by Vivian Gray
“Sophie. You have to.”
The urgency in his voice shut her up. She sighed. “OK. Fine. I’ll leave you to it.” She sulked for a moment, before his warms lips landed softly on hers, thawing the frosty tension between them.
The truth was, he didn’t really want to be apart from her. He wanted to be near her warm smile all the time, to smell the candy scent that floated off her hair when she walked past, to hear her sweet laugh.... He couldn’t bear the thought of being separated from all that. But to be without it for only a few days was a far better prospect than losing her for good if something went wrong. If Troy found out he was heavily involved with Sophie, that she was expecting his baby, for God’s sake, then who knows what he would do? She could become his prime target. Hurting her would be the perfect way to get back at Zeke. Even just the thought of it made him shudder.
He drove her over to the Grahams’ house and kissed her slow and firm on the lips as if it would be the last time, before walking her to the door.
They rang the bell and waited a few moments later until Tina appeared.
“Hi guys,” she said, but some of her cheeriness was lost.
“Are you alright?” Sophie asked as they stepped over the threshold.
“I’m just a bit shaken up, that’s all,” she replied. “The sooner we get out of here the better. I’m paranoid he’s going to turn up any minute and try to kill us.”
“You’re doing the right thing by getting out of town for a while,” Zeke said. “Less distractions for Troy might lead us to him quicker.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Sophie said, suddenly looking up into his eyes. “I don’t want you going anywhere near him. But I know this needs to end... somehow.”
Zeke rubbed her back and sighed. “I’ll leave you guys to set off for the lodge. Try to enjoy it. I know that’s tough. Think of it as an escape.”
Tina forced a smile and stepped forward to give Zeke a hug. Why did everything feel like a goodbye?
“See you in a couple of days,” he said casually as he walked back to the car, deliberately not looking back.
He got in, turned the key in the ignition, and started up the car, about to head over to Stephan’s when his cell buzzed again. It was Toby from the club. One of their members had been rammed off his bike by a car. Another biker who was following behind tried to stop the driver, but he’d sped away. John, the guy who’d been hit, was in a coma. Things were getting really ugly. Zeke knew straight away this had to be a message for him. Things like this didn’t just happen every day. It couldn’t be a coincidence that everyone connected to him was in danger.
He decided to take a detour to the club to show face and check in on everyone after this shocking news. But when he pulled up his gut churned with rage at the sight of the burning building. The clubhouse was on fire. It was as if hell had opened and was ruining everything he held dear.
A friend of his walked over, his face pale with worry. “There’s no one inside,” he said. “Everyone’s unharmed. But, damn, that’s gonna cost a shitload to repair.” He wiped his brow with an oil-stained hand and sighed.
Zeke was lost for words. He couldn’t tell them this was to do with him and that psycho Troy. As he stared at his home away from home, which had been violated so crudely, he noticed something shining between two bikes parked to the side of the building. His friend Pete was walking towards his bike.
“No!” Zeke shouted. “Don’t touch the bikes! They’re rigged!”
He ran over to Pete to pull him backward, causing Pete alarm. “Sorry man,” Zeke said. “But look – there are wires running between each bike. They must be set to detonate. Whoever set the clubhouse on fire was planning something much worse as an after party.”
Zeke told Pete to spread the word and keep watch to make sure no one came near the bikes until the authorities arrived. Zeke had to move fast before anything else happened. Who knew were Troy could be?
Before he could leave the parking lot, there was an almighty explosion as each bike went up in a powerful mass of flames, forcing Pete to the ground. He crawled along the ground, blood trickling down his forehead. He was hurt, but he was alive. Zeke rushed to him again and helped him to his feet, before a paramedic who was already on scene as a precaution took over.
Could things get any worse?
His phone rang. Sophie.
“Hey, I’m coming back to town. I’m just gonna let these two get some time alone at the spa. I miss you,” she said.
“No. You can’t,” Zeke said with a voice so fraught with tension it made even him wince.
“But... I, I can help,” she stuttered.
“No. I don’t want your help. Just stay away. Don’t come near me.”
“Zeke, why are you being like this?”
He hesitated. Nothing he would say about her being in danger would work, he knew that. She was braver than most. She embraced danger. But he couldn’t face drawing her into all this. He’d never forgive himself if she got hurt, or lost the baby.
“It’s not working between us,” he said, pinching the bridge of his nose as he spoke. “I don’t... I don’t love you.” His chest ached as he said those words. It was the hardest thing he’d ever had to say in his life. And it was as far from the truth it could possibly get. But he needed her to stay away. She hung up.
He dragged himself over to his bike and got on without checking it for wires or devices. Somehow, he didn’t care about his own safety so much anymore. Maybe if Troy killed him, this whole saga would end, and everyone would be free to live their lives without him. Suddenly, something clicked in his mind. Don’t be such an idiot. You have to end this properly. Even if Sophie never speaks to you again, you’re doing this for her.
