Page 33 of Axel

Chuck turned around quickly giving Axel just enough time to punch him in the face. Startled, Chuck had no time to react before he once again fell to the dirty ground below. Men and women began rushing around to get out the back and side doors. Sounds of police sirens and motorcycle engines racing filled the chaotic air.

As the police ran into the room, Jagger gained their attention quickly. “Over here,” he called out, waving his hands and pointing at Chuck who was now being detained by Drake and Blaze.

“Hands where I can see them,” an older officer yelled and we all quickly complied.

Well, everyone except Chuck who began screaming profanities.

We were all escorted out of the building then questioned about the anonymous phone call made about a fight in the bar. It was then that we explained our plan and played the recording back, so the police could hear Chuck's incriminating confessions.

While we were all reprimanded for our dangerous plan, the police ultimately arrested Chuck for placing the fire at the clubhouse and after searching the bar, found enough drugs and evidence to support his admission to drug trafficking.

We all went home that night feeling relieved and yet saddened that it was all over.

The closure from this journey meant ending a chapter of the Ravens Boys Clubhouse for good.

***

The next morning, I awoke alone in bed.

I could hear Axel’s voice down the hall. Slowly, I climbed out of bed and snuck down the hallway. Standing in front of the living room window was a shirtless Axel. I could see the muscles in his back flex as he moved his hand through his hair. I couldn’t tell if he was angry or not but I could stand there all day and watch his backside.

“That’s great news. I can’t wait to tell Ivy,” Axel said before ending the call.

“What’s great news?” I asked eagerly.

Axel swirled around and then lunged toward me, scooping me up in his arms and kissing me. I laughed and hugged him tightly. I hadn’t ever seen him this excited and I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to tell me.

“That was Drake. He’s been on the phone all morning with the police and our insurance company. Because we have Chuck’s confession, we are fully covered to rebuild. Raven Clubhouse is coming back!”

I couldn’t contain my own excitement as his words sunk in.

My man was about to get his world back and I would be right by his side the entire way.

Chapter 25

Axel

In the following weeks, everyone came together to help rebuild the Raven Clubhouse. While it would never be the same again, I was excited about the new memories I would get to share and hopefully pass down to mine and Ivy’s kids.

Yes, I went there. I said, kids.

A future wasn’t possible if she wasn’t my wife and the mother of my children. I think I secretly knew the first time I saw her that Ivy was the one for me. She always had been and always would be.

“What are you thinking about?” Ivy asked, as she helped Blaze carry another gallon of gray paint toward the bar area.

I put down the dark stain I was using to stain the countertop of our new bar and walked over to Ivy. She was adorable in a pair of short jean shorts and a white t-shirt. I brushed a loose strand of hair that had fallen from her messy bun, back behind her ear.

Kissing her I held her tightly. “ I was just thinking about our future. I want to build a small motorcycle repair shop next door where I can work. I want to share all of this with you,” I said.

“What are you saying?” Ivy asked.

“I’m saying one day I’m going to marry you. We will have kids and you will be a Raven, too.”

Jumping into my arms, Ivy threw her legs around my waist and began kissing me. “Yes, I want all of that too,” she exclaimed.

“Let’s get out of here,” I whispered into her ear.

Nodding, Ivy bit her bottom lip as her eyes sparkled with excitement.

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