Haven’s POV “Today's the last day of the month. I'm taking the next two days off.” One of my apprentices said to the other while they washed a tray of bolts in a bowl of gasoline. I glanced at the clock above the workshop entrance; 5:17 p.m. That moment, I recalled Alden's birthday once again. For the first time since we'd started dating seven months ago, I was spending the night at his place. The thought still made my heart flutter. I'd visited him countless times. We'd eaten together, watched movies, gone out, and spent hours talking. He'd also visited my workshop more times than I could count, although he always complained about the smell of oil. Seven months wasn't long enough to know everything about someone. But it had been long enough for me to start imagining a future with him, making a family and living happily as his wife. Perhaps even a workshop of my own, not attached to my father's property. I'd been careful with Alden because my previous relationships had taught me not to trust too quickly. A motorcycle engine rumbled outside, and I looked toward the entrance. A delivery rider pulled up and removed his helmet. “Miss Haven Lawrence?” I walked over. “That's me!” He handed me a small box, and I checked the label before opening it. The watch I'd ordered was inside, along with the other things I'd picked out for Alden. Everything was there. “Thank you,” I said with a smile. He nodded and climbed back onto his motorcycle. I carried the box inside and placed it carefully on my workbench. I stared at it for a moment and couldn't hide the smiles that spread all over my face. I had spent more money than I usually would because I wanted to do something special for him. I wanted tonight to be different—to be about us alone. At six, the apprentices finished their tasks. “You're really leaving on time?” one of them asked. I nodded, not sparing her a glance. “Yes.” She was the only female amongst my three apprentices, yet knew how to tease more like the guys. She crossed her arms. “Should we call a doctor?” I rolled my eyes. “Get out.” They laughed as they left. I locked the workshop, checked the garage twice, and walked toward my motorcycle. I swung my leg over it and twisted the throttle. The engine roared to life, then I took off back home. ~~~ After showering, I stood in front of my wardrobe staring at the varieties of masculine outfits I had stocked in there. Jeans, T-shirts, cargo pants. I sighed. “You're twenty-two, Haven. There's no way I hadn't gotten myself one feminine outfit until now.” I mumbled, searching through the clothes until I found a dress I'd barely worn. I'd spent most of my life in clothes that allowed me to move, work, fight, and climb onto a motorcycle without worrying about anything. But tonight, I'd put on a dress. I styled my hair as best I could and applied a little l*p gloss. I stared at myself in the mirror. “Good enough.” A knock sounded, and I shifted my eyes to the door. Before I could answer, my stepmother called from outside. “Haven? Have you heard from Eve?” I walked to the door and opened it. She stood in the hallway with her phone in her hand. “No,” I answered her. “She hasn't answered any of my calls.” “I'll call her,” I said, looking at her, who was glaring at me as though I had ingested her daughter. She snapped, “You'd better,” and then walked away. I watched her for a second before closing the door. Eve. Even her name could change the atmosphere in the house. My half-sister and I had never been close. We shared a father, and my father had always preferred her. He didn't say it out loud, but it was obvious in the little things. After my mother died shortly after giving birth to me, my uncle Davis became the person who raised me. He taught me how to fight and tattoo. And eventually, he helped me get an apprenticeship at a motorcycle workshop. That was where I found the thing I was actually good at—Machines. I loved motorcycles. I loved taking something damaged apart and understanding exactly why it had stopped working. By nineteen, I'd completed my apprenticeship. Uncle Davis wanted to help me start my own workshop, but he didn't have enough money. So since my father did, I returned home. He gave me access to one of his vacant workshops and told me I could use it. That was three years ago. Since then, I've built the business myself. I bought my own tools with the little money my uncle gave me, and although life with my family seemed like hll, I'd been managing. I grabbed my handbag and the gift box, then I headed downstairs. “I'll be back tomorrow,” I told my stepmother. She barely looked at me, yet didn't fail to remind me, “Don't forget to call Eve.” “I won't,” I responded and stepped outside. I booked a cab because I wasn't taking my motorcycle. Tonight, if I was being completely honest with myself, I wanted to see what happened when Alden and I were finally alone for an entire night. We had barely crossed that line in seven months. I had been cheated on before, and I refused to give myself completely to someone until I was certain I could trust him, and Alden had been patient. When the cab stopped outside his apartment, I paid the driver and alighted. I stood in front of the door for a few seconds before entering the code Alden had given me. The lock clicked, and I pushed the door open. But I met an empty sitting room; he always played games here, so I expected to see him on the sofa. Instead, I saw a red heel. I halted, my eyes narrowed. “A woman's shoe?” I mumbled and looked farther into the apartment. “A handbag.” My grip tightened around the gift box, but I tried to convince myself that someone must have visited. Not until I saw a bra on the floor did my stomach drop. I took one slow step forward, then another; Alden's shirt, his pair of trousers, his u*******r. My breath fastened. “No.” I didn't want to believe what I was seeing. I followed the trail toward the bedroom, and then came the sound from behind the partially closed door. It was a woman's voice, then Alden's. My heart began pounding. I pushed the door open and looked in. My body froze. Alden was on the bed with a woman. For several seconds, nobody moved. His face changed when he saw me. “Haven—” My eyes moved to the woman beside him, and my stomach twisted. “Eve?” I barely recognised my own voice. She looked at me, but didn't look ashamed or frightened. Rather, she pulled the sheet around herself, avoiding my eyes. Alden sat up, the sheet still covering his below, “Haven, listen—” “No.” I raised my hand. “Don't try to tell me lies.” Eve sighed. “You're making this dramatic.” I stared at her and snorted, “Dramatic?” “You weren't even supposed to be here tonight,” she added, her tone hoarse. My fingers tightened around the box. “It is his birthday.” “I know.” She snapped. “And I'm his girlfriend.” I continued, trying to break down before the bltch. She shrugged. “So?” That one word hurt more than I expected. I looked at Alden. “You knew I was coming.” He rubbed his face. “Yeah, but I didn't know what time.” “You knew.” I shrieked at him and bit my lower l*p hard. He didn't answer anymore. I took another step into the room, already panting from the exhaustion of what I had met. “How long?” “Haven—” “How long has this been happening?” My voice rose at him. He looked away. “Does it matter?” Eve answered instead, looking me dead in the eyes as though he'd prepared for this moment. Something hot moved through my chest as I glared at her. “You're my sister.” “And?” Alden finally spoke. “Don't make a scene.” I looked around the room. “I'm the one making a scene?” I jabbed my finger to my chest. “You came here without telling me,” he added. I blinked. “You gave me the code.” “That doesn't mean you can just walk in whenever you want,” he said calmly, as though there was nothing wrong with his words. For a second, I genuinely couldn't believe the words coming out of his mouth. “I came to surprise you.” My voice became quieter. “I bought you a birthday gift.” Then his expression changed. I looked down at the box in my hands, then back at him. “I thought tonight was going to be special.” “Haven…” “You knew cheating was the one thing I wouldn't forgive,” I said with tears gathering in my eyes. “I know,” he responded, his expression softened. I shifted forward. “Then why?” He was silent. I shook my head. “You don't accidentally sleep with someone's sister.” Eve rolled her eyes. “It happened.” I looked at her and chuckled amid the pain striking my chest. “You're unbelievable.” She shrugged. “Maybe if you paid more attention to him instead of spending every hour in that workshop, this wouldn't have happened.” My jaw tightened. “So this is my fault?” “I didn't say that.” Alden cut in again, “You're always working, Haven.” I swallowed the lump that rose to my throat. “You came to my workshop dozens of times. You knew who I was before you started dating me.” “I know.” “Then why are you complaining now?” I asked, making a long face. He looked frustrated. “I'm not a wood, you know.” There it was. The same excuse every cheating man seemed to have. “I see.” “Haven, I love you.” God! I almost laughed. “You love me?” “Yes.” “Then you have a strange way of showing it.” I retorted, finally keeping my voice firm. He looked at me for some time and added, “Don't throw away seven months because of one mistake.” “One mistake?” My voice rose again before I knew it. Does he take me for a joke or what? I'd never believe that cheating was a mistake, talk about doing so with my sister. I nodded slowly and turned toward the door. “Haven, wait! Let's talk about this,” he said behind me. “There's nothing to talk about.” “You're being emotional,” he said again, and I finally halted and turned to him. “Of course I'm emotional.” I looked directly into his eyes. “You cheated on me with my sister.” He went quiet. I reached for the necklace around my n**k. It was the only gift he'd ever given me that I had truly treasured. I pulled it off and placed it on the floor. “We're done.” His eyes widened. “You're serious?” I picked up my handbag and turned toward the door. “Haven.” I kept walking. “Haven, think about what you're doing.” I didn't stop. “You're not going to find someone else easily.” The moment I closed the door behind me, I stood still. My chest hurt. My eyes burned with tears, but I refused to cry. I walked outside and called a taxi. As I waited, my phone buzzed. Rayna. I opened the message. [Are you finally coming to the Salvation Riders party tonight? Free food. Free drinks. And don't give me that boring excuse about having work.] I stared at it. Normally, I'd have ignored her. Even though I preferred alcohol, I didn't drink much, and I didn't go to the club. I'd always avoided bikers because I knew they weren't ordinary social groups. But tonight? I didn't want to go home, sit in my bedroom and replay what I'd just seen. I didn't want to see Eve's face or explain anything to my father. And I definitely didn't want to think about Alden. My phone buzzed again. [Come on, Haven. o*******t. You need to have fun for once.] I stared at the message for some time, and then I responded. [Fine.] The taxi arrived. I climbed into the back seat and placed the gift box beside me. As the car pulled away, I looked through the window at the town disappearing behind me. My relationship was over. My plans for marriage were over. All I needed was to step into the biker party and wind down my sorrows. I hated dwelling in pain, and I wouldn't start it now.

