Wild ridge

Chapter 5

~Vick~

When I heard someone calling my name, I didn’t expect it to be Mr. GQ model himself.

His intimidating figure stood by the door as he looked at me with those blue eyes that seemed to hide something more.

“We need to talk,” he said, his voice gruff and no-nonsense.

I knew my brother had probably told him about my situation. As I made my way toward him, I felt a mix of relief and nervousness.

This man, Death, was known for his lethal skills and cold demeanor. At least, that’s what some of the guys told me when I asked about him.

If anyone could protect me, it was him.

But I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.

We moved to a quieter corner, away from prying eyes and ears. His presence was overwhelming, and I couldn’t help the small shiver of fear that ran through me.

“What’s going on?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Your brother wants me to protect you,” he said bluntly, his gaze never leaving mine.

My eyes widened slightly, but I nodded.

“I understand.”

“Good,” he replied, his tone leaving no room for debate. “Stay close, and don’t wander off. Got it?”

“Got it,” I said, my voice steady.

He paused for a moment, his eyes scanning my face as if searching for something.

“Let’s get you settled,” he finally said, turning to lead me away from the main area.

“So, what do you need?” his gruff voice asked.

I blushed, feeling a little embarrassed.

“Just a few, um, clothes. I really didn’t bring much with me when I ran,” I whispered.

He grunted at my words, a noncommittal sound that could have meant anything.

After a moment, he nodded.

“Alright, I’ll see what I can do. Stay here and don’t go anywhere.”

I watched him walk away.

It was clear he was a man of few words and even fewer emotions. But for some reason, I felt a small sense of comfort knowing he was here.

A few minutes later, he returned.

“Come on, let’s go,” he stated bluntly.

As he turned and walked away, I followed behind him until we stepped outside.

Parked a little ways down from the club was an old-fashioned motorcycle. I couldn’t help but stare.

“Is this your bike?”

He nodded and hopped on, turning the keys.

The bike came to life with a deep, rumbling roar.

“Hop on,” he stated.

I stared at him.

“Hop on that? I’ve never ridden a bike in my life.”

He looked at me, his expression unreadable.

“There’s a first time for everything. Just hold on tight.”

I hesitated for a moment before swinging my leg over the bike and settling behind him.

The seat was surprisingly comfortable, but the reality of being on a motorcycle for the first time made my heart race.

“Wrap your arms around me and hold on,” he instructed.

Tentatively, I wrapped my arms around his solid frame.

The leather of his jacket was cool against my skin, and I could feel the heat radiating from his body.

“Ready?” he asked.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, my voice shaky.

With that, he revved the engine, and we took off.

I clung to him, my fingers gripping his jacket tightly as we sped down the road.

I buried my face against his back, trusting him completely as we rode away from the clubhouse.

After a while, he pulled up to a boutique store in town.

As he shut off the engine, he looked around, scanning the area with a sharp eye before helping me off the bike.

“Come on,” he said, offering his hand to steady me.

I took his hand, grateful for the support.

Once I was on solid ground, he released my hand and nodded toward the store.

“Go inside and get what you need. I’ll be right here.”

I nodded.

As I stepped inside the boutique, a friendly saleswoman approached and offered assistance. I quickly explained what I needed, and she nodded before leading me to the section I needed.

When I finished shopping and was about to step outside, I heard a loud bang.

Then the sound of glass shattering filled the room.

People started screaming.

I was about to scream myself when I felt a firm hand grab my shoulder.

A familiar voice cursed behind me.

“s**t! Get down!”

Death pulled me down as he pulled a semi-automatic from his coat and started firing back.

He pushed me behind a display, shielding me with his body as bullets ripped through the air.

My heart pounded violently in my chest as fear gripped me.

“Stay low and don’t move,” Death commanded.

I nodded, barely able to breathe as I crouched behind the display.

His eyes scanned the room, searching for the source of the attack as he returned fire.

Through the shattered glass, I could see a group of men outside. Their faces were hidden behind masks, and they were heavily armed.

They weren’t here to scare anyone.

They meant business.

“Cover your ears!” Death ordered.

I obeyed, pressing my hands over my ears as he continued firing.

After what felt like forever, the shooting finally stopped.

Death cautiously looked around the edge of the display, his gun still raised.

The attackers were retreating, their figures disappearing down the street.

“Stay here,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I watched as he moved toward the door, staying low and alert.

He scanned the area outside, making sure it was safe before turning back to me.

“Come on,” he said, extending his hand. “We need to get out of here.”

I took his hand, my legs shaky as I stood.

We made our way out of the store and back to his bike.

He quickly secured my shopping bags before helping me onto the seat.

“Hold on tight,” he repeated.

I wrapped my arms around him, pressing myself against his back as he started the engine.

We sped away from the boutique before the police arrived.