CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Jolt
The leather couch creaks as I shift my weight, the sound muffled by the distant thrum of Christmas music seeping through the closed door.
My brother, Vader, sits beside me, his massive frame dwarfing mine even though I consider myself to be a muscular bastard.
The dim light of the side room casts shadows across his face, highlighting the scars etched into his skin—a roadmap of the life we've chosen.
"Remember when we used to sneak beers from Dad's stash and hide out in the treehouse?" I ask, a grin tugging at the corner of my mouth. "Thought we were such badasses."
Vader chuckles, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "Yeah, until you puked all over yourself and Mom grounded us for a month."
"Hey, I was thirteen! Cut me some slack." I punch his shoulder playfully, my knuckles connecting with solid muscle.
It's surreal, sitting here with my big brother after so much time apart.
The years have changed us both, hardened us in ways I never could have imagined back when we were just two punk kids dreaming of adventure.
Now here we are, both living a life weighed down by responsibility.
"So," Vader drawls, fixing me with that penetrating stare of his. "You gonna tell me what's really goin' on with you and that little firecracker out there?"
I snort, shaking my head. "Aggie? Man, I don't even know where to start."
He raises an eyebrow, waiting. "How about the beginning?"
I lean back, running a hand through my hair as I gather my thoughts. "It's... complicated. She's not like anyone I've ever met before, bro. Smart as hell, stubborn as a mule, and she takes exactly zero of my bullshit."
Vader chuckles,, a smirk playing on his lips. "Sounds like just what you need."
"Yeah, maybe," I admit, surprising myself with how easily the words come. "She challenges me, you know? Makes me want to be... I dunno, better or some shit."
Vader nods, his expression softening slightly. "That's good, little brother. Real good."
I find myself lost in thought, memories of Aggie flashing through my mind.
She’s the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me.
"You love her."
It's not a question.
I meet Vader's gaze, feeling suddenly exposed. "I... yeah. Yeah, I do."
The admission hangs in the air.
I don’t think I’ve ever loved a woman before.
Have I felt something for them, sure, but it doesn’t even compare to the way I feel for Aggie.
Vader studies me for a long moment before speaking again.
"You know what having an ol’ lady really means, right?"
I nod, my jaw clenching. "It means I protect her. No matter what."
"With your life," Vader adds, his tone deadly serious. "You ready for that kind of responsibility?"
The question hits me like a punch to the gut.
Am I ready?
Can I really offer Aggie the kind of security she deserves, given the life I've chosen?
Doubts swirl in my mind, but beneath them all, I feel certain.
"I am," I say firmly. "She's worth it. All of it."
Vader's expression relaxes into a smile. "Good. 'Cause let me tell you, little brother, finding a woman who can handle our lifestyle? That's rare as hell. It doesn’t hurt her father’s in the club either. Means she’s as strong as they come. You hold onto her tight."
I nod, feeling a swell of pride at my brother's approval. "Trust me, I plan to."
"So," Vader leans in conspiratorially, "you two gettin' busy yet or what?"
I burst out laughing, shoving him playfully. "Seriously? That's where you're going with this?"
He shrugs, unrepentant. "Hey, I'm just lookin' out for my baby bro. Gotta make sure you're... performin' adequately."
"Jesus Christ," I groan, covering my face with my hands. "I'm not having this conversation with you."
"Aw, come on," Vader teases. "You can tell your big brother. She rock your world or what?"
I peek through my fingers, seeing the mischievous glint in his eye.
Two can play at that game.
"Well," I drawl, leaning back with exaggerated nonchalance, "let's just say I've never had any complaints in that department."
Vader cracks up, slapping his knee. "That's my boy! Keepin' the Sterling family reputation alive and well."
I roll my eyes, but can't help grin at him.
It feels good to joke around like this, to reconnect with the way we were when we were kids.
"What about you?" I ask, turning the tables. "Any lucky ladies catching your eye back home?"
A shadow passes over Vader's face, so quickly I almost miss it.
"There might be someone," he admits grudgingly.
Now it's my turn to lean in, intrigued. "Oh yeah? Do tell, big brother."
Vader shifts uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze. "It's... complicated."
I prod gently. "Isn't it always?"
He sighs, running a hand over his close-cropped hair. "Her name's Sin. Got a couple kids, rough past. I'm tryin' to take it slow, you know? Be there for her without pushin' too hard."
I whistle low. "Vader the gentle giant, huh? Never thought I'd see the day."
He shoots me a warning glare, but there's no real heat behind it.
"She's been through some shit, all right? Needs someone to have her back, not another asshole trying to get in her pants."
I hold up my hands in surrender. "Hey, I get it. No judgment here, bro. You're a good man for being there for her."
