Page 15 of Truth

He’d snuck off from the fire station, met me around the corner, and gave me the name of the girl. He only had a first name. Said it was Genevieve. It was such a unique name that I figured once I had the flowers and vase delivered to the hospital’s burn unit, they’d know who to deliver it to.

I picked fresh purple and yellow orchards and azaleas and added some daisies with a touch of baby breaths. The vase took more than a day to make, but it was beautiful with a fluorescent porcelain finish. I preferred the stoneware look, but the glazed finish was the perfect touch.

“I bet you are the only one.” I scoffed as he twisted his lips.

He knew I was spot on. Most of the guys couldn’t stand me. I was naturally competitive, and instead of them accepting it for what it was, they shunned me.

“You know how they are, but every day, at least one or two of them asks about you. Chief’s been on our ass with more training since that stunt you pulled, but I know why you did it.” He reached over and laced his fingers with mine. Outside of Germ, he was the only one that did know.

“The death of her anniversary is coming up.” I looked away, my eyes stinging from the tears that formed. “I miss her, Kane. I miss her so much.”

“She’s with you, and she’d want you to be happy, Merci. Why wouldn’t she?”

He turned my face by the chin, forcing me to look at him. I blinked, and a stupid tear fell. He swiped it before he placed a tissue in my hand.

“I know what you should do this year.”

“Yeah, what? Hit a strip club?” He smiled, nodding his head.

Him, Beacon, Drew, Green, and the others lovedLegs and Laces. I never saw a group of men that couldn’t wait to see pussy that wasn’t theirs. Germaine dared me to come out once when he and Joreen were going one night. It was after they celebrated a huge milestone forInkz. It was nothing but a huge room of foreplay in the making. No thanks. I engaged in solo foreplay at home in my bedroom.

“I’d invite you, but you might body slam one of them,” he jested.

“Would not.” I stared through slitted eyes and snorted. “I’m not the least bit interested in any of you.”

Everyone thought me and Kane were dating. We weren’t. We kissed once. It was an awkward kiss after a cheap glass of hooch. We were stressed and studying for the state exam for firefighter certification. When he pushed me on the bed, feeling up my torso, I panicked. Maybe because I was inexperienced or worse… I didn’t deserve it. Survivor’s guilt was the fucking worst.

“I know she wouldn’t want you moping around, and don’t blame Shadow.” He arched one brow, popping a piece of garlic bread in his mouth.

We were at Luigi’s. I had only eaten it at the tattoo shop that day without him. Today they had a few specials and the line, at one point, was out the door which meant we came at a greattime. I just hoped I had enough energy to finish this cake stand. A request came through my website. I’d never made one before, but I was eager to try my hand at it.

“You and Germ better leave my baby alone.”

“Trust, the pussy we want to bother ain’t your furry friend,” he teased. I hit him with a napkin. “Aye, girl. That’s assault.”

He looked around when the sound of motorcycles drew closer. He said he preferred trucks, fire trucks, and tractor trailers but I knew Kane. He was intrigued.

“Germ still rides?”

“He does,” was all I offered.

I wasn’t sure what Germ’s status was when it came to the Saint Riderz. That day in the shop, I could tell he was caught off guard. Unlike his usual cocky self, he spoke to Truth like he’d been called into the principal’s office.

Then when Alix came out thirty minutes later, an upset Truth damn near yoked him up outside in front of the tattoo shop. It was then I knew Germ had to part ways with them. He was going to art school if I had to drag his ass there after stripping on a pole on my off days if that’s what it took. I had no fucking rhythm, but for Germ, I’d do anything to keep him safe.

“Tell him I said what’s up.”

He stood up and opened his arms, waiting for me to fill up the space. I did. I needed a hug. I hadn’t had one from him since he came and saw me at the hospital. After that, Chief put my ass on medical leave. He kissed my forehead and hugged me tightly.

“Enjoy life, Merci,” he whispered before he released me. “And don’t rush back to work. Hell, go have sex, and plenty of it.”

“Eww.”

I pushed him away, and when I did, in walked Truth along with a few other club members. He nodded, acknowledging me but glared at Kane. I frowned, wondering what that was about. Kane was in his uniform. Clearly, we weren’t on a date, eventhough that wouldn’t be any of his business. Besides, I heard he wasn’t the dating kind from the lobby of whores, which was fine by me.

“Need me to hang out longer?” Kane quizzed. His eyes lingered where the Saints were.

“I think I’ll be fine. I have a run to make and a few deliveries.”

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