Chapter Twenty Three
Sophie
After hanging up the phone, Sophie stood in silence for a few moments, completely stunned. Had Zeke really just finished with her? After everything they’d been through... and everything they were due to go through together. What the hell?
“Come on, girl, get your bag, we’re going,” Tina said as she squeezed past Sophie’s frame in the hallway. Tina stopped and stared. “Are you OK?”
Sophie nodded. She wasn’t ready to say anything yet. Not until she’d got her head around it. Did that really just happen? She’d heard so many horror stories about bad boyfriends who ditched girls out of the blue, even pregnant ones, but not Zeke, surely. He’d been different. Hadn’t he? And that kiss, just before he dropped her off. It was laden with feeling. He definitely loved her. She knew it. She hadn’t just imagined the whole thing. Maybe she’d trapped him, with the whole unexpected pregnancy thing? Maybe that’s what went wrong? Maybe it was all too much for him, and he was freaking out? But if that was the case, surely, they could fix this? If she took a step back and left him alone for a while, he would realize they were too good to throw away... wouldn’t he?
Sophie had gone full circle from her spot on the hallway rug – going from denial to rage, to confidence that he didn’t mean it and it would all be OK. She swallowed hard and bent to pick up her luggage. She’d keep this to herself for now. Maybe he’d text soon to apologize and backtrack?
The car journey out to the lodge was terrible. It’s not that Sophie didn’t want to be with Tina and Jeffrey, they were lovely, and like family. It’s just that she felt herself unraveling in the back seat of their car, as they drove the hour-long route, attempting – and failing - to make small talk with her.
When they eventually arrived, she followed them silently up to their adjoining rooms, managing a stifled smile to the young guy who’d carried their bags upstairs.
“Shall we meet out here in half an hour to go down to the restaurant for dinner?” Tina asked.
“No, thanks. I’m fine,” Sophie said weakly.
Tina frowned.
Jeffrey added, “It’s on us. We’ll treat you, dear.”
Sophie shook her head. “Thanks, but... I don’t feel like eating.”
She thanked them and closed the door, looking around the quiet, tidy room. It was nice. There were modern drapes and a big bed with sheets that looked plump and soft. It had everything you could want from a luxury room, but she just felt miserable.
She sat on the edge of the bouncy bed and sighed. She couldn’t even be bothered to switch on the TV, although the silence was so severe it felt as though her head was vibrating with white noise.
Things had been so good lately. She’d felt like she belonged and that there was so much ahead. But now... everything she’d wanted and finally got was up in flames, like everything else around town lately.
There was a knock at the door adjoining her room with Tina and Jeffrey’s.
“Honey, can I come in? What’s wrong?” Tina asked softly.
“Come in,” Sophie said, sniffing. Her eyes were red raw.
“Tell me what’s up? No one else has been hurt, have they?” Tina asked, sitting on the bed and putting an arm around Sophie.
“Just me, as far as I know. Zeke broke up with me.”
Tina’s mouth hung open on a gasp. “What? When? How? Oh my God.” She got up and paced the room, wringing her hands with each step. “No. I don’t believe it. Something’s not right. He’s just proposed. You don’t go off someone that quick.”
“I think he got scared and ran,” Sophie said, wiping her eyes. “The thing is... I’m pregnant.”
Tina rushed back to be by her side on the bed. “Oh honey, that’s wonderful. Listen, things will work out. Look at what stress you’re both under with all this. I don’t know any couple who could get through this without some sort of breakdown. He’s scared of putting you in danger, I’ll bet.”
“Hardly. He said he doesn’t love me.”
Tina frowned and pulled Sophie in for a long tight hug. As she rubbed Sophie’s back, she spoke softly, “After our son was killed, Jeffrey and I had our troubles. At one point, I thought our marriage was over.”
Sophie pulled back. “Really? That’s terrible,” she whispered through sniffs.
“Jeffrey took to going out to bars, which was bizarre. He’d never been like that in his life. I think he just didn’t know how to process what had happened, so he started drinking... and avoiding me. It was like he’d changed into this man I barely knew. And I suppose I changed too. I watched Rick’s military parade videos over and over. I stopped living, stopped going out, didn’t want to see any friends... I was scared I’d have to listen to stories about their families. Loads of my friends have kids Rick’s age, and it was too hard to see them happy and well when my boy was... you know what I’m saying. It took us both a while to find our way back to each other. We drifted too far from each other that we ended up missing that bond, and in the end, we were pulled back together as if a huge magnet between us brought us back to our rightful positions, side by side. We had a good cry together, then we looked at happy photo albums. It was as if we finally saw a way to process it together. We realized we’d been so lucky to have him at all, even if his was a short life. And what he did have was brilliant. He was such a good guy. He was happy, kind, funny... so full of life. And we’re thankful for that.”
