Page 15 of Taming Trickster

A grim chuckle escapes my lips as I recall those early days. "But then we got deployed to an active war zone together. And out there in that hellhole, with bombs going off constantly and enemies lurking around every corner, Knowledge and I...we bonded over our similar mindset."

Rose stays silent, watching me intently as I explain. "We both believed that some people only learn the hard way - through proper punishment when they step outta line. I know that might sound harsh or violent, but...well, you saw what happened with those punks who grabbed you."

She gives a solemn nod of understanding, clearly remembering my ruthless handling of her captors. Emboldened, I plow forward with the story.

"Anyway, Knowledge and I, we started taking matters into our own hands out there. Dishing out justice to any enemies or bad guys we came across, no matter what our orders said." My expression darkens as the old anger and resentment rises up again. "Until one day, our CO wanted us to just turn tail and run - leave our mates behind in hostile territory."

I'm practically snarling now, fists clenched against the bedsheets. "Can you believe that? What's even the point of being in the military, of calling yourself an honorable soldier if you're willing to abandon your brothers to die like that?"

Rose reaches out, placing a gentle hand on my tensed forearm. The simple, soothing gesture helps rein in my fury as I meet her steady gaze.

"We defied those cowardly orders, of course," I tell her gruffly. "Went in after our guys and got 'em out - but it cost us our careers in the end. Knowledge and I were both given dishonorable discharges soon after."

I shake my head, mouth set in a grim line. "But you know what? I don't regret it for a second. I'd make the same choice again if I had to. Let me get kicked out a thousand times over before I turn my back on my family like that..."

Rose doesn't respond right away. She just leans in close and presses her soft lips against my whiskered cheek.

"You did the right thing, and I’m proud of you.”

The words punch through my cynical exterior, warming me from the inside out. A smile - a real, genuine smile that crinkles the corners of my eyes - breaks out across my face almost against my will.

It's been years since I've allowed myself that kind of open, unguarded expression. As a hardened outlaw biker, I'm supposed to always look tough and serious, like nothing in this world could ever crack my gruff exterior.

But sitting here beside this beautiful, compassionate woman...I just can't seem to maintain that stone-faced demeanor any longer.

I'm officially a goner when it comes to Rose. She's just too damn cute for her own good.

Rose gazes up at me with those big, expressive eyes.

"Is that why you joined the Rogues Riders MC after leaving the military? To be able to actually protect people the way they wouldn't let you before?"

I nod slowly, appreciating her keen insight.

"In a way, yeah. Once Knowledge and I got those dishonorable discharges, I spent a few aimless months just drifting from town to town. Picking up whatever tiny jobs or underground fighting gigs I could find to make money."

Rubbing a hand over my jaw, I continue. "Then one day, Knowledge calls me up outta the blue. Tells me an old military buddy of his is looking to recruit people like us - soldiers who were done with the army's bullshit but still wanted to protect innocent folks."

A faint smirk tugs at my lips. "The rest is history. I linked up with Knowledge and the guys, and eventually, our leader bought a little bar headquarters down in Pine Valley. We've been operating outta there ever since."

Rose nods thoughtfully, taking in my story. "Well, I'm glad you two found each other again after everything. And that you met me too," she adds with a shy smile.

I can't help but return the warm gesture, feeling lighter than I have in years. Like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders. However, a lingering curiosity still gnaws at me.

"So...I've spilled my whole sordid life story to you now," I begin, stroking my calloused thumb over her soft knuckles. "Only fair you return the favor, Rose. What's your story?"

She lets out a breath, worrying her plump lower lip briefly.

"It's not nearly as exciting as your history, I'm afraid."

A rasping chuckle slips free.

"Oh, I certainly hope not! One of us living a life of violence and danger is enough."

Rose's nose crinkles adorably at that.

"Well, like I mentioned before, I'm originally from Silvervale Mountain - that tiny little town tucked up in the forest. My life there was..." She pauses, seeming to carefully consider her words. "...monotonous, I suppose. Always the same dull routine, day in and day out. No parents in the picture - just my grandma raising me pretty much on her own. Anyway, after Grandma passed away a couple of months back, I just...I knew it was time to get out of that dreary little place. To start over somewhere new and finally experience some actual excitement in my life, you know?" She gives a halfhearted chuckle, though her eyes remain pensive. "Honestly, I probably got more than I bargained for on that front."

I can't help but huff out a laugh at that, pulling her closer against my side.

---