Haven’s POV The moment the taxi dropped me off at our house, I paid the driver and hurried into my room, less concerned if my dad was even back. I changed out of the dress, pulled on my usual jeans and a rolled-sleeve shirt, then traded my sneakers for my combat boots. Much better. I looked at myself in the small mirror hanging beside my workbench. This was the real me, not the woman who had spent half an hour trying to look feminine for a man who couldn't keep his hands to himself. I grabbed my saddlebag and stepped outside, climbed onto my bike and rode straight to my workshop where Rayna was supposed to meet me. Once I reached her, I called her. “Babes,” “Bae, give me thirty seconds.” I glanced toward the road. “Thirty seconds?” “Okay, maybe one minute.” I rolled my eyes. A taxi pulled up almost immediately. Rayna stepped out wearing a short skirt, a fitted top, and a broad smile. She walked toward me and looked me up and down. “This outfit again?” I crossed my arms. “What is wrong with it?” “Nothing.” “Then why are you staring?” My brows knitted. She chuckled, “Because you could have worn a bum short and a sleeveless top.” “Why?” She looked at me like I'd asked the stupidest question in the world. “Did you forget? We're going to a party.” I glanced down at myself. “Do they throw women out for wearing jeans?” “No.” “Then we're fine.” I gestured and started walking back to my bike. She laughed for a few seconds, then her expression changed. “Wait. Your boyfriend's birthday is today.” I nodded. “We broke up.” Her mouth dropped open. “You did what?” “We broke up.” “Why?” I took a deep gulp. “He cheated with Eve.” Rayna's face fell. For once, she had nothing funny to say. “He actually slept with your sister?” I nodded. “On his birthday.” “Jesus.” She walked closer and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “His loss.” I scoffed. “I'm done with men.” “You say that every time.” I scoffed and n*****d my bottom l*p. “This time I mean it.” “You said that after Caleb, Mark and Justin.” I glared at her. “Don't remind me.” My tone was snappy, and I pulled away from her. She laughed. “Fine. No more men tonight. Just free food and free drinks.” I considered it. “Where?” She smiled. “Salvation Riders.” I let out a heavy breath. “Just come. You don't have to dance. You don't even have to drink. Sit somewhere, eat something, and go home,” she added, trying to convince me more. I looked at my workshop, then at her. God! I didn't want to go home to think about Alden or see Eve. “We're taking my bike.” She looked down at her skirt. “No, I'll take a taxi.” I said nothing to her because she knew more than using a taxi instead of pulling me with her to the party. So I grabbed my spare helmet and tossed it toward her. “Put it on.” She caught it. “Fine.” She scowled at me. A few minutes later, we were on the road. Normally, riding cleared my head. But tonight, it didn't. Alden's words kept replaying in my mind. There were so many things I wanted to say to him. Instead, I twisted the throttle harder. “Haven!” Rayna's voice came from behind me. “What?” “Slow down!” She yelled at me, and I shook my head. Thirty minutes later, the Salvation Riders' clubhouse came into view. It was larger than I expected. Bikes filled the parking area, some lined up neatly while others were scattered around the property. Music blasted from inside, mixing with laughter, shouting, and the constant rumble of motorcycle engines. I parked my bike and locked it. Rayna removed her helmet, and we started walking toward the entrance. A few men greeted Rayna as we passed. She clearly knew some of them. I began to relax; maybe it wouldn't be as terrible as I'd imagined. Standing some feet away from me, I saw a man standing behind Rayna, teasing her, and she was refusing, flinging her hair around. I didn't feel comfortable with that, but I knew she wasn't new here, so maybe she knew who the man was. Not until the dude spanked her @ss from behind did she turn around and hit the man on his face. Bile rose to my chest upon seeing that. The man wrapped his palm around her n**k, his face drained of blood. “How dare you, chicken, raise your hand on me?” So disgusting… Who was he to call a woman a chicken? I rushed closer and stepped on his foot with my boot and twisted it, causing him to shriek, and he let go of Rayna, who coughed continuously. “Get away from me!” he yelled, trying to push me, but I released a heavy punch to his face, sending him staggering backwards. My uncle was a tattoo artist and also trained fighters, so I had both skills aside from being a mechanic. The man spat out blood and coldly raised his face, “You? What's the meaning of this?” “You! Stop harassing women,” I responded and steupsed, now getting closer to Rayna. “Are you okay now? Can you breathe properly?” “Watch your back, Haven!!!” Rayna screamed, covering her face. I flung my body around, getting hold of the man's hand in the air, and I kicked his lower belly with my knee. Before he could act again, I slammed my fist twice to his face. He turned around to run away, and I raised my leg, hitting him on the back with my boot. A heavy noise erupted as he staggered and slammed his body on one of the bikes at the far end, then fell together with it on the floor. “Is he dead?” “That's good for him, jger'erk!” “Wait! Is that a woman or a man who hit him?” “The President's bike?” My eyes shot up upon hearing the last statement. What president's bike? I turned around, and Rayna was in a panic. She dashed closer to me and whispered, “That's… that's the president's bike. He's brutal and doesn't smile, very dangerous and coldhearted. Let's run away, Haven. I can't stand him.” I rolled my eyes to both sides, and there were several bikers coming out of the building at that moment. They dragged that filthy man up from the bike, and another raised the bike from the floor. “Some damage was done,” he said, glancing at the rest. Rayna tapped me again, "Where's your bike? We have to leave now.” I breathed out, glanced at Rayna, and loudened my voice, asking, “What's damaged? I'm a mechanic, and I will repair it.” “Haven? Are you crazy? Do you even know what it means to… “They are bikers, and they will find me if I run.” I cut her short and pulled away from her, striding closer to the bikers. “I apologise, but a wasted emission like him disgusts me, so I couldn't watch my friend being sεxually harassed. Can I take a look at the bike? Who's the president?” Someone cleared their throat from behind me, and I turned around to see him. Was he Alden's brother? They had similar looks…and oh Jesus! I took a slight gulp; my gaze shifted from his well-sculpted face to his stoutly built body. He had a full sleeve tattoo on his left arm, a piercing too, and his brown, wavy hair dancing to the motion of the wind. He stared at me as if I were going to be his prey right away; his eyes were so devouring.

