Page 36 of Devils Cut

The engine's roar died as I killed the ignition, leaving me in the cold silence of the night. 2 AM and my bones ached from the day's events – dealing with cops, giving statements, just a complete clusterfuck.

"About time you showed up, Corvus," Killer called out, smirking with a cigarette dangling from his lips. Ben sat beside him on the porch, both waiting for my return like a pair of vigilant guard dogs.

"Fuck off," I muttered, dismounting my bike. My boots crunched on the gravel driveway as I approached them, feeling the weight of the night bearing down on me.

I sank onto the porch steps next to Killer and Ben, my head hung low, exhaustion gnawing at my bones. The night felt heavy, like a suffocating blanket.

"Everything alright, VP?" Killer asked, his voice gruff but concerned.

"Fuck no," I spat, clenching my fists. "Lisa's dead. Hammer shot her in the back of the head. Stupid fuck aimed a gun at me." I shook my head, disbelieving how quickly things had spiralled out of control.

"Shit," Killer muttered, taking a deep drag from his cigarette. He looked away for a moment, then turned back to face me. "How's Trey?"

I shrugged, rubbing my tired eyes. "He's okay. Lisa went off the rails 'cause he told her she was just a whore, and he wished he hadn't had a kid with her. Refused to make her his old lady."

"Shit," he said, running a hand through his hair. "This is why you find a good one and lock 'em down straight away. No issues when you got a wife at home."

Killer laughed, shaking his head. "Just because you hit the jackpot at 22, mate doesn't mean we all did. I'm still young and full of cum."

The tension broke, and we shared a brief moment of laughter before I pushed myself upright. "Alright, fuckers, fuck off. I'm going to bed."

Killer and Ben nodded, walking back to their bikes. The roar of the engines filled the night as they took off, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I made my way inside, the house as dark and silent as a crypt. My room was a shadowy sanctuary, but I couldn't escape the weight on my chest. There, curled up in my bed like a lost kitten, was Tempest.

Stripping down to my boxers, I slid into bed behind her, careful not to wake her. My hand reached out slowly, brushing her arm just enough to let her know I was there. Her eyes fluttered open, tired and confused.

"Hey," I whispered, my voice low and soothing. "It's just me."

Her smile was a faint glimmer in the darkness, as she snuggled into my chest. My arms wrapped around her, holding her close as if shielding her from the world outside. Her breathing slowed, and she drifted off to sleep once more.

The steady rise and fall of her chest against mine felt like a lifeline, keeping me grounded in this moment. But it wouldn't last. Today, she'd get the keys to her house, and I'd be left alone in this bed once more. The thought gnawed at me, making sleep seem impossible.

"Fuck," I muttered under my breath.

I stared up at the ceiling, the shadows dancing across its surface like ghosts. My thoughts wandered, and my heart clenched. Was it possible? Was I falling for Tempest?

"Shit," I said, the realisation hitting me like a freight train. "This is fucked."

For years, I had avoided getting attached to anyone, let alone wanting them as my old lady. But there she was, nestled in my embrace, and suddenly the sixteen-year age difference didn't matter anymore. All I wanted was to keep her by my side, safe and protected.

"Corvus?" she mumbled sleepily, her voice barely audible.

"Go back to sleep, darlin'," I whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

She sighed contentedly, nuzzling closer to me. And as I lay there, holding her tight, I knew there was no turning back. I was in love with this Australian woman, and I was ready to face whatever storms came our way.

Chapter 17

Tempest Miller

Iwoke to the sound of gentle snoring, like a distant rumble of thunder. I opened my eyes to see Corvus lying beside me, his leg and arm draped over me in a possessive embrace.

Now, in the morning light, I studied his features, softened by sleep. It was hard to imagine this man, with his fine lines around his eyes and mouth, flecks of grey in his beard and at his temples, as the ruthless leader of an MC gang responsible for so much chaos and violence.

I eyed the digital numbers on the clock - 8:30 AM. Fuck, I needed to hurry. The real estate appointment was at nine, and there was no way I could risk waking Corvus. The memory of the gunshots and screams echoing through his phone last night sent a shiver down my spine. I didn't know everything about his world, but one thing was for sure; he knew how to handle himself in it.

I carefully slid out from under Corvus' arm and leg, doing my best not to disturb him. As I reached the edge of the bed, I paused for a moment, taking in the sight of him one last time before leaving the room.