Chapter Sixteen
Serafina
I never asked Eagle how he got my email address. Not that I really care. I check the directions to the cabin again, nervous and excited that it’s Thursday. Honestly, I’m a mess. There’s a pile of shirts on my bed. White, black, pink, and every shade of blue imaginable. All colors he liked on me. I stare in the full-length mirror hanging behind my bedroom door. “You’re not Angel,” I remind myself.
That’s not even my real face staring back at me. Sure, I see hints of my old self. Especially with my color contacts out. I have brown eyes, not green. That’s not my blond hair, it’s black. My cheek bones were hollowed out and my lips changed to look fuller. And my nose? The surgeon thinned it considerably, erasing my ethnicity.
Left with no choice, every time I look in the mirror, it reminds me of why I staged my own death. So Eagle could live. So I could start over. There was no way for us to be together. The Dead Dogs, especially my brother, Bear, would’ve come after us with all their firepower. Captured me, tortured and killed Eagle. Then, likely, raped me. I shiver at the thought. Bad things happen around the Dead Dogs. Women are chattel. Old ladies get some protection, but not much. As for the passarounds, women who trade sex for favors, well, they’re treated like slaves.
That’s why I fell for Eagle, despite his MC connection. I knew the Iron Norsemen were different. They say there’s no honor among thieves. Maybe not in storybooks, but in the MC world there is. Brothers stand by brothers. Old ladies protect each other. Family isn’t dictated by blood, its chosen because of core beliefs and respect. I miss that part the most. True family.
That’s why I’m really going to see him, not just for sex, but to remember for the briefest moment what it feels like to belong with someone. And Idobelong with Eagle, whether I’m Angel or Serafina, it just can’t be long-term. A tiny taste of the past will do me some good, I hope.
Finally choosing a light blue halter top, I admire the tiny black lace panties I chose to entice Eagle with. He’s a sucker for lace anything. I slip into my jeans, then put on my black leather boots. It’s a scorcher outside today, probably ninety degrees. Next, I go to the bathroom and put on my contact lenses.
My phone chimes and I check it really quick. A text from Eagle.
Leaving soon?
Just walking out the door.
Text me as soon as you get in town.
You’re already there?I type.
I left early. Drive safe.
I tuck my cell in my purse, grab my backpack and jacket, and head for the front door. Hesitating, I consider one last time whether this is the right thing to do. Should I risk everything to be with him? Can I control my emotions? Leave when the time comes without revealing my identity? If not, I need to stay here.
I’d rather quit breathing. I open the door and step into the breezeway. Always cautious, I check up and down the corridor before locking my door. It’s taken me years to get used to my new life, to a routine. I never go out alone at night. Even at work I have an escort or work with other dancers. Never go on dates. Never chat with men unless I’m at work. Only two people visit my apartment, Asia and Tony. Most people would go crazy. Not me, I’m grateful to be alive.
I walk to the parking lot and disable the alarm on my late model VW Bug. I climb in, start the engine, and lower the canvas top with a touch of a button. I’m in the mood to feel the warm summer breeze in my hair. The drive between Texarkana and Shreveport is picturesque. Filled with trees, farmland, and old southern architecture. I don’t want to miss a thing.
Traffic is heavy on the final leg of the drive. I don’t mind. Once I hit Interstate 20, it thins out. I pull over in a rest area and dial Eagle.
“Hello again, beautiful,” he greets me.
“Hi.” I’m so nervous.
“Where are you?”
“About to exit off of Highway 71.”
“Good. I want you to drive past the main entrance to the Red River National Wildlife Refuge. I’m about eight miles south. The driveway to the cabin is hard to find, so look for my bike. Okay?”
Excitement spirals through me. Hearing his voice simply isn’t enough anymore. I need to see him. “Be right there.”
Twenty minutes later, I find him leaning against his Harley on the gravel shoulder. He’s dressed all in leather, including chaps. His muscular arms are crossed over his chest. I shift into park and then turn on my emergency lights. The right thing to do is get out of my car, but my legs won’t move. Like a deer in headlights, I just sit and smile. My love for him has never faded. Everything about Eagle drives me wild. From his arrogant smirk to the way he walks.
As he approaches my car, I lower my sunglasses just enough to peek over the lenses.
“Serafina.”
“Eagle.”
He leans down and sticks his head through the opening, planting the most enticing kiss on my lips. I press my thighs together, ready to explode from the intimate contact.
“Follow me,” he directs.
