Page 7 of Dylan’s Dad (Horsemen Of The Apocalypse MC #1)

"You never have to apologize for having bad dreams, Lola," he replies softly, his fingers running through my hair in a soothing gesture. "We're here for you, remember? We won't let anyone hurt you anymore."

Tears well up in my eyes as I look up at Stallion, amazed by the sincerity in his eyes. Despite being part of an outlaw motorcycle club, his compassion and protectiveness were unwavering.

"Maybe I should just get on a bus and leave. Then I would be free of Dylan and I wouldn't be causing you guys so much trouble."

Releasing me Stallion turns to face me, "Okay, there are so many things wrong with what you just said.

First off, protecting you doesn't cause any trouble for us.

We find trouble all on our own." He smirks at me.

"Secondly, based on what I know of what happened, it seems like the only distance from Dylan that would make you safe is the 6 feet under he is inevitably headed toward. "

I suck in a sharp breath at Stallion's blunt words, taken aback by his brutal honesty. His words resonate with a twisted sort of truth, and a part of me knew that he was right. Dylan is a dangerous man, one who wouldn't hesitate to track me down no matter where I went.

"But what about the club?" I ask, my voice trembling slightly. "Wouldn't my presence put all of you at risk?"

Stallion shakes his head, a determined look in his eyes. "We've faced worse than Dylan before, Lola. We've dealt with our fair share of enemies and threats. The club is strong, and we won't let anything or anyone harm our own."

His conviction washed over me like a wave, filling me with a renewed sense of hope. Maybe I could find safety and protection within these walls.

Stallion's tone softens as he speaks, "Besides, Reaper will be released soon.

Then, you won't have me constantly hovering over you like a mother hen.

" A playful glint appearing in his eyes and I can't help but let out a giggle.

It is strange to think of him as anything other than the Vice President of an outlaw motorcycle club.

"Are you hungry?" I shake my head. He lets out an exasperated sigh, "Well, why don't you come downstairs and keep us company instead? "

Still feeling a bit hesitant, I nod and allow Stallion to lead me downstairs, after stopping briefly to pull on the gigantic sweatpants.

The now familiar scent of leather and grease fills the air as we enter the cabin's main area, where members are lounging around and engaging in casual conversations.

I couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and curiosity as I observe the diverse group of individuals who make up this unconventional family.

As Stallion guides me towards the couch, I couldn't help but notice the stares that followed us.

Whispers hung in the air, spoken in hushed tones that made me wonder if these hardened bikers were truly capable of accepting someone like me into their world.

But then I remembered Stallion's words - they were here for me, ready to protect and defend me against any threats that lurked in the shadows.

I settle onto one of the couches while Stallion lifts a bottle of beer off the end table.

As we sit there, surrounded by an atmosphere that is both intimidating and strangely comforting, I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging.

Despite the rough exterior and tough reputation of the club, there was a warmth and camaraderie amongst its members that draws me in.

Stallion sits down beside me, his gaze never leaving mine. "You know," he says, taking a sip of his beer, "you're not the only one with a troubled past here. We've all got our demons, Lola. But this club, these people, they've given us a second chance at life."

I look around, realizing that each member has their own story etched on their faces - scars and tattoos intertwining in an intricate web of experiences. A familiar looking man with a grizzled beard sat across from me, his hands adorned with callouses and inked symbols that spoke of a darker past.

His eyes meet mine, and through the depths of pain and anger, I see a glimmer of redemption. An unspoken understanding passes between us, a recognition that we were all survivors in this chaotic world.

"Everyone here has their reasons for being part of this club," Stallion continues, his voice low and filled with a mixture of vulnerability and strength.

"We've all been broken in some way, but we've chosen to come together and rebuild ourselves.

This club is more than just motorcycles and leather.

It's a family, bound by loyalty and an unbreakable bond. "

I watch as the older man with the grizzled beard stands up and makes his way towards us. His steps are heavy, but there is a gentleness in his eyes that contradicts the roughness of his exterior. He extends a scarred hand towards me.

"Name's Monk," he grumbles, his voice deep and gruff. "You must be Lola."

