I pull into the parking lot, my eyes immediately drawn to the bench that has been occupied every other time I’ve been here. But not today. I get that same, strange, empty ache in my chest, just like the first day she left while I was on the phone. I’m notsure what’s up with that. I’ve never needed anyone, let alone a woman. And certainly not a woman as young, innocent, and troubled as she is.
Bringing my motorcycle to a stop, I turn off the engine and put the kickstand down before sighing deeply. I didn’t realize that I’ve gotten used to seeing Lynx’s dazzling smile, bright green eyes, and adorable freckles waiting for me every day.Did I just think the word adorable?This woman has me all twisted up, and I don’t even know her last name.
I swing my leg over my bike and tuck my helmet under my arm, running my free hand through my hair. Now that I’m here so early without Lynx, I’m not quite sure what to do with myself. I look around the gravel a lot, my gaze landing on the several cars and trucks the MC owns. None of us likes riding in cages, but they are sometimes necessary to get the job done.
My feet point in that direction, and carry me toward the vehicles almost without my permission. Gravel crunches under my boots, the familiar sound easing the growing tension deep in my core.
I’m sure I’m just tired. That must be it. Plus, it’s been a while since I’ve tuned up any of the cars. I’m sure at least one of them could use an oil change. Maybe that’s why I seem drawn to them.
The closer I get, the stronger the pressure in my chest becomes. I rubbed the heel of my hand over my heart, trying to ease the unsettling feeling growing there. I peer into the first car, looking through the windows for anything out of place. Then I move on to the next car, and the next, until I get to the old pick-up truck at the end of the line.
There’s something… odd in the backseat. I can’t quite make it out in the dim early morning light, so I move closer to inspect. What I see enrages me. Someone is curled up, sleeping in the truck bed. Not just anyone, however.Lynx.
I step right up to the truck, hovering my hand over her sleeping body. Why would she put herself in danger like this? Why is she sleeping here? How long has she been homeless? Why didn’t she say anything?
The questions swirl around in my head, raising my blood pressure and making my temples throb. I’m worried, confused, and strangely hurt that she didn’t tell me about her living situation. The flood of emotions overwhelms me, but all that comes out is anger.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I yell, my voice sounding harsh and belligerent, even to my own ears.
Lynx startles awake, her breath catching in her throat as she frantically looks around for the source of the sound. Her wide, frantic eyes meet mine, but there’s no recognition in them. It’s almost like she’s reliving a nightmare. Her pain and panic are so real, they’re suffocating me. I don’t know how she’s lived like this for so long. I guess my girl is more of a fighter than I thought she was.
Shit, not my girl. Not my anything.
Still, I can’t stand to see her this way. I reached out to her, I think to comfort her, though it’s not something I’ve ever had the urge to do before. Lynx scrambles away from me, and I watch in horror as she loses her footing and falls out of the truck.
I’m by her side in an instant, kneeling and reaching out yet again to help her up. The petrified woman shrinks away from me, covering her face and head with her arms in a protective move. Her reaction feels like a knife twisting into my gut, siphoning the air from my lungs as I take in the cowering, whimpering woman in front of me.
“You’re okay,“ I tell her, honestly attempting to make my voice softer. Can’t say I’ve ever done that before. “I may be a bastard, but I would never hurt you.”
Slowly, Lynx drops her arms, awareness flooding into her features. The beautifully broken angel blinks up at me, her eyes darting from the truck and then back to me. I can practically see the wheels turning in her mind, trying to come up with an excuse for why she’s been sleeping in the truck.
“Oh! There you are,” Lynx says, her tone light and cheery, much like it is every morning. She’s not fooling anyone, though.
“Lynx, what are you doing here?” I ask, standing to my full height while she remains seated on the ground.
“I thought I’d made it pretty obvious, but I’m happy to explain again.” The confounding woman grins at me, as if I didn’t just catch her in a compromising position. “I’m looking for a job. Any job, really.”
“No, I mean, what are you doinghere, sleeping in this truck?”
“I was going to surprise you,” she answers easily. “I crouched down in the back of that truck, and I was going to jump out and scare you. Apparently, I fell asleep.”
I cross my arms over my chest and stare down at her, letting her know I’m not impressed with her answer. It’s a lie, and we both know it. If she can’t tell me the truth right now, I guess I’ll have to be patient enough to earn it from her.
Lynx gives me a bright smile. Too bright to be believed. She jumps to her feet, and I step forward, just in time to catch her when her leg gives out.
Looking down at her knee, I frown when I see bits of gravel stuck in her flesh, and blood dripping down her olive skin. I only meant to steady her, but to my shock, Lynx wraps her arms around my torso. My arms automatically surround her, engulfing her in what has to be the first hug I’ve ever given.
She’s so tense, her hands curling into fists and gripping onto my shirt as if I’m the only thing keeping her grounded. I don’t say anything, but I don’t have to. If she needs this, I can provide it for her. One hand slowly smooths up and down her spinein calming strokes, making me unreasonably satisfied when she relaxes and melts further into me.
I tuck her head under my chin, letting my fingers comb through her hair and lightly massage the back of her neck. Lynx sighs, and I tighten my hold on her, soaking in the intimacy of the moment.
I was right on that very first day I met her. I knew if I shook her hand, if I touched her in any way, it would be the end of me. Now that she’s in my arms, I know it to be true.
4
LYNX
Ibury my face further into Reaper‘s shirt, breathing in his diesel and spice scent. The warmth of his embrace infuses strength into my very being, and I’m finding it hard to let him go.
