Page 19 of Spike

"Nah, we're good," Spike called back. "I'll catch up with you later, Nitro. Hey, Smokey's bringing Gray's car into the garage. Make sure it gets the repairs it needs?"

"Fine," Nitro grumbled.

The Lotus Motel turned out to be only a few blocks away from the MC compound, conveniently close to town.

Spike found a parking slot on the street opposite the motel and got off his motorcycle.

Uncertain about what awaited us, I took in the modern facade of the building, resembling one of those motel chains.

As we stepped inside, the atmosphere felt cozy and welcoming.

"Hey, Rooster," Spike greeted the big, tatted-up guy knitting behind the registration desk. "Going to call in the favor you owe me."

Rooster set his knitting needles and yarn down, giving both Spike and me a curious look.

"This ain't a love hotel, Spike,” Rooster said.

I flushed at the comment, but Spike only chuckled.

"Just a room for Gray here. He's been through a lot, and I think some space and privacy would do him some good,” Spike said.

"Alright then," Rooster said, pulling out a room key without further questions.

"Thank you," I told Rooster, who only nodded and resumed his knitting.

Spike led me to the fourth floor, where my room was located, a silent companion in this unfamiliar place.

"Alright then, here's where I'll drop you off. I'll come by again tomorrow, with your car. Don't worry about the costs," Spike added as I hesitated near the doorway.

"I need to pay you back. I'm not a freeloader," I blurted, my uncertainty lingering. "Why did you do all this for me?"

The question hung in the air, waiting for an answer. Spike ran his fingers through his hair, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"I won't deny that I like you, Gray. A lot, but I'm not expecting anything in return. Besides, it's the right thing to do,” Spike answered.

"The right thing to do?" I repeated, a hint of skepticism in my voice. "In my experience, nothing comes free in this world."

"My help does," Spike said, his gaze locking onto mine.

My heart started racing, and my palms grew a little sweaty.

"Look, I'll bring your car and will probably ask you out for breakfast. If you refuse, then it's fine with me. You can stay here for a while until the heat cools, or you can choose to move on. Whatever you decide,” Spike said.

"I'll hold you to your word then," was all I managed to say, realizing that saying more might lead to words I'd regret.

My heart was playing tricks on me, and I needed to keep a lid on my emotions.

"You have a good night, Gray," Spike said, his eyes holding a warmth that sent a shiver down my spine.

"You too, and thank you again for everything," I replied, closing the door behind me.

As I entered the room, exhaustion set in. Something felt missing, I realized.

I didn’t want this evening to end this way, so I walked back to the door and opened it, hoping Spike was still there.

6

SPIKE/ GRAY

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