Chapter 8 - Trickster

Rose smiles up at me, that sweet face glowing with contentment. Then, without warning, she reaches out and pinches my bicep - hard.

"Ow!" I flinch more from surprise than any actual pain. "What was that for?"

"Just making sure this is all real," she murmurs, running a hand along the ridges of my abdomen. "That I'm not still trapped with those awful men, just dreaming of being rescued."

Chuckling low in my throat, I pull her pliant body flush against mine, savoring the feeling of her soft skin.

"You're safe now. And you're gonna stay that way - I promise."

She lets out a bone-deep sigh, resting her cheek against my chest as I cradle her close. For a few tranquil moments, we simply bask in the peace and quiet, her fingers idly tracing the scars that crisscross my back and shoulders.

But I can sense the curiosity thrumming beneath her relaxed exterior, that inquisitive mind whirring with unasked questions. Sure enough, Rose eventually pulls away just enough to gaze up at me with those big, expressive eyes.

"Before that hotdog vendor knocked, you were about to tell me your life story," she prompts, looking for all the world like an eager student ready for a fascinating lecture. "How you ended up in the Rogues Riders MC and all that..."

Letting out a low chuckle, I lean back against the headboard, clasping my hands behind my head as I stare up at the cracked ceiling.

"Thought you might've forgotten about that."

"I have a good memory," Rose rebuffs, arching one delicate brow. "Besides...I want to know more about the man I'm falling for."

The breath catches in my lungs at her murmured admission. Dropping my arms, I straighten up and take her hand in mine, fingers tracing the delicate bones and tendons beneath her skin.

"Well, you're in luck then," I rumble, holding her captive gaze. "Cause I'm falling pretty hard for you, too, Rose. And I plan to tell you everything, okay?"

Rose's expression is solemn, but there's no judgment in those warm depths as she gives me an encouraging nod.

"I'm listening. And I won't judge you for anything as long as you're honest with me."

Huffing out a harsh breath, I scratch at the back of my head.

"Alright then. I'll give it to you straight - no holding back."

I take a moment to collect my thoughts before launching into the story.

"It all started when I was in the military years back. That's where I first met one of my MC brothers, Knowledge. He was my superior officer at the time. We didn't exactly see eye-to-eye at first..."

A grim chuckle escapes my lips as I recall those early days. "But then we got deployed to an active war zone together. And out there in that hellhole, with bombs going off constantly and enemies lurking around every corner, Knowledge and I...we bonded over our similar mindset."

Rose stays silent, watching me intently as I explain. "We both believed that some people only learn the hard way - through proper punishment when they step outta line. I know that might sound harsh or violent, but...well, you saw what happened with those punks who grabbed you."

She gives a solemn nod of understanding, clearly remembering my ruthless handling of her captors. Emboldened, I plow forward with the story.

"Anyway, Knowledge and I, we started taking matters into our own hands out there. Dishing out justice to any enemies or bad guys we came across, no matter what our orders said." My expression darkens as the old anger and resentment rises up again. "Until one day, our CO wanted us to just turn tail and run - leave our mates behind in hostile territory."

I'm practically snarling now, fists clenched against the bedsheets. "Can you believe that? What's even the point of being in the military, of calling yourself an honorable soldier if you're willing to abandon your brothers to die like that?"

Rose reaches out, placing a gentle hand on my tensed forearm. The simple, soothing gesture helps rein in my fury as I meet her steady gaze.

"We defied those cowardly orders, of course," I tell her gruffly. "Went in after our guys and got 'em out - but it cost us our careers in the end. Knowledge and I were both given dishonorable discharges soon after."

I shake my head, mouth set in a grim line. "But you know what? I don't regret it for a second. I'd make the same choice again if I had to. Let me get kicked out a thousand times over before I turn my back on my family like that..."

Rose doesn't respond right away. She just leans in close and presses her soft lips against my whiskered cheek.

"You did the right thing, and I'm proud of you."

The words punch through my cynical exterior, warming me from the inside out. A smile - a real, genuine smile that crinkles the corners of my eyes - breaks out across my face almost against my will.

It's been years since I've allowed myself that kind of open, unguarded expression. As a hardened outlaw biker, I'm supposed to always look tough and serious, like nothing in this world could ever crack my gruff exterior.

But sitting here beside this beautiful, compassionate woman...I just can't seem to maintain that stone-faced demeanor any longer.

I'm officially a goner when it comes to Rose. She's just too damn cute for her own good.

Rose gazes up at me with those big, expressive eyes.

"Is that why you joined the Rogues Riders MC after leaving the military? To be able to actually protect people the way they wouldn't let you before?"

I nod slowly, appreciating her keen insight.

"In a way, yeah. Once Knowledge and I got those dishonorable discharges, I spent a few aimless months just drifting from town to town. Picking up whatever tiny jobs or underground fighting gigs I could find to make money."

Rubbing a hand over my jaw, I continue. "Then one day, Knowledge calls me up outta the blue. Tells me an old military buddy of his is looking to recruit people like us - soldiers who were done with the army's bullshit but still wanted to protect innocent folks."

A faint smirk tugs at my lips. "The rest is history. I linked up with Knowledge and the guys, and eventually, our leader bought a little bar headquarters down in Pine Valley. We've been operating outta there ever since."

Rose nods thoughtfully, taking in my story. "Well, I'm glad you two found each other again after everything. And that you met me too," she adds with a shy smile.

I can't help but return the warm gesture, feeling lighter than I have in years. Like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders. However, a lingering curiosity still gnaws at me.

"So...I've spilled my whole sordid life story to you now," I begin, stroking my calloused thumb over her soft knuckles. "Only fair you return the favor, Rose. What's your story?"

