Chapter 18

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Seraphina

I can hardly believe I had the balls to come to the Reapers Rejects MC clubhouse tonight.

As Abe's strong arms wrap around me, holding me tight against his muscled body, a thrill shoots through me and makes everything else fade away.

The nerves that nearly crippled me on the ride over here melt under his touch.

I breathe in the intoxicating scent of leather and musk that clings to him as my hands slide up his back, feeling every hard ridge and plane.

Being in his embrace makes me feel safe, protected.

Like nothing and no one can touch me here.

"You're so fucking beautiful," Abe murmurs, his gravelly voice rumbling through me and igniting sparks under my skin.

His fingers tangle in my hair as he tips my face up to his.

Those piercing blue eyes bore into mine with an intensity that steals my breath.

I've never had a man look at me the way Abe does—like he wants to possess every inch of me, body and soul.

It's thrilling and terrifying all at once.

My heart pounds against my ribcage as he leans in, his breath hot on my lips.

I know I shouldn't be here, wrapped up in the arms of the enemy.

If my mother knew what I was doing, she'd kill me herself.

But in this moment, lost in Abe's burning gaze, I can't bring myself to care.

All the guilt and inner turmoil fades away as his mouth claims mine in a searing, passionate kiss that consumes me entirely.

I melt against him, giving myself over to the forbidden pleasure of his touch.

Nothing else matters but this—his lips moving over mine, our bodies pressed together, the rest of the world falling away until it's just him and me, lost in each other.

Abe's strong arm wraps around my back, pulling me flush against his hard body as the kiss deepens.

His tongue teases the seam of my lips and I part for him eagerly, desperate to taste more of him.

He explores my mouth with purposeful strokes, stroking the flames of desire higher and higher until I'm weak in the knees.

"I'm taking you inside, baby," he rasps against my lips when we finally come up for air.

A thrill of excitement and trepidation shoots through me at his words.

The mysterious, intimidating clubhouse looms before us—the lair of the Reapers Rejects.

Never did I think I'd ever be stepping foot inside.

My heartbeat kicks into overdrive and anxiety swirls in my stomach like a storm.

But as Abe interlaces our fingers and leads me forward, his touch grounds me.

I trust this man, even if I don't fully understand it.

With a deep breath, I let him guide me up the steps and through the door.

Cigarette smoke and the cloying scent of whiskey hit me as we step inside the dim interior.

Music throbs from unseen speakers.

But what stops me in my tracks are the penetrating stares locked on me from all directions.

I shrink back instinctively, but Abe's hand on my lower back urges me forward.

As my eyes adjust, two imposing figures come into focus—a taller man with "President" emblazoned on his leather cut, and a bearded man beside him with a "VP" patch.

Apprehension prickles over my skin as they approach us, their expressions unreadable.

My pulse kicks up another notch.

"Turmoil. With us," the President orders crisply, jerking his head toward a hallway.

He turns on his heel without another word, clearly expecting us to follow.

Abe squeezes my hip reassuringly before dropping his hand.

Steeling my spine, I trail behind the President and VP with Abe—Turmoil—close at my back.

The door clicks shut ominously behind us as we file into what looks like an office, sealing me in with the three bikers.

The tension is so thick I can hardly breathe as Abe and I lower into the chairs across from them.

Four pairs of eyes stare each other down as a charged silence stretches out.

My mouth goes dry and my palms turn clammy. I've willingly walked into the dragon's lair.

The President leans forward, elbows on the desk as he pins me with a hard stare. "Why are you here, Seraphina?" His gruff voice holds a note of suspicion.

I lick my lips nervously, heart thundering against my ribs. "I...I didn't have all the information. For this quest for revenge my mother is on." Frustration simmers in my veins as I think of her blindly charging forward.

"I don't understand why she''s so determined to go through with it, when my father was abusive toward her."

Damon and the VP exchange a loaded glance.

