Page 1 of Salvation (Reckless Kings MC #6)

Yulia

The wind whipped my hair across my face, stinging my eyes as I stood at the edge of the school grounds. My heart pounded, each beat a reminder of the choice before me. Memories flashed through my mind -- cruel hands, mocking laughter, endless fear. I closed my eyes, willing the images away.

This was it. The end . My fingers trembled as I gripped the knife tighter. Just one cut and it would all be over. No more pain. No more shame. I took a shaky breath. “ Prosti menya, sestra ,” I whispered. Forgive me, sister .

The blade glinted in the fading sunlight. So sharp. So final. I pressed it to my wrist.

A roar split the air.

My eyes snapped open. In the distance, a motorcycle engine growled, growing louder. Closer. I hesitated, the knife hovering above my skin. Who would come here? Why now? The engine’s rumble filled my ears, drowning out the frantic beating of my heart. Despite myself, I turned toward the sound.

A flicker of… something. Not quite hope. But curiosity. A momentary distraction from the abyss. I lowered the knife, just slightly. My mind raced. Should I wait? See who it was? Or finish what I’d started?

The motorcycle drew nearer. Any moment now, it would crest the hill. I bit my lip, indecision paralyzing me. The wind continued to howl around me, urging me forward. But that sound… it called to me. Promising… what?

I didn’t know.

For just a moment, my despair lifted. And in that moment, I chose to wait.

The motorcycle crested the hill, its rider a dark silhouette against the blazing orange sky. My breath caught in my throat. He was massive, all broad shoulders and muscled limbs, his leather cut emblazoned with a patch I couldn’t quite make out.

He dismounted in one fluid motion, his boots hitting the ground with a heavy thud . My fingers tightened around the knife as he strode toward me, his pace urgent but measured. “Easy now, darlin’,” he called out, his voice a low rumble that carried on the wind. “Why don’t you put that knife down?”

I shook my head, taking a step back. “Stay away,” I warned. “I don’t know you.”

He slowed his approach, hands raised placatingly. “Name’s Hawk. I’m with the Reckless Kings. I was sent here to help. A few of my brothers are waiting nearby to make sure we don’t run into trouble.”

My mind reeled. The Reckless Kings ? How did they know? Why would they care? “No one can help,” I whispered, more to myself than to him. “It’s too late.”

Hawk took another careful step forward. “It’s never too late, sweetheart. Trust me on that.”

I laughed, a bitter sound that surprised even me. “ Trust ? I don’t even know what that means anymore.”

His gaze met mine. “Then let me show you. Just… put the knife down. Please.”

My hand trembled. Part of me wanted to believe him, to grasp at this lifeline he was offering. But the fear, the pain of the past years, it all threatened to drown me. “I can’t,” I choked out. “You don’t understand what he did to me.”

Hawk’s expression softened. “Maybe not exactly. But I’ve seen enough pain in this world to recognize it. You’re not alone, Yulia. Not anymore.”

My name on his lips startled me. How did he know? Who sent him ?

As if sensing my thoughts, he added, “Your sister’s worried sick. She asked us to find you.”

Tears welled in my eyes. “Oksana?”

Hawk nodded. “She loves you. Let us help. Let me take you somewhere safe.”

The knife slipped in my grasp, my resolve wavering… The knife clattered to the ground, and my legs gave out. I crumpled, expecting to hit the cold earth. Instead, strong arms caught me, steadying me against a broad chest.

“I’ve got you,” Hawk murmured, his voice a low rumble. “You’re safe now.”

I trembled, my body wracked with silent sobs. Years of pent-up fear and pain poured out of me as Hawk held me, his grip firm but gentle. “Can you walk?” he asked after a moment.

I nodded weakly, not trusting my voice. Hawk kept an arm around me as he guided me toward his motorcycle. The machine loomed before us, all gleaming chrome and sleek lines. “Ever ridden before?” Hawk asked, swinging his leg over the seat.

I shook my head, eyeing the bike warily. “ Nyet … no.”

He extended his hand. “First time for everything. Hold on tight, okay?”

With shaking fingers, I grasped his hand and climbed on behind him. The leather of his cut was smooth under my palms as I wrapped my arms around his waist. I heard three more motorcycles and noticed the men were also from the Reckless Kings.

“Ready?” Hawk called over his shoulder.

