Chapter 5 - Rose

The way Trickster's looking at me right now makes me feel so...exposed. Like he can see right through to my very soul with those piercing eyes. I tug self-consciously at the oversized sweatshirt, trying to make myself seem smaller.

Even fresh from the shower, with my hair damp and face scrubbed clean, I must look like a pitiful sight compared to his rugged masculinity. The man is built like a brick shithouse, all dense muscle threatening to burst the seams of his tight shirt. And those arms - I've never seen anything so thick and powerful in my life.

The way his dark lashes frame those intense eyes doesn't help, either. It's not fair for a man to have such lush, girlish lashes. Especially when combined with those chiseled cheekbones and strong jawline.

Trickster is...well, there's no other way to put it. He's beautiful in that overly masculine, rough-around-the-edges sort of way.

But despite his brooding looks and gruff demeanor, I feel safer in his presence than I have all night. For the first time since being snatched, the knot of terror in my belly has finally loosened its vice grip.

I'm safe here with this mountain of a man.

"You, uh...you want something to eat?" he asks, clearing his throat. "I can order us some hot dogs..."

My stomach gives an audible rumble at the mention of food, reminding me I haven't eaten anything since sometime yesterday.

"I'd love that, thank you," I reply shyly.

Trickster nods, already reaching for his phone.

"Cool. I'll order from Sara's Eats - best greasy joint in Pine Valley. They're open 24/7."

"Oh...I didn't know. I've never actually been to Pine Valley before."

His brows shoot up in surprise. "No? Well, where'd a pretty little thing like you come from then?"

Tucking a damp strand of hair behind my ear, I answer hesitantly.

"Silvervale Mountain. It's about two hours north of here."

To my surprise, Trickster barks out a harsh laugh at that.

"No shit? Silvervale, huh? I've been up that way a few times myself - took some underground fights in one of the local rings."

My eyes go wide at his casual admission of being an illegal fighter. I should have known better than to let my guard down so easily around this man. Sure, he saved me tonight, but that doesn't make him a good person. Trickster is clearly no stranger to violence and skirting the law.

As if sensing my sudden tension, his expression turns curious.

"What? Why are you looking at me differently all of a sudden?"

"I...I noticed you knew how to fight," I stammer, recalling how easily he took down those two large men earlier. "But an underground fighting ring? I never would have guessed..."

Trickster lets out a low chuckle, not seeming bothered in the slightest by my surprise.

"Yeah, well, it's a good way to keep my skills sharp. Gotta make sure this physique doesn't go to waste if I want to keep protecting pretty little things like you."

He gives me a slow once-over that makes my cheeks flush hot. I can't help but gulp dryly as my gaze rakes across the thick cords of muscle bunching in his arms and shoulders. There's no denying this man is built like a tank.

"I'm...I'm not pretty," I mumble, mostly to distract myself. Folding my arms, I peek up at him through my lashes. "I'm still not sure if you're...a good man or not."

The teasing glint in Trickster's eyes vanishes in an instant, his expression going carefully blank.

"I can answer that. I'm not a good man, but I ain't bad either." He leans back against the counter with a grunt, shooting me an intense look. "Way I see it, me and my brothers, we're just trying to protect this town best we know how. Even if that means beating an ass or two when needed."

Something twists in my belly at his ominous words. There's that underlying threat of violence again. But Trickster continues before I can dwell on it.

"Those sick Outlaw fucks had it coming. We've been hearing rumors for a while 'bout them trafficking girls, selling drugs and shit. Just never had any proof." His jaw tightens as he looks me over again. "But now, with you...we finally got something to go on."

My eyes go wide at the insinuation.

"What? No, I...I don't know anything about any of that! I was just...they kidnapped me and said I had to marry one of them, that's all."

Trickster's piercing gaze doesn't waver. "Maybe so. But I'm still gonna need to ask you some questions and get the full story straight from you. That okay?"

I swallow hard, giving a hesitant nod. After everything he's done for me tonight, I can't exactly refuse.

"Have a seat." He nods toward the worn couch, sinking down onto the sagging cushion.

I perch myself next to him, back ramrod straight as he leans in close. So close I can smell his musky scent and feel the warmth radiating from his sculpted frame.

"Just keep it simple for now," Trickster rumbles, flashing me a smile that makes my heart flutter. "Were you already headed to Pine Valley when those dirtbags grabbed you? Or did they snatch you up from someplace else?"

I take a deep breath, steadying my nerves before answering Trickster's question.

"I had stopped at a train station nearby. I was looking for transportation to get to Pine Valley."

He arches one thick eyebrow but doesn't interrupt, simply typing notes into his phone. He is probably sending updates to his MC brothers.

"That's when this girl approached me and offered a ride," I continue, fingers twisting in the oversized sweatshirt. "She seemed...nice enough at first. So, I accepted."

Trickster gives a grunt of acknowledgment, motioning for me to go on. The memory of that fateful encounter is still so fresh, so terrifying.

"The girl said we needed to make a stop to pick up one of her friends first," I say, my voice dropping to a whisper. "I didn't think anything of it at the time. But then we got off the main roads and headed into the forest."

I shudder at the memory, fingers unconsciously tracing the tender spot on my head where they struck me. A trickle of dried blood still clings to my hairline.

"When she finally stopped, the girl just...apologized and got out of the car. I tried opening my door, but it was locked from the outside." My breath hitches as tears sting my eyes. "That's when those two men came and grabbed me. Beat me until I stopped fighting back..."

The words crumble into quiet sobs as the trauma of my abduction crashes over me in waves. Even now, safely tucked away in Trickster's home, I can't escape the bone-deep terror I experienced at the hands of those awful men.

I'm vaguely aware of the couch cushions shifting as Trickster scoots closer to me. Then, his large, calloused hand is covering mine in a gentle squeeze.

"Hey now," he murmurs, voice low and soothing. "You're safe with me, you hear? Those dirtbag Outlaws are never going to lay a hand on you again. And if they're stupid enough to try..." He gives a lopsided smirk. "Well, let's just say they'll be wishing for something as sweet as death before I'm through with 'em."

Despite the ominous promise of violence in his words, I find an odd sense of comfort settling over me. Maybe it's the solid reassurance of his firm grip on my hand. Or just knowing that I have this dangerous man watching my back now.

Taking a shuddering breath, I manage a small nod.

"Thank you. Really, I...I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come along."

Those words seem to strike a chord in Trickster. His intense gaze softens momentarily as he regards me.

"Protecting innocents like you is what I was born for. Just lucky I was in the right place at the right time."

I can't help the curl of curiosity that sparks inside me then. What could have happened to this man to make him feel so compelled to look after strangers? While at the same time seeking out violence and trouble with his motorcycle club?

"What...what made you want to join a club like the Rogue Riders?" I ask before I can second-guess myself. "Why take it upon yourself to try and keep people safe?"

A ghost of a smirk tugs at Trickster's lips as he clasps his hands behind his head and leans back against the couch, seeming to consider my question carefully.

"That's...a long story, sweetheart. One with a lot of ugly history behind it."

"I don't mind," I assure him quickly. "It's not like I have anywhere else to be right now."