Decisions
902 Words
LEXIE
The next morning came too quickly. I had barely slept, tossing and turning most of the night like my brain refused to clock out. When I finally dragged myself out of bed, I took a quick bath and threw on clean jeans and a simple black top. I looked in the mirror and sighed.
“Looking good, Lexie. Real runway material for the ‘fugitive chic’ collection.”
I was just brushing my hair when a firm knock sounded on the door.
I opened it to find Chaos filling most of the doorway. His storm-gray eyes met mine, calm as ever.
“Morning,” he said, voice low. “Crow’s back. He’s downstairs looking at your bike right now.”
*My heart did a little jump. Finally, some good news in this disaster of a week.*
“Really?” I asked, trying not to sound too excited. “He’s fixing it today?”
Chaos nodded. “Shouldn’t take too long. You can come down if you want.” He said.
I let out a dramatic breath. “Thank God. I was starting to think I’d grow roots here and become part of the bar furniture.”
A small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. He leaned one shoulder against the doorframe, arms casually crossed. “You in that much of a hurry to leave my town, Sara?”
I raised an eyebrow at him. “No offense, big guy, but yes. I have places to be. Roads to ride, terrible decisions to make. The usual.”
Chaos watched me, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Crow’s good. If he says he can fix it, he will.”
We walked down the stairs together. Our arms brushed once, and I felt that annoying little spark again. I ignored it like a responsible adult.
Down in the bar, Crow was already bent over my bike with tools scattered around him. When he saw me, he grinned.
“Hey, Sara. Good news and bad news.”
I crossed my arms. “Hit me with the bad news first. I like to suffer in order.”
Crow chuckled. “Fuel pump is shot and the wiring’s a mess. Someone neglected this poor girl.”
“Story of my life,” I muttered. “Good news?”
“Good news is I can fix it. Should be ready by this afternoon.”
Relief flooded through me. “You’re a miracle worker, Crow. Seriously.”
Chaos stood quietly beside me, listening. When Crow went back to work, Chaos turned to me.
“You look happier than I’ve seen you since you got here.”
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. “What can I say? Freedom smells better than fear and bad life choices.”
He didn’t laugh, but his eyes softened. “You want breakfast while you wait?”
“Only if it comes with coffee strong enough to raise the dead.”
We moved to the bar. Mia slid a plate of eggs and toast in front of me. I thanked her and dug in like I hadn’t eaten in days.
“So,” I said between bites, “what does the big bad President do on a normal morning? Intimidate squirrels? Collect tolls from little old ladies?”
Chaos gave a low chuckle... a rare, warm sound that did unfair things to my stomach. “Paperwork. Club business. Keeping my guys from doing anything stupid.”
“Sounds thrilling,” I said dryly. “I can see why you’re radiating joy and sunshine.”
He turned his head, looking at me with that steady gray gaze. “You always this mouthy in the morning?”
“Only when I’m nervous, hungry, or breathing. Take your pick.”
We sat in comfortable silence for a while. I finished eating and pushed the plate away. My mind was already racing ahead, planning routes, counting cash, wondering how far I could get before dark.
After a couple of hours helping Crow, the bike was finally ready. I paid him, then went upstairs to count what was left in my bag.
My stomach dropped. It wasn’t enough, not even close. After the repair, I barely had money for gas and one cheap motel. Running now would leave me broke, hungry, and exposed on the road.
I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the small pile of bills.
*Well done, Lexie. You finally got wheels and immediately became too broke to use them. Gold star for planning.*
A soft knock came on the door.
I quickly stuffed the money away. “Come in.”
Chaos opened the door and stepped halfway inside. “The bike is ready. You planning on leaving today?”
I looked at him for a long moment, my chest felt tight.
“I… think I’m going to stay a little longer,” I said, trying to sound casual. “Just until I figure some things out. Turns out my wallet and I are in a bit of a disagreement about my travel budget.”
Chaos didn’t look surprised. He simply nodded, his eyes gentle on mine. “Take all the time you need,” he said quietly.
He stepped back and closed the door softly. I let out a long breath and fell back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. I was really doing this, staying in Harlow.
- Writer