“ Da ,” I whispered, tightening my grip.

The engine roared to life, vibrating through my entire body. We took off, the world blurring around us as we sped away from the school grounds. Away from my nightmares.

I pressed my face against Hawk’s back, the wind whipping my hair. Part of me still couldn’t believe this was real. That I was escaping. That someone had come for me. “Where are we going?” I shouted over the engine’s rumble.

“Somewhere safe,” Hawk called back. “Our compound. You’ll be protected there.”

Protected . The word sent a shiver through me -- of fear or hope, I wasn’t sure.

As we rode into the gathering darkness, I clung to Hawk, to this stranger who’d become my unexpected savior. My mind raced with questions, with doubts. But for now, I let the roar of the engine drown out my thoughts, focusing only on the road ahead and the promise of safety it held.

Tears stung my eyes, instantly whisked away by the biting wind. My chest ached with each ragged breath, emotions churning like a storm inside me. Gratitude and terror warred for dominance.

“You okay back there?” Hawk’s voice barely reached me over the engine’s roar.

I nodded against his back, not trusting my voice. My fingers dug into the leather of his cut, anchoring me to this surreal moment.

The scenery blurred past -- trees, buildings, flashes of light.

My mind struggled to process it all. What would happen to me now?

Who were these men? Could I truly trust them?

Even though he’d said Oksana sent them, maybe I shouldn’t have trusted him.

And yet, why else would he have known my name or where to find me?

Before I could spiral further, the bike slowed.

We turned onto a gravel road, the change in terrain jolting me from my thoughts.

Ahead, a large compound loomed, encircled by a high stone fence.

As we approached, the gates swung open. The sudden cacophony of noise and activity hit me like a physical force.

Motorcycles revved. Men shouted greetings. Music blared from somewhere. The scent of gasoline and cigarette smoke filled the air. Hawk pulled to a stop, and I reluctantly loosened my death grip on him. My legs trembled as I dismounted, nearly buckling beneath me.

“Welcome to your new home, sweetheart,” Hawk said, his voice gentler than I expected.

I blinked, overwhelmed by the sea of leather-clad figures surrounding us. Some eyed me curiously, others with open suspicion. “Who’s the girl?” a gruff voice called out.

“None of your damn business,” Hawk snapped back. He placed a protective hand on my shoulder, steering me toward a large building. “Let’s get you inside.”

I stumbled along, my heart pounding. “I… I don’t understand,” I whispered.

Hawk’s grip tightened reassuringly. “You’re safe now. That’s all that matters for tonight.”

As we entered the building, the noise faded. I took a shaky breath, trying to center myself in this strange new world.

A tall man with dark, tousled hair stepped forward from the shadowed interior. His presence commanded attention, but his eyes… they were unexpectedly gentle. “Yulia,” he said softly, his voice a low rumble that sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. “I’m Kye.”

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “How do you know my name?”

He smiled, the expression warming his features. “We’ve been expecting you.”

My heart stuttered. “You have?”

Kye nodded, his gaze never leaving mine. “You’re safe here, Yulia. I promise you that.”

Something in his tone, in the steadiness of his gaze, made me want to believe him. I felt the iron bands of fear around my chest loosen even more.

“Come,” Kye said, gesturing toward a nearby room. “We need to talk.”

I hesitated, glancing back at Hawk. He nodded encouragingly. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Kye’ll take good care of you.”

Taking a deep breath, I followed Kye into what appeared to be an office. He closed the door behind us, the click seeming to echo in the sudden quiet. “Sit, please,” he said, indicating a worn leather couch.

I perched on the edge, my body tense. Kye leaned against the desk, his posture relaxed but his eyes intent. “Yulia, there’s something I need to explain to you,” he began. “It’s… unconventional, but it’s the best way we can keep you safe.”

My stomach clenched. “What is it?”

Kye took a breath. “We need to get married.”

I blinked, certain I’d misheard. “Married? To… to you?”

He nodded, his expression serious. “It would be in name only, of course. But it would give you legal protection, make it harder for anyone to touch you.”

My mind reeled. “But… why would you do that? You don’t even know me.”

Kye’s eyes softened. “Because it’s the right thing to do. And because I made a promise to keep you safe.”

I stared at him, searching for any hint of deception. But all I saw was sincerity and a quiet strength that made me want to trust him, despite everything. “I… I don’t know what to say,” I whispered.

