The Runaway MC Princess

Chapter 05

ANDY 5

Everything happened so fast.

I watched in absolute disbelief as Gideon lifted Brea into his arms and looked at her with an expression I had long wished to see directed at me.

Fear and love.

"Stay with me, babe." He whispered as he carried her away, walking straight past me without an explanation or second glance.

He didn’t look back at me once.

The doors slammed behind him, and just like that, I was left standing at my husband’s work, filled with men and women who, in my opinion, no longer deserved their badges. There was nothing honourable, loyal or honest here today.

No wonder my father never trusted cops. I was a fool to marry one.

I turned back to the silent crowd behind me and tilted my head with quiet contemplation. "Give him a message when the weasel tiptoes back. He can keep his wh*re. All I want is my freedom!"

With that, I removed my wedding ring and held it in my palm.

Three years came down to a small ring and a marriage full of lies, betrayal, and humiliation. I put it in my coat pocket and tightened the belt. I hated what I was wearing underneath more than ever. It was embarrassing to think I was coming here to seduce him and he was already balls-deep in his colleague before I arrived.

"I'm done with him!" I said to the room absentmindedly.

Before leaving, I looked at the Police Chief and remembered that he and his wife brought us a bottle of red wine to our Christmas party last year. He knew I existed, yet stood here today—proud.

Pr*ck!

“William, I trust you understand how poorly this would look on your station should I release the footage I recorded.” I paused to let the underlying threat sink in. “I want my divorce hassle-free. Make sure he understands that, because I have pictures of you, your wife, and me together last Christmas. You knew my husband was married, yet I have you on video encouraging this scandalous affair.”

William Harper took a challenging step forward. I held up my phone. “I already sent it to a friend. Don’t even think about silencing me. Now ask yourself: is your public reputation and career worth protecting Gideon's secret? Because if I don't get my divorce, I'll send it everywhere—right along with our marriage certificate and everything I have tying you to the affair.”

Williams eyes burned into mine. “Are you threatening the police chief?”

I shook my head and smiled as I glanced at my Apple Watch, still recording my voice. “Of course not, Police Chief Harper. I am simply reminding you that you encouraged an affair and celebrated it on tax dollars; that could look really bad to the public. To your wife.”

“What does my wife have to do with this?” He spat venomously.

“Well, a man willing to encourage infidelity is typically okay doing it himself.” With that, I turned and walked away.

No one tried to stop me as I walked out.

I drove home as fast as I could. I would be damned if I stayed here another night and tolerated his lies and excuses. I’d swallowed enough words, humiliation, and hurt feelings for this—boy. I’m done!

On top of that, I just p*ssed off the police chief, and that probably wasn't my smartest move, but it would most likely create added pressure on Gideon to sign.

With my Jeep packed with the few belongings that felt like mine, I left the city I had called home since Gideon and I married.

It was time to return home. Face the ghosts that have been chasing me for all these years from the shadows, and start a new life—this time, without a man to guide me. I would carve out my own path.

I drove for miles in silence, uncertain of my destination. My thoughts drowned out anything on the radio.

Then, as if my body couldn’t pretend anymore, my stomach twisted with pain. When the nausea came, I pulled onto the shoulder. The moment my Jeep stopped, I threw open the door and stumbled out into the dark.

I barely made it to the edge of the ditch before I vomited.

I leaned against the Jeep, tears running down my face, though I didn’t know when I’d started crying.

When there was nothing left in my stomach, I sank onto the pavement. The night air was cold, but it cooled the hot tears of betrayal on my face. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and let out a laugh.

I stayed there until my breathing steadied before getting back into my Jeep.

Eventually, a cluster of neon lights appeared ahead at a rundown roadside bar.

I pulled into the parking lot without thinking.

Rows of motorcycles lined the front. Some engines still clicked as they cooled. The sight made my heart pound before I even understood why.

I ignored it. I needed a break from driving, and this was the only place for miles.

The smell hit me first—beer, smoke, sweat—then the music, too loud for the small room.

Bikers and their ol’ ladies crowded around battered wooden tables. I kept my head down and walked to the bar. I turned my head slightly to the left, and then I saw it.

Everything around me faded into the background, and all I could hear was my heart beating hard against my chest.

It was a leather kutte I’d remember anywhere. The emblem was straight from my past.

HELLFIRE KINGS MC.

My blood ran cold, and for a moment I couldn’t breathe, and as if by instinct, my eyes drifted to the table in the corner.

There sat a familiar man alone beneath the dim light.

His hair was different now, shaggier. His shoulders were broader, but still strong and impressive. His face looked older than I remembered, but I’d know him anywhere.

My heart pounded even harder now.

He turned slightly, and for one terrifying second, I thought his eyes met mine.

I stepped backward.

No.

I turned and hurried outside, not stopping until I was in my Jeep with the doors locked. My hands shook violently as I started the engine.

The roar of motorcycle engines surged to life behind me, and I slammed my foot down on the gas.

The bar disappeared behind me, and so did the familiar face. But I already knew the truth. I couldn’t outrun the past. I never really could. It had just been waiting for me.

Colt's message flashed through my mind.

[Andy, it’s time to come home. Your family misses you. Please.]

For the first time in four years, I wondered if running away had ever meant I was really free. Maybe I was never really hiding. It felt like they’d always known where I was. They just needed me to figure it out.