Page 5 of Drowning

My hair is now long and dark, with silver streaks visible on random strands. My eyes are no longer as bright green as they once were; instead, they are dark and dull, with hidden secrets lurking beneath my irises. My entire body, covered in tattoos, remains largely unchanged: muscular and broad, with the same sharp, defined jawline and sculpted chest that I've worked hard to maintain.

"Business," I respond, still watching the kids dance. "I need you and Ace to make a run for me tonight." I finally look at him, finishing the remainder of my drink without making a face.

"Where to?" He takes out his phone and texts Ace, his friend, and another member of the club.

"Down to New Bedford. Take your bikes; they'll get you there faster."

"Alright, Ace is on his way." He puts his phone down and refills my glass before taking a swig from the bottle. "Are we still on track for Nantasket?"

"As long as Eli says it is good, yeah. I'll talk to him sometime tonight."

He nods, his jaw slightly ajar, his gaze fixed on something behind me. Shifting in my seat, I notice Emerson entering the bar... alone. She has obviously been crying, though, and I already knew why.

Stone and I watched as she went to the bar, got a drink, looked around the group until she saw her brother and Seven, and then turned to come toward us. Eli stays put even though he sees her, his eyes widening with shock and rage.

"Surprised to see you here, Blue Eyes." Stone stands up and embraces her, kissing the top of her head as he towers over her by a foot.

"I felt like having a drink. Besides, I wanted to speak with Eli, but then I changed my mind," she laughs, looking at me.

The look she gives me makes me want to bend her over the table and fuck her sadness away.

Of course, I resisted.

"Kane, do you have any jobs?" Her lips curl into a smirk as she holds the glass to her mouth and sips like a pro. Even hotter.

"Sit down, Little One. We'll talk."

Ace walks in, the bell on the door chiming.

"Looks like I should head out. I'll be in touch."

Emerson watches Stone walk away, both he and Ace turning to look at her.

She's like a really bad car wreck or a murder scene; you know you shouldn't look, but you do, and then you can't look the fuck away. All the bikers in the club want her, but she's off limits because she's Eli's baby sister.

But rules were made to be broken, and with Emerson, I intend to break every fucking one.

"So, about those jobs," she says sweetly, batting her innocent lashes and licking her lips, unintentionally making my cock rock hard.

"Do you feel well enough to go for a run? You know how important it is for my riders to have the right mindset. No distractions, Little One." I extend my hand and place it on top of hers, feeling her pulse against my thumb.

"Well, I've never been one to be easily distracted," Emerson says with a sly grin. "Especially not when I'm out on the road, feeling the wind in my hair and the thrill of that freedom that comes with it. I'm ready, Kane. I'm always ready."

I can't help but notice the fire in her eyes as she speaks. The same fire that has drawn me in since the first time I truly saw her for who she was. As much as I want to protect her and keep her away from the darkness and dangers of this life, a part of me wants to let her in.

"Alright, Little One," I say, firmly squeezing her hand before letting go. "I have a Southie run."

"But that's not even far away." Her nose scrunches and her brow furrows, and it is the most adorable fucking thing ever.

"It's a twenty-grand pick-up, Emerson; it's a big job."

"I'll take it." She smiles as she slides out of the booth, pulling a cigarette from her pack. "I'm going out back for a smoke."

"Let me join you," I offer, sliding out of my side of the booth and following her towards the back exit, my gaze fixed on her ass.

Eli notices us and gives me a curious look, but I raise my finger and walk out the back door with his little sister.

She lights her cigarette and hands me her lighter for mine. She leans against the graffiti-covered building and looks up at the sky, as if nothing is wrong.

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