Page 134 of Ace of Spades

Now? Now, I’m standing at the helm of the baddest custom bike shop in the damn country.

Steel King's Customs isn’t just treading water; we’re the go-to place for those who are looking for unique custom builds they can be proud of.

The garage hums with life as I make my final rounds, the sunset bleeding gold across the polished showroom floor that we’ve recently added.

The team really came together after the build-off. And I cannot imagine a world without these people in it.

I do a final spin, seeing the signed jerseys from athletes lining the walls. Pictures with celebrities. Even a letter from a senator's office about the "outstanding craftsmanship" on a build we did for some oil tycoon’s grandson.

Today, Zane O’Connor and Keelan Landry, two legends from the Heatwave Hockey team, stopped by to pick up their bikes.

Casual.

No big deal.

Okay, a very big deal.

Joey’s still posting about it like it’s the best day of his life.

I smile to myself as I lock the front doors, the neon "CLOSED" sign humming to life in the window.

Another day. Another victory.

And tonight?

Tonight, I’m supposed to meet the crew up at Rusty’s for a drink.

Tradition.

I swing my leg over my bike, fire up the engine, and take the long way there, letting the wind wash the day off my skin.

Rusty’s is dim and half-empty when I pull in. Not typical for a Friday night.

And when I step through the doors… I pause.

The place isempty.

No Gramps arguing with the bartender.

No Kick hustling pool.

No Joey eating wings like they’re going out of style.

Just one person.

Sitting at the poker table. Waiting. My heart stutters so hard it almost knocks the air out of my lungs.

Levi Steele.

He doesn’t move when he sees me. Just sits there, one arm slung over the back of his chair like he has all the time in the world.

He looks good. Dangerously good. Beard trimmed tighter. Shoulders broader. Sun-kissed like he’s been outside more these days.

He’s wearing a faded SKC hoodie that’s so old it probably should’ve been burned... and it’s never looked better on anyone.

And in his eyes… there’speace.

Real, earned peace.

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