Page 20 of Reclaiming Venom

Ridley sighed, reluctantly pulling away. “Probably just the neighbor’s dog getting into the trash again. I swear, that mutt is more trouble than a Prospect on his first run.”

Her offhand mention of the club stirred another fragment of memory, a hazy image I desperately clung to.

“Ridley,” I said, my voice laced with urgency. “I can’t keep living with these holes in my head.”

“I’m not sure we should force it more than we already have. As it is, we’ve done all the things the doctor said not to do. I’m honestly worried. What if this causes more harm than good?”

The rough ceramic mug warmed my calloused fingers as I leaned against the counter, inhaling the rich aroma of coffee. My gaze drifted to a photo on the fridge, catching a glimpse of a younger Ridley. Her blonde hair, wild and windswept, framed eyes brimming with mischief.

“Damn,” I muttered, setting down the mug with a soft clink.

The kitchen vanished, replaced by a vivid memory. I was back at the club’s gate, witnessing a commotion.

“Is there a problem, Pete?” I’d asked as I approached.

“Just some fucking whore who insists on seeing Bull,” the prospect said, twisting the woman’s arm a little more and making her cry out. “Fucking poked my chest and bowed up at me like she’s fucking someone.”

I chuckled. “Is that so?”

I leaned down and met her blue gaze.

“Venom,” she said softly.

My gaze narrowed. “Just who the fuck are you, sweetheart? Because I sure as hell don’t remember you.”

“I’m Ridley Johnson,” she said, her voice almost a whisper. I could see the pain etched on her features.

Shock hit me as I quickly stood. Without pausing, I slammed my fist into Pete’s jaw. The woman, now freed from his grip, tumbled the rest of the way to the ground. I wrapped my arms around her.

“I’ve got you, baby girl. No one’s going to fucking touch you again.” I lifted her into my arms and held her tight. Then glanced at the prospect. “Roll that bike up to the clubhouse.”

“Who the hell is she?” he asked, his eyes burning with hate in the near darkness.

“Bull’s daughter.”

The fog began to clear when I heard Ridley’s voice. Not in my memory, but right in front of me.

“Venom?”

I blinked, the compound fading away to reveal our cozy kitchen. She stood in front of me, a concerned frown creasing her brow.

“You okay, babe?” she asked. “You seemed a million miles away.”

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. “Yeah, I’m… I’m good. Just remembering.”

Her eyes softened as understanding dawned in their depths. She reached out, her small hand resting on my arm. The simple touch sent a jolt through me, grounding me in the present while reminding me of all I’d forgotten.

“What did you remember?” she asked softly, her thumb tracing soothing circles on my skin.

“The day you came back,” I finally admitted, my voice low and steady. “When that prospect detained you at the gate.”

A slow smile spread across her face, and she chuckled. “On that day, I thought Dad was going to have an aneurysm.”

My lips curved into a smile, my tension easing as I watched her move around the kitchen. She pulled out plates and mugs, her petite frame graceful and purposeful in the warm morning light.

“Breakfast?” She glanced over her shoulder, raising an eyebrow.

“Sounds good.” I nodded, settling into a chair at the small kitchen table.

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