Page 17 of Reaper Released

Steel takes us all in and looks at Bernie, who looks at us, and then back to Steel, and shrugs. “It’s a them thing, they’ve done it since they were kids, then when they met Scar she joined in. Who the fuck knows.”

Clapping him on the shoulder and tilting his head to the kitchen, he says, “Drink.”

Steel nods and follows him in.

“Fuck, Ray, I’m so sorry… I… ”

“Shut the fuck up, bitch tits!” Scar just nods. Looking at her beautiful face, still bruised and battered, I know as long as she’s alive I will die for this bitch. After explaining everything to everyone all over again, I then drop the bombshell that Bran is dating Demi and Steel’s her big brother. Well, I might have actually not used the words dating. It may have been boning or shagging or both, either way, the attention was taken away from me for a short while.

As we’re leaving, Ma gives me a gift bag. As I open it, it’s a brand-new phone. “The boys told Bernie yours took a swim, and you not being able to let me know you were back safe really bothered me, so here, I hope you like it!”

“Thanks, Ma. You didn't have to, but I love it. Thank you!”

I give her the biggest hug and whisper in her ear, “I’m sorry, Ma. I love you!” Pulling back, she wipes a tear from her cheek, nods and steps into Pa Bernie’s arms.

Gathering Scar, we head to the truck to drive back. Arriving at the clubhouse, Scar gets out the truck, and Boyband’s there, waiting.

“Fuck, princess, don’t leave me alone again, okay?”

Throwing her arms around him, he lifts her up, and she wraps her legs around his waist as she yells, “See you sometime tomorrow, fuckwit!”

“Knob off, dick face!”

“K.F.D.”

“K.F.D.” Sighing, I climb down from the truck heading around the back of it. Steel heads towards me. “Thanks for taking me to get Scar.”

“Anytime.”

“Maybe I’ll see you around?” I kick at the floor, becoming very interested in the concrete all of a sudden.

“Yeah, you’ll definitely see me around.” He smiles as I turn to walk away to the van. I’m bollocksed. I just need a good day or so of sleep. I reach the van. I look towards the truck, but he’s gone. I let out a frustrated breath. I’m kind of glad he hasn’t followed me, but also disappointed that he hasn't.

Maybe being on my own is for the best. I need to process what’s happening. Getting myself ready for bed, I plug my new phone in. Dane’s already set it up, so I'm good to go.

I take a massive swig of tequila, then head into the bedroom at the back, sliding my naked body in between the cold sheets. Bliss and sleep!

There’s a loud knock at the door of the van. I roll over and pull the covers over my head. “Fuck off, I’m not in!” I whisper. Loud knocking again shakes the van. “Get fucked! Leave me alone,” Still whispering but hoping they will get the message, I check the clock. It’s 1 a.m. There’s another knock, and it all goes quiet, so I turn over and go back to sleep.

It’s dark and peaceful when a dream stirs, foggy at first, but then all my senses come alight. The bed dips at the side of me. I smile. I feel the warmth. First, it engulfs me, then his scent. He smells like freedom and the open roads, the outdoors and motorbikes, leather and dirty promises, but then feels so warm, safe. Moaning, I shuffle back and relax. Huge arms encompass me into a tight embrace, and I can’t help but feel at home.

It’s dark again. There’s a hard body pressed behind me, a warm breath making the little strands of hair near my shoulder flutter. He has one arm under my neck and the other wrapped around me. Am I still dreaming? I grind my arse back, and I’m tugged firmer so I wriggle more.

Placing a kiss on my shoulder, he breathes, “Shh, baby, go back to sleep.” I shuffle against him, then drift off again. When I wake up the next time, it looks like morning. The van is bright, but the warm body is still hanging on to me for dear life. Then there’s a moment of realisation I’m not actually alone.

“What are you doing here? …How’d you get in?”

Placing a kiss to my shoulder, he mumbles, “Couldn’t sleep… Scar’s keys… Shh, it’s early!” Kissing me again, he squeezes me against him.

Shifting in his arms so that I’m facing him, looking at his beautiful face, I trail my finger down his scar. “How?”

“Long story.”

“I’ve got time.”

“Some other time.”

“Okay.” I go to get up, but he grabs me in a bear hug. “Why are you trying to ruin it? Stay!”

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