I nod, taking his very large hand into my own, very tiny in comparison, feeling the roughness of his skin against mine. "Nice to meet you, Monk."

Monk gives me a nod and takes a seat in the armchair opposite Stallion and me. "Stallion's right, girl. This here club ain't just about the bikes and the chaos. It's about finding a place to belong, where we can heal our wounds and fight back against the demons that haunt us."

His words resonate deep within me, and I feel a flicker of newfound courage ignite inside my chest. These people have faced their own battles, their own versions of hell, and they have come out stronger on the other side.

Stallion leans closer to me, "You might not remember Sin over there.

" He motioned towards the quiet individual with a shaved head sitting alone in the corner of the room.

"He's the enforcer for our club. And that asshole over there," he nodded towards the man with a mischievous grin and tousled sandy blond hair falling over his cheekbone.

"That's Keyes, club treasurer. He’s in charge of all the club's finances and he’s also our resident hacker and all-around tech genius. "

I glance over at Sin, who is watching me intently with his fathomless nearly black eyes.

There is a certain intensity about him that sends shivers down my spine, but I could sense an air of protectiveness in his gaze.

He nods at me, acknowledging Stallion's introduction, and I offer a small smile in response.

As for Keyes, he seems to exude an aura of mischief and playfulness. He catches me staring and flashes a cocky grin, revealing a row of perfectly straight teeth. His eyes sparkle with a hint of mischief as he raises his beer bottle in a mock toast before taking a long swig.

The other members of the club continue to mingle amongst themselves, their conversations filling the room with an amalgamation of laughter and low murmurs. It is clear that this club is more than just a gathering place for bikers—it is a sanctuary where broken souls find solace in one another.

Stallion lounges back on the couch, his arm draped casually over the backrest, his gaze never leaving mine. As I sit there, surrounded by the members of the club, a thought suddenly struck me. "Stallion," I begin, turning to face him, "What about Dylan? What will happen with him?"

Stallion's expression grows serious, his jaw clenched. "We'll handle him, Lola. Dylan won't be a threat for much longer."

"But how?" I press on, my voice shaky with apprehension.

A flicker of intensity crosses Stallion's eyes, and he tightens his grip on my shoulder. "We have our ways," he replies cryptically. "We'll make sure justice is served for what he's done."

Stallion's words have a weight to them, filled with a promise that sends a chill down my spine.

I have seen the hardened determination in his eyes before, but now it burns brighter than ever.

There is no doubt in my mind that he would do whatever it took to protect me and ensure that Dylan paid for his crimes.

The room falls into a momentary silence as Stallion's words hang in the air.

The members of the club exchange knowing glances, their expressions shifting from casual camaraderie to a steely resolve.

It is clear that Dylan's actions have stirred a hornet's nest, awakening a collective anger within the club.

I watch as Keyes, the hacker with the mischievous grin, pushes himself off the wall he had been leaning against and approaches us with purpose. His eyes gleam with mischief, but there is an undercurrent of something darker hidden within.

Keyes breaks the silence, his voice filled with excitement. "Lola, you are stunning. I have no doubt that many men have fallen under your spell. Can I be one of them?" He flashes a flirtatious grin and winks. I knew what he was doing, he was breaking the tension while also changing the subject.

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh at Keyes' lighthearted attempt to lighten the mood. His playful nature seems to be infectious, and for a moment, I feel a flicker of relief amidst the tension that had filled the room.

"Keyes," Stallion warns with a smirk, "Reaper will literally murder you."

Keyes raises an eyebrow mischievously. "For what? I'm just here to appreciate."

Monk lets out a gruff snort from his armchair, his lips curling into a rare smile. "Appreciate what? The way she sets your computer screens on fire?"

"Hey," Keyes protests playfully, "I'm a master at multitasking.

Besides, it's not just her looks that are intriguing.

" He turns his attention back to me, his eyes scanning me from head to toe.

"You've got that fire in your eyes, Lola.

It's drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

" As he leans in closer, his breath grazing against my ear, I felt a blush creep up my cheeks.

"Say the word and I will let you burn me. "