Page 46 of Devils Cut

"Later," I promised, finishing my coffee and setting the mug down. "We've gotta head into work."

She nodded, understanding, and left the room. I couldn't shake the feeling that Tempest's story was darker than I'd initially assumed. So far, I knew she'd been abused, came from Australia, and didn't like people touching her. But there had to be more – something she wasn't telling me.

"Damn it," I whispered, running a hand through my hair. I wanted her to trust me, to open up and let me in. The secrets that lay behind those beautiful eyes were eating away at me. One day, I hoped she'd tell me everything.

For now, though, I'd just have to be patient. And make sure no one else tried to hurt her. I'd kill anyone who so much as laid a finger on her. That much, I knew for certain.

"Corvus?" Tempest called from the other room. "We should get going."

"Coming," I replied, pushing my thoughts aside for the moment. There would be time to unravel the mystery that was Tempest later.

The morning sun cast long, dark shadows across the room as I walked into the lounge room. Tempest stood there, arms crossed, her eyes darting between me and the bike parked outside.

"Come on, we've got to head into work," I urged, motioning towards my motorcycle. "Unfortunately, your car's gone, so you'll have to ride with me."

"Didn't you say I could drive the Audi?" she countered a hint of desperation in her voice. "I mean, I'd prefer it."

"Sure, I'll get it dropped off here today, but for now, you're riding with me." My tone left no room for argument.

"Fine," she sighed, relenting. She disappeared into her room and reemerged wearing jeans and a long-sleeved top. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Really? I'm offended by your lack of trust in my riding skills," I teased.

She shot me a defiant look. "Oh, I trust you. I just don't trust that death trap."

"Hey, this 'death trap' has kept me alive for years," I said.

"Okay, let's get this over with," Tempest muttered, stepping towards the bike.

"Good girl," I praised, slipping my helmet on her. As she climbed onto the back, gripping my waist tightly, I could feel her anxiety radiating from her like heat from a fire.

I couldn't help but find it amusing that Tempest, my old lady and the VP's girl, hated motorcycles. Our club was built on the brotherhood of bikers, and here she was, practically trembling at the thought of getting on one.

"Relax," I told her, feeling her body pressed against mine. "I've got you."

"Easy for you to say," she muttered under her breath.

"Trust me, princess," I assured her, revving the engine. She flinched at the sound but didn't let go.

"Here we go." I revved the engine and started off slow, making sure not to scare her any more than necessary. The wind whipped around us, the bike's purr humming beneath us. As we rode, I could feel her gradually relaxing behind me—her grip on my waist lessening, her breaths becoming steadier.

"See? Told you it wasn't so bad," I called out over the roar of the engine.

"Fine. Maybe it's not the worst thing in the world," she admitted, though her voice still carried a hint of reluctance.

We pulled up to the bar, Tempest climbed off quickly, and I could see the relief washing over her face. "That wasn't as bad as I assumed, but I'll be happier when we get four wheels, not two."

"Aw, come on, babe. Don't you trust me?" I teased, laughing at her again.

"Of course I do," she shot back, her eyes sparkling with defiance. "But you can't deny that cars are safer."

"Safe is boring," I retorted, smirking devilishly. "Besides, what's life without a little risk?"

"Ask me that when you're not dragging me onto a death machine," she said, rolling her eyes. But there was a smile tugging at the corner of her lips, and I knew that despite her protests, she was starting to embrace the chaos that came with being part of this world.

———————————————————————————

The burnt-out carcass of the car sat in Danny's garage. Work had passed by easily today, Hammer taking care of business as usual. He'd made sure the wreck made it to Danny's, who was just finishing up his assessment.

---