Vader nods, his expression softening. "She's worth it. The kids too. They're good kids, just need a break, you know?"
"Yeah," I say softly, thinking of Aggie and her own struggles. "I know exactly what you mean."
It's strange, realizing how much we've both changed.
The reckless boys we once were seem like distant memories now, replaced by men willing to fight—and die—for the people we love.
"You ever think about settling down?" I ask suddenly, surprising myself with the question.
Vader considers for a moment before answering. "Used to think it wasn't in the cards for me. But now? With Sin and the kids? Yeah, I'm startin' to see the appeal."
I nod, understanding completely. "It's scary as hell, isn't it? Realizing you've got something—someone—to lose."
"Scariest fuckin’ thing in the world," Vader agrees. "But also the best."
"Yeah," I murmur, thinking of Aggie's smile. "The best."
The music outside gets louder and the excited laughter from the club kids does with it.
Vader stands, stretching his massive frame.
"We should probably head back out there," he says. "Can't hide in here all night."
I nod, rising to join him.
As we move toward the door, Vader catches my arm, his expression serious once more.
"Listen, Jack," he says, using my given name. "I'm proud of you, little brother. You've grown up a lot."
A lump forms in my throat, emotion threatening to overwhelm me. "Thanks, Vic," I manage. "That... that means a lot."
He pulls me into a bone-crushing hug, and for a moment, I'm that scrawny kid again, looking up to my big brother like he hung the moon.
When we part, I see a similar sheen of moisture in Vader's eyes.
"Now," he says gruffly, clearing his throat. "Let's go join this party before they send a search party."
I laugh, following him out into the warm glow of the main room.
The clubhouse is a riot of color and noise, decorations everywhere and the scent of cinnamon and pine heavy in the air.
My eyes scan the crowd, instinctively seeking out my girl.
I spot her by the refreshment table, laughing with some of the other ol’ ladies.
The sight of her hits me like a punch to the gut—fire and sass wrapped up in a package that takes my breath away.
As if sensing my gaze, she turns, her eyes meeting mine across the room.
The smile that spreads across her face is like the sun coming out from behind the clouds.
In that moment, I know with absolute certainty that I would burn the world to ash to keep her safe and happy.
I make my way toward her, weaving through the crowd.
As I reach her side, my arm slides around Aggie's waist, pulling her close as I breathe in the familiar scent of her shampoo.
The warmth of her body against mine settles something in my chest, a restlessness I didn't even realize was there until it eased.
"Hey, Ghost," I murmur, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Miss me?"
She leans into me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hardly noticed you were gone, Jolt. I've been having far too much fun without you."
I chuckle, loving her sass. "That so? Guess I'll have to step up my game then."
As we banter, I can't help but notice the bruises don’t riddle her cheekbone anymore.
It’s hard to believe these past couple of weeks have flown by.
"How's Vader?" Aggie asks, her voice pulling me from my thoughts.
I shrug, keeping my tone light. "Same old Vader. You know how he is."
She nods, but there's a knowing look in her eyes.
Sometimes I swear she can see right through me.
"Everything okay?" she probes gently.
"Yeah," I finally say. "Nothing for you to worry about."
Aggie raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Jolt, I'm not some delicate flower. I can handle whatever's going on."
"I’m just a little stressed about goin’ back home, Ag."
She offers me a soft smile. "You and me both."
Aggie’s mom calls her over, waving until we know she’s not going to give up. "Aggie, c’mere!"
I chuckle, "You’d best go and do what she wants."
Aggie smiles brightly, "Look at ye, already picking up what Mum’s personality is usually like."
As Aggie walks off, I head over to my brother, who’s sipping on an eggnog along the wall. "There’s something I need to talk to you about, get your input on. Don’t know why I didn’t before."
Vader nods, "Go on,"
"It's this fucking frat boy," I begin, my jaw clenching involuntarily. "He's got some kind of obsession with Aggie. At first, it was just annoying, you know? But then..."
I trail off, the memory of Aggie's bruised face flashing in my mind.
Vader leans forward, his posture tense.
"Keep going," he urges.
"He got pissed when he saw me around her. Then Aggie shut him down hard, and he just... lost it." My fists clench at my sides. "Fucker lashed out at her after he was rejected. That's where the bruises came from."
Vader's eyes darken, a dangerous glint I recognize all too well. "What are you gonna do about it, little brother?"
I meet his gaze, feeling a cold fury settle in my gut. "What the fuck you think I'm gonna do about it?" I snarl, my voice low and intense. "I'm gonna make sure he doesn't ever put his damn hands on her again."
There's a moment of silence, and then Vader nods slowly. "Good, it’s the only fuckin’ thing you should be doin’."