Page 33 of Hawk
“Is there somewhere you want to go?”
He shook his head and said, “I just want to get you out of here for a while and let some of the heaviness blow away with the breeze.”
I smiled at him. “That sounds like fun.”
“I’ll let you get some jeans on and maybe a hoodie, if you have one. The evening air can be chilly on the bike.”
“I’ll be right back,” I responded and reluctantly, he released my hand, allowing me to walk away from him.
I walked through the house and into my bedroom to find appropriate clothes for riding. It wasn’t the first time I’d been on his bike, but this was very different from the last time. We were on the run, constantly looking over our shoulders to make sure none of Adrik’s men were coming after us. And after three weeks of fleabag motels and back country roads, he’d delivered me to my redeemers.
When he left me there, I wanted to beg him to stay but figured I’d misplaced my affection for him during my rescue. I now realize he was feeling more for me than he let on, and maybe, just maybe, this would be our time.
I took off my shorts and pulled on a pair of blue jeans before digging in my closet for a long-sleeved shirt. When I took my T-shirt off, I glanced in the mirror and briefly closed my eyes, not wanting to think about how I got the scars that crisscross my body. Adrik, when he was drunk, would use me as a punching bag, and on more than one occasion, he used his knife to show me who was boss.
Ironic that it was a knife I’d used to kill him before Hawkins whisked me away.
I quickly pulled on my shirt and grabbed a hoodie from behind the door. When I opened the bedroom door, I heard Hawkins speaking with someone on the phone, Silently, I walked down the short hallway, and as I approached the living room, I heard the conversation.
“When will you be back, Daddy?” an angelic voice asked, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“I’ll be back in a few days. Have you done your homework?”
“Yes, sir. Ms. Sadie helped me with my letters and made sure I got everything done before she let me play with Iris.”
“That’s good. Is your brother around?” Hawkins asked.
“He’s with Mr. Gunner helping polish his bike. Do you want me to get him?”
“No, sweetheart. Let him and Mr. Gunner have their fun. Tell him I love him and I’ll call tomorrow after school to check on you two. Be good for Ms. Sadie and tell her to call me if she needs anything.”
“Yes, Daddy. I love you,” the small voice said, and I slowly stepped into the room, letting Hawkins know I was within earshot.
Hawkins looked up and stared directly into my eyes as he responded to who I assume was his daughter, “I love you, too.”
I felt like he was saying the words to me, but I knew they were meant for his daughter. No man had ever said those words to me, and for the longest time, I didn’t think I needed them. But feeling his touch on my skin and being close to him all day was making me rethink my original stance.
He disconnected the call and stood from my couch. Suddenly, I felt like I had intruded on his personal business.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation.”
He sauntered across the room and stopped a few feet from me as he said, “You could never interrupt me, darlin’. I just wanted to check on the kids before it got too late.”
“Is everything okay?” I asked, worried he was leaving his kids behind to locate me, and the guilt began to creep in.
“Everything’s great. They love spending time with my President and his old lady. And the two of them are great with all the club kids.”
“That’s good,” I replied, not knowing what else to say.
“Are you ready?” he inquired, and I nodded my head. “I brought Zeus back inside and locked the back door. Is there anything else you need to take care of before we head out?”
“I just need to grab my wallet.”
He followed me into the kitchen, and I opened my clutch to retrieve my license and some cash. I didn’t know what to expect and I never liked being without money—it could be the difference in being trapped somewhere and being able to get away. It was a bad habit I still had, but it was one I wouldn’t change. I’d learned through the years to depend on myself for everything, never knowing who or what could cause problems.
Hawkins took my hand into his and walked us to the front door. After grabbing my keys from beside the door, he guided us both outside, then he locked the door and handed my keys to me before walking down the steps and out to his bike.
She was black, sleek, and had leather bags hanging off the sides. He turned and looked at me, lifting an eyebrow. “Do you remember how to ride?”
