Page 32 of Nightmare

It's almost a Celtic style, with beautiful, curved edges and patterns pressed into the metal. In the middle, the figure of Jesus can be seen, his arms outstretched, his head hung. It’s terrifying, and so incredibly beautiful. The perfect symbol for him.

“This is beautiful,” I say, running my finger over it.

His hand goes up to remove mine, but as he pulls my tiny fingers away, his thumb runs over my flesh, for a just a moment, in a gesture that nearly brings me to my knees. It’s gentle, and even though he puts my hand down, clearly stating it’s too close to him, that touch, as brief as it was, gave me the kind of feeling inside that I have never experienced with a man before.

“We should go.”

His voice is gruff as he turns, walking toward the door.

I’m so close, I can feel it, and yet getting through to him is going to be harder than anything I’ve ever had to do. It’s clear he doesn’t trust anyone, hell, probably not even himself. It’ll take a lot of work to get in, but get in, I will. Western has a story to tell, a story that’ll change everything for him, for this club, for the town. I just have to get him to tell me that story.

He has to trust me.

After tonight, I think I might just have a chance of getting him to.

Provided I don’t get too close.

I can’t feel what I just felt then.

Though that seems almost impossible.

Western has a strange hold on me.

A hold that scares me.

It isn’t enough to stop me, though.

No, I will get closure for this family.

If it’s the last thing I do.

~*~*~*~*~

“YOU WHAT?” LEO ASKS, his eyes wide, his fists clenched by his side in pure anger.

It’s rare I see Leo angry, but I knew that he wouldn’t take the news that I went to a biker club well. I’m always honest with him, though, and when he asked if I had seen Western again, I told him straight out that he had taken me back to the club. Fury washes over his perfect features, and I know it’ll take a lot to calm him down.

“I know you’re angry,” I say, careful with my words, “but I’m making the right choice here. He didn’t do it, Leo. He told me so.”

“Oh,” Leo laughs bitterly, “well if he told you so I guess that means he’s not a fucking liar!”

He yells the last part, and the waitress moving past the table stops and stares at him with wide eyes. I give her a smile, hoping it’ll let her know everything is okay, and she keeps moving.

“I get how crazy I sound,” I say, my voice low. “But I believed him. I really did.”

Shaking his head, Leo looks less than impressed. He wants to say a lot, I can tell by his tight expression, but instead he grinds out. “I don’t know what would make you believe that man is innocent, but unless you have proof, you need to be very careful. For all you know, he got wind you’re doing this story and is making sure you clear his name for him.”

I want to roll my eyes, but I refrain.

“He doesn’t know who I am, Leo. Can you just trust me on this, please? I know what I’m doing.”

Pursing his lips, Leo shakes his head. “I know by now nothing I say or do will change your mind, but honestly, Bonnie ... you need to keep your guard up.”

“I will, I promise.”

Exhaling, he nods.

“Now you’re finished telling me off, how are things with you?”

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