Some silent communication passes between them before Damon looks back at me, his expression grave. "He didn't get his road name by being a good man."

A bitter smile tugs at my lips. "So I've been told."

The words come out more brittle than I intend.

Dixon, the VP, crosses his burly arms over his chest, making his biceps bulge under his cut. "Appreciate you seeing the clear picture now, darlin'. But it doesn't help with the issues we're having with your mama."

Guilt twists my stomach into knots.

I know my mother's hell-bent warpath has been causing major problems for the club.

And despite the whirlwind of conflicting emotions raging inside me, I feel an overwhelming need to make things right.

To finally break this toxic cycle.

I can feel Abe's intense gaze on me from beside me, but I keep my eyes locked on Damon and Dixon, trying to convey my sincerity. "I want to help. Tell me what I need to do to fix this."

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly bone-dry.

Reaching out, I grab onto Abe's hand like a lifeline, drawing strength from his solid presence. "I'm willing to help the club learn what my mum's doing, tell you ahead of time, try to stop her...because she needs to be stopped."

The words pour out of me in a rush, fueled by a newfound sense of determination. "Her doing all this for my father is asinine. Someone has to be the one to put an end to it, and I want to be that person."

I take a shaky breath. "I know about the brothels and the car washes she's going to start building, but honestly, she's kept me in the dark about a lot. More than I'd like to admit."

Damon nods slowly, his expression unreadable as he appears to mull over my words.

The room falls into a heavy silence, the weight of the situation hanging thick in the air.

After what feels like an eternity, Damon finally speaks, his deep voice cutting through the tension. "How exactly do you plan on helping us if your mother knows you're around the club now?"

His piercing gaze bores into me, searching for any hint of deception.

My mind races as I try to formulate a plan on the spot.

I know I need to tread carefully here.

One wrong move and I could lose the any trust I have an intention of gaining.

But I refuse to back down now.

Not when I'm so close to making a real difference.

I meet Damon's gaze head-on, my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach. "I have an idea, but it's risky. I'm going to need the club's support if we're going to pull this off..."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I'm about to propose. "I'm going to do what Abe did—go undercover. On the outside, I'll make it look like I'm fully dedicated to helping my mother, that I'm even more committed to her cause than ever before. But in reality, I'll be working with Abe and the club, feeding you information and trying to thwart her plans from the inside."

Turmoil's hand tightens around mine, his brow furrowing with concern. "Sera, no. It's too dangerous. You can't put yourself at risk like that."

His aqua eyes blaze with protective intensity as he turns to face me fully.

A spark of defiance ignites within me and I narrow my eyes at him. "Don't you dare tell me what I can and can't do, Abe. This is my decision."

My voice is low but firm, leaving no room for argument. "I'm the only one who can get close enough to my mother to find out what she's really planning."

Dixon lets out a bark of laughter, breaking some of the tension in the room. "Well, well. Looks like you've got yourself a spicy one, Turmoil."

He grins, clearly amused by my show of backbone.

I keep my gaze locked on Abe, willing him to understand.

I know he wants to protect me, but this is something I have to do.

For the club, for him, and for myself.

I need to prove that I'm more than just the daughter of a vengeful woman—that I'm someone who's willing to fight for what's right, no matter the cost.

Abe searches my face, his own expression torn between worry and admiration.

After a long moment, he sighs heavily, his shoulders sagging in resignation. "I don't like it, but I know there's no talking you out of this once you've made up your mind." He brings our joined hands to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles. "Just promise me you'll be careful, okay? I can't lose you, Sera."

Damon leans back in his chair, his piercing gaze assessing me thoughtfully. "If you're sure about this, Seraphina, we'll gladly take any assistance you can provide. Your mother's movements have been damn near impossible for us to track." He spreads his hands, frustration evident in the set of his jaw. "She's always been two steps ahead of us."

I nod, unsurprised by this revelation. "My mum has always been like that— secretive, calculating. She plays her cards close to her chest." A wry smile tugs at my lips, devoid of humor. "I guess it runs in the family."

