Page 33 of Dark Seduction

As we sit in silence, the tension in the air is palpable. I can feel V’s anger radiating off of him, even as he tries to remain still. Mack leans into me, as if seeking comfort in my presence. I wrap an arm around her, holding her close.

After several minutes of tense silence, V finally speaks. “I’m sorry, Mack. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I just...I don’t like guys who hit women.”

“I understand,” Mack says softly. “But it’s in the past now. I don’t even think about him anymore.”

V nods, but I can tell he’s not satisfied. He’s a loyal Black Hood, and he takes our code seriously. I can see the thoughts swirling in his eyes, and I know what he’s thinking. Ryan is going to die. He’ll make it happen.

“Let’s change the subject,” I blurt. “We’re all here for a reason, right?”

Mack looks up at me with a grateful smile, nodding her agreement. “Right. So what’s next?”

MACK

I stand before the mirror,the soft glow of the vanity lights casting a warm and flattering aura around me. Tonight is special. We're going out, the three of us, and my heart brims with contentment. It's a feeling I've come to cherish, one that has become a cherished part of my life these past couple of weeks.

My reflection smiles back at me, the image of a woman who's finally found her place in the world. The morning we shared before getting ready for this night was nothing short of magical. Sated and satisfied, we reveled in each other's company, exploring newfound depths of connection and passion.

I trace a finger along the curve of my lips, remembering the shared laughter, the tender moments, and the fierce desire that bound us together. As I apply a hint of lipstick, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation building. Tonight promises new adventures, and I can’t stop my thoughts from wandering to the unique dynamic that has become my life—a world where I have two incredible men, Burnt and V, who hold pieces of my heart in their own special ways.

Burnt, the man who's become my closest confidant, my partner in crime, and my rock in this journey we're all on. We share a bond that's built on trust, a deep understanding of each other's pasts, and an uncanny similarity in our appetite for each other. Our connection has grown stronger with every passing day, as if we were two halves of the same whole. There's an undeniable comfort in knowing that we've walked similar paths, faced similar struggles, and found solace in each other's arms. With Burnt, it feels like we've known each other for a lifetime, and our shared experiences have forged an unbreakable bond.

V, on the other hand, brings a different kind of energy to our trio. There's a magnetic intensity about him, an air of mystery that keeps me on my toes. While our connection is undeniable and the passion between us burns bright, I can't help but sense that he's holding a part of himself back. It's as if he's guarding his emotions, a puzzle that I've yet to fully solve.

With V, it's like stepping into uncharted territory, a world of thrilling uncertainty and unexplored depths. While I've come to know him on a profound level, there's a sense that there's more to him than meets the eye, secrets and emotions waiting to be uncovered.

As I finish my makeup and prepare to join them for the night, I marvel at the intricate dance of emotions that we've embarked upon. Two partners, two unique connections, and a heart that's found room to love them both. It's a journey filled with complexities and uncertainties, but one thing remains crystal clear—I wouldn't have it any other way.

My heart is light as a feather when I turn to leave the bathroom, the anticipation of the night ahead still fresh in my mind. But as I take a step forward, an unexpected wave of nausea washes over me, and before I can react, my stomach lurches.

I stumble towards the toilet, my hands gripping the porcelain as I vomit uncontrollably. The sensation is overwhelming, and I feel a mixture of embarrassment and discomfort. This wasn't how I had envisioned the evening starting. Where this sudden bout of sickness came from? I'd felt perfectly fine just moments ago.

After what feels like an eternity, the nausea subsides, leaving me weak and shaken. I flush the toilet, rinse my mouth, and splash some water on my face, trying to regain my composure. As I take a deep breath and prepare to leave the bathroom, my mind races with questions.

Could it be something I ate earlier? Or perhaps the nerves of the night ahead had triggered this unexpected reaction. But then a more unsettling thought creeps into my mind—could it be possible that I'm pregnant? The idea feels both surreal and frightening. I had taken precautions, but nothing is foolproof, and the mere possibility sends shivers down my spine.

I try to push the thought aside, convincing myself that it's just a one-time occurrence, a fluke of nature. But as I move to the couch and lie down, a nagging worry continues to linger in the back of my mind, casting a shadow over the excitement I’d felt just a few moments ago.

I couldn’t be pregnant. Could I?

V

Since our tripto the camp, something has been nagging me. I didn’t really know much about Burnt as a man or my prospect. I could tell you about how well he shoots, the beer he likes, and well, his taste in women, but until that trip, I had known nothing about him. I’d know nothing about the life that shaped him into who he is now. The thought of how much of that I’d missed had been picking away at me. I couldn’t shake off the feeling of guilt that I had not taken the time to know Burnt beyond his gun.

He’d been with us for years, and I hadn’t taken the time to get to know him as a friend and as his patch sponsor. I’d failed him in that regard, but after today, I hope to rectify part of it.

Finding Judge in his clubhouse office, I step inside and close the door behind me.

“Something wrong?” he questions without even looking up at me. “Garage, okay?”

“I want to call in the vote for Burnt.”

Judge looks up. “You want to call in the vote? And what makes you think I’ll allow that?”

I meet his gaze head on, my eyes challenging. “Because it’s fucking time.”

Judge’s expression grows more serious as he scrutinizes my words. But I stand firm, refusing to yield. Not today, not after all we’ve endured together with Burnt at our side. “It’s time,” I declare.

Judge nods slowly, his eyes gleaming with a hint of respect. “You’re right,” he admits. “We’ve been through a lot with Burnt. Honestly, he should have been patched in with Priest, but you didn’t call for the vote. So why now?”

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