Page 77 of Charger

Jeans, no shirt. Nothing except his leather cut, tattoos, and muscles. I have to force my mouth shut. “You look so hot it’s painful.”

He glances over at me with a grin. Oh my God, my ovaries. He saunters over, puts his hands on my hips, then lifts me so my legs hug around his waist. His warm, strong palms grip my ass, and I wrap my arms around his neck. Our foreheads touch in a tender way.

“I will love you until all the stars fall, Julianna Lynn Taccarelli.”

“And I will love you until the last one burns out, Zachary William Scott.” I collide my lips with his, our tongues dancing with one another slowly.

He breaks the connection and looks into my eyes. “All right, beautiful, let’s get out of here.”

We pull up to the Fallen Star and Zach walks his bike around back. We stroll inside with his arm encasing the bend of my waist. “I’m not tired. Stay with me for a bit?” I ask. But let’s be honest, I’m practically begging.

“I wasn’t planning on leaving, babe.”

I smile then flip on the light to the bar. I get two glasses out from behind the counter and set them down in front of us. It must have been a busy night because most of the whiskey bottles are empty.

I pour the remaining alcohol into the glasses, moving around the bar, and we both sit on the stools. I swivel to face him and he rests his warm hand on my thigh.

“I’m proud of you, Jules. Not that I didn’t think you could do whatever it was you wanted, but I’m just so fucking proud of you. You never were one to sit back and not put in the work. You’re smart, beautiful, and a great fucking mother.”

I smile, a little embarrassed by his compliment. “I was driving by one day and saw that this place was up for sale. I don’t know… something inside me was screaming buy. I worked for years, saving money through college. My parents helped me with the loan, but I’ve been fine paying it back. I’m sitting comfortable.” I sip my whiskey. “So, what about you, biker man. How do you earn your income?”

“Our earnings are shared. The gym, the bike shop. But the pit is where I earn most of it. I never lose. People come there just to watch me fight.” He leans back, lost in thought. “I don’t know how to describe it, but it makes me feel alive, high.” Moving back to me, he rubs my cheek with the pad of his thumb. “And let’s just say it’s been very therapeutic for many reasons.”

His thumb parts my lips. I gasp when he grips the ends of the stool, tugging the whole thing closer to him. Warmth fills my skin as his hands caress my thighs.

“I think I’m ready for another round.”

“Oh yeah?” I laugh.

“Oh yeah.” He picks me up underneath my arms, placing me onto his lap, and I kiss him like I never want to stop.

THIRTY-TWO

Charger

Sweat drips from my forehead down my face. With every single punch to the bag, my muscles rip apart. Working out, fighting in the pit, and being with my girls—this combination is the greatest high. And reward. Nothing else consumes my mind while I’m in this element. Everything right now is simple; it makes sense. For the first time, it makes fucking sense.

I go for the jump rope and complete my normal reps, feeling my calf muscles burn. Then I head over to the weights and rep out some bicep curls, repeating the process several times. Or until my muscles feel like they’ve had enough.

It’s been weeks since we approached The Skulls. Chain assigned a couple of prospects to keep an eye out without the other club knowing. Nothing suspicious or fucked up has gone down. It doesn’t mean it won’t though. So we have to be prepared. We have guys on our women at all times. I get shit from Jules about it, but ask me if I give a shit?

Tank sits down on the bench beside me, doing shoulder reps with the dumbbells. He makes seventy pounds (in each hand) look easy. Angel walks in and heads straight for the treadmill. She turns the speed up and sprints like she’s on a mission. She seems to be a little less rebellious since the whole thing at the bar went down. The girl is a spitfire and Chain has to remind her daily that she needs to chill the fuck out. She’s going to get herself in trouble someday.

A low grunt sounds from Tank as he sets his weights down beside him. “Fuck, that feels good.”

“Sounds like you need to get laid, my friend.” I squeeze my tumbler, sending splashes of water over my head.

He raises a brow and smirks. “My brother reunites with his one that got away, and he’s a fuck expert now.”

“What can I say? I am a man of wisdom.” I laugh and he shakes his head.

“How’s that going anyway? Being a family man. Not the fucking Jules part. Although, I wouldn’t say no to details.”

“One, you ever picture my girl naked, or have any other perverted fucking thoughts, I’ll break your neck. Two, it’s pretty fucking great, man. Speaking of, got myself a date with them after this.”

Tank laughs. “Sounds like it.” He gets up, grabbing his water. “Well, have fun, brother. We’re all fucking happy for you.” He slaps a hand to my shoulder while walking off to the treadmills. Picturing them both, Chloe and Jules, I can’t help but smile. At long fucking last.

As I push my daughter on the tiny swing in the park. My daughter, will that ever get old? I glance over at Jules, who’s looking at me like I can lasso the moon. That’s right, pretty girl. I’ll lasso the moon for you, for both of you.

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