Page 34 of Piston

I lean into his touch, my resolve weakening. "No, I didn't."

"Give me another chance, Jenny. Let me show you I can be better." His voice is low, earnest.

I hesitate, my mind warring with my heart. Can I trust him? Can I put myself through this again?

But as I look into his eyes, I see something I've never seen before. Sincerity. Vulnerability. And maybe, just maybe, a hint of love.

"Okay," I whisper, my decision made. "One more chance."

The smile that spreads across Piston's face is genuine, transformative. It's like watching the sun break through the clouds after a storm.

He pulls me into his arms, his embrace strong and secure. I melt into him, my head fitting perfectly into the crook of his neck.

We stay like that for a long moment, just holding each other. No words are needed. This is a new beginning, a fresh start.

As we finally pull apart, Piston's eyes are shining. "Thank you, Jenny. I won't let you down."

I smile, my hand finding his. "You better not. Because if you do, I'm gone. For good this time."

He squeezes my hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "I won't give you a reason to leave. I promise."

And for the first time since this whole mess started, I believe him.

We have a long way to go, I know that. Trust needs to be rebuilt, wounds need to heal. But as I stand here, my hand in his, I feel a flicker of hope.

Maybe, just maybe, we can make this work.

TWELVE

PISTON

The punching bagjolts under my fists, the dull thud echoing through the clubhouse gym. Sweat drips down my bare chest as I channel my frustration into each punch. Dagger holds the bag steady, his eyes studying me.

"Yo, Piston, ease up. What's eating you, man?"

I grunt, slamming my wrapped knuckles into the worn leather. "Nothing." But my mind drifts to Jenny, back at the salon after playing nursemaid to my sorry ass. I don't need her here, but damn if I don't sleep better knowing she's close, safe.

Mason's words from the other day rattle in my skull, raw as road rash. He'd burst into my room like a goddamn hurricane, eyes blazing.

"The hell is wrong with you, Piston? You're being a grade-A prick to everyone, especially Jenny. That girl cares about you, God knows why, and you're pushing her away. Get your head outta your ass before you lose her for good."

Each word struck like a punch to the gut, because deep down, I knew the bastard was right. I'd been a miserable fuck, too busy wallowing in my own shit to see what was right in front of me.

I step back from the bag, unwrapping my hands. "Gonna hit the showers." Dagger nods, understanding in his gaze.

The scalding water pounds against my skin as I brace my hands against the tile wall. Steam curls around me, but it can't untangle the knots in my chest. I've been a fool, pushing away the one person who gives a damn about me, who sees past the ink and scars.

Jenny's face fills my mind - her bright smile, the way her eyes spark when she laughs. I hate myself for dimming that light with my bullshit. My cock twitches, growing hard as I imagine her here with me, water cascading over her curves. I wrap a hand around my shaft, stroking in time with my racing heart. I picture her on her knees, my dick disappearing between her full lips. Fuck, I want to bury myself in her tight heat, claim her, make her mine.

My grip tightens, twisting on the upstroke as I lose myself in the fantasy. I'd worship every inch of her body, trail my tongue over her soft skin until she's writhing beneath me. I'd sink into her slick folds, feeling her walls flutter around my cock as I make her come undone. My balls tighten, and with a muffled groan, I spill over my fist, her name a prayer on my lips.

But it's not enough. I need the real thing - I need her. And I'll do whatever it takes to make things right, to prove to her that she means more to me than just a warm body in my bed. Even if it means facing the demons that haunt me.

I shut off the water, resolve hardening in my gut. It's time to man up and fight for what matters. Jenny's it for me, and I'll be damned if I let my own stupidity fuck it up. She's the light in my darkness, and I'll walk through hell to keep her by my side.

I swing by the store on my way back to the apartment, grabbing ingredients for dinner. If there's one thing Ma taught me, it's that actions speak louder than words. Time to show Jenny I'm not just a dick with a patch.

"Hey, darlin'," I call out as I shoulder open the door, arms laden with groceries. "Why don't you grab a shower and get comfy? I've got dinner covered tonight."

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