Page 10 of Dagger

The roar of the crowd erupts around us, a cacophony of cheers and revving engines. Sophie and Tank break apart, their faces full of happiness.

I catch Sophie's eye as she turns, her smile brighter than the goddamn sun. She mouths a silent "thank you," and I nod, my heart too full for words.

Tank sweeps her into his arms, spinning her around like she weighs nothing. She laughs, and I feel a weight lift from my chest.

We've come so far, fought tooth and nail for this slice of happiness. The road behind us is littered with the wreckage of our pasts, but the path ahead stretches out like an open highway.

As the newlyweds make their way back down the aisle, I fall into step beside them. The other club members close ranks, a protective wall of leather and muscle.

We move as one, a pack, a family. Bound not by blood, but by something far stronger. Loyalty. Sacrifice. Love.

Perdition's doors slam open, and we spill inside, laughter and shouts echoing off the walls. Drinks are shoved into hands, hugs and backslaps exchanged.

I watch Sophie and Tank, lost in each other's eyes as they sway to the music, I feel something deep in my chest. Hope. Belief. The knowledge that even in the darkest of nights, love can light the way home.

As the night progresses, I find a quiet moment with Sophie. We slip away from the party, our hands intertwined as we navigate the hallways of Perdition. The muffled sounds of musicand laughter fade behind us, replaced by the gentle creaking of old floorboards beneath our feet.

We step into a small room, a makeshift sanctuary amidst the chaos. Sophie turns to me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Chloe..." she whispers, her voice trembling. "I wouldn't be here without you."

I pull her into a tight embrace, my own vision blurring. "We saved each other, Soph. You're the sister I never had."

She clings to me, her small frame shaking with emotion. "I'm so fucking grateful for you, for this family. I never thought I'd find a place where I belonged, where I could be myself."

I stroke her hair, understanding the depth of her words. We've both been through hell, battled our demons, and emerged stronger. The bond we share is unbreakable, forged in the fires of our shared trauma and the love we've found in this unlikely place.

"You're stuck with me now," I tease, lightening the mood. "We're gonna grow old together, raise hell, and watch our kids wreak havoc on the world."

Sophie laughs, a watery smile brightening her face. "I can't wait."

Eventually, we make our way back to the party, arms linked, hearts full. I watch as Sophie is swept into a dance by her new husband, their love a force that seems to light up the room.

I step outside, needing a moment to myself. The cool night air kisses my skin and I welcome it. I lean against the wall, tipping my head back to gaze at the stars.

FOUR

DAGGER

The poundingbass fades behind me as I stumble out of Perdition's main room, my head a fucking mess. Too much whiskey. Too many thoughts of her.

Chloe.

She's been haunting me for months now, ever since she showed up at the clubhouse, all doe-eyed and lost. I can't get her outta my head no matter how hard I try. And damn, have I tried. I’ve fucked so many girls trying to erase the need I feel whenever I think about her. It’s no use.

The world spins around me. Fucking whiskey. I shake my head, trying to clear the alcohol-induced haze, but it's no use. Her face swims before me, those big green eyes pleading, tempting. I know I should stay the hell away from her. She's half my fucking age and too good for a guy like me. An outlaw. A killer. But fuck, the pull is too strong. I can feel it in my bones, this need for her. It's reckless and stupid, but when have I ever played it safe?

The music from the wedding pulses in the background, a reminder of the happiness I can never have. I look around mewhere shadows cloak the empty lot, but there, beneath the dim glow of the clubhouse lights, I see her. Chloe.

She's leaning against a wall, arms wrapped around herself like she's trying to hold the pieces together. The sight of her slams into me like a freight train, stealing my breath and setting my heart pounding. Christ, even now, she's beautiful. Vulnerable and fierce all at once, a walking contradiction that I can't resist.

I swallow hard, my feet carrying me towards her before I can think better of it. I should walk away, put as much distance between us as possible. I've never been good at doing what I should.

Chloe looks up as I approach, her eyes widening slightly. Surprise flashes across her face, chased by something else. Something that looks a hell of a lot like longing.

"Hey, darling." The words come out rougher than I intend, whiskey and desire rasping my voice. "What's a girl like you doing out here all alone?"

She straightens, a ghost of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Just needed some air. It was getting to be a little too much in there."

I nod, understanding all too well. It's enough to make anyone want to run.

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