Page 4 of Mercenary's Redemption

I give a curt nod, satisfied he got the message loud and clear. Turning back to the girl, I'm surprised to find her beaming at me; pretty lips curved into the most radiant smile I think I've ever seen.

"Thank you," she says, ignoring her son's sullen pout beside her. "Really, thank you for trying to put some sense into him. That...means a lot to me."

I clear my throat, suddenly feeling awkward and out of place under the warmth of her grateful smile.

"Don't mention it," I mutter gruffly, looking away.

What the hell was that about, anyway? Since when do I go around giving fatherly advice and trying to be some kind of role model? I'm the last person on earth who should be preaching to youth about morals and good life choices.

Still, for some reason, I can't quite put my finger on it; I felt compelled to at least try to set that kid straight before he wasted his potential. The way I see it, he's got something I didn't—a mother who clearly loves him more than anything.

Maybe I'm getting soft in my old age. Or maybe there's just something special about this girl that's throwing me for a loop...

Chapter 3 - Holly

I can hardly believe what just happened. This big, burly biker—all rough edges and a hard-bitten attitude—actually took a moment to try to set my son straight. And even more shockingly, Jayden seemed to really listen to him.

After years of feeling like my words just go in one ear and out the other with that boy, it's almost overwhelming to see a complete stranger get through to him so easily. I make a mental note to thank Chance again properly when I get the chance.

Speaking of the rugged biker, I can't help my gaze from lingering on him a second too long as I prepare to leave. Up close, I'm struck by just how broad and powerfully built he is, like a grizzly bear stuffed into a leather vest. I find myself idly wondering what those big, calloused hands would feel like on my bare skin...

I give my head a little shake, flushing at the thought.

Take a deep breath, Holly. This man is clearly way out of your league, not to mention maybe 10 years older. I'm just grateful for his intervention, nothing more.

"Thank you again," I tell Chance sincerely, meeting his piercing stare briefly before turning away. I grab Jayden's arm, not missing the way he flinches a little at my touch. "C'mon, let's go."

We start making our way across the bar, and I can feel the weight of dozens of eyes on us, bikers pausing in their games and hushed conversations to gawk openly. No one moves to stop or harass us further, though, not with Chance standing watch like a sentry.

As we reach the exit, I risk one final glance back over my shoulder at Chance. He's still standing there, arms folded across his broad chest, watching us with an icy stare.

Our eyes meet briefly, and I quickly look away, giving him a small nod of gratitude before ushering Jayden out the door.

The cool night air is a relief after the stuffy, smoke-filled bar. I take a deep breath, letting it out slowly as the rumbling sounds of bikes and rock music fade behind us. Jayden stuffs his hands in his pockets, shoulders hunched, clearly waiting for the lecture he assumes is coming.

Instead, I stop and turn to face him, taking in his sullen teenage pout.

"You know, you're lucky Chance stepped in when he did," I say quietly. "Those men could have really hurt you, Jayden. Maybe worse."

He scuffs the toe of his shoe against the cracked pavement, not meeting my eyes. "Yeah...I know. I'm sorry, Mom."

There's a long pause as I study my son's downturned face. As angry and worried as I was, seeing him actually take that man's advice to heart drained a lot of the fight out of me.

With a resigned sigh, I pull Jayden into a tight hug. He stiffens at first, then melts into my embrace, squeezing me back tightly.

"I'm just glad you're okay, baby," I murmur, stroking his shaggy hair. "That's all that matters now. We'll get through this...together."

Jayden clings to me, his thin frame shaking with drunken sobs.

"I'm s-so sorry, Mom," he hiccups into my shoulder. "I was just so dumb to believe they actually wanted to be my friends. I j-just wanted to feel accepted and part of something for once."

My heart clenches at the pain and desperation in his voice. Pulling back, I cup his face in my hands and look him square in the eyes, brushing away his tears with my thumbs.

"Oh, baby, you can be a part of so many great groups and activities at school - sports teams, clubs, anything your heart desires. Why would you ever choose something so dangerous and outside the law?"

Jayden's gaze drops, his brow furrowing.

"I...I know Dad was a biker too," he mumbles, so quietly I almost don't catch it. "I thought maybe if I gave this life a try, I could feel closer to him somehow. Figure out if it was even worth him leaving us for it."

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