chapter 2

Chapter 2

Sophia pov

The night dragged on like a tortoise.

I continued to serve drinks to other regular customers, mainly the town folks, while keeping an eye on the group of Iron wolf bikers.

I smiled at gross jokes, and politely declined the numerous advances that were made on me. I have lost count.

But all the time, my attention didn't shift from the Iron Wolves. They talked about "shipments" and "problems that need solving" right out in the open, like they owned the world.

Maybe they actually did.

The rest of the night blurred past in a haze of fear and adrenaline. The last call came at 2 AM.

"Come on, pretty girl, give me a kiss." One of my numerous admirers grabbed my hands. The smell of alcohol irritated my nose.

Apparently he was drunk.

"Back off," I warned, already calculating which finger to break first. But the man didn't seem to listen to reasoning.

“Come on, a pretty girl as you are needs a man to service her.”

That did it. I spun hard, wanting to show the drunkard the difference between a pretty girl and a mean girl, but I didn't have the chance to.

The man flew backward like he'd been hit by a truck. I looked up only to see a raging Blade. one hand was wrapped around the drunk's throat, as he lifted him off the ground.

"The lady said back off," Blade said calmly.

"I didn't... I wasn't..." the drunk gasped.

"You weren't leaving. Now you are." Blade dropped him. The man immediately picked himself up, before he bolted through the door like his pants were on fire.

"I could have handled it," I said, slightly annoyed.

"I know." Blade stepped closer. So close I could smell the familiar manly scent wrapped around me like a dangerous snake.

"That's what's interesting. You have got combat training. The way you stand, how you moved when he grabbed you. Either that bad boyfriend taught you to fight, or..."

"Or what?" My heart was hammering hard now.

He leaned down until his lips almost touched my ear. His breath was warm on my skin. "You are hiding something, I could feel it in my bones. It's just a matter of time.

I froze, the world stopped for a moment.

Had he found out? Has my cover been blown? What gave me away?

Numerous questions swarmed in my head.

But my years in the FBI had taught me how to mask my feelings.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I lied.

"Sure you don't." He pulled back, those blue eyes reading me like a menu. "Word of advice… Razor lost his brother to an undercover cop five years ago. He hates feds more than anything. If he finds out that you are one, you won't make it to your second shift."

"Why are you telling me this?" I whispered, I could literally feel the pang of fear crawling its way up my spine.

"Because I'm curious what game you're playing." He paused, studying me. "And because you remind me of someone who thought they could swim with sharks without bleeding."

“Time to head back, boys” he called out to his gang, and like obedient children, no one disputed him. Even Tank their leader.

Which made me question who was actually the main leader.

I watched in sheer shock as the iron wolves filed out one by one.

Tank nodded goodbye at Amy, who had come out. Blade was the last to go, but he didn't leave immediately,

He turned to look at me one last time, “I hope to see you around.”

Then he was gone, the door swinging shut behind him.

Amy appeared beside me. "I told you to stay away from him."

"Yeah," I managed to answer, "You did."

“Then what was that about?"

"I have no idea," I lied again.

*******************************

Fucking stupid bikers

I cursed hard. Kicking out my shoe at the door of the cheap motel room I was staying in.

“Are you okay Sophia?” Maya's worried voice came through the earpiece, giving me a jump scare.

Fucking piece of crab

I ripped out the earpiece I had forgotten that was on throughout. Maya was waiting on our encrypted line, her voice tight with worry.

"He is already suspicious of you," she said immediately. "We need to pull you out. Tonight."

"No." I was already shaking my head. "He is just suspicious, Maya. There is no way he could know my true identity."

"Or he's just playing you! Sophia, these aren't stupid street thugs. The Iron Wolves are dangerous. More especially their enforcer, he is the most mysterious of them all.”

I pulled out the photo I had always kept hidden in my wallet. It was Miguel, my baby brother, at his high school graduation, cap and gown, smiling so big it hurt to look at. Three weeks later, he was dead. He never had the chance of accomplishing his dream of becoming a pilot.

"I know they're dangerous," I said quietly. "That's exactly why they need to pay."

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

I froze. I was not expecting anybody at this time of the day. Moreso, Nobody knew where I was staying. My hand flew to my gun under the pillow.

“I will get back to you maya”

“What? Sophia, what the…”

I immediately cut short the call, pocketing the earpiece.

"Who is it?" I called out, slowly moving toward the door.

But there was no answer.

My finger found the trigger of my gun. My training kicked in… check corners, assess threats, prepare for action.

"Just open the fucking door before I break it"

I gasped, I recognised his voice immediately, it was unmistakably.

“Blade!!” I whispered.

Yes, now fucking open the door or be sorry for your lieing ass when the Devil's Disciples who have been following you, finds you first.”

My heart sank to the bottom of my stomach.

The Devil's Disciples?

I looked through the peephole. He stood there alone, hands visible and empty. But his words made my blood run cold.

My mind raced.

Had I been made by two different motorcycle gangs on my first night?

Against every instinct screaming at me not to open the door. I unlocked the door and yanked it open.

Blade stood there, and for the first time, I saw something other than cold calculation in his eyes…

Fear.

"Get inside," he growled, pushing past me.

"Now."