Major's POV “Another condition?” I stared at my father across the desk, my jaw tightening. He had a talent for making every conversation feel like a negotiation I had already lost. “You know what I need,” I said. For years, I had refused to ask him for anything. Not because I didn't need help, but because I hated owing him. Now the club needed money. After the attack months ago, rebuilding had drained more resources than we'd expected. Our businesses were recovering, but the club still had responsibilities. We supported apprentices, helped several families connected to the club, and kept money flowing into legitimate businesses around our territory. I needed the money, and my father knew it. “You want me to enter the competition,” I said. “That is the only way to prove to me that the club you built is worthy of my attention.” he gestured and downed the wine in his glass. I sighed deeply. “I've been leading this club for years.” “Then winning shouldn't be difficult.” My fingers curled against the armrest. There was always a catch with him. “You know the rules. You need an ol’ lady to enter.” My jaw clenched. That was the part I hated. An ol’ lady. I'd had enough of relationships. My last one had taught me exactly how little loyalty meant to some people. I stood. “So that's your condition?” He didn't answer. I pushed my chair back. “Fine.” His eyebrows rose. “Fine?” “I'll find someone,” I said and walked out before he could say anything else. ~~~ Tonight irritated me. “Prez!” I ignored the greeting and headed toward the bar. Aron followed behind me. “You're going to do it?” “Apparently,” I muttered and grabbed the stool there. He sat opposite me. “And the woman?” I narrowed my eyes and said, “I'll find one.” He laughed. “Where?” I looked at him. “That is the problem.” I steupsed and raised my hand to the bartender. “Vodka.” The bartender placed the bottle in front of me soon. “We still need the money. The businesses are recovering, but the new workshop needs equipment. The apprenticeship program needs funding too.” “I know, Aron,” I grunted. He nodded. The money wasn't for me; that was what made the situation worse. If I wanted it for myself, I could walk away. But the club had people depending on us. We had families to support, young men learning trades, businesses trying to stay alive. And after the attack from the breakaway club, every dollar mattered. I picked up the bottle, then a loud crash came from outside. I lowered it. Another shout followed. Aron looked toward the door. “What now?” I stood. “I'll find out.” The noise grew louder as I stepped outside. Several prospects had already gathered near the parking area. Then I saw the reason—a woman was beating the hll out of a man. I stopped for a moment and simply watched. Aron appeared beside me. “Should we stop them?” Before I answered, I heard a woman nearby whisper, “He was harassing her friend.” Another woman shook her head. “He's done that before.” I looked back at the fight. The woman didn't need rescuing. Rather, the man. There was something unexpectedly impressive about watching her stand her ground. When she finally turned, her eyes swept across the crowd. My brows drew together. ‘Alden's girlfriend? The mechanic?’ I'd seen her several times, actually. She worked not far from our usual routes, and I'd passed her workshop often enough to recognise her face. I had never spoken to her. She was usually too busy working to notice anyone around her. “What is she doing here?” Aron asked. I didn't answer but watched her turn toward her friend. Then the man she'd just beaten moved again. He came at her from behind. My body tensed. She spun before I could move and her fist connected with his face. The crowd erupted. I almost smiled. Dam! She was fast. The man staggered backwards and crashed into one of the motorcycles parked nearby. My smile disappeared. “That,” I said quietly, “is mine.” Aron looked at me. “Your bike?” I walked toward it. The prospects were already helping the man off the motorcycle while another member lifted the bike. I crouched beside it. The side panel was scratched, nothing much. But still, it was my bike. I stood and looked toward the woman. She was already speaking to one of the prospects. “I can repair it.” I heard her say and raised an eyebrow. She looked around. “Who's the owner?” One of the prospects pointed toward me, and she followed the direction until her eyes met mine. Her expression changed slightly. Probably because of the resemblance between Alden and me. She looked at me for another second before walking closer. “Is that your bike?” She asked, pointing behind her. I nodded, my palms in my trouser pockets. “Yes.” She glanced toward the motorcycle. “I can repair it.” “You damaged it.” I snapped and started walking closer to the bike. Her eyebrows lifted. “He damaged it. He was harassing my friend, and I couldn't keep calm.” I looked at her, but she didn't lower her eyes. Most people did, especially when they realised who they were speaking to. “What kind of damage?” I asked. “Nothing serious,” she replied. “But the side panel needs work, and I should check the alignment.” I chuckled. “You can tell that from there?” She gave me a look. “I'm a mechanic.” “I know.” Something flickered across her face. “You know me?” “I've seen you around,” I answered and bit my bottom l*p softly. She nodded slowly, then she looked back at the motorcycle. “I can take it to my workshop and fix everything.” “No! You'll repair it here.” I said, insisting. She frowned. “Why?” “I have other motorcycles that need work.” She looked past me toward the clubhouse. “How many?” “So many.” I was taking a look at my bike to find the fault she mentioned. “And you want me to work on them?” “Yes.” She studied me. I couldn't tell whether she was suspicious or simply trying to decide whether I was worth the trouble. “What would I get paid?” The question caught me off guard. Most people would have started negotiating after agreeing, but she went straight to money. I almost smiled. “Depends on the work.” “And I don't work for free.” “I didn't ask you to.” Her expression softened slightly. “Good.” She turned toward the damaged motorcycle. “I'll need my tools.” “I'll have someone bring them,” I said, tapping the gas tank. “I don't need your men carrying my tools.” Her words made me snort. “Then tell me what you need.” She hesitated before saying, “Fine.” I nodded toward Aron. “Get two prospects to help her bring whatever she needs.” Aron looked between us. “Everything?” “Everything,” I responded, looking at the lady. He walked away. A small smile tugged at her l**s. For some reason, I noticed. Then she caught herself and looked away. “Fine. I'll repair the bike.” She said and gasped for air. “And the others.” I pushed further, and she gave me a stern look, then answered, “If the pay is fair.” “It will be,” I said, and she nodded. “Then we have a deal.” She started walking toward the damaged motorcycle. I watched her for a moment. She was different from the women I'd known. Not because she was a mechanic or because she could fight. It was the way she carried herself. Most women who approached me wanted something. Either attention, money, status or protection. She had walked into my clubhouse, damaged my motorcycle, challenged my authority, and then offered to fix what she'd damaged. I almost laughed.

