Page 20 of Nikolai

"I look in the mirror every day. I know what people see."

"Oh, Leah." Alba's voice goes soft. "You are so unbelievably gorgeous. And one day, you're going to open those eyes of yours and realize it."

Uncomfortable with where this conversation is heading, I change the subject. "Hey, did you land that book cover you were telling me about last week?"

Lucky for me, my friend goes along with it.

"Did you ever have a doubt I wouldn't," she teases, and I laugh.

"No."

9

Nikolai

Ispot Logan standing outside as I pull up to the clubhouse. Beside him is the custom Harley he's been working on for the past two months. Climbing from the truck, I stride across the front yard. Logan tosses me the keys. "She's primed and ready for the road, brother," Logan stands to look at his handy work with pride.

Stepping up to the bike, I comb over every detail. The straight chrome pipes have a mirrored sheen—a deep color of crimson coats the gas tank and fender, accented with perfectly airbrushed ghost flames. I run my palm over the luxurious black leather seats and custom saddlebags. I'd ridden a few times growing up, but didn't truly find a love for it and the open roads until moving to Polson. Like fighting, riding has become therapeutic. Throwing my leg over, I straddle my bike. "Thank you, brother."

"Try her out." Logan grins.

"We ride together?" I place the key into the ignition.

"Shit. You don't have to ask me twice," Logan strides a couple of yards away, and mounts his bike.

The loud guttural rumble only a Harley makes seems to beat in sync with my heartbeat, only louder. The engine roars, giving the throttle a few twists, and the smell of gasoline fumes mixed with heat invigorate the senses, as I pull away from the clubhouse with my brother at my side. Once we pull out onto the open road, I open her up. I settle back in the low-slung seat, as we cruise down the highway, feeling the rush of the wind as it hits my face. A calm settles over me, letting the bike become an extension of myself. She's in control now.

By the time Logan and I return to the clubhouse, almost an hour has passed, and the heaviness I was feeling left somewhere on the road. "I needed that," I tell my brother as we make our way into the dimly lit clubhouse.

"Good ride." Logan clasps my shoulder. "I'll hit the road with you anytime, just say the word." Jake and Gabriel are sitting at the bar. "Prez, Gabriel," Logan greets them.

"I was wondering where the hell you two disappeared," Jake grunts, lifting a mug of coffee to his lips.

"Nikolai took his new ride for a spin this morning, and I rode with him." Logan pulls a stool from the bar beside Jake and sits.

Jake looks at me as I settle into the stool on the other side of Gabriel. "My brothers did a stellar fuckin' job on that custom Harley. How'd she ride?"

"Smooth," I tell him, and he nods.

"You should ride with us next weekend. We're going to show support for a young girl who is confronting her abuser in court and hoping for emancipation from her family," Jake mentions, and my mind automatically thinks of Leah.

"Alba took Leah shopping today. I'm sure my woman will be draggin' that girl here tonight," Gabriel tells Jake, something I was already aware of. Sam strides into the room, joining us at the bar as Jake responds to Gabriel.

"I don't know why Alba forces that girl to come here. The poor thing is afraid of her own damn shadow. Being around all us men makes her unease even worse," Jake replies.

"Yeah, but it's not without good cause." Sam drops down on a stool at the end of the bar.

Jake sighs. "No, I guess not."

"Since we are on the subject of Leah," Sam adds, "I wanted to bring up a concern I have about her." His statement catches my attention.

"What is it, son?" Jake asks.

"I'm not feeling right about her staying alone. I know the apartment has top-notch security, and she has assured me she's fine with living by herself, but my gut says she's not ready. I promised my friend I'd take care of her. So, I'm coming to the club in hopes you all can help me figure out a solution to not only keep Leah safe but to make her feel safe."

The moment Sam mentioned he is moving out of the apartment, he and Leah share, I'm all ears. I knew he was interested in prospecting for The Kings, but I wasn't aware that it would be leaving my woman alone and vulnerable.

Aware that this conversation doesn't include my opinion, I interrupt anyway. "I'll take care of Leah." Everyone eyes me as I abruptly stand, my chair screeching as the legs drag along the floor. No one says a word as I turn my back on them and walk out of the clubhouse with only one thing on my mind. Protecting what is mine. Glancing between my truck and my bike, I choose the Harley. The engine roars as I peel down the dirt road, a cloud of dust trailing behind me as I leave The Kings' compound.

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