Hellion (Southern Rebels MC)

“I can’t say I’ve met too many guys like that, but I’ll take your word for it,” I answered lightly, picking up his now empty plate and going to the sink. “If you can’t stop him, then all you can do is help him.”

“You make it sound simple.”

“Most things are. The problem is we usually don’t like the choice.” Absently, I tugged my sleeves up as I turned the water on in the sink. It was only when I glanced down to wash the plate that I remembered why I was wearing long sleeves in the first place. I tried to work the sleeves back down as unobtrusively as possible while simultaneously hoping Noah hadn’t noticed. I set the plate on the dishrack and dried my hands before facing him.

His gaze was cast down but I could see a small frown. “I should be going. It’s past getting late.” He patted his chest and pulled out the little notepad he kept in his pocket. “I’ll give you my number in case you need anything.”

“That’s not necessary,” I said hurriedly. “I’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, but I’d feel better knowing you had it,” he answered, scribbling out a number. “And I haven’t forgotten about your tire. I need to check when they’ll be open.” His expression was somber. “Clutch owns the shop, but his brother, Crew, has been running it. I’ll see when he plans to open and see about getting you a tire.”

“You know I can do that myself,” I told him, folding my arms over my waist. A look of chagrin came over his face and I relented. “But it’s kind of you to offer.”

“I know you can. Clearly, you’re extremely capable. It’s just –”

I interrupted him, “Your nature is to help others.” I nodded sagely. “It was a big topic of conversation at the salon.”

He pressed his lips together, shaking his head. “How long were you there?”

My breath escaped me in a laugh and I pointed to my head. “You know how long it takes to color hair this long?”

“Clearly, I don’t,” he admitted ruefully.

“At least two hours,” I told him and a look of resignation came over his face as I continued, “I’m pretty sure I know your entire life story.”

“And I don’t even know your name.”

I tilted my head. “You didn’t run my plates.”

“No, ma’am.”

His answer surprised me, but I didn’t doubt the honesty of it. “Cadence.”

“It’s nice to meet you….Cadence.” My name danced on his tongue, becoming something more, not just a name but a promise. “My number.” He patted the note he’d left on the table as he came to the door.

“I don’t have a phone,” I admitted, smudging the truth as I added, “This trip is about disconnecting from it all.”

His eyes searched mine, but he didn’t call me out on the half-truth. “Well, if you get a phone, you have my number. Otherwise, you can knock on my door anytime.”

“Alright….and thank you,” I tacked on belatedly. “For changing the tire and letting me stay in your yard.”

“Thank you for dinner,” he replied, stepping down out of the RV. “Goodnight, Cadence.” He disappeared in the darkness as I shut the door, turning each lock methodically.

“Liar.”

I jumped, but Nico didn’t say anything more. I turned off all the lights but the one in the hall and crawled into bed. Usually it was almost impossible for me to fall asleep, which was why I read until the wee hours of the morning, but tonight the memories stayed away, kept at bay by a complicated and kind police officer.

Chapter Three

Noah

I yawned, my gaze bleary as I focused on the road ahead of me. I think I’d had a grand total of two hours sleep after leaving Cadence’s travel trailer and then getting up early enough to warn Clutch. Absently, I rubbed my throat, feeling the sting where the cloth had twisted into my neck when Clutch had tried to choke the words out of me.

His rage had been expected, but it was the hopelessness I’d seen in his eyes that haunted me. It didn’t matter what I did for the rest of my life, I would never be able to forgive myself for not doing more to save Ronnie. Bitter regret swirled through me as I turned into the driveway, needing to change before heading into the station and confronting Uncle Cal, my conversation with Cord fresh in my mind.

***

We watched Clutch slowly walk back to the dilapidated cabin, Tori eyeing us both before turning to follow him. Cord gestured to my neck, the burn telling me it was bright red, as he asked, “You alright?”

I nodded shortly, leaning down to pick up the coffee cups that had wound up on the ground. “Nothing less than I deserve,” I muttered, crushing the cups in my hand. “He’s right, ya know.”