Haven’s POV “Then that's settled.” He said and shrugged. I folded my arms and looked at the man standing in front of me. Major. That was what everyone had called him. I still couldn't get over the fact that Alden had a brother who was the president of a motorcycle club. And a very intimidating one at that. “All right,” I said. “I'll finish the work I have at my workshop and contact you when I can come over.” His eyes stayed on mine for a second longer than necessary. “Or you can come tomorrow.” “Tomorrow?” He nodded toward the damaged motorcycle. “I'd rather have it fixed quickly.” I glanced at the bike. “You're impatient.” A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “You're observant.” I almost smiled. Something about the way he said it made me feel as though we were discussing something more interesting than motorcycle repairs. I cleared my throat and turned toward the bike. “Where should I take it?” “Inside.” One of the bikers immediately moved to help. I followed them into the clubhouse, with Major walking beside me. The moment I stepped inside, I understood why people were so intimidated by this place. It wasn't simply a room filled with bikers; It was organised. There were different sections, people moving in and out with obvious purpose, and motorcycles lined up in an area that looked almost like a private garage. Except these motorcycles were in terrible shape. I stopped. “What happened here?” Major looked at the bikes. “Our mechanic hasn't been able to work for some time.” “That's unfortunate,” I said and walked closer to one of the motorcycles and crouched beside it. “Whoever maintained these before knew what they were doing.” Major raised an eyebrow. “You can tell that from looking at it?” “I can tell a lot from looking at a motorcycle,” I said proudly. My years of training weren't in vain. He leaned against one of the pillars. “Then tell me what you think.” I looked at him. “I don't need anyone h******g over me while I work.” His smile widened. “That might be difficult.” “Why?” “You've already made half the club curious,” he said, his l**s already parting. I looked around. Several bikers were indeed watching us. I narrowed my eyes. “Tell them to find something else to do.” Major chuckled, and I looked at the motorcycles again. “You have a lot of work here,” he muttered. “Enough to keep me busy.” I sighed. His eyes met mine. “How much?” I gave him my price, and he didn't argue. “I'll contact you.” He started walking out of the garage, and I nodded. There was something annoyingly confident about him. I shook my head and walked back outside. Rayna was waiting for me. The moment she saw me, her eyebrows rose. “Well?” “We have a deal,” I said, and her mouth fell open. “You're working for them?” she asked, and I nodded. She grabbed my arm. “You're insane.” “I need money.” “You just punched a man at a biker clubhouse and somehow came out with a job.” Her words made me shrug. “I'm talented.” She burst out laughing. I couldn't help laughing too. The music grew louder as the night continued. People danced. Bikers shouted across tables. Someone challenged another man to an arm-wrestling match. Rayna soon disappeared into the crowd, and I stayed near the bar. I didn't want another man tonight. I definitely didn't want another relationship. But I was tired of thinking about Alden. So I started drinking. I heard a familiar voice beside me. “You're still here.” I turned and saw him—Major. He had changed nothing about his appearance, but somehow he looked different under the dim lights. More relaxed. Less like the intimidating president everyone had warned me about. “It's your party,” I replied. “Why shouldn't I be here?” “You look like you want to leave,” he said as the bartender served his drink. I nodded gently. “I was considering it.” He shook his head. “You're different from what I expected.” I frowned. “What did you expect?” “I don't know.” “You don't know?” My voice rose a bit, but I was really curious. He chuckled, “I knew you worked with motorcycles, but I didn't expect you to walk into my club, break up a fight and damage my motorcycle within your first few minutes.” I couldn't help smiling. Major's voice softened. “You don't have to look guilty for smiling, mechanic.” I rolled my eyes. “Don't call me that. I have a name.” “I know.” He said my name quietly. “Haven.” Something about the way he said it made my stomach tighten. I finished my drink in no time and said to him, “I'm leaving soon. You said you'd contact me.” “I will.” I smiled faintly and walked away before my face could betray me. By the time Rayna found me, it was almost six in the morning. “Hera never came,” she complained. “Maybe she changed her mind.” I tightened the straps of my boots. “Let's go.” We left the clubhouse. I climbed onto my motorcycle, and Rayna got behind me. As I started the engine, I glanced toward the clubhouse. Major stood near the entrance. His hands were in his jacket pockets, and he was watching me. Our eyes met, and my heart skipped a beat. I looked away first and drove away, my heart still thumping. I shouldn't have liked how he gazed at me, but I did. When we reached my workshop, I slowed the motorcycle before stopping. Then my smile disappeared. Men were standing outside my workshop. Several boxes were already sitting beside the entrance. I killed the engine. “What the hll?” Rayna climbed off behind me. I removed my helmet and watched my father step out from beside the workshop. “Haven.” His voice was hoarse. I stared at him. “Dad, what's going on?” He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked at me with an expression I had never seen before, then he said, “I'm taking the workshop back.” My stomach dropped. “What?” “You heard me,” he said with his brows arched. I looked around. “My tools are outside. You had everything removed. Why?” His jaw tightened. “You've embarrassed this family enough.” I stared at him. “What did I do?” “Don't pretend you don't know.” “I genuinely don't.” I slammed my palm at my side. “You attacked your sister,” he said coldly; the side of his eyes darkened. My mouth fell open. “I did what? I never touched Eve.” “You're lying,” he growled, his eyes widening. I stepped closer. “She slept with my boyfriend. I walked away from the relationship. Why would I attack her? I was angry, yes. I was hurt. But I didn't t***h her.” He shook his head. “You've become too difficult.” I laughed bitterly. “Too difficult?” “You refuse to behave as a daughter should.” There it was. The same old accusation. I looked at the workshop. “This is because of Eve.” He pointed fingers at me. “This is because of your behaviour.” “And you're taking away the only thing I've built?” My chest tightened. “You can't do this.” “I can.” He turned toward the men. “Take everything else out.” I stared at him. My entire life had been reduced to a few boxes on the pavement. My father walked past me, then stopped. “Find somewhere else to work.” I turned. “Dad.” He didn't look back. “You're no longer using this property.” Then he left. Silence settled around me. I nearly forgot how to breathe. Rayna moved closer. “Haven…” I didn't answer. Rather, I stared at my tools, tears welling in my eyes. Everything I'd been afraid would happen if I ever had to leave this place had just happened. And I had no money to rent both a home and another workshop. I clenched my jaw because I wasn't going to cry. Not in front of these men or even my father. Rayna touched my shoulder. “You can stay with me.” I looked at her. “I don't know what I'm going to do.” “We'll figure it out,” she said reassuringly, and I nodded slowly, sniffing hard. Then a motorcycle engine roared behind us, and I turned to see a black motorcycle approaching the workshop. My eyes narrowed. As the rider came closer, I recognised the leather jacket. Major. I stared at him in disbelief. What the hll was he doing here? He stopped in front of us, and the engine died. He removed his helmet; his grey eyes immediately found mine. Then his gaze moved to the boxes scattered across the pavement, causing his expression to harden. “What happened?” I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

Major’s POV I forgot to take her number. That was the first thing I realised after she rode away from the clubhouse. I needed to contact her about the motorcycles, but more than that, I wanted a reason to see her again. There was something about Haven that kept pulling at me, something I hadn't expected to feel for any woman. I'd spent years convincing myself that I was done with relationships. Women had brought me nothing but trouble, and after what my last woman had done with my brother, I'd sworn never to put myself in that position again. Then Haven walked into my clubhouse and beat a man nearly senseless. She was different. I'd known her for years as the mechanic who worked at her father's workshop, but I'd never seen this side of her. She wasn't the type to stand around screaming while someone else fought her battles. She stepped in herself. If she were a man and one of my Enforcers, she would have earned her place in the club without anyone questioning it. I climbed onto my motorcycle and headed toward her workshop. I hadn't gone far when I started wondering why I was so eager to see her again. It wasn't just because of the damaged bike. At least, that's what I told myself. When I arrived, however, I immediately understood that something was wrong; Haven's workshop was being emptied. Engines, tools, spare parts, tyres, and other equipment were scattered outside. Two men were still carrying her belongings out while her father stood nearby, watching with a hard expression. My grip tightened around the handlebars. What the hll was going on? The sound of my motorcycle made Haven turn around. The moment she recognised me, her expression changed. She looked surprised, then walked toward me as I removed my helmet. "Are you here for work?" she asked. I shook my head. "I forgot to take your number last night." I held out my phone. "I came for it before my day gets too busy." She stared at me for a second before taking the phone and entering her number. When she handed it back, I glanced around at the workshop. "Are you moving out?" She sighed. "My dad is kicking me out." My jaw tightened. "For what?" She shrugged, as though she had already accepted it. "I'm going to rent another place this morning and move everything there. I need somewhere spacious enough to accommodate all this." She gestured toward the equipment lying outside. A workshop like this wasn't cheap. Haven was still building her business, and spending her savings on another place could set her back badly. "I know somewhere," I said. Her eyes lifted to mine. "You do?" "It's owned by the club." I watched her carefully. I needed to know whether mentioning the club would make her change her mind. Instead, she rolled her eyes. "Fine. I don't care who owns it. As long as it's in a good location, has enough space, and can accommodate my equipment and customers." She paused. "How much is the rent?" A laugh almost escaped me. "You're already negotiating?" "Of course." There was no hesitation in her voice. I liked that. "We'll discuss the money later. First, let's get your things moved. We'll agree on something reasonable." She narrowed her eyes on me. "Reasonable?" "Yes." "I don't accept charity." "I didn't offer you charity." I stepped closer. "I'm offering you a business opportunity." Her expression softened slightly. "Then I'll take it." A small smile appeared on her l**s, and before I could stop myself, I reached out and tapped her cheek