Nickel pulls up under a lean-to alongside one of them and parks his bike next to a truck. Switching off the engine, he removes his helmet but remains sitting. He turns slightly to look at me over his shoulder, his eyes on my helmet. Taking the hint, I remove it.
“This is my home.” He nods at the mobile home where we’re parked.
“Okay,” I reply in a puzzled tone.
I’mnot sure why he’s announcing it. Does he think I’ll judge him? I don’t even have a home, so I’m not in a position to judge anyone.
“I’m not good at talking, Nora,” Nickel admits. “I don’t always read situations right, and I say the wrong things at the wrong time, so I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut unless I’m with my family or my brothers.”
He sighs and swipes a hand across his face. “What I’m trying to say is: this is my home, and I’d like you to come in with me so you can have a shower and rest. But if you aren’t comfortable doing that, I’ll grab my things and bunk with Brass, Iron, or Cross.”
That unfamiliar flutter from earlier returns low in my belly. The same one that caught me off guard the moment I saw him through the rifle scope.
This man has taken me by surprise. Here he is, being so careful with his words, intent on explaining himself. Worried aboutcrossing an invisible line, concerned about offending me in some way.
Something softens inside me, something I thought I’d buried alongside my family.
That he’s not as perfect as he looks makes him even more beautiful to me. I like his honesty, his quietness, and his concern. Things I haven’t had in a very long time. It makes me happy in a way I’m not ready to untangle. But at this moment, I know he means something to me, and I’m going to ride this out and see where it takes me. Because for the first time in years, I have the freedom to do so.
Nickel shifts restlessly, and I realise I haven’t replied.
Surprising myself, I give him a soft smile and cup his cheek. “I’d love to come in with you.”
Heat flares in his eyes before he banks it. He holds out his hand and helps me off his bike. Standing aside, I wait for him to get off, welcoming the warm clasp of hishand as he pulls me up the stairs of what looks like a newly laid deck.
He opens the door and gestures for me to go inside.
I’m surprised at how large the interior is. The kitchen and sitting room are open plan. The couch and chairs are big and look comfortable, which doesn’t surprise me. Nickel is a big guy.
I turn to find him still standing at the back door, hands shoved deep in his pockets as he watches me looking over his home. He wasn’t lying when he said he was quiet.
“Your home’s lovely, Nickel.”
He smiles, and it changes his entire face. Softens it.
“Thank you, Nora. I’d like you to be comfortable here. Help yourself to whatever’s in the fridge, although there won’t be much. We tend to eat at the clubhouse. The bedroomand shower are through there.” He points toward a doorway leading to a short hallway. “If you’ll come with me, I’ll grab you something to change into. We can put your clothes in the wash, so they’ll be clean in the morning.”
“A shower sounds amazing,” I say. “And Cahir will arrange for some of my things to be sent, or I can go shopping tomorrow. Whichever is quickest and—”
We’re interrupted by a knock on his door.
My hand immediately goes to the gun tucked into the back of my waistband.
“Nickel? Mom sent me over with some things for the lady,” a female voice calls.
Nickel holds up his hand. “It’s my sister, Opal,” he explains. “You’re safe here, Nora.”
Safe is not something I’m used to. I only ever felt safe when I was at the Skulls castle. It’ll take me a bit of time, but I need to learn to live without constantly looking over my shoulder.
Nickel pushes open the door, and I laugh as he’s tackled by a girl in her late teens. They share the same thick black curly hair, and when she turns to look at me, I’m struck by how similar they are. She’s tall and curvy. Her cheeks still have the round softness of childhood. She’s stunning. Her eyes sparkle, exuding kindness.
I ache at the loss of my sister and all I’ve missed since she was taken from me.
Opal squeezes Nickel, turning her face up to him, “I’m glad you’re home, bubby.”
His gaze softens as he looks down at his sister and presses a kiss to her forehead. “It’s good to be home, squirt. I missed you too.” He turns her towards me. “This is Nora. Nora, my baby sister, Opal.”
She smiles at me as she takes a bag from her shoulder and places it on the bench by the door. “It’s nice to meet you, Nora. Mom and I put together a small bag for you. Nothing fancy,just some hygiene stuff and a few t-shirts. We guessed your size, so if they don’t fit, let us know and we can get you others.”
