Page 33 of Dutch

Fuck, where the hell was she?I barely registered a car horn blaring at me as I cut them off and passed over three lanes. All I could think about was Makari in some trunk or bleeding out in some fucker's basement.

Stop, I couldn't go there.

Saint and I leaned into the final turn. My tires screeched as we pulled up the shop with Trigger not far behind. Before I could even stop fully, I was dismounting my bike and scanning her storefront window.

I spotted her clearly bent over a client. Her locs were pulled into a messy bun, and she'd taken off her jacket, revealing an old tank top. She was whole, safe, and oblivious to the panic she'd caused me.

A painful relief flooded me. "Jesus Christ!" I bellowed out.

"Is she in there?" Trigger asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, clear as fucking day working on a client," I stated.

"Rico," I barked. "Why'd you tell me she wasn't here?"

Rico strolled over to us and shifted uncomfortably. "I checked, boss. Makari wasn't inside."

"How the fuck you didn't see a woman with purple dreads through this big ass window?" Saint questioned.

"Honestly, I think she slipped in through the back because I swear she wasn't in there. My bad."

Makari peered out of the window and caught my eye.

Shit.

The next thing I knew, she was headed outside the door, and I braced myself as her eyes darted between me and the guys.

"Looky here. Look who decided to join the party." I smirked.

"What's going on, Dutch?" Makari's stance was guarded.

I faked nonchalance and leaned against my bike. "Nothing, darling. The boys here thought they might want some new ink," I lied.

Trigger caught on and rolled up his sleeve. "I was thinking a skull or some shit, ya know?"

Makari pursed her lips, not buying it.

I pressed further. "Can you fit a few ugly mugs into your schedule?"

Makari crossed her arms. "Uh-huh, but you mean to tell me you,Saint, and Rico are here for moral support for Trigger?"

"You know how they can be when it comes to needles." I chuckled.

Makari's glare told me she wasn't in the mood for my shit, but it was hard to know because her expression stayed neutral. I knew she didn't fully believe me, but at least she didn't call me out.

"If you're serious about getting some ink, you'll need to make an appointment. I don't take walk-ins, not even for big burley bikers."

I couldn't help but chuckle. Her fire was what made her so damn irresistible.

Trigger gave a subtle nod. "Cool, will do."

"All right, I have a client waiting if that's all you're here for. Dutch, I'll text you when I'm finished, okay?" Makari stated.

I admired the way she stood her ground even when she knew something was off. It was her independence that got me every time and reeled me to her.

"See ya," she replied.

I watched her fine ass as she returned to the door and entered. I couldn't help but think about how respecting her boundaries and keeping her safe at the same time was one hell of a juggling act.

---