lightly with my finger. Her eyes widened. Mine did too. What the hll was I doing? I pulled my hand back. "I'll have my men bring a truck." "I can hire one." "No need." I pulled out my phone. "We have trucks." She stared at me for a moment before nodding. "Fine." Then turned and walked toward the workshop. "Haven!" her father called. She ignored him, unlocked the door and stepped inside, checking the place one last time. A few moments later, she came back out with nothing in her hands but a strange smile on her face. "I'm locking it up." Her father looked at her as though he couldn't understand why she wasn't begging him to reconsider. "Go ahead," she said. I watched the exchange silently. I knew Haven's father. I'd known him for years. Now, watching him throw his own daughter out, I found myself wondering what had happened between them. There had to be more to it. Why else would she have grown up with her uncle when her father was already financially capable of raising her? I stepped aside and called Aron. "Prez?" he answered immediately. "Get five prospects to start preparing Kaden's old workshop." He went quiet for a second. "Kaden's?" "Yes. I need it ready before I get there." I looked at Haven. "And send another five patched members to the address I'll send you. They'll help load everything onto the trucks." "Everything okay?" "Everything is fine." I ended the call. When I looked back, Haven and her father were arguing. I couldn't hear every word at first, but then his voice became loud enough for me to understand. "If you apologise to Eve and make things right with Alden, you can continue staying here." My blood began to heat. Haven shook her head. "I'm sorry, but that's the last thing I'm going to do." Her voice was calm, but there was steel beneath it. "Since Eve likes him so much, she can have him. I don't care." Her father glared at her. "You ungrateful girl." "I'm going to rent somewhere else, Dad. You don't need to worry about me." He stepped toward her. "Once you leave this place, don't ever come back to me." Haven's expression barely changed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the workshop key. "I'll ignore you if you return." He locked the door and slipped the key into his pocket. Then he looked at her with something close to disgust. "I regret taking you back years ago. It was a complete waste of time." My jaw clenched. He continued. "Do you know how much money I could have made from this workshop if I'd rented it to someone else? What have I gotten from you? Nothing. You cause problems and damage everything around you. You are no use to me as a woman, because you never see yourself as one. How many women have you come across doing this kinda work, smelling of grease and oil all the time? If you looked feminine, Alden wouldn't have eyes on your sister." I could feel my temper rising. I didn't like the way he spoke to her. And most of all, I didn't like the fact that I cared. This was a family matter. It shouldn't concern me. But it did. "Be quick about leaving," he added. "I still need to shut the gate." Then he turned away and took a phone call. I remained where I was, watching Haven. She didn't cry, didn't beg or looked broken. She simply stood there, surrounded by the remains of everything she'd worked so hard to build. That was the kind of woman she was—the kind of woman I wanted, strong enough to lose everything without crawling back to the person who took it from her. My eyes narrowed as I watched her put together her tools. Alden had cheated on her with her own sister, and her father threw her out because of it. I couldn't stop thinking about it because it didn't make so much sense. The only reason I picked up on it was her personality. She was a tomboy, and her skill was masculine too, which her family didn't seem to like. But regardless, Alden was a Dam fool. He didn't deserve a woman like Haven. And I would make Dam sure she never went crawling back to him.

Haven’s POV When the motorcycle rode into the workshop compound, I had so many things going through my mind. I didn't like being unable to work, especially when I had no idea what I was going to do next, so I was already trying to think of an excuse to give whoever had come, just so they wouldn't think I wasn't serious about my work. Not until the biker removed his helmet did my l**s part in surprise. Major. He had come back. I didn't know why seeing him again made something inside me shift, but I quickly pushed the feeling aside. He helped me find a place to work, and when his men arrived, he packed everything into the truck they came with, and we left all together. As we arrived at the new workshop, his eyes moved around the compound before settling on me. "Looks like we're just in time." I nodded and glanced toward the truck that had just arrived behind him. "I didn't expect this many people to come." "You have a lot of things to move." I smiled faintly at his words. The men immediately started taking my equipment out while I stayed close, making sure nothing important was left behind. My tools were the most valuable things I had, so I wasn't going to stand there and let anyone handle them without checking, and Major noticed. "You don't trust my men?" He asked, as if teasing me. I tried to keep a straight face, but couldn't. "I trust them. But I don't trust bad handling." He chuckled. "Fair enough." I looked at him, and for some reason, I found myself staring longer than I intended. He was standing there in his leather jacket, his hands resting casually at his sides, looking completely at home while everyone around him moved according to his orders. I quickly looked away. I had already noticed how good-looking he was at the club, but seeing him in daylight was worse. His grey eyes were clearer, and there was something about his face that made it difficult to remember that I had just been betrayed by another man. I didn't need another man. Especially not a biker. "Are you sure this workshop will work for you?" he asked. I nodded. "It looks good enough." "It belonged to someone who helped establish the club. It's been unused for some time." He added, his eyes darting around. I looked around again. "Then I'll make it useful." His l**s curved slightly. "I expected you to say that." I folded my arms. "I'm not staying here for free, Major." His expression changed slightly. "I didn't say you were." "Good. Because I don't take handouts." I raised an eyebrow. He stepped closer, and I immediately became aware of the difference in our height. He wasn't doing anything, but having him standing that close made me suddenly conscious of myself. I could smell his cologne, faint beneath the leather and the scent of the motorcycle. I shifted slightly. "We can make an agreement," he said. "What kind?" "You repair ten motorcycles for the club. Not all at once. You work on them whenever you have the time, and once they're done, the work will cover your rent for the workshop." I stared at him. "Ten?" He nodded. "You said you wanted to work. I'm giving you work." I thought about it for a moment before nodding. "Fine. But I will decide when I repair them." "Of course." "And if there are extra repairs outside those ten, I get paid for them," I said calmly. His smile widened. "You're already protecting your money." "I have to." I gestured and shrugged. "I like that." My stomach tightened slightly at the way he said it. But I quickly looked away and pretended to be interested in one of the motorcycles the men had just placed inside. "Then we have a deal." I nodded, "We do." I bent down beside the motorcycle and examined the engine. I could feel his eyes on me, but I refused to look up. "What's wrong with this one?" he asked. I ran my fingers over part of the engine. "It needs work, but I can't tell you everything until I open it." He sighed, and the sound made me look up at him. For a moment, our eyes met. There was something different in his expression. Something that made my chest tighten. I looked away first and shifted my gaze again to the motorcycle, but I couldn't concentrate as easily as before. I could still feel him nearby. Why was this man suddenly making me nervous? I didn't even know him. "Have you decided where you're staying?" he asked. "Rayna's place for now." He frowned slightly. "And your belongings from your father's house?" "I'll get them later. I don't want to go there again after today." I answered, trying so much not to lock eyes with him. He nodded as though he understood. "Then I'll have someone take you." I immediately shook my head. "No! I can handle it." "I didn't say you couldn't." "Then don't worry." His eyes remained on me for a moment before he nodded. "Fine." I went back to checking the motorcycle, but his presence remained at the back of my mind. I hated that I noticed him this much. I had only met him properly last night, and already I was becoming too aware of him. That wasn't good. Not after Alden. Not when I still didn't even know who Major really was, even though he had similar looks to Alden. But when I looked up again and found him watching me, I couldn't stop the small smile that crossed my l**s. Maybe I was already in trouble. ~~~ Major’s POV I stood outside the workshop, watching Haven move between the motorcycles. She was completely different when she worked. Her concentration was intense, and every movement of her hands seemed deliberate. She didn't need anyone h******g around her, and she certainly didn't need anyone telling her what to do. That was one of the things I liked about her. But lately, I was beginning to notice other things too: The way her jeans fitted when she bent over a motorcycle. The way her hair fell around her face before she pushed it back with the back of her wrist. The small amount of grease on her cheek that she hadn't noticed. I looked away. This wasn't supposed to happen. I wanted her because she was the kind of woman I needed for the competition: Strong, independent, capable, and unlike the women who usually surrounded me. But standing there and watching her work, I knew that wasn't the only reason anymore. My phone vibrated. I pulled it out and glanced at the message. The smile disappeared from my face. Another report about the Iron Vultures. They had been spotted close to one of our businesses again. Those bastards were becoming too comfortable. The Iron Vultures hadn't started as strangers. They had come from our own club after a group of members refused to accept the direction I had taken Salvation Riders. They wanted the old ways, the illegal businesses and everything that came with them. Since I had chosen a different path, they chose to leave and create their own club. The problem was that leaving hadn't been enough for them. They had attacked us before, taking resources and damaging businesses we had spent years building. We had lost plenty during the attack, but we hadn't lost a single member. I wasn't going to let them finish what they had started. "Prez?" I looked up to see Aron approaching. "What happened?" He lowered his voice. "One of our men just confirmed that the Iron Vultures were seen near the south warehouse." My jaw tightened. "They're watching us." "Looks that way." I glanced toward the workshop. Haven was still working, unaware of the conversation. "Don't let anyone approach them," I ordered. Aron nodded. "I'll handle it." "No." He looked at me. "I'll handle it myself." I slipped the phone back into my pocket and looked at Haven again. She lifted her head at that exact moment, and our eyes met through the open workshop door. She smiled, and something in my chest shifted.

