Page 38 of Cocky Secrets

I shake my head, frustration boiling over. “They won’t let you in. This is ridiculous! I miss you, Bear. I need to see you.”

He steps closer, amber eyes searching me. “I miss you, too.”

“You’re… you’re everything.”

Bear’s expression softens, but the weight of our circumstances looms over us. “I wish it could be different. I really do.”

“Dad!” I cry out, turning to my father, whose approval is the only one I’d need for this to work. “Dad, just let him take me out. Just this once.”

With his best friend, and club President, Jett, statue-like by his side, Dad growls, “No.”

Bear asks, “What if I could prove to you all I’m a good cop? Not like those one who took the blood money.”

Sofia Sol glances to the club elders. “Honey Badger,” she whispers.

“I said no.”

“But what if they just went on a date?” she tries.

Celia pitches in. “One date.”

Luna Cocker walks up the driveway, informs the other Ciphers, “Someone left the gate open. He didn’t break it.”

Bear offers, “I’m not going to vandalize your home to see your daughter. Wouldn’t exactly paint me in the best light.”

Luna frowns, “What’s this I heard about one date?”

Jett answers his wife, “Soph and Celia are wondering if we can let them have one date.”

“No.” Luna motions between Bear and I. “Can’t you see how they feel about each other? One date wouldn’t be just one date.”

Tears prickle at the corners of my eyes, frustration and longing battling within me. “So what do we do? Just wait until you all decide it’s okay for us to be together? I can’t live like this!”

He steps closer, his voice low and soothing. “We’ll find a way, Sage. I promise. Just… give it time. I’ll prove to them I’m serious about you.”

I nod, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. “But I don’t know how that will change anything. And I don’t want to wait.”

He brushes a thumb across my cheek, and for a moment, everything else fades away. “Just hold on. We’ll figure this out.”

As he climbs into his truck, The Ciphers watch us closely, and I feel that invisible wall creeping back in. Bear turns to me, eyes filled with determination. “I’ll see you soon,” he promises, and with that, he revs the engine, the sound echoing in my heart as he rides away, leaving me standing there, torn between hope and despair.

SIXTEEN

Sage

The moon hangs high in the sky, a silver watchful eye casting a soft glow over our quiet property. I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling, the weight of the last few days since Bear showed up here, and was turned away, pressing heavily on my chest. The walls of the club feel like they’ve closed in on me.

I can’t sleep.

I haven’t eaten.

I can’t stay here.

I need to reclaim my freedom, even if it means sneaking out under the cover of darkness.

I slip out from beneath the covers, the chill of the night air brushing against my skin. With careful movements, I dress in dark jeans, black sweater, motorcycle boots and my fitted leather jacket, the weight of it grounding me. I grab my helmet and tiptoe into the hallway, old wooden floor not daring to creak beneath my feet. I hold my breath, listening for any signs of life. The club members are probably deep in their dreams or lost in the haze of late-night private conversations, but I can’t take any chances. I exit. Unheard. Unseen.

As I reach the garage, my heart races in anticipation. My burgundy Harley sits nestled among the other bikes, gleaming inthe dim light, asking me if I truly dare to do this. I run my fingers over the handlebars, feeling the power that lies waiting for me. This is my escape, my lifeline.

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