She lets out a breath, worrying her plump lower lip briefly.

"It's not nearly as exciting as your history, I'm afraid."

A rasping chuckle slips free.

"Oh, I certainly hope not! One of us living a life of violence and danger is enough."

Rose's nose crinkles adorably at that.

"Well, like I mentioned before, I'm originally from Silvervale Mountain - that tiny little town tucked up in the forest. My life there was..." She pauses, seeming to carefully consider her words. "...monotonous, I suppose. Always the same dull routine, day in and day out. No parents in the picture - just my grandma raising me pretty much on her own. Anyway, after Grandma passed away a couple of months back, I just...I knew it was time to get out of that dreary little place. To start over somewhere new and finally experience some actual excitement in my life, you know?" She gives a halfhearted chuckle, though her eyes remain pensive. "Honestly, I probably got more than I bargained for on that front."

I can't help but huff out a laugh at that, pulling her closer against my side.

"No kidding. Between getting snatched by those lowlife pricks and ending up in bed with a biker..." I shake my head in wry amusement. "I'd say your thirst for adventure has been properly quenched."

She laughs again, nodding in agreement.

"You could say that! Getting kidnapped and almost forced into marriage wasn't quite what I had in mind..."

Our laughter is abruptly cut off by another harsh knock at the door—this time much louder, accompanied by hushed voices drifting in from outside.

Rose's grip on me tightens instinctively as her eyes go wide with alarm.

"Grant, don't go! Just stay here with me..."

As tempting as that idea sounds, I know I can't ignore a potential threat like this. Not when her safety could be at stake. Leaning down, I press a lingering kiss to her soft lips.

"I have to check who that is. But if it's anyone trying to take you from me, you know I'll protect you until the end."

She nods shakily as I extract myself from her embrace and snag my clothes from the floor, dressing in a few efficient motions.

"Just...don't stay out there alone, okay?" Rose pleads, hastily tugging on her own rumpled attire. "Let me come with you."

"Fair enough. But you're staying out of the line of fire."

We leave the bedroom and cross over to the living room. I gently guide her behind the ratty old couch before creeping towards the front door, trusty baseball bat in hand. Taking a steadying breath, I peer through the peephole.

The tension melts from my shoulders as I instantly recognize the bulky silhouettes lingering on my doorstep. With a snort of laughter, I swing the door open wide to admit my brothers from the MC, Knowledge, and Chance, along with Holly - Chance's girlfriend and our resident nurse.

"I've heard you need my help. Again." Holly crows with a wink, sauntering inside while the other two lumber in behind her. Her keen gaze immediately locks onto the trembling figure half-hidden behind the sofa. "Well, aren't you just the prettiest little thing? Where have you been keeping this sweet thing, Trickster?"

I shake my head in amusement, motioning for Rose to come out.

"It's alright, Rose - you can trust Holly here. She's going to check you over and make sure those bastards didn't do any serious damage."

Rose ventures out cautiously, looking adorably skittish as Holly gives her an appraising once-over.

"We'll get you fixed up good as new. Why don't we go have some girl time in the other room where it's quieter?"

With one last reassuring look in my direction, Rose allows Holly to gently steer her away towards the privacy of the bedroom. That just leaves me to face the dubious scrutiny of my two brothers as they take in my rumpled, obviously well-sexed appearance.

"So, I see you got yourself...involved with the girl," Knowledge remarks dryly, arching one bushy brow as he eyes my mussed hair and askew clothing.

I can't help the wolfish smirk that spreads across my face.

"What can I say? I'm a sucker for a pretty little thing in need of rescuing." Sobering somewhat, I meet his assessing gaze levelly. "But it's more than that with Rose. She's...special. I want her to stay."

Knowledge's other brow joins the first as he turns an incredulous look toward our leader.

"You hear that, Chance? Both of you idiots fell for girls you just met less than twenty-four hours ago. That's a serious risk for the whole club!"

Chance just shrugs those broad shoulders, infuriatingly calm as ever.

"I hear your concerns, brother. But what's the point of fighting so hard to protect the innocent people of this city if we lose our own humanity in the process? Let ourselves get so tangled up in violence and darkness that we forget how to live?"

He shoots me a significant look then, and I can't help but nod slightly in understanding. We've had this discussion more times than I can count over the years - about keeping our moral compasses aligned despite the shadiness of our outlaw lifestyle.

With a huff of resignation, Knowledge rolls his eyes heavenward.

"Alright, alright - you've made your point. Let's just move on, shall we?" Turning slightly more serious, he continues. "We did some...extensive questioning on those two punks you roughed up earlier. Turns out we were right. The Outlaw Riders MC aren't just dealing with drugs and guns anymore."

My brow furrows at that ominous insinuation. "You don't mean..."

"Trafficking, bro." Knowledge confirms with a grim nod. "Judging by what those fuckheads admitted, that kidnapping scheme with Rose definitely wasn't their first rodeo. And it won't be their last unless we do something about it."

Chance's jaw tightens grimly.

"Well, I think it's high time we take the fight to those Outlaw pricks properly then. Hit 'em where it really hurts." He glances at Knowledge.

As the two of them launch into strategic planning mode, I can't help but let my gaze drift back towards the bedroom, mind already focused on that sweet, innocent rose blossom I've vowed to protect at all costs.

The others might see her as a potential risk or weakness. But to me? Rose is just more motivation to keep fighting for the greater good. To eradicate scum like those trafficking bastards from our city once and for all.

If it means safeguarding her bright spirit and smile...then I'll gladly put my fists to good use against the Outlaws as many times as needed.