Chapter Two:Time to Talk
904 Words
"Damian? Are you awake?"
Bells' voice pulls me out of a deep sleep and I groan. It took me awhile to fall asleep, and I really don't want to move right now.
"C'mon Ian. I got you coffee. "
My eyes snap open. Sure enough, Bells is sitting on the edge of the bed holding a hot cup out to me. Her face is all swollen and is a nasty shade of purple, her left eye is closed.
"Why didn't you wake me up? I don't want you going off alone."
"Why? Because of how I look? How do you know I didn't do this to myself?"
I scoff and roll my eyes so hard I almost give myself whiplash.
"Bells please. Next you'll say that you walked into a door. No one in their right mind is going to believe you. You're trying to protect him. I'm going to have a nice chat with him when we get back. And if I don't? Someone in my MC will."
"Ian, you'll end up getting arrested."
I can't help it, I laugh at her.
"Bells my dear, you forget I'm an outlaw biker. That I'm the VP of an outlaw biker club. Do you know how many times I've been arrested? Or how much of the police and fire departments are working with us? I think I'm good Bells."
She scoffs at me and I know she's annoyed, but the more annoyed she looks the cuter she is, and the funnier I find this.
"How did you even know I was in trouble?"
"I was on my way back from a solo run. You flew past me and I could tell something happened. It looked like you were fleeing. The way you were driving on top of.. I knew you needed me." I tell her, taking the cup from her.
Bells watches me for a few seconds, unsure how to respond.
"Well, I'm glad you were in the right place at the right time."
I smile at her. "Me too."
"Can I ask you something?" She asks after a beat.
"Of course. " I tell her.
"What happened all those years ago? You left for a run and we were fine. You only called once and then nothing. Instead of being happy to see me you.."
She can't bring herself to say it and I dont blame her. She doesn't have to say them.
I take a deep breath and begin, staring into my coffee. I can't bring myself to make eye contact. Not just yet.
"Someone dangerous needed an escort. Escort happened to be on enemy land. We knew they were trying to track us so we couldn't use our phones or cards. Cash only. If I kept in contact I would have put my MC in danger. So I figured it would be fine. I'd lay low with my club and we'd get in and out and no one would even know we were there. I was wrong Bells. They ambushed us. I got pinned by one of their newer members. Tigger got him off me, but not before he snarled your address. I had no idea who he was, yet he knew me enough that he knew my girlfriend's address. I'd been getting threats all along, but this one.. This one was very real. I knew I'd never be able to protect you if they decided to come after you. So I left. To protect you. If we weren't together there would be no reason to hurt you. Instead, I put you in harm's way. You wouldn't have met Joel. You're dad would have continued to leave you alone. I was ready to propose to you Bells. I still have the ring. I got scared. I couldn't lose you like that. I can't lose you now. I just want the world for you. I want you to always feel safe and protected. I want to be the one that gives you the world; and protects you. I want to be your saving grace. I'm determined to show Joel how it feels to get pounded on."
"Ian, Can you stay with me? Show me you want to fix things. I want to feel safe with you again."
I smile and embrace her. She squeezes me closer, determined to get as close to me as she can. I can finally enjoy her touch again for the first time in almost a decade. I can finally put our past behind us and move on. Annabelle buries her face in the worn leather of my vest, inches away from my VP patch. It's been a very long time since we've been this close and I've worked my ass off to get here.
"You don't have to be afraid anymore, Annabell. I will always be here to protect you. No one will get close to you." I promise her.
This time I'm going to stick to it too. I brush her hair out of her face and finally finally make eye contact with her, but only for a second before I meet her lips with mine. She tastes like french vanilla coffee, and for a second or two I savor her.
When she pulls away it's to suck some much needed air into her lungs. Her face has taken a nice rosey tint around her cheeks. Her bright gold eyes are twinkling, and I know she's happy.
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