Page 21 of Ace's Ascension

“Hmm… I’ll think about it.”

A comfortable silence surrounds us as I listen to Liz’s breathing on the other line. “Do you miss me yet?” I ask teasing her.

“Maybe. I do know my lady bits are glad to have a break.” Liz giggles again when I release a low growl.

“Woman, I’ll make your lady bits scream when I get back home.”

“Promises, promises.”

“A promise I plan on keeping, Little One.”

Liz’s breath catches in her throat. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Ace. I’ve already lost too much on broken promises.”A loud crash comes through the phone with a woman bitching and grumbling. “Shit, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you soon.”

Liz hangs up before I can respond, leaving me staring out into the darkness of the night, wondering what that was all about. Who promised her something and broke it? I have the urge to wrap my fingers around their necks and squeeze the life out of them for hurting my woman, whether it was intentional or not.

Midnight comes and we are rolling through the city. It’s quiet except for the rumble of our Harleys. What Liz said on the phone has been playing on repeat in my head and I’m crawling out of my skin wanting to seek vengeance on her behalf. Chainz and Kayne take the lead, followed by me, Tank and Hound as we take a sharp left to Cobra’s location. Rooster, Blayde, Fuel, Crusher and Freedom continue toward Stryker’s’ location. A van with a prospect driving follows each of our groups. Once the two of them had done their reconnaissance, they called back to have us meet in smaller groups at each location. It’s been a pain in the ass to rein Tank in, but I can’t say I blame him either. I’d move hell or high water if Liz was in danger.

We stop around a half mile from our target location. We’ll go on foot from here and have the element of surprise on our side.

“Stay close to the buildings.” Chainz orders. “Kayne, Poison, Ace and Tank through the front. Hound and I will disable their wheels and then Hound will cover the back and I’ll meet you inside. Remember there are innocents in there.” Chainz reminds us of the plan.

“My woman’s in there, watch where you shoot.” Tank growls.

“We get her out and then we find Ben. Everyone clear?” We all nod and draw our weapons. Tank is antsy as we approach the doors. Cobra stops us with his hand up and checks his watch.

Once Cobra lowers his third finger, all hell breaks loose. We enter the building and bullets drop the unsuspecting guards. Weenter another room and Tank loses his shit when he sees that his woman is trapped in a fucking cage. He aims his gun at the lock, ready to pull the trigger when Chainz stops him. I don’t hear what words are exchanged but soon after, the cage door is open and Tank is inside kissing Dia. I turn away, letting them have their moment.

“I got this.” I turn back around when Poison steps around Tank. I’m on alert, ready to fuck someone up if Poison gets hurt. Kayne feels the same way, he is standing right beside Poison with his hand on her back, guiding her to the three other women trapped.

Once they coax the women out and have them moved to safety, Kayne and Cobra go after the other men who ran away. I stay with Poison and watch her back as we take the women to the Clubhouse. Once they’re inside and settled, Kayne, Chainz and a pissed-off Tank come in. Hushed words are exchanged before Kayne commands our attention.

“It’s late, brothers. We’ll rest our heads tonight and take off first thing in the morning.” Relief fills me. I’m itching to go home and see Liz.

I make my way to the room Chainz has for me and lie down. I don’t bother to strip out of my clothes as I flop onto the bed. My body is beyond exhausted but my brain won’t shut the fuck up. My phone buzzes in my pocket and it takes a lot of effort on my end to pull it out. It’s from an unknown number. I read the text and my heart sinks to my toes.

There in full color is a picture of Liz in her tight little shorts and tank top tending the bar with a caption.

IS SHE WORTH THE PAIN I’M GOING TO BRING YOU FOR KILLING MY BROTHER?

Well, fuck.

Chapter Twelve

Liz

Ace has been gone for a couple of days and it feels like a part of my soul is missing. Holly has been with me every night, missing Stryker who went on the ride with the club. Together we’re just a hot mess of missing our other halves and planning on what we’re going to do to them when they get back.

Kayne, Poison, Rooster, Siren and Blayde all came back early this morning but Ace and the rest of the brothers had to stay behind for another job that should let them head home tonight. They’re being secretive about why they came back sooner than the rest of the brothers, but I know I won’t get any answers from them. It irritates me, but there is nothing I can do about it. From what Holly has said, I’m not an Ol’ Lady or a member, so I don’t have a right to know unless Ace tells me. I have to trust they have my best interest in mind while keeping me in the dark. Something I will have to consult my cards about after work since I don’t have time right now.

My long locks are up in a high ponytail and I’m applying my mascara when there is a knock on Ace’s bedroom door. I putthe wand down, adjust my tank top in the mirror and leave the bathroom. I open the door to Butch and Rooster standing on the other side.

Butch still scares the crap out of me with his permanent scowl and bulging biceps. I heard he is a Marine with a discharge, but he’s tightlipped about his past. I consulted my cards the first night Ace left after Butch took me to work and stayed there watching me, then drove me back to the Clubhouse. They told me he is struggling with issues in his past and needs to learn how to let it go to be happy. They also told me there is a love interest but they are on two different paths at the moment. I have contemplated telling Butch about this, but no one here knows what I’m capable of and I haven’t figured out if I want them to know or not.

Rooster, on the other hand, I can’t stop smiling when I see this burly biker holding his daughter, Elsa, who looks just like him. His story is heartbreaking but he did get his happily ever after with Poison’s sister, Alyssa. I haven’t had much time with Alyssa since she and Elsa stay at Rooster’s house most of the time. Some of the patch bunnies have no qualms about walking around here with clothes that barely cover their ass when a kid is around. I can feel this will be changing very soon though and the change will be for the better.

“You ready, Red?” Rooster asks, crossing his arms over his chest.

“You’re going with us tonight?” I ask in surprise.

---