Page 63 of Darkness

His stern stance softens as he exhales. “I hurt you. I knew this was going to hurt you. I got in too deep. Chiquita, I just wanted you to stay. I didn’t want you to run and be caught up in that sex ring all over again. All of this was so you wouldn’t leave… me.”

Sinking in on myself at his brutal honesty, I step forward. “How do we get past this, Nycto?”

He takes my hands in his, pulling me to him. I want to pull away, but instead, I fall into his arms, needing his touch. “Let me help you.”

“How?”

Nycto runs his hand along the side of my cheek, and I lean into him. I hadn’t fathomed how much I needed him to touch me until right now. “I shouldn’t do this. It goes against every fucking cell in my body and every thought in my head, but I know you need it.”

I look at him in curiosity. “I don’t know what you’re saying?”

He presses his forehead to mine. “I’m going to take you for a ride on my bike. It won’t be long or far, and you’ll have to wear a full helmet any time we can be seen. But maybe some fresh air will help clear your mind a little.”

Excitement bubbles up inside me as I bounce on my toes. I’m leaving the clubhouse.

“Shit, are you serious?”

“I’m being fucking stupid, reckless, and idiotic, but yes.”

The urge to kiss him is strong, but the memory of him betraying me still rages full force in my mind. So instead, I lean in for an embrace. “Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to me.”

His grip on me tightens like he knows exactly what it means. He nuzzles his nose into my hair as we hold each other. “I only ever wanted to make you happy, chiquita. I hope doing this will help a little.”

Nycto pulls back, and as his eyes meet mine, tension coils in my stomach. My heart skips a beat as I take in all his features, right down to the flecks in his dark-brown eyes. He really is gorgeous. I could fast be swept up in his wake again, but I need to remind myself of the hurt he’s caused.

He deceived me. Lied to me. That’s not okay.

Slowly, I pull back, taking in a deep breath. “Where are you going to take me?”

Regret forms in his eyes, but he lets me go anyway.

I head over to the bed to pull on some more appropriate footwear. I’m already wearing leggings, so I simply need to put on a jacket.

Nycto follows my every move. “Somewhere nice, but we need to go before I change my mind.”

Smiling, I yank on my boots and stand, then walk to the closet to pull out the leather jacket the club girls bought for me. I haven’t worn it yet, but I’ve been dreaming of the day I’d get to wear it on the back of Nycto’s bike. Seems like today is that day.

“You been on the back of a bike before?” he asks. I shake my head, to which he smiles. “Good. I’m gonna show you how great it can be.”

Nycto holds out his hand for me to take. I hesitate but then thread my fingers with his. What will it hurt to hold his hand? He leads us back out into the main clubroom, where Void eyes us suspiciously.

“Where the fuck are you going?” he asks.

“Taking Eva for a ride. Shouldn’t be long. If we’re gone more than three hours, send a search party.”

My eyes widen as Void’s jaw clenches. “Pres, I don’t think—”

“Not up for discussion, VP.” Nycto pulls me through the room.

My eyes meet with Ivy’s. She smiles, giving me the thumbs up, and it fills me with warmth. I’m glad she isn’t annoyed I’m heading out without her. So, I turn and keep pace with Nycto, excited I’m finally getting to ride on his bike.

I’ve dreamed of this.

I’ve wanted this so badly.

Maybe, just maybe, it will calm the raging storm in my soul.

Chapter Twenty-Three

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