“Don’t hold onto this, Brekker. Okay? It’ll just make you bitter.”
He laughs, and it already sounds that way. “I know.”
“Turn those feelings into something else. Find a passion project. I know I am.”
He lifts a brow. “You are?”
“Yes. I found a group that supports me and helps me walk through my feelings. They’re all survivors. We have dedicated time at each meeting to journal, scrapbook, and make crafts. It’s therapeutic.”
He smiles. “I don’t think I’m an arts and crafts kind of guy.”
“Maybe not, but you have interests. Find a hobby that has nothing to do with work. Do it for yourself.”
“I’ll do it for me,” he pauses, “and for you.”
“And Mom.” I pull my hand away. “Take care, Brekker.”
“You too, Letty.”
I sense Gage before he appears in the doorway.
“Babe, you ready?”
I nod, leaning down to kiss mom’s cheek before I go. She doesn’t wake up, but I’ll be back tomorrow. I come every day.
Gage nods at the marshal. “Brekker.”
“Blaze.”
I grin when I hear Brekker use Gage’s road name. There’s hope for him yet.
“Did you finish your secret biker stuff today?” I ask as Gage reaches for my hand, leading me down the hall toward the elevators.
“Something like that.”
He’s being so cryptic. It makes me excited to think about whatever surprise he has for me. I know it’s something to do with us. He doesn’t say, but it’s not necessary.
When we enter the elevator, we’re alone. Gage takes advantage of the moment and presses me back against the panel. His mouth lowers to my ear. “Stop trying to guess.”
“But I’m too curious.”
“Oh, I know.” His teeth nibble on my earlobe. “Stop.”
“Will you fuck me if I do?”
He nips at my neck before kissing a pathway up to my mouth. “No.”
“You’re mean,” I announce as the elevator opens.
He snickers. “Come on.”
I pout as he leads me out of the hospital. We walk to his bike, and Gage picks up my helmet, placing it over my head. I never ride without it.
As a gift, he bought it for me after I moved in with him, and had the outside painted with my nickname. “Little Heathen” appears on both sides with a pair of angel wings and devil horns. It’s stunning. I love it.
With the helmet secure, I climb on the bike, and he sits in front of me. My hands slide around his torso. I feel the hard muscles of his abdomen and nearly salivate. I’m going to want him until the day I die. He always turns me on.
I don’t know what to expect, but we ride to a tattoo parlor and park. Summit Ink blazes in neon above the door. I know it’s where all the members get their ink.
