this place in the last year to the Christmas party.
As I headed to the back of the big room where the security office sat nestled off to itself, I noticed three new faces huddled on the worn sofa near the window.A woman in her mid to late twenties with light brown hair and hazel eyes sat in the corner with a book while the girls played quietly on the floor with LEGOs.All three glanced up as I neared the office door.
The girls, though they appeared to be twins, had very different stances.One with fists clenched, shoulders squared, stood to put herself slightly in front of her sister.The other girl reached for a threadbare stuffed rabbit with one missing eye, clutching it to her tightly.
I recognized the signs as clearly as if they’d been written in neon.The way the woman’s eyes darted to the exits, how she stood slowly, not making any sudden moves, to put herself between me and her daughters.
“This is Penny, and her daughters, Zelda and Kira,” Violet said, gesturing toward them.“They arrived a few days ago.Penny, this is Tiny.He’s with the same club Riot’s with.They provide security for us here.”
I nodded once, not approaching.“Ma’am.”
The woman, Penny, gave me a tight smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.It was the smile of someone who’d learned to hide her true emotions.
“Tiny helps maintain our security system,” Violet continued, her voice still carrying that deliberate lightness.“And he sometimes escorts our residents when they need to go to appointments or court dates.Tiny is an amazing friend to have in those kinds of situations.”
“Yes,” Penny whispered.“I imagine he is.”
I thought Violet would move with me to the office where we could talk.Instead, she sat on the other end of the couch from Penny.There were two more couches in the area arranged in the shape of a U.Normally, I’d take a seat as far away from the women as I could, but I’d still be at a distinct height advantage even sitting down.So, I sank to the floor, sitting cross-legged with my back against the couch.
The change was immediate.I watched Penny’s shoulders relax.The girl unclenched her hands, giving me a curious look.From my position on the floor, I was still eyelevel with most people standing, but the psychological difference mattered.
“Knight and I updated the cameras last week,” I said to Violet, keeping the conversation normal, mundane.“But he thought one on the east side might have a small blind spot.”
Violet nodded, following my lead.“That’s the one near the service entrance, right?I noticed it seemed off when I checked the monitors yesterday.”
As we talked, I kept my peripheral vision on the small family.Though Zelda had relaxed somewhat, she still kept a wary gaze on me.Kira watched me with cautious curiosity now.She clutched her rabbit tighter, its worn fabric testament to years of comfort sought.