“The club is pretty much pushing for this, as in neither of us gets a say. I figure you’ve had enough people telling you what to do.

So, between the two of us, I’m going to let you choose.

You don’t have to decide right now,” Kye assured me.

“But I want you to know that this offer comes with no strings attached. Your safety is my only concern.”

I nodded slowly, my thoughts a tangled mess.

Kye’s hand hovered near my elbow, not quite touching. “Let me show you to your room. But should you agree to the marriage, you’ll move into my house. To be clear, you’ll have your own room there too.”

I followed him down a dim hallway, my footsteps echoing. The compound felt vast, a labyrinth of concrete and steel.

My new cage? Or my sanctuary?

We stopped at a heavy wooden door. Kye demonstrated the lock, his movements deliberate. “This is yours. No one enters without your permission. Not even me.”

The door swung open. I stepped inside, heart pounding.

“How does it feel?” Kye’s voice was gentle.

I surveyed the space -- simple furnishings, a small window. Clean. Safe. “It’s… mine?” The word felt foreign on my tongue.

Kye nodded. “Entirely. You’re free here, Yulia.”

Free . The concept dizzied me. I sank onto the bed, running my hands over the soft bedding.

“I’ll leave you to settle in,” Kye said. “If you need anything --”

“Wait,” I blurted. He paused, eyebrows raised. “I… Thank you.”

A small smile touched his lips. “Rest well, Yulia.” The door clicked shut behind him.

Alone, I curled into myself. Tears threatened, but I blinked them back. This room, this bed -- my mind struggled to accept it as real. As mine. I’d dreamed of escape for so long. Now that it was here, I felt… lost. Unmoored.

But safe. For the first time in years, truly safe.

A soft knock startled me from my thoughts. I tensed, eyeing the door warily.

“Hello?” a young voice called, barely audible. “I’m Clover. Kye asked me to bring you some clothes.”

I hesitated, then crossed to the door, cracking it open. A petite girl stood there, probably no more than five or six, arms full of folded fabric. Her eyes, warm brown and wise beyond her years, met mine.

“You can leave them,” I murmured.

Clover nodded, setting the pile just inside. “I was told to let you know I’m down the hall if you need anything. They thought you might be more comfortable with me than the men.”

As she turned to go, I noticed scars tracing her arms that matched the ones on her face. My breath caught. She paused, glancing back.

“Thank you,” I managed.

A small smile touched her lips before she disappeared.

I shut the door, leaning against it. My mind raced. Another girl, rescued? What was this place?

Heavy footsteps approached. Kye’s voice rumbled through the wood. “Everything all right, Yulia?”

I swallowed hard. “Yes. I… the clothes. Thank you.”

“Good.” His tone softened. “Remember, you’re safe here. No one will hurt you again. I promise.”

I sank to the floor. Tears burned, but didn’t fall.

The silence engulfed me as Kye’s footsteps faded away. I pushed myself up from the floor, my legs trembling slightly. The room seemed to close in, unfamiliar and daunting. I wrapped my arms around myself, seeking comfort in the gesture.

My gaze drifted to the pile of clothes Clover had left. Clean. New. A stark contrast to the tattered remnants of my old life that still clung to me. I ran my fingers over the soft fabric, marveling at the simple kindness.

The bed called to me, its promise of rest both alluring and terrifying. What dreams -- what nightmares -- awaited me there? I perched on the edge, my body heavy with exhaustion.

“Breathe, Yulia,” I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible. “Just breathe.”

I closed my eyes, willing my racing thoughts to slow. The day’s events swirled in my mind -- the cold metal of the knife, the roar of the motorcycle, Kye’s steady gaze. It felt surreal, like a fever dream I couldn’t shake.

My hand unconsciously traced the faint scars on my arm. The past whispered, threatening to drag me back. But here, in this strange room, surrounded by people I didn’t know… was it possible to outrun the past?

I lay back, sinking into the mattress. The ceiling blurred as exhaustion tugged at me.

“Safe,” I murmured, testing the word on my tongue.

It felt foreign, fragile. As sleep began to claim me, I clung to Kye’s promise like a lifeline.

No matter what tomorrow brought, for tonight at least, I was protected.

The thought followed me into an uneasy slumber, where motorcycles roared and scarred arms reached out to catch me as I fell.