Chapter 21
Raven
There’s a gentle pleamasked behind the rough demand. I can see it in his eyes and the way his body slumps down onto the mattress with his arm stretched wide.
I crawl back into bed, curling myself under his arm as he folds it around me. I rest my head against his chest, feeling his heartbeat slowing with me close. He’s beyond exhausted. The vulnerability he lets slip through his tough demeanor is endearing. I ghost my fingernails along his chest while he relaxes, his heavy eyes closing. It’s been a long time since I felt the tenderness he’s offering, and I have to admit it’s nice. Even if I don’t know what to do with it.
I slept for hours, curled in his arms with the steady rhythm of his heartbeat in my ear. It was the best sleep I’ve had in a long time. The music pulsing from downstairs stirs me. I slip out of his arms and tug my clothes back on. Leaving him sleeping, I slip out the door. Waking up in his arms frightened me even more than the way I fit into them. A part of me wants to stay there forever. The other part needs to process the feelings bouncing around in my heart and the jumbled thoughts in my brain. I’ve always heard that when it’s right, you just know. That’s a nice sentiment and all, but I loved before and look how that turned out. Deep inside, I know Chainz isn’t like Adam. His touch may be rough and demanding but he made sure it brought me pleasure not pain. So much pleasure that I can still feel his massive cock between my legs. I’ve got bruises on my hips and most likely around my neck, but I don’t even care. It was worth it.
I step out of the bedroom onto the catwalk, still riding the high from multiple orgasms. I watch the party below. Axel and Thrasher have Shawna sandwiched between them. I quickly divert my eyes. I have no interest in watching them tag team her. Taz and Gunner both have girls with them at the pool table. Gunner has a cute redhead bent over the table showing her how to shoot, while Taz crams his tongue down the others throat.
Freedom, Tornado, Hawk and Cobra are standing close to the dart boards. As their bodies shift around, I spot Cat and Mercy with them. Cat snatches the darts out of Hawks hand, challenging him. She lines herself up, draws her hand back and lets the first one fly, hitting the bullseye dead on. Cat’s playful giggle rises above the loud music as she teases Hawk and throws the next two in rapid succession, landing them both in the center of the board. Who knew she would have such perfect aim? The friendly banter between the group draws me closer. I descend the stairs and weave my way through the rest of the crowd. All the club brothers are here, except for one. Fuel. No one has heard from him in almost a week. Every day Chainz sends a group of guys out to scout the area, but every time they return with no leads. The thought of him out there somewhere hurt or dead adds to the guilt weighing on me. I’m the one that led Adam to them. I’m just as guilty as Amera.
I need a drink to squash the sadness creeping back in. I make my way to the bar, but when I spot Reaper’s scary ass behind it, I back away. When I spin around, I collide with Cobra. He fights back his laughter, “Put on your big girl panties, he’s not that scary.”
“Easy for you to say.” Reaper looks like he could tear a person in two just by wishing it so.
Cobra spins me around, marching me back to the bar. “Come on”.
“Reaper, get the lady a beer.” Cobra says, sliding onto the stool.
Reaper cuts a glare at him, reaches under the bar and pops the top of a long neck bottle with his thumb. He looks from Cobra to me and then back to Cobra, placing the beer in front of Cobra with a smirk on his face. “No judgement here.”
Reaper and Cobra toss a few insults back and forth while he opens another beer for me. A smile spreads across my face with every jab they take at each other. It’s a side of him I’ve never seen before. He’s still scary, but he’s also funny as hell. I erupt in laughter, snatch my beer and leave them to their banter. Boys will be boys.
I slip into the infirmary to find Tank resting on his side on the hospital bed with an irritated scowl on his face.
“Glad to see you awake. How are you feeling?” I ask, leaning against the door frame.
“Fucking dandy. Everyone out there getting their dicks wet while I’m stuck in here with a hole in my back and a cast on my leg,” he growls.
“Can’t help you there,” I joke, “but I can share my beer.”
“That’ll work.” I hand Tank my peace offering, and he takes a long pull of the ice cold beer. “Don’t tell Mercy, she’ll hand me my ass for mixing alcohol with pain meds.”
“Your secret is safe with me. I’m glad to see you’re alright.”
“Thanks to you.” He takes another chug of beer.
“Thanks to Mercy. I just held you down.”
“That explains my sore arm.” He gives his arm a playful rub. “Paybacks a bitch.”
“Sure is.” Looping my fingers around my bracelet, I summon the strength to settle the bad blood between us. If what’s developing between Chainz and me is anything more than physical, I need to make things right. “I was hoping we could put that behind us. I never meant for anyone to get hurt.”
I lower my eyes toward the floor as the guilt hits me again. I have to find a way to deal with it, or it’s going to eat away at me until there’s nothing left.
