get away from all the stares.
We get a few paces up the block before I release the fabric. When I drop my hand to my side, John brushes the back of his against mine. I look up at him, and the smile on his face causes my cheeks to warm.
I nod to let him know the small gesture is okay. I can handle it. His smile broadens.
He gestures for me to follow him as he hails a cab. We jump inside the first one that stops for him. He pulls up an address on his phone and gives it to the driver.
I’m a little nervous and unsure about where he’s taking me, but I trust John, so I sit and watch as the cars and buildings go by. When we pull up in front of a Ducati dealership, I turn to look at John with wide eyes. He can’t be serious.
“You brought me here to do what?”
He reaches to stroke my hand. “I’ve been thinking. When Nate gave me your license, I was curious. He mentioned later that you took interest in the course.
“He took a guess that you knew how to ride and made sure to get your license with the motorcycle rating. When you came to Seattle, you went straight for a bike. You rode like it was second nature.” He looks over my face. “You like motorcycles.”
I never thought about it. When I needed a ride, I wanted something quick. I had gone for the bike without thinking. It was so second nature; I hadn’t even thought about being licensed to ride or not. Honestly, I still wouldn’t have given it a second thought if he didn’t just bring it up.
I ride at the compound all the time. If I’m not in the gym, most times you can find me on the track. However, that doesn’t mean I want him to buy me a freaking bike.
“John—”
He shakes his head. “Didn’t I tell you once we were here, I’d buy you whatever I want?”
“You want to buy me a Ducati?”
“I’m going to buy you a Ducati. I want to see you smile and if I can’t kiss you right now, then I’ll spoil you instead. It will be as close as I can get to my own pleasure.”
“Come on, man. Stop playing.”
He laughs. “Get out of the car. I’m not playing.”
I do as he says and an hour later, I have a custom bike being delivered at the end of the week.
Chapter 38
Little Helper
John
Four and a half months later…
“Roni, I know you’re upset. Baby, I’m sorry. I promise to make it up to you. Call me back. You can’t ignore me forever.” I sigh and end the message.
I get it. This is the fourth time I’ve had to cancel on her. I haven’t been to New York in months. With all that’s going on, Dad has needed me to pick up some of the slack. I’ve had three bounties today alone.
The first two were simple. This last one, I can feel it in my bones I’m going to have to get my hands dirty. This guy is a real shitbag.
And still, all that’s on my mind is my girl. I miss her face. Seeing it through a computer or phone screen isn’t enough.
Knowing that she sleeps in my bed every night and I’m not there drives me crazy. Once Torque turned eighteen, they moved into my apartment in New York. However, every time I try to head to New York something gets in the way.
Now, she’s ignoring my calls and I’m ready to say fuck it all and go to New York to see what the hell is going on. I push out of my car grumbling to myself. This is some straight bullshit.
“You ready now?” Ryan asks as he leans against the roof of the car.
I nod. “Yeah, let’s get this over with.”
“All right, all right, all right, let’s get us a scumbag today,” Ryan chants.
“Your bitch ass better not make us chase you,” I mutter to myself as we come up on the house we’ve found Baron Jones at.
Sure enough, we’re on our way into position not even ten feet from the house when the door swings open. Baron comes out with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth as he laughs over his shoulder and calls something into the house. As soon as he turns and lands his gaze on me and then bounces to Ry, he lets the cigarette fall from his lips and