Page 15 of Cage's Ruin

He took the last brown box off me. “I’ll walk you out.”

I swallowed sharply. So this was it. I scanned the pub and lounge, members looking everywhere but at me.

I nodded my head and walked out of the clubhouse, the only home I had really known.

Cage placed the box on the back of the pickup.

Turning back to look at me. Cage opened the pickup door for me. And I couldn’t help but think, while everyone blocked me out—he still stood by me. Even when I put him in the most difficult situation.

“Thanks,” I said and let myself stare at the man I nearly had. “For everything Cage. Like always you’ve done above what is expected.”

He smiled dimly, and locked eyes with me. Those jet black eyes.

“Love you Autumn. Look after yourself.” He then gave me half a hug and I got into the pickup before the tears dropped.

Pulling out of the lot, I looked back in the mirror, seeing him, the future I wanted with him, all of it disappearing and the tears dropped down my cheeks.

I wiped the tears away. I had brought this on myself.

I only knew one place I could go. And I wasn’t sure how he was going to take it. He was fresh out of rehab and didn’t need my drama. But moving back in with my step dad, was my only option right now.

12

Cage

Welcoming Hawk back was taking a shit load of responsibly off my shoulders. I actually felt like a member again, and not a fucking leader. Being Vice I had put my hand up for, but being President, I hadn’t. But I stepped into voluntarily but I was thankful it was over.

I had to make calls I wasn’t proud of. Like banning Autumn, as well as business decisions.

It had been two weeks since I last saw her. And as the room emptied, I hovered back. Wanting a word with Hawk. Lighting up a cigarette, I didn’t ask the question.

Hawk gave me a look. “I know you want to know about her.” He gruffly said. Then he sighed, seeing that I was barely keeping my shit all tied together. “She’s okay Cage—this is for the best.”

My eyes dropped to the table. “Just weird her not being around.” I wasn’t going to lie.

“She’s heading to college. God knows she is smart enough for it.” Hawk rose up and I knew with his words, the conversation was over.

But what else was over, was my future with Autumn because there was no way, she would even look at me once she walked through the gates of college. She would be around like-minded people. She wouldn’t be attracted to some biker that was hooked on her.

Then my mind went back in time. I lost her the moment I agreed to her working those steroids from the gym. And that was my fault for letting it happen.

AUTUMN

It wasn’t a fucking option. I was not going to college. I dropped the brochures and flyers in the bin. Hawk was pushing for it but I wasn’t interested. I refused to be bored to death in a classroom.

I knew I didn’t have many options. I had Ash threatening me through messages and phone calls. Which had the weight of knowing I had pissed the Cartel off. I had the club that had disowned me. I think my lack of options was what got me changed and dressed up. To result in coming here.

I scanned the local pub that I walked to. I needed a drink. No longer had a club bar to go to.

Placing my order with the bartender. I zoned out, staring at the bar mat. So this is what life was going to be like now? Getting drunk at the local?

“You’re in my spot.”

I nearly jumped by the dark voice. Turning to my side. I wanted to slap myself. Out of all the places to pick to stand. I picked a bikers spot.

The bartender put the drink down and I grabbed it going to move.

“You can join us if you want?” he looked me up and down, and then extended a hand. “Logan.”

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