Page 63 of Ride with Zane

What are they hiding? Rock claims he did it to protect me but from what? Why is he not trusting me?

I’m venting over the punching bag into the Clubhouse gym. I can see Rock brothers peer at me, but I don’t care whether I vent in here or with Rock.

“Hey Princess, take it easy.” Royal’s amused voice skirts me out of my thoughts. “Now I get why your punch hit hard.”

“Wanna try another one?”

He raises his hands up and moves backward, stopping to act like an idiot. I may seem fragile, but I can knock him out in no time. Taking the boxes gloves off, I throw them in the basket from where I took them. Sweat is running down my spine and I head upstairs for a shower.

Once dressed in Rock’s shirt, his scent relaxes me making me feel better. His love has woven itself into the fabric of my being, and the mere thought of fighting with him feels like tearing a piece of my soul. I pull on my favorite leather jacket, its familiar weight grounding me in the midst of my inner turmoil.

The clubhouse feels both comforting and stifling today, the walls seemingly closing in on me. I need some air, some space to clear my head. I shouldn’t go alone but I don’t want anyone to spill the beans to Rock. Not this time.

The roar of my bike is a welcome distraction as I cruise down the open road, the wind whipping through my hair. Totally Ink is my destination. Mac, with his talented hands and artistic mind, is the one I seek. I need a tattoo, a permanent reminder of my love for Rock. It's my way of leaving my mark, of solidifying our connection.

The tattoo parlor's harsh ambiance greets me as I step inside, the distinct scent of ink and antiseptic filling my senses. Mac looks up from his workbench, his eyes lighting up as he sees me.

“Princess!” He gets on his feet while looking behind me. “You’re not alone, are you?”

“Let’s say I may be but please I needed to see you without Rock to know it.”

“What can I do for you today?” he asks with a grin, wiping his hands on a rag.

“I need something special, Mac,” I reply, a hint of determination in my voice. “Something for Rock.” I start to explain to him what I want and how I imagine it but also that needs to be done in one sitting otherwise he’ll notice I’m not at the hood.

Mac nods, understanding passing between us. He sketches a design that resonates with my heart—an R and Z entwined with a motorcycle chain. A symbol of love and loyalty, something that makes him understand I love Rock’s side and the sweet Zaneone too. Mac adds his own touch with a panther with a crown because I’m the Panthers’ Princess.

With the tattoo complete, I feel a sense of satisfaction settle within me, a quiet reassurance that my love for Rock is etched permanently on my skin. He’ll go crazy but I want him to.

After visiting mom’s grave I walk back to the bike. Suddenly, the world spins out of control. A scuffle breaks out nearby, and before I can react, strong arms pull me into a van. The metallic taste of fear fills my mouth, my heart hammering in my chest. I struggle, fighting with every ounce of strength I possess. But I'm outnumbered, overwhelmed by the sheer force against me.

“Let me go!” I scream, my voice raw with desperation, as I claw and kick, aiming to break free from the grasp of my captors.

The van speeds away, my mind racing with thoughts of Rock. Panic and fear swirl within me, but so does determination. I can't let them win.

Summoning every ounce of strength within me, I fight back with a fury, hitting the right spot. Hopefully one is down. Blow after blow, I retaliate, aiming for any weakness, any chance of escape. Adrenaline pumps through my veins, numbing the pain and driving me to fight with all I have.

The struggle feels endless, the battle within me raging on. But the love for Rock, the fire that burns for him, fuels my resilience. I refuse to be broken, refuse to succumb.

As the struggle continues, I find a momentary opening, a glimmer of hope. With a surge of energy, I seize the opportunity, kicking, scratching, and screaming for help. My determination to survive, to return to Rock, empowers me. The van screeches to a halt, and I'm thrown to the floor, breathless and disoriented. But I refuse to surrender. I scramble, searching for an escape route, my heart pounding, my muscles aching.

Through sheer willpower and desperation, I break free, the taste of freedom tantalizingly close when I manage to open thedoor and jump off. I sprint, my pulse racing in my ears, my lungs burning with exertion. I don't look back, driven by the need to survive ending right in a group of bikers. Fuck! Where am I?

Zane

I gather the guys in the clubhouse’s meeting room, their attention turning toward me as I stand before them, a plan brewing in my mind. “As you know, next year, Princess will go to St. Moritz, and I’ll go with her. Which means Brick and Mac will be in charge for a week,” I announce, my tone resolute.

Denise and Blue exchange knowing glances, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. Brick nods in agreement, sensing the importance of this trip for me. It’s my chance to make unforgettable memories with Ash, to cherish moments that transcend the chaos of our lives.

“Why isn’t she wearing her vest? Have you chickened out?”

“Fuck off,” I scoff as I set them free. “Brick with me.”

He cocks a brow but follows me. “Where to?”

“I want to get Ash a gift, something special.” I find myself smiling like a stupid. Brick accompanies me; his silent support is comforting in times like these but at the same time is weird.

“I’m going to guess you want to propose.”

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