Walk the Line (Kings of Chaos 5)

“You just got divorced?” I say skeptically. “You seem awful young for that.”

He laughs. “No, going through changes. I’ve been thinking about relocation recently. My jobs kept me traveling over the past five years, and now I have a chance to plant some roots. I’m twenty-nine, by the way, not that young.”

“More than ten years younger than me,” I say addressing the elephant in the room. May-December romances with older men and younger women don’t seem to make too many waves these days, but rarely have I seen it the other way around.

“Good, it means we’re both legal. I was a bit worried before. You look so young.”

I shake my head exasperated by his tenacity.

“You’re a determined thing, aren’t you?”

“If you stick around I’ll show you how much.”

I give a laugh. “Cocky.”

He winks. “So I’ve been told.”

I study him closer. “Tell me more about this change of yours. You’re moving here?”

“I am. I’ve been floating around to where my family needs me for the past couple of years, and I’m ready to put down roots.”

“San Diego isn’t a bad place for that.”

“Not when I get the sand, sea, and the company of a beautiful woman.”

He’s coming on strong without being offensive. I like it more than I should. We’re from two different worlds. I have no clue what the Nomad patch on his vest means or the ins and outs of his life as a biker. Yet, knowing I’m desirable to another man, a younger man no less, is a thrill that takes me away from the dark headspace. Alright, young’in I’ll bite.

Chapter Two

Freeze

I’m fascinated by the woman I spent all night talking to. Hell, I even asked for her number. Woman are easy for me to get. They see my cut, and they cream their panties. They want the bad boy experience, or they’re from the life and want the prestige that comes with being an Old Lady. I know how the game is played. Only, Blanche is different. On the outside, she’s polished and put together, but I can tell looking at her eyes she’s seen some shit. She has the kind of deep down hurt that only comes with massive trauma. It draws me to her like a moth to the flame. I like pretty broken things. They speak to the dark spaces I carry inside my soul.

I stare at the slip of paper she handed me and wonder if the feminine handwriting is a gateway to bullshit. Is this her real number? Logically I should walk away. I’m not based out of this chapter, and she’s way out of my stratosphere. But the thought of her full lips, gentle twang, and humor hold me captive. This woman is meant to be mine. I’m the type of man who always gets what he wants, and damn do I love a good chase. I’m a wolf who’s caught his mate’s scent.

I roll onto my back in the bunk. What the hell. I waited two days, three is cliché, and the day after made me seem too needy. I’m aware of the age difference between us. I couldn’t care less, but

her comments lead me to believe it makes her wary. Then again, maybe she’s just guarded in general. Divorces tend to be nasty, and hers is fresh. There’s a story there. It’s in the ways she keeps a close eye on her surroundings.

The phone rings. Well, it’s not a rejection hotline, that’s a good sign.

“Hello?”

“Blanche. It’s Freeze.”

“Oh, Hi.”

I smirk. “Didn’t think I’d call?”

“No actually.”

I chuckle. “I like your honesty. Never lose that.”

“I’m pushing forty. I think my quirks are set by now.”

“You got time for me today?”

“Maybe. I have a daughter who gets home around three, and I like to be here for that.”