Page 21

Tessa

Six months.

That’s how long it’s been since my world nearly came crashing down again.

But instead of breaking, I bloomed.

It wasn’t perfect right away. Torrent and I had to wade through the storm of what happened, what I kept from him, what it meant, what it changed. There were nights when we’d stay up late, just talking. Sometimes yelling, sometimes crying. But always together.

And somewhere in all of that? We found us again. Real, steady, deep-down us.

Now, I wake up next to him. Every day. Wrapped in warmth, not fear.

His arm is draped over my waist, his hand splayed across my stomach like it always is, like if he doesn’t anchor me to him while he sleeps, I’ll float away. I love that. Love him.

The soft morning light filters through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. I shift slightly, and his hold tightens.

“Mmm,” he grumbles, his voice deep and scratchy from sleep. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“I wasn’t going anywhere,” I murmur, smiling as I turn to face him. “You’re clingy in the mornings.”

“Damn right I am,” he mutters, opening one eye. “You’re warm and soft and mine. I don’t see the problem.”

“You’re also ridiculously handsome when you’re half asleep.”

He grins, and it’s that slow, crooked grin that still makes my heart skip.

“You know what else I am?” he asks, his hand sliding just a little lower, teasing.

I squeal and squirm, laughing as I bat his hand away. “Horny. You’re always horny.”

“And you’re always beautiful.” He kisses my forehead. “Still don’t know how the hell I got so lucky.”

I press my fingers to his jaw and meet his eyes. “We both got lucky.”

He pulls me closer, our legs tangled, our bodies molded together like they were made to fit. And maybe they were.

“You happy?” he asks softly, like it still matters more than anything.

“I am,” I whisper, brushing my lips over his. “I’m really, really happy.”

I left the diner a few months ago and started working at Savage Steel.

Finch taught me how to handle inventory, Crab showed me the books, and even Drift said I had a knack for keeping the place running smoothly.

It felt weird at first, leaving behind the only place I’d known for so long.

But here? At Savage Steel? With Torrent and the club?

It feels like home.

No more running. No more secrets. No more fear slithering beneath my skin. The club, our club, has my back. And Torrent? He has my heart.

He kisses me again, longer this time, deeper. Like he’s trying to tell me something without words.

When we pull apart, I breathe him in and smile.

“Wanna stay in bed all day?” I tease, tracing circles on his chest.

“Tempting,” he says, voice low, “but we’ve got parts to unload and your fine ass to show off around the shop.”

I laugh, burying my face in his neck. “You’re such a charmer.”

“I’m serious. You should see the way the guys snap to attention when you walk in. Grown-ass bikers getting nervous ‘cause the boss’s girl looks too damn good.”

I lift my head and grin. “I am the boss’s girl, huh?”

He cups my cheek and kisses me slow, sweet, and full of everything we’ve fought for.

“You’re everything, Tessa.”

And I believe him. I believe every word.

Because six months ago, I wasn’t sure we’d make it. But here we are stronger, closer, in love.

Safe.

Together.

Forever.

And I wouldn’t change a single thing.

Thank you for reading Torrent Strike. Want more MC heroes? Check out Zane, Shattered Souls MC, Book One.

I was raised by the devil and in love with the enemy. Both of them could easily destroy me if I let my guard down .

I’m the daughter of the president of the Vegas Kings MC. I was born and raised with the club.

Zane’s a member of Shattered Souls MC and nephew to their president. We grew up together, leaned on each other, loved one another. Enemies and lovers. But, we knew even back then that it was life or death. Walking away was one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do.

Years later he comes crashing back into my life, refusing to stay away.

He’s not the boy I remember, he’s a man full of anger and pain hidden in his dark eyes.

I try to keep my distance, but when it comes to that wicked smile that means nothing but trouble, it’s impossible.

The risks are higher, the wounds are deeper, but the want is stronger. It’s a deadly situation for us both.

Love should stand the test of time, but I let my guard down . Now the devil will do whatever is necessary to make one of us suffer - forever .