Page 121 of Throttle

Throttle

I clung onto my girl, holding her until she dozed off, unwilling to release my grip. I wanted to give her security and let her know they will never hurt her again. No man dared touch her while she was mine.

I’m claiming her as my ol’ lady. She's not only in my possession, but I belong to her as well. Don’t know if she knew, but she will soon.

I caress her long, silky hair, enjoying the rise and fall of her chest. It calms me. I'll handle any nearby threat. I'd go sleepless for days if it meant she would feel better.

Every time I thought about her being locked up, caged like a rabid animal, fury unleashes inside, and I want to revive the pieces of scum just so I could kill them slowly. If anyone dares threaten what is mine again, they’ll beg for death. I’d make them suffer.

One month later.

Throttle

Tequila had plans to speak with some guy. Where and with who? It made no difference. I was tagging along. No way I'd let her go alone to meet a stranger.

I give Tequila's hand a reassuring squeeze as I knock. She wanted to see Brandon, Mya’s boyfriend. It was important to her to offer him the closure that he deserved. I fell in love with Tequila all over again because of it. She was the most kindhearted, sweet woman I had ever met, making me the luckiest man alive. And she belonged to me.

An older woman opens the door and cautiously examines my leather club cut, glancing from side to side between us.

Tequila clears her throat. “Hi. Is there a Brandon here?” While he lived near campus, we were hoping he’d be here. Maybe because of what happened to Mya. “If not, that’s okay. We can come back another time or we can try—”

“What my girl is trying to say is…” I give Tequila’s hand a reassuring squeeze, and she lets out a sigh of relief. “We were friends of Mya’s and wanted to relay a message to him if it’s all right. We are also very sorry for his loss.”

The older lady relaxes, wearing a subtle smile. “Thank you. My son loved her very much. Let me get him.” She grants us space to step inside.

We enter the family home and wait in the vibrant-colored foyer. It was a welcoming house. A ranch style with portraits of loved one’s lining the walls. It brought back memories of my childhood home, but with religion replacing our family photos.

I assume the young man approaching us is Brandon. His defeat is clear in every way. If I lost Tequila, I'd look like that too, so I understand. I could not recover.

“You said you knew Mya?” He stuffs his hands in his pockets to keep from fidgeting.

“I did, yes. We were friends.” She steps forward. “I’m Tequila. And this is Throttle, my boyfriend.”

We trade off shaking hands, and then Brandon clears his throat. “How did you know her?”

It took Tequila a second to answer. How can we let him know that his deceased girlfriend was also held captive with mine? “I was with her when she passed.”

Brandon’s face drops and disgust drips from his lips. “In that place?”

“Yes.” Tequila smiles sympathetically, taking his hand in hers. I keep a hand pressed to her lower back to comfort her.

Brandon sniffles. “I’m sorry you had to go through that. I… I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. What she had endured, and it kills me all over again.” His shoulders begin to shake and then he weeps.

A young yet grown man mourning the loss of his girl. Any actual human can understand.

“She wanted to tell you…” Tequila wipes a fallen tear from her cheek, and I give her hip a small squeeze. “She wanted to tell you yes. She would marry you. Mya loved you very much, Brandon, and she was going to spend the rest of her life with you.”

His loud sob was agonizing to endure. I blink twice to stop myself from crying. But I’m keeping it together for both their sakes.

But damn.

“T-thank you. Thank you.” Brandon sinks to the floor with his shoulders hunched over and my woman is holding him. A stranger. Her actions couldn't move me anymore.

While he grieved, we stood by his side, witnessing a change within him. Still pained with grief, but relief flashing in his eyes. He needed this, and I love her for giving it to him.

Hand in hand, we return to my Harley, and I pull her close and kiss her passionately. “You are so special.”

She smiles. “Hurry, we need to make it back for Brass's surprise party.”

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