Page 10 of Claimed By the Rebel

“Okay,” she whispers on a shaky breath.

“I’ll leave some of my clothes right outside the door for you to change into. Come find me in the living room when you’re ready.”

Finally, finally, Aurora turns her attention to me, her eyes red and puffy from crying. All of her walls are down, her gaze completely open and vulnerable. I see the lost little girl she tries so hard to hide inside, the trapped woman who longs for freedom, and the defeated, broken angel who has all but given up hope. She has me now, and I’m going to love all the pieces of her wounded soul.

“I’ll find you,” she says. “Like you always seem to find me.” The words hold so much meaning, but my stomach churns knowing exactly why I always seem to find her. Still, my girl is starting to trust me.

Aurora gives me the smallest of smiles, but it still lights up the room. It’s a start.

After folding up a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt and setting them outside the bathroom, I begin pacing around my living room. She’s here now. Under my roof. Under my care. Now what?

The shower is still running, so instead of wearing a path in my carpet from pacing, I decide to call an old friend. He has more connections than almost anyone I know and more importantly, he’s from a different MC. My chest grows tight at the thought of reaching out to someone else to get information on Aurora. Not only would she consider that a breach of the trust I’m trying desperately to earn, but my Rebel Hearts brothers might see it as a betrayal as well.

Still, this is bigger than me. It’s bigger than arbitrary club lines, especially when I’ve been friends with Domino since we were little hood rats who skipped school together. I trust him to keep this confidential.

“Razor? That really you?”

“Yeah, hey Domino. It’s been a bit, huh?”

“Ah, what’s a few years between friends? Besides, I haven’t reached out to you, either. I’ve been up to my fuckin’ eyeballs with all the shit I’m trying to do with turning the club around.”

"How's that going?" I ask though I'm kind of in a rush to get to the point of this call. I don't know how much time I'll have until Aurora gets out of the shower.

“The Deviant Souls had some monsters that needed to be eliminated from the club, the president being one of them. Never thought I’d be elected to take over and steer the club in a new direction, but here I fuckin’ am.”

“You’re the best man for the job,” I say, though it sounds like a fake platitude even to my own ears.

“So, what’s up with you? I take it you didn’t call just to shoot the shit.”

I wince, though Domino doesn't seem upset. My friend understands sometimes club business takes precedence. "Sorry to cut to the chase, but I don't have much time. I… well… okay, so there's this girl," I start, sounding awkward as hell.

“Oh, wow, okay, this conversation is going in a different direction than I thought. You know that I repel most women with my charm and eloquence, so I don’t know if I’ll have any good relationship advice for you.”

“I have about a hundred and seventy-three people I’d call for relationship advice before dialing your number,” I deadpan.

“I’m just honored I made the list,” he replies cheekily. “So, what’s this about then?”

I take a deep breath and exhale before thinking of the best way to explain the situation I’m in. “I need information on a… sensitive target.” Domino hums in acknowledgment, knowing that sensitive means it’s a personal favor outside of my MC. One that I don’t want to get back to them. “She found herself tangled up with the Serpents.”

“Mother fuckers,” he growls. We’re in agreement there. The Serpents have chapters all across Texas, none of them up to any good.

“She’s not a Serpent. From what I can tell, she’s some kind of maid-slash-waitress-slash-cook. There’s something more though. Can you find out more information? If I dig any deeper, my club will know, and they might not trust Aurora. She’s already had such terrible experiences in the MC world. I want her to know not every club is like the Serpents.”

“You know I’ve got your back, but I just want to make sure you know what you’re doing. The risk you’re taking.”

“She’s worth it.” I give him all the details I know about Aurora and clue him in on the cartel’s involvement.

I’m met with silence for a few moments, then Domino says, “Consider it done,” and hangs up. I know the search has already started.

I set my phone down on the coffee table and run a hand through my short hair. I have all this… this… energy pent up inside. I’m jittery and nervous but also pumped up and ready to fight off anyone who comes near Aurora. Shaking out my hands and arms, I take a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm the fuck down.

The sound of Aurora padding down the hallway has every muscle in my body tightening, and when she steps into the living room, everything snaps into place. I’m able to take a full breath again now that she’s here, my heart finding a steady rhythm as I take in every inch of this precious woman.

Her damp hair is combed out and twisted into a simple braid that hangs over one shoulder. My shirt is huge on her, which makes her all the more adorable. How can I want to cuddle Aurora and kiss the tip of her nose while also wanting to see her bent over the couch, taking all of me as I sink into her from behind?

My eyes roam down her ample chest, rounded stomach, thick thighs… that are bare. She’s only wearing the shirt, which is giving me all kinds of inappropriate ideas.

“Come in, princess,” I say soothingly, sitting on the couch and patting the spot next to me. Never thought I’d be one to use pet names, but princess is just too perfect. My beautiful, ethereal princess who has been locked away from the world.

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