Sophie squeezed Tina’s hand.
“I guess what I’m trying to tell you is that sometimes pressures can alter the way you act to the person you actually need the most,” Tina continued. “Zeke’s pushing you away because he thinks that’s what’s best. He’s panicking, that’s all. The guy has a target on his head right now, and I’ll bet all he can think about is protecting you and this new little life you’ve created. That’s enough to make anyone act crazy. Give him time. Keep your cool, and I promise you things will smooth over.”
Sophie smiled through tears. “You’re like the wise mother I never had,” she said.
“Oh honey, that’s just what I am,” Tina said, tears rolling down her cheeks now. “Come to me any time.” She rose to her feet with a sigh. “I’d better go back to Jeffrey. We’re heading down for food now. I’ll bring something up for you if you like.”
Sophie wiped her damp eyes with the back of her sleeve. “Only if it’s no trouble.”
“Of course it’s not,” Tina said and gave her a wave as she went through the doors to hers and Jeffrey’s room.
An hour later, when Sophie was attempting to watch TV from her bed but really just staring mindlessly at a screen of blurred colors, there was a knock at the door. She assumed it was Tina with some food and got up. When she got to the door, she hesitated. Tina had been using the adjoining door between their rooms, what if it wasn’t her? She peered through the spy hole in the door. Zeke. Her tummy flipped. She wanted to be angry, but just seeing his face made her feel lighter. She scolded herself inwardly for being so soft.
She pulled the door open with force. “What do you want? Your ring back? Just take it.”
Zeke grabbed her hands and held them still. She tried to pull them free, but he held on tight. She relaxed her arms and gave in.
“Sophie, I’m so sorry. I thought if I said those things to you I could keep you safe. I thought it was best for you. And... the baby.” He nodded towards her stomach. “Things are way out of hand with Troy. There’s been another explosion, and someone’s been knocked off their bike and hospitalized. It’s so messy. I wanted you as far away from that as possible.”
Sophie listened in silence, tears forming in her eyes.
Zeke pulled her into his chest and held the back of her head while whispering, “Of course I love you. I love you so much it scares me. It’s all been so fast. But I know you’re my girl. You’re who I’m meant to be with. You’re my grease monkey who likes bikes and beer.”
She laughed and looked up into his eyes. She knew he was telling the truth. His eyes said it all.
Tina appeared behind Zeke. “Thank God for that,” she said with one hand on her chest. “I knew he was just having a freak-out. Now get yourselves down to the massage suite. Jeffrey and I had a couple’s session booked for tonight, but I think you need it more than we do.”
Sophie smiled through the tears. “Really? Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. Get down there.”
They walked down to the therapy suite, Zeke with his arm wrapped around Sophie’s shoulders. They didn’t need to say a word.
They held hands through the entire massage, letting the spa staff knead their bodies into a calmness they hadn’t felt for a while.
One masseur commented that Zeke’s were the toughest muscular knots she’d ever felt. “Have you been under a lot of stress?” she asked.
Zeke laughed. “You could say that.”
He shut his eyes and tried to block out the thoughts of Troy, which haunted him day and night. For a few moments, he managed to slip into a state of peaceful happiness, rubbing Sophie’s fingers with his own. He pictured their future together with this mystery son or daughter. Suddenly, it was as if everything had come into sharp focus and the picture finally made sense. They’d get there. He wouldn’t allow anything to stop them.
He heard Sophie let out a long, happy sigh as the tension was rubbed out of her neck and she opened her eyes in time to catch him looking. They both smiled. It couldn’t get much better.
After the massage, they head back up to Sophie’s room, wearing fluffy white robes.
“Grab your things,” Zeke said. “We’re going up to the sixth floor.”
“What’s on the sixth floor?” she asked, frowning.
“The honeymoon suite. It’s ours for one night.”
“How? When?”
“I asked at reception before I came to see you,” Zeke said with a mischievous smile.
They entered the suite, which was a vision of gold and ivory with lace drapes over a four-poster bed. Sophie bounced on the bed and laughed. “It’s so beautiful in here.”
“Not as beaut
iful as you,” Zeke said, standing tall by the edge of the bed. She looked up into his eyes, and a rush of heat surged through her veins. He looked so strong from her view beneath him. He hadn’t shaven for days, and his hair was tousled and flopped forward over his brow. He looked different. The other thing she noticed was the intensity of his gaze, like he was starving and she was his first meal in weeks. She lay back on the bed, inviting him to join her with a smile. He needed no persuasion. This was going to be make-up sex at its best.
“I’ll never do that to you again,” he said, as he stroked his hands up and down the length of her body gently. He slid her clothes from her body, causing her to shiver; half because of the air hitting her skin and half in anticipation of his touch.
He kissed all the way from her breasts to her pelvis, gently spreading her legs apart to kiss deeper. She could feel the tingles deep within her, softening and igniting with sparks of lust.
