Page 60 of Dutch

I led her outside and down the steps, positioning her just right. "Ready?" I asked.

"Take this damn blindfold off before I do it myself!" she squealed.

I untied the bandana and held my breath as I watched Makari's face. First, her mouth fell open as she rushed to Malakai's bike. The custom paint job was a deep purple with chrome accents.

"Shit, this is… I can't believe it!"

I watched her drink in the details, every expression, from shock to happiness, followed by something like nostalgia.

"It's yours," I revealed.

Makari's head snapped up. "What? We said?—"

"I know, but it's a piece of Malakai, and it's still a symbol of moving forward," I explained.

Makari was conflicted, and I could see it in her eyes. She was running her fingers along the handlebars, and I knew her mind had returned to a good memory because she was smiling.

"It's beautiful. Thank you for this. Do you really think I can ride this monster?"

I couldn't help but grin. "I don't know, but you rode the hell outta my monster last night."

Makari swatted at my arm as we laughed together.

"Now, for the second part of the surprise." I held up a picnic basket. "We're going for a ride, and then we're going to have a picnic."

"Okay, that sounds fun, but I might be a little rusty."

"Go lock up while I strap the supplies to my bike."

When she returned, we peeled out and hit the road. Soon, we were leaving the city behind. Makari was in the lead on her restored bike, purring like a brand-new baby. She leaned into every curve, just like Malakai had taught her.

"I thought you said you were rusty?" I shouted over the wind.

"Guess it's like riding a bike."

I laughed at the terrible pun, allowing her to race by me. We rode by fields of golden wheat, their stalks blowing as we passed.

"First one to the big oaks buys dinner!" I yelled, gunning my engine.

"You're on, Knight!"

We tore down the open road neck in neck at times, and for the longest moment, I'd forgotten about the club and all the shit we'd been through. As we rounded the final bend, the massive oak tree came into view. Makari edged ahead in the final stretch.I let her.

"Dinner's on you, Knight," Makari teased, removing her helmet. She was so sexy in this new element. She looked truly alive.

I led her to a clearing near a small stream.

"This is beautiful. How'd you find this place?"

I shrugged, unpacking the blanket. "I come here to clear my head."

I spread the blanket under the shade, and she was watching me, amused.

"What?" I asked, suddenly self-conscious.

"I just never imagined you… us having a picnic. It's nice," she admitted.

I smiled, and as we settled on the blanket, peacefulness seeped in immediately. We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the scenery.

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