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Our grunts and the bone-jarring sound of our fists meeting flesh are the only sounds that register in my ears. The warehouse and the ongoing battle fade into the background as I focus on defeating the man before me, punishing him for his transgressions.
I land a solid punch to his face, then another to his gut. He doubles over, gasping for breath, and I seize the opportunity, landing a final blow that sends him crashing to the ground. He lies there, defeated, and the sight brings a grim satisfaction. The fury that had been driving me slowly simmers down, replaced by a renewed determination.
My mind flickers back to Ava. I have to get to her. I deliver one final, devastating kick before turning my back on him, the physical confrontation done but the battle for Ava’s safety far from over.
Pushing past the fallen Mark, I force my legs to move faster, my mind singularly focused on Ava. Finally, I find her in a dimly lit room at the end of the hall, her face pale but her eyes ablaze with defiance. My heart lurches at the sight of her, my relief intertwining with the adrenaline still rushing through my veins.
“Ava,” I whisper, a flurry of emotions tightening my voice. She whirls at the sound, recognition flashing in her eyes, immediately replaced by relief.
“Brick,” she breathes out, her voice shaky yet filled with a strength that fuels my relief further.
“I’ve got you, Ava,” I assure her, pulling her into my arms. Her body trembles against mine, but she clings to me, her grip a vise.
The battle outside continues to rage, the harsh sounds seeping through the room. But in this moment, it’s only Ava and me. I tighten my hold on her, determined to shield her from the madness that lies beyond this room.
“Let’s get out of here,” I murmur against her hair, my voice laced with a promise. She nods against my chest, her trust spurring me to action. I lead her out of the room, my protective instincts kicking into overdrive.
With Ava close by my side, we navigate through the chaos, each step bringing us closer to safety. The relief I feel having her back safe with me is palpable, but I’m acutely aware that our ordeal is far from over. But I will face whatever comes next, ready to do whatever it takes to ensure Ava’s safety.
As we flee from the tumultuous scene, the screech of tires on the road mixes with the distant din of the fight. Ava clings to me, her white-knuckled grip a physical reminder of the peril she’s just been through. For a moment, I allow myself to take in her warmth, her life, the palpable proof that she’s safe. The sharp relief is soon overshadowed by a chilling reality. She was in danger. She could’ve been taken from me.
The guilt from not being there to protect her is gutting me, and the relief of having her back safe is almost drowned out by the horror. But among these tumultuous feelings, one stands out: determination. This has been a wake-up call, a brutal reminder of the threats we face, of the enemies lurking in the shadows.
Ava was a target because of me—because of our enemies. And that realization strikes me harder than any physical blow I’ve taken tonight. The intensity of this revelation reignites a spark within me, a renewed resolve to protect her, to protect us, at all costs. I squeeze her closer, my pledge solidifying in the protective hold around her.
As we leave the chaos behind, my thoughts run wild. This was just one battle, and our war is far from over. We still have threats to face.
CHAPTER10
Ava
In the relativeprivacy of my room, we hide away while the other club members trickle back into the clubhouse. I’m wrapped in his arms, clinging to him, our breathing synchronized.
“Brick,” I murmur, voice barely above a whisper, eyes searching his.
His gaze locks onto mine, clear blue eyes full of agony. “Ava,” he responds, his voice low and thick with emotion. His other hand reaches up, tracing a rough finger down my cheek with exquisite gentleness.
“I’m so fucking sorry,” he tells me, his voice breaking. “I’ll never let anything like this happen again. I’ll keep you safe. I promise.”
I bury my face in his neck, breathing in his sweat and terror, surrendering to the heat that radiates from him. He hooks a finger under my chin and lifts my face so he can kiss me, and it’s at once fierce and tender.
But our stolen moment is interrupted when the club’s door slams open, the last of the Reapers pouring in. They find us and relay the news to Brick: the police arrived at the scene, forcing an end to the fight, leaving the conflict with the Iron Serpents unresolved.
Brick’s grip around me tightens, his fury palpable. His jaw clenches, and I can almost see the rage simmering in his eyes. The man who had just been a gentle lover is now a warrior in the face of a threat to his club, his family.
I place a calming hand on his chest, feeling the rapid beating of his heart. “Brick,” I say softly, seeking his gaze. “We’re back. We’re safe. We’ll figure it out.”
The rage in his eyes softens, replaced with a hardened determination. He nods, taking a deep breath, before turning back to his club brothers. But his hand remains in mine, a silent promise of protection and commitment, even in the face of impending danger.
* * *
The next day arrives with a surprise visitor. Carol, Brick’s mom, walks through the clubhouse doors, her presence attracting curious glances from the club members. She’s a warm, inviting woman with an aura of weariness about her. Despite her obvious age and tiredness, there’s a spark in her eyes that suggests a fierce spirit. I feel an instant connection with her.
Carol usually steers clear of club affairs, but given the escalating tensions with the Iron Serpents, she’s been drawn back in. An old lady from the club, who’s still in touch with her, gave her a heads-up about the intensifying situation. Her concern for Brick and the club has outweighed her usual reluctance.
We find a quiet corner and engage in a deep conversation. Carol’s anecdotes and experiences paint a rich tapestry of the life she’s led. Through her stories, I gain a newfound understanding of the woman who raised the man I’ve grown to care deeply about. A mutual respect and friendship bloom between us, born out of shared experiences and empathy.
Carol settles back in her chair, her eyes distant as she starts sharing. “Life at the compound...it’s a different world, Ava. I’m sure you’ve seen it already. There’s a sense of freedom, wild and intoxicating, like nothing you find in the real world,” she says, her voice soft yet strong, resonating with the echoes of her past.
