Chapter 14

Zoey

I tried to avert my gaze, but despite my efforts, something within me compelled me to look. My heart raced as I scanned the faces of the dead bodies scattered across the ground. I had to know if my father was among them. A strange mix of emotions flooded through me, relief he wasn't one of the fallen, yet also a tinge of disappointment. I look closer to be sure and that's when it hits me that Justin isn't here either.

The arrival of Backdraft's club had been a blur of chaos and adrenaline, leaving me wondering if they managed to escape. My heart felt heavy with the uncertainty of it all. Is it truly over now? Will my father finally release his hold on me? As questions buzz through my mind, they all lead back to the single thought weighing heaviest on my mind. What would become of Backdraft and me now?

Even holding tight to Aero's back, I can still smell Backdraft on my clothes. I can feel him on my skin. I can taste him on my lips. We're moving so fast that the wind slaps me in the face, but I cram my neck as far as I can to catch a glimpse of Backdraft. He's riding behind one of the club members with a scowl on his face. I giggle under my breath at the sight. He's donning a helmet that seems to be more for show than actual protection, barely covering the top of his head. He perches awkwardly so far back on the seat that it looks like he has a backrest wedgie lodged where the sun doesn't shine. His arms are stretched behind him, fingers white-knuckled around the backrest. The wind whips through my hair and the exhilarating sensation of speed is all too intoxicating. The thrill is already coursing through my veins, and I can't wait for my turn to ride behind Backdraft instead of Aero.

Had someone told me a week ago that my entire life would be flipped upside down because of one foolish decision, I would have laughed in their face. Yet here I am in the midst of chaos, surrounded by a group of guys whose interactions with each other fills me with a longing that I never knew existed. It's like missing something you never had to begin with. After spending years under the suffocating control of my father and living off the grid with a ragtag clan of extremists, I find myself wanting to be a part of it. The butterflies fluttering in my stomach tell me it's true. They've taken up residency since the moment I first laid eyes on Backdraft. And now, flying down the open road with the wind whipping through my hair, and the tires spinning so fast they blur, those butterflies only intensify. It's a rush unlike anything I've ever experienced before, a perfect combination of danger and freedom that leaves me craving more with every passing mile.

The bikes slow as we approach the old industrial part of the city, flanked on either side by rows of towering warehouses. We continue down the narrow road, weaving through the buildings until eventually pulling through a gate and coming to a complete stop in front of the largest warehouse of them all. The steel giant looms over us, dwarfing these men. The only sound is the low rumble of engines idling. One by one the engines shut off and an eerie feeling washes over me.

"Where are we?" I ask, climbing off Aero's bike in front of a large warehouse.

"This is just a pitstop so you can clean up and rest. In the morning, we'll leave for home." Aero places his hand on my arm. "This must be confusing for you, but it'll all make sense when we get back to Atlantic City. Can you trust us?"

I point to Backdraft. "I trust him."

Aero stares at me for a minute and I swallow hard realizing I stuck my foot in my mouth and insulted the President of the club when he's trying to be nice.

After a beat, Aero nods his head. "Good."

He motions for me to walk in front of him where I find Backdraft heading towards me. The two exchange a look before Backdraft protectively pulls me into his side and Aero continues into the warehouse.

"Listen to me, Little Lamb, this place is going to be a lot to handle. I don't want you wandering around here alone. This club is nothing like ours, so don't get the wrong idea about us."

I don't understand what he means, but nod in acceptance of what he's asking of me. It's not until we step inside that it becomes clear.