GUNNER
She's so beautiful. That's the first thing I think when I see her enter the club.
Her blonde hair pulled into a high ponytail, revealing her slender neck. The loose tank top she's wearing leaves little to the imagination, showing just enough cleavage and framing her curves perfectly. And her shorts are too short for my taste, especially in a place like this, when she's surrounded by a bunch of guys who don't know how to keep their eyes to themselves.
I know Helena won't let anything happen to her and neither will I, but I was still close to plucking Wolf's eyes out when he checked her out. The possessive rage that flared in my chest was immediate and consuming.
"Hi Gunner."
She greets when Helena takes her to the booth I'm sitting at. Even in the dim lighting I see the cute blush on her cheeks, making me smile despite myself.
"Hi, gorgeous."
The words leave my mouth before I can stop them. Helena just grins knowingly at me, sitting down on the outer side of the booth, while Cristy settles on the inside. The pink hue on her cheeks turns few shades darker and she lowers her head, as if trying to hide her face from me.
But I see it. I see everything about her.
I can't take my eyes off her as we talk for the next hour or so, just catching up. Helena, being the perceptive genius she is, notices my lack of attention to anything but Cristy, so she decides to leave us alone after a while, using Scooter as her excuse.
Damn, I love that girl.
The booth suddenly feels smaller with just the two of us. More intimate. The noise of the club fades into background static and all I can focus on is Cristy's nervous fidgeting, the way she keeps glancing around like she's waiting for something bad to happen.
"There's no need to be worried. No one will hurt you here. I won't let them."
I declare when I notice her glancing around nervously. It's a promise and a threat rolled into one. Anyone who tries to touch her will answer to me.
"I'm sorry."
She quickly apologizes with that adorable redness on her cheeks.
"I'm not exactly used to being here without Helena."
I can tell. She's never been here alone, so I'm not surprised she's feeling wary. The Iron Brotherhood compound isn't exactly welcoming to outsiders, especially young women who don't wear the property cuts. But I wish she would find my presence reassuring at least.
"Do you want to go for a ride? I can see you're not exactly comfortable here."
I suggest, mentally cursing myself. Of course she wouldn't want to go on your bike, idiot. You're just an old man who's a friend of her friend.
"Uh, like, on your bike?"
She tentatively asks, but I can see the excitement in her eyes. She's trying to hide it, playing it cool, but her body language gives her away. She's so damn adorable.
"Yeah. You okay with that?"
"Sure. If you don't mind."
I grin at her and get up from the booth before holding my hand out to her, half hoping she will take it. And she does.
Damn, I'm done for.
Her hand is so small and soft in mine, it fits perfectly. I don't lock our fingers, even though I want to, desperately. Don't want to push too hard, too fast. This is a gift I won't take for granted.
"Have fun!"
Helena calls out from the patio in front of the building when she sees us. Cristy gets even redder, if possible, while I just give Helena a wide grin. She gives me a thumbs up before turning back to Scooter, who just watches with curious look. He gives me a nod in recognition and I return the gesture before taking Cristy to my bike.
Damn, did that boy change. I almost didn't recognize him. He's got buff since last year and don't get me started on the beard on his face. Had it not been for him hugging Helena from behind, I probably wouldn't know it's him. He sure as hell does not look like a nineteen year old anymore.
My Harley sits gleaming under the security lights, chrome and black leather and power. I've had this bike for seven years, know every inch of her like I know my own body.
"Keep your hold on me and lean when I lean. Don't fight the flow of the bike."
I instruct as I get on, wrapping Cristy's arms around me. The feel of her pressed against my back sends electricity down my spine.
"I know. Helena used to take me on rides on her bike a few times. She said I would need it."
Cristy softly says and I can hear the smile in her voice. Helena. That damn woman, she's so cunning.
I caress her hand, which clutches onto my cut, then start the bike. The engine roars to life beneath us, vibrating through our bodies. I know just the place I want to take her to.
The ride is much too short for my taste, but the feeling of Cristy's soft body behind me and her arms around my waist is indescribable. She fits against me like she was made for this, for me. Every curve aligned perfectly.
I help her get off the bike when we reach the lake then take her hand in mine and lead her to the dock. She takes off her sandals and sits on the edge, submerging her feet in the water. The moon reflects off the surface, turning everything silver and dreamlike.
"You're not going to join?"
She asks shyly when she sees I'm still standing next to her. I give her a smile and shed my boots and roll up my jeans before sitting down next to her. The water is cool against my skin, a contrast to the heat building in my chest.
"It's beautiful in here."
She softly says, looking at the water. The lake is surrounded by forest, with only one old dirt road leading here. Unless you know it's here, it's really easy to miss this place. I've been coming here since I was seventeen, back when I needed somewhere to think, to escape.
"It is."
I say, looking at Cristy. Not the water. Never the water. She catches my gaze and the gorgeous blush appears on her cheeks again. As if my hand has a mind of its own, it reaches out and strokes her reddened skin with my knuckles.
"So beautiful."
I murmur, making the blush deepen.
"Gunner..."
Cristy starts.
"John. Call me John."
I cut her off. I want her to call me by my name. Not the club name, not the title. My real name. The name my mother gave me before she died.
"John. I..."
She trails off, turning her gaze away from me. I gently cup her chin and turn her head to face me. Her skin is warm, soft as silk.
"What is it, precious? Talk to me."
I encourage her, seeing the uncertainty in her eyes. Whatever she needs to say, I can handle it. I think.
"I don't know what to think of this."
She states quietly after a moment.
"What to think of what?"
I release her chin when she turns fully towards me.
"Of this. Are you treating me nicely because I'm Helena's friend?"
I sigh heavily before shaking my head. Is that what she thinks? That I'm just being polite?
"No, I'm not."
I vehemently deny.
"Then?"
She looks at me expectantly, waiting for me to clarify. Waiting for the truth.
"What do you think?"
I smile adoringly at her. She's so innocent it should be illegal. I've actually found her innocence enamoring ever since I met her. In this world of violence and corruption, she's something pure, untouched.
A delicious blush covers her cheeks again and I cup her face, running my thumb over it.
"I like you, Cristy. A lot. I thought I made that clear."
I know it's probably too soon, but I want to be honest with her. No games, no manipulation. Just the raw truth.
Cristy stays quiet for the longest while before speaking. The silence stretches between us, filled with possibility and fear.