Major’s POV I looked at Haven through the open workshop door. She was still bent over the motorcycle, completely unaware that my attention had shifted from the bike to her. My phone vibrated again. I pulled it out and read the message. [The Iron Vultures had moved closer to one of our businesses, and this time, they had been seen watching the place instead of simply passing through.] My jaw tightened. Those bastards were testing us. I slipped the phone into my pocket and turned toward Aron. “Get two of the Enforcers to watch the south warehouse.” He nodded. “What about the rest of the men?” “Keep them at the clubhouse. I don't want anyone making a move unless I give the order.” “Are you going there?” he asked, and I nodded. “I am.” Aron looked toward Haven, then back at me. “Now?” “Yes.” He nodded and walked away to make the arrangements. I turned back toward Haven. She had straightened up and was wiping her fingers with a piece of cloth. The little streak of grease on her cheek was still there. I had the urge to wipe it away myself, but I stopped the thought before it went any further. She looked up and caught me staring. “What?” she asked. “Nothing.” “You've been saying that a lot.” I walked closer to the motorcycle and glanced at the engine. “You work too hard.” She raised an eyebrow. “That's a strange thing to say to a mechanic.” “Maybe.” Her l**s curved slightly. That small smile was becoming a problem. I shouldn't have been this interested in her already. I had approached her because I'd admired her strength from a distance for years. But now that she was standing in front of me, I was noticing things that had nothing to do with her being capable. Her eyes. Her l**s. The way her hair kept falling forward whenever she leaned over the bike. And the way she looked at me whenever she caught me watching her. “I have to leave for a while,” I said. Her expression changed. “Something happened?” “Club business.” She nodded, but her eyes stayed on mine. “Everything okay?” “It will be.” She seemed like she wanted to ask more but decided against it. “I'll see you later,” I told her. She looked at me for a second. “You will?” I almost smiled. “Unless you plan on running away with my motorcycles.” Her l**s parted before she laughed. “They're mine now. You agreed to the deal.” “Careful, mechanic.” “Why?” Her brows raised. I gestured, “You might start believing you own my club.” She shook her head, smiling. “I only own the motorcycles I'm repairing.” I stepped closer than necessary. “And what about the owner?” Her smile slowly disappeared. For a moment, neither of us spoke. I saw the uncertainty in her eyes, and something about it made me want to push further. Instead, I stepped back. “I'll be back.” I turned before I could say something I would regret and walked toward my motorcycle. I had barely started the engine when I glanced back. Haven was still standing there, watching me. I twisted the throttle and rode away. I needed to deal with the Iron Vultures. But for the first time, I felt like there was something…or maybe, someone waiting for me when I returned—Haven. ~~~ Haven’s POV I stood there for several seconds after Major rode away, staring at the road where his motorcycle had disappeared. What the hll was that? I couldn't explain why his last words had made my heart beat faster. Maybe it was the way he had looked at me when he said them, or maybe I was simply becoming too conscious of him. I shook my head and returned to the motorcycle. I had enough problems already. The last thing I needed was to start thinking about a biker president I'd barely known. Rayna eventually came over at that same moment. “You're staring at the road.” I looked at her. “No, I'm not.” “You were.” My brows furrowed. “I was thinking.” “About Major?” I rolled my eyes. “About my work.” She laughed. “You should see your face whenever that man is around.” I ignored her and picked up one of my tools. “I need to get the rest of my things from Dad's house.” Her smile faded. “Are you sure you want to go there today?” “No, but I need my clothes and a few other things. I'm not going to leave my belongings there for them to throw away.” I answered, getting together the scattered tools. “I'll come with you.” I nodded. A few hours later, we returned to my father's house. The moment I stepped off my bike, I felt the same heaviness I'd felt that morning. I didn't want to be there, but I wasn't going to leave everything behind because my father had decided to no longer treat me as his daughter. Rayna followed me toward the house. I had barely reached the door when my stepmother came out. She stopped when she saw me. “I hope you're not planning to stay here.” I looked at her. “I'm only here for my things.” “Good. Because you're not welcome here anymore.” I laughed bitterly. “You don't have to worry. I already know.” Her face tightened. “You always act as if you're better than everyone.” I didn't have time for all that and turned toward the house, but her voice stopped me. “I hope you don't come crawling back when things become difficult.” I slowly turned around. “Why would I crawl back?” “You've always needed your father.” “No.” I shook my head. “I've needed somewhere to stay. That's different.” Her eyes narrowed. Then she said the one thing she knew would hurt me. “Coming from the bad omen who couldn't let her mum catch some breath after her delivery,” and then she snorted. My body went still. Rayna immediately stepped closer. I stared at the woman in front of me. “Don't.” She smiled. “You know exactly what I'm talking about.” “I said don't mention my mother.” My eyes were already gathering tears. “Why? Because you don't want people remembering what happened?” My hands curled into fists. “My mother died giving birth to me. How exactly could I have killed her?” She shrugged. “Some things don't need explanations.” I felt my chest tighten. That accusation had followed me for years. My uncle had been the only person who never looked at me differently because of it, which was one of the reasons I had always considered him more of a parent than my own father. “You've said enough.” I stepped toward the house. My stepmother laughed behind me. “Go ahead. Run away like you always do.” I stopped and looked back. “I'm not running away. I'm leaving.” Her smile disappeared. “And this time,” I continued, “I'm not coming back.” I walked inside before she could answer. Rayna followed me, and within the next hour, we had packed the rest of my clothes, documents and personal belongings. When we stepped outside, I looked at the house one last time. I didn't feel relieved. I felt empty. But beneath that emptiness was something else—A strange determination. I had lost my relationship, my workshop and my home the same day. I could either let that destroy me or build something better from what was left. I tightened my grip around my bag. “I've got nowhere else to go,” I whispered. Rayna looked at me. “You have me.” I nodded, holding back the sob wanting to break through my throat. For now, that was enough. But as we rode away from the house, my mind betrayed me again. Major's grey eyes appeared in my thoughts. The way he had stood too close. The way he had looked at me. And especially the way he had said, “What about the owner?” I swallowed hard. I didn't know what was happening between us. But I knew one thing: that I wanted him around me again, to inhale his cologne…and if possible, his human scent too.