Damon's expression softens slightly, something akin to understanding flickering in his eyes. "We appreciate you taking this risk, Seraphina. It's not an easy thing, going against family."

"She stopped being my family the moment she laid her hands on me," I reply, my voice hard. "I'm doing this for myself, and for the people I care about." My fingers tighten around Abe's drawing strength from his steady presence beside me.

Dixon claps his hands together, breaking the somber mood. "Well, I think that about covers it. It was nice meeting you under better circumstances, Seraphina."

He stands, signaling an end to the impromptu meeting.

Abe and I rise, following Dixon's lead.

We exchange handshakes and nods with the President and VP, a newfound respect and understanding passing between us.

As we exit the office, Abe's hand finds the small of my back, guiding me through the crowded clubhouse.

Abe stops me, eyes serious. "What did she do to you?"

I swallow hard, "When she found out you were with the Reapers Rejects, she choked and slapped me. But, I don't want to talk about it."

"Fair enough," he murmurs.

The party is still in full swing, laughter and music filling the air.

Abe snags two beers from a passing prospect, handing one to me with a small smile.

I take a sip, letting the cold liquid soothe my nerves.

But even as we mingle with the other partygoers, I can sense Abe's unease.

His eyes dart around the room, his body tense and coiled like a spring.

After a few minutes, he leans in close, his breath warm against my ear. "Let's get out of here, yeah? I think we could both use some fresh air."

I nod gratefully, the weight of the evening's events suddenly heavy on my shoulders.

Abe takes my hand, his grip firm and reassuring, as he leads me through the throng of people and out into the cool desert night.

As soon as we step outside, Abe spins me around, pressing me up against the rough brick wall of the clubhouse.

His lips crash into mine, hungry and demanding.

I gasp into the kiss, my body responding instantly to his touch.

"You have no idea how much I've wanted to do this," he growls against my mouth, his hands roaming over my curves.

He grips my thighs, hoisting me up until my legs wrap around his waist.

I can feel his hardness pressing against me, igniting a fire deep in my core.

Our kisses turn frantic, a clash of teeth and tongues as we devour each other.

His hands slip under my dress, skimming over the lace of my underwear.

I moan, arching into his touch, desperate for more.

He breaks the kiss, his eyes dark with desire. "I need you, Sera. Right here, right now."

I nod, beyond words, as he reaches between us to fumble with his belt.

The sound of his zipper is loud in the quiet night, a promise of what's to come.

He pushes my panties aside, his fingers finding my slick folds.

I cry out, my head falling back against the wall as he strokes me.

And then he's there, the blunt head of his cock pressing against my entrance.

With one swift thrust, he's inside me, filling me up so perfectly that tears spring to my eyes.

He stills, giving me a moment to adjust, before he starts to move.

His thrusts are hard and fast, each one hitting that spot deep inside me that makes stars explode behind my eyelids.

I cling to him, my nails digging into his shoulders, as he pounds into me.

The rough brick scrapes against my back, but I barely feel it, lost in the sensation of his body against mine.

"Fuck, Sera," he pants, his forehead pressed against mine. "You feel so good."

I answer him with a moan, my hips rolling to meet his thrusts.

The coil in my belly winds tighter and tighter, threatening to snap at any moment.

Turmoil's hand slips between us, his fingers finding my clit, and that's all it takes.

I shatter around him, my entire body shaking with the force of my orgasm.

Turmoil follows right behind me, his hips stuttering as he spills himself inside me with a low groan.

We stay like that for a long moment, wrapped around each other, our hearts pounding in sync.

As our breathing slows, Turmoil presses a tender kiss to my forehead, a stark contrast to the primal passion of just moments before.

"I've got you, babe," he murmurs, his arms tightening around me. "I've always got you."

And in that moment, with Turmoil's strong body surrounding me and his words echoing in my ears, I finally feel like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.