Reckless

by Franca Storm

  Chapter 41

  ~Ax~

  It’s been ‘bout three months since Dealer told me ‘bout Rox’s plans to leave Brockford. And after a hell of a lot of hassle, I found out today is the day.

  I’m standing off to the side ‘bout halfway down her long-ass driveway watching the movers packing up her house into three moving trucks. I wonder if she’s found a new place just as amazing as this one, or if she’s gonna just put all her stuff in storage for now and rent around or something.

  I had to leave the bike a few blocks back, knowing she’d hear it if I got any closer. So, I’m on foot right now, dragging on a smoke.

  So far she ain’t come out. Guess she’s busting balls inside, directing the movers. That’s my girl.

  Ralph’s the only one who’s come out. Watched him throw out some garbage bags.

  I’ve been here for close to an hour, smoked God knows how many cigarettes, and my body’s been on edge the entire time with the idea of actually seeing her again.

  It’s been fucking months.

  I know I shouldn’t be here right now. But, fuck it; I can’t let her leave without seeing her. Ain’t gonna interfere in her life, ain’t even gonna talk to her. I just wanna look at her.

  One last time.

  I’ve just stubbed out my smoke with the heel of my boot, when her long silky hair fills my vision. She’s standing at the front door, talking to someone inside, her back to me.

  Turn around. Turn around.

  I don’t want her to notice me, cuz I don’t wanna screw with her head, but I just wanna see her face.

  Dealer brushes past her then and ruffles her hair. She slaps his arm and he laughs as he makes his way down the steps carrying a box marked FRAGILE. I see him start getting heavy handed explaining shit ‘bout the box to one of the movers.

  And that’s when she finally turns.

  Christ, she’s fucking beautiful. I can see those mesmerizing deep blue eyes sparkling from here. And those lips…Jesus…ain’t going there cuz the idea of tasting her one last time is quickly creeping up on me and I can’t do that shit.

  She hurries down the steps and starts giving Dealer shit. It’s a sight to see, a guy as notoriously dangerous as him being told off by a tiny thing like her. And he listens, too. I can tell by his gestures that he’s apologizing. He walks back into the house with his tail between his legs.

  Yeah, she’s the ultimate ball buster.

  She’s gonna be just fine. Don’t need me with her for that. Independent as hell. Strong. Tough. And she’s smiling. Last time I saw her, she was in a fucking hospital bed, so damn beat up. Couldn’t let that be my last memory of her.

  She shifts her weight, turning her body slightly.

  And that’s when I see it.

  On her right arm.

  Covering the scar on her shoulder.

  Another tattoo.

  Fuck me. I can’t believe it.

  There, staring back at me, is a rising bright orange sun surrounded by black thorns.

  It’s her and me.

  Us.

  She’s the sun and I’m obviously the black thorns.

  I’m gonna lose my shit here. Jesus fucking Christ.

  One of the movers calls to her and she spins.

  And freezes.

  Shit.

  I watch her draw in a breath.

  Then she very slowly turns her head.

  And she looks right at me.

  The look on her face rips right through me.

  Pure fucking delight. Her whole face lights up.

  My heart hurts just knowing this is the last time I’ll ever see that look on her face; ever be the cause of that look.

  And then she waves and all that pain disappears, leaving a warmth in its place that I ain’t felt since I walked away from her.

  I raise my hand and wave back.

  We stand staring at one another in silence for the longest time.

  But then she moves forward towards the gates and I know she’s gonna start down the driveway towards me.

  Can’t let that happen.

  If I touch her I dunno if I’ll be able to walk away this time.

  I step back and she stops.

  Clenching my fists and making myself do what no part of me wants to do, I lift my chin at her…and then I turn away.

  Walk. Walk now.

  I got no idea how I manage it, but I do.

  I walk and I keep walking, remembering the consequences for her if I don’t.

  The further away I get, the more my good sense returns.

  I ain’t safe for her.

  I gotta keep walking.

  And I gotta let her go.

  By the time I make it back to my bike, my entire body’s shaking.

  I take a few seconds to catch my breath and get my shit together.

  Then I mount my Harley and gun it.

  Time to ride.

  Thank you for reading!

  Thank you for tuning into Reckless!

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  Other Books by Franca Storm

  STANDALONE NOVELS

  Contemporary Romance

  Comfort Zone

  THE REDEMPTION SERIES

  Romance Thrillers/Romantic Erotica

  Over The Line (Redemption, #1)

  Undertow (Redemption, #2)

  Reckoning (Redemption, #3)

  Salvation (Redemption, #4)

  THE BLEEDING LOVE SERIES

  Romance Thrillers

  All Or Nothing (The Bleeding Love Series, Part One)

  Battle Born (The Bleeding Love Series, Part Two)

  Love’s Lies (The Bleeding Love Series, Part Three)

  THE TWISTED DESTINY SAGA

  Paranormal Romance

  Fated Desire (The Twisted Destiny Saga, #1)

  Fated Betrayal (The Twisted Destiny Saga, #2)

  Fated Ties (The Twisted Destiny Saga, #3)

  Fated Love (The Twisted Destiny Saga, #4)

  Fated Blood (The Twisted Destiny Saga, #5)