Haven's POV The first thing I did the next morning was open the workshop. I stood outside with my hands on my w***t, staring at the sign hanging above the building. My name was written boldly across it, and I still couldn't believe this place was mine. Well, not exactly mine. It belonged to the club, but Major had given me the right to run it, and that was enough for me. I smiled when I remembered Kaden. This was the same workshop where I had spent years learning everything I knew about motorcycles. Back then, I was only an apprentice with my hair always packed into a ponytail, trying to prove that I could work harder than the men around me. Now I was standing here as the mechanic in charge. “If you could see me now, Kaden,” I muttered with a small laugh. I pushed the door open and stepped inside. The smell of oil and metal immediately welcomed me. This felt like home. Before it slipped my mind, I texted the location of the workshop to my apprentices so they could start work the next day when I'd put almost everything back in place. I arranged a few things, checked the motorcycles left for repairs and started working. I didn't even realise how quickly time passed until the sound of another motorcycle stopped outside. I wiped my hands and walked out. A man wearing a delivery uniform stood beside his motorcycle, looking frustrated. “Are you the new mechanic?” he asked. “That depends,” I replied, looking at the motorcycle. “What happened to it?” He laughed. “If I knew, I wouldn't be here.” I crouched beside it and began checking the engine. It didn't take long before I found the problem. “Give me about thirty minutes.” “Can you fix it?” I looked up at him. “You came to a mechanic and asked if I could fix a motorcycle?” He laughed again. “Fair enough.” He agreed to the price, and I got to work. When I finished, he paid me without arguing and rode away with a satisfied smile. I couldn't stop smiling. This was what I needed—work, money, and something that belonged to me. By the time another customer arrived, I was already done organising my workshop. Maybe Dad throwing me out wasn't the end of my life. Maybe it was the beginning of it. I was tightening a bolt when I heard a familiar engine outside. I didn't need to look up. I already knew it was Major. I wiped my hands and walked outside. He had already removed his helmet, and his eyes immediately found mine. “Busy?” he asked. I looked around the workshop. “What do you think?” His l**s curved. “I can see that.” “Did you come to inspect my work?” I queried curiously. “No.” “Then why are you here?” He walked closer, and I immediately noticed the way my body reacted to his presence; It irritated me. I had been perfectly fine before he arrived. “I came to tell you something. There is a party at the clubhouse tomorrow night.” I raised an eyebrow. “And?” “You're invited.” I laughed. “Since when do mechanics get invited to biker parties?” “Since the mechanic started working for my club.” I made a long face. “But I'm not a biker.” “You aren't.” “Then why invite me?” I gestured, confused. His eyes remained on mine. “I want you there.” My laughter slowly disappeared. His words made my stomach twist. I looked away first. “That's all?” “No.” I looked back at him. His eyes moved over my face. “You have grease on your cheek.” I lifted my hand. “I'll get it.” Before I could t***h my face, his hand reached me. His thumb brushed gently over my cheek. I froze. His fingers remained there for a second longer than necessary. Then he pulled away. “There.” My heart was beating harder than it should. “Thanks.” He nodded. Neither of us spoke for a moment. I didn't know why such a small t***h had affected me that much. I turned and walked back into the workshop. Behind me, I heard him start his motorcycle. But before he left, he called my name. “Haven.” I turned. “Come tomorrow.” His eyes held mine. “I'll see you there.” Then he rode away. I stood there watching him disappear. “What the hll is wrong with me?” I muttered. Later that afternoon, I called Rayna. The moment I mentioned the party, she started laughing. “You're going?” she asked sarcastically. “Why wouldn't I?” “It's a biker party,” she reminded me, and I took a slight gulp. “So?” “You're going to spend the entire night pretending you don't like Prez.” I rolled my eyes. “I don't like him.” “Hmm.” She chuckled again. “Rayna.” “I'm not saying anything.” “You're thinking about it.” I snapped and quickly ended the call. By evening, I returned to Rayna's apartment. The moment I opened the door, I expected to see my belongings scattered everywhere because I hadn't had time to arrange anything after leaving my father's house. Instead, everything was already organised. I stared around the room. “How did all this happen?” Rayna stepped out of the bathroom with wet hair. “You think I'm that lazy?” “I didn't say that.” “Your face did.” I laughed and dropped my helmet beside the wall. She walked over and pulled me into a hug. “How was your first day?” I smiled. “Good.” “Good?” “Really good. I already had customers,” I said further. Her face brightened. “I told you that the workshop would be better.” A sound came from the other room. I turned and saw Hera walking out with a plate of food. She looked terrible. Her hair was messy, her face was swollen from crying, and she looked like she hadn't slept properly. “Hera?” I asked. She looked at me and forced a smile. “Hey.” I stared at her plate. “You're eating like someone hasn't fed you for three days.” She dropped her eyes. Rayna sighed. “Her boyfriend happened again.” I frowned. “What did he do?” Hera took another bite before answering. “He cheated.” My smile disappeared. “Again?” She nodded. I slowly shook my head. “Are all men suddenly competing to see who can break a woman's heart faster?” Rayna snorted. “You should know.” I glared at her. “Don't start.” She laughed. I sat beside Hera. “You're not going back to him, are you?” She looked at me. “I don't know.” “You always say that before going back.” “I know,” she said again. I shook my head. “Then don't.” Hera gave me a tired smile. “Maybe I won't this time.” I hoped she meant it. We spent the next few minutes talking until my phone rang. I looked at the screen, and my stomach tightened. Alden. I stared at his name without answering. Rayna noticed. “Why aren't you picking?” “There's nothing left to discuss.” I steupsed with everything left in me. The phone stopped ringing, then it started again. I turned it face down. Hera looked at me. “You really don't want him anymore?” I shook my head. “No,” and I meant it. Not when someone else was making my heart beat faster. But I didn't like that. Not one bit.

