She nods in understanding. “Just don’t run when shit gets real whether that comes from your ghosts or his.”
Her words linger after she walks away settling on my soul.
Dean never gets out of my line of sight. Always stealing glances to make sure I’m comfortable. I find myself able to relax like I haven’t done before. Dean never strays far. Moving between conversations, clapping backs and exchanging easy grins with his club brothers, his gaze always finds mine. A silent check-in, a reassurance, a promise he is with me. An unspoken code that I belong here … if I want this.
The night stretches on warmth spreading through me as I enjoy taking in Justice bouncing around between all the kids his age, completely at ease. This world is different than I imagined my life, Justice’s would be. Maybe that isn’t a bad thing. Stability doesn’t have to be a white picket fence and a gated community. Maybe it comes in calloused hands that build, fix, and comfort. Covered in unwavering loyalty and a group of people who protect and accept their own no matter the past.
Dean’s arm slides around my waist as he approaches pressing a soft kiss to the top of my head. “You good?”
Leaning into him, I savor the solid feel of him behind me. “Yeah, I think I’m good like never before.”
His lips brush my temple as he whispers in my ear, “take a ride with me?”
I hesitate momentarily. Before I can voice it, Dean points to where Justice stands hand in hand with Sara.
“Gonna take lil’ man inside to help me pick some tunes.” Sara explains, “this kid knows his rock.” I nod knowing she’s made sure he’s very well versed in all the classic to modern rock artists with a dash of heavy metal.
“You got him for me to maybe take a ride with Dean?” I ask her fighting back my anxiety at leaving him.
She smiles big, “you don’t even have to ask. Go on, I’ll keep him ask long as you want. Even bring him home tomorrow.”
“I don’t know about that.”
She laughs, “you’ve never felt the passion of a night ride yet. But okay, I’ll be here with him when you get back. Take your time.” She winks strolling off with Justice.
Dean smirks before taking me by the hand. Gonna take Grinder’s bike since mine are at home.”
He climbs on, I follow after getting a helmet secured. In moments we are on the open road. The bike vibrating under me and the cool night air wrapping around me, I settle my arms tightly around him.
I don’t ask where we are going. I don’t pay attention to direction, distance, or time. Instead, I embrace every sensation.
In time we head back, and he parks over at Honey’s giving us a bit of privacy before heading back to the clubhouse. I slide off, wrapping my arms around myself thinking about the beauty of the night. Sara is right there is no better feeling than a night ride.
Dean stands behind me wrapping his arms around me. “How was that?”
“Beautiful.”
“Just a moment alone here and there is nice.”
I exhale leaning into him. “Honey talked to me.”
A hum vibrates in his chest, “figured she would.”
“She said you don’t do anything halfway.” He turns me to face him, fingers under my chin tilting my head up.
“I don’t.” His thumb traces my jaw line.
I swallow hard, gripping his cut, “Dean,” it comes out in a whisper.
“Say it,” he softly speaks, “whatever is on your mind, say it.”
“I’m scared.” I exhale deeply.
His eyes soften, “of what?”
“Being lost in this, in you. Another shattered dream.”
“You won’t be lost, Jo. No more broken dreams.”