Major's POV I had more important things to worry about than Haven. At least, that was what I kept telling myself. The Iron Vultures had been seen around one of our businesses again. Aron dropped the latest report on my desk. “They're multiplying.” I picked up the file. “How many?” “Four this time.” “Armed?” I asked further. “Most likely.” I closed the file. “They want us to react.” Aron nodded. “They know we'll be watching them.” “They're counting on that.” I leaned back in my chair. “We deal with them after the party.” Aron raised an eyebrow. “You're actually attending?” I looked at him. “Why wouldn't I?” He gave me a knowing smile. “You're going because Haven will be there.” “Watch yourself.” I jabbed my finger at him. He laughed. “I didn't say anything.” “You didn't need to.” He picked up the file and walked away, still laughing. I waited until he left before looking toward the window; Haven. I had spent too much time thinking about her. The way she looked at me. How she froze when I touched her cheek. The way she tried pretending nothing happened afterwards. I knew she was still hurting because of Alden, and I wasn't going to force anything. But I wasn't going to lie to myself either—I wanted her. Not because she was my brother's ex nor because she worked for my club. I had noticed her years ago. She had been young then, always covered in grease and determined to prove herself. I had kept my distance because she was too young and because I had no business distracting her. Now she was grown and standing directly in front of me. The only problem was that her heart was still bleeding. I didn't know whether I could be patient enough to wait…and if she could let me mend her bleeding heart. That night, the clubhouse was already packed when I arrived. Music shook the walls. Bikers filled almost every corner, drinks were moving around, and laughter competed with the loud music. Then I saw her. She stood near the entrance with Rayna and Hera. For a moment, everything else disappeared. She wasn't dressed like the women who usually came to my club. She didn't need to because she looked beautiful without trying. Aron appeared beside me. “You're staring.” I gave him a warning look. He chuckled and disappeared into the crowd. Soon, Haven finally noticed me. Our eyes met, and she smiled. I n*****d my bottom l*p, trying to regulate my breath that just spiked before walking towards her. “You came.” She folded her arms. “You invited me.” “I wasn't sure you would.” My l**s parted a bit as I locked gaze with her. She shrugged. “I almost didn't.” Curiously, I asked, “Why?” “I don't know if I trust bikers,” she said, avoiding eye contact with me. I stopped in front of her. “Do you trust me?” Her eyes moved to my l**s before returning to mine. “I haven't decided.” I smiled. “Take your time,” I said, and she laughed softly. The music became louder. “You're not dancing?” she asked. I shook my head. “I don't dance.” She winked and started looking around. “That's unfortunate.” “Why?” I asked immediately, drawing back her attention to me. Her l**s parted before she said, “I was going to ask you.” I stared at her, lost for words. She burst into laughter. “You should see your face.” “You're enjoying this.” “Maybe,” she shrugged. I couldn't help but hold out my hand. This was a moment I didn't need to miss. It didn't matter if she was the first woman I'd dance with. She stared at my hand for a moment before placing hers in mine. Then I pulled her toward me. Her body touched mine, and my belly rumbled. I placed my hands carefully around her w***t, and she rested hers on my shoulders. For a moment, neither of us spoke. The music continued around us, but I barely heard it. “You're very quiet,” she whispered. “So are you.” “I'm thinking,” she said again. “About what?” She hesitated. “You; if you can really dance.” My fingers tightened slightly around her w***t. “My dancing steps could be dangerous.” She smiled. “Maybe I like dangerous steps.” I pressed her body softly against mine, my head lowered, and I ignored how much my heart fluttered. Our faces became close—too close. Then she looked away. Immediately, my fingers loosened around her; a surging heat overwhelmed me. I was beginning to want her too much, but I needed her to choose this. I wasn't the type to let go of her after she caused my heart rate to fasten, so I quickly turned away. But I still felt her eyes following me. ~~~ Haven's POV I didn't understand myself anymore. My heart was pounding loudly in my ears as I watched him make a move away from me. I couldn't fathom why he had to stop, but it felt so much like someone important to me was slipping through my fingers. I fastened my steps towards him and pulled his hand, causing him to turn around. Our gaze met, and I pressed my l**s together. He said nothing, just staring at me as much as I did at him. Then I slowly closed the distance between us before finding my words again. “You don't wanna dance with me?” My tone was almost a whisper. He blinked; his arm slowly slid behind me, grabbing me by my w***t. This wasn't right. I shouldn't be pushing ahead when he was showing a low interest…but I still wanted to keep it going, to at least smell him around me. He stepped forward until there was no space between us. My body pressed softly against his, and my chest kept thumping as though it would burst anytime soon. We looked at each other, fingers intertwined and then slowly moving with each step of the ongoing music. My eyes suddenly shifted to his l**s, and saliva formed in my mouth. I couldn't even look away no matter how hard I tried; instead, I longed to have those pressed softly on mine. I flinched once I heard his voice in my ear, “You're staring so much. Wanna devour me?” And I barely chuckled at those words. “If you keep staring that way, then I'd… A lump formed in my throat at that moment.

Haven’s POV “We should stop,” Major whispered, his forehead still resting against mine. I stared into his eyes, trying to find a reason to step away from him. Yet there was no reason strong enough to make my feet move. “Do you want to stop?” I asked again, my voice barely louder than the music around us. His jaw tightened. He looked away for a second before returning his eyes to mine. “No.” The honesty in his answer sent a strange warmth through my chest. “Then don't.” His eyes searched mine. “Haven…” “I know what I'm doing,” I whispered, even though a part of me wasn't sure I did. He lifted his hand and slowly touched my cheek. The gentleness of it almost broke something inside me. Alden had made me feel unwanted, replaceable and foolish. But Major was looking at me as though I was the only person standing in this crowded room. I closed my eyes for a moment, and when I opened them, Major was watching me. “Come with me,” he said. My heart skipped. “Where?” “Somewhere we can talk without fifty people listening.” I almost laughed while tagging along with him, who held my hand as if scared that I would vanish if he let me be. We drifted away from the party floor of the club. The bass still thumped through the walls, but the narrow side hallway we’d ended up in was darker, quieter, the air thicker. People passed occasionally, laughing, heading to the bathrooms or the smoking area, but for a few seconds it felt like the party had left us alone. I didn’t even remember what we were talking about anymore. All I focused on was how close he was standing, the heat of his body, the way his eyes kept dropping to my mouth. My pulse raced; I felt it in my throat. Every time his fingers brushed my cheek, it sent a little jolt straight through me. I kept telling myself to pull back and drag us back into the crowd, but my body refused, as though it had a mind of its own. I wanted him closer so that his hands were on me. And he must have seen it on my face. The next second, his palm was sliding along my w***t, guiding me a little further into a shadowed corner near the emergency exit. My back met the cool wall. His body followed, h******g over mine and pinning me there as if wanting to crush me. The sudden contact made my breath catch. Then came his voice, low, almost a warning. “Haven,” he said. But before I could answer, his l**s came crashing into mine. The k**s was nothing like careful. It was hungry and desperate. His tongue slid against mine, and I made a soft, broken sound I couldn’t hold back. Heat flooded me so fast my knees went weak. His hands were everywhere at once; one sliding up under the hem of my shirt, the other cupping the side of my n**k, thumb wagging deeper into my mouth and leaving me almost breathless. I arched into him without thinking. The hard line of his /cok pressed against my lower belly, and a helpless little whimper escaped me. God, I was already wet. I felt it, the slick heat between my t****s, my inner pants cold from how soaked it was. Every shift of his body made the fabric drag against my cl1t, and it was driving me insane. His fingers slipped to my pelvis, and he pulled down my trousers in one move. He then found the edge of my p*****s and pushed them aside. The first brush of his fingertips over my b**e, swollen folds made me gasp into his mouth, and he g*****d as the feel of me wrecked him. “f'k-, you’re soaked,” he muttered against my l**s. I could only nod, h**s rolling forward, chasing more of that t***h. He gave it to me—two fingers brushed my dampness, circling my entrance, then pushing inside in one slow, deliberate thrvst. My head fell back against the wall. A shaky m**n tore out of me. He curled those fingers just right, rubbing that perfect spot while his thumb found my cl1t and pressed. The hallway could have been full of people, and I wouldn’t have cared. All I felt was him: the stretch of his fingers, the heat of his mouth on my throat, the way his body caged me in like he never planned to let me go. Pleasure coiled tight and fast in my lower belly. I was already close, embarrassingly close, just from his hand and the rough sound of his breathing against my skin. “Don’t stop,” I whispered, voice wrecked. “Please—” He didn’t. He fked me with his fingers harder, deeper, the wet sound of it filthy and perfect in the relative quiet. His mouth found mine again, swallowing the desperate little moans I couldn’t stop making. When the or'gаsm hit, it slammed through me so hard my legs almost gave out. I clenched around his fingers, shaking, clinging to his shoulders while wave after wave of pleasure ripped me apart. He kept working me through it until I was trembling. Then he pulled his hand free, brought his fingers to his mouth, and l****d them clean while staring straight into my eyes. The sight of it made my cl1t retract. I reached for his belt with clumsy, urgent hands. He helped me, shoving his pants and boxers down just enough. His /cok sprang free. It was thick, hard, the cap already slick. I wrapped my fingers around him and stroked once, then twice. He hissed through his teeth. “Turn around,” he ordered, voice rough with need. I did, and he yanked my trousers down below my knees, dragged my p*****s down to my t****s, and then the blunt head of his /cok pressed against me. One strong hand gripped my h*p. The other braced beside my head on the wall. He pushed in slowly at first, letting me feel every inch as he stretched me open. Then he started moving. Hard, deep thrvsts that forced the air from my lungs. Each one dragged against every sensitive place inside me. The wet slap of skin on skin filled the hallway. I pushed back to meet him, needing more, needing it harder. His hand slid around to my front. He found my cl1t again and began rubbing tight circles there. I was gone. Completely lost in the raw, overwhelming pleasure, until contraction hit my lower belly. I came with a broken cry. My yoni held him so tightly he cursed and drove into me even harder. He followed a few thrvsts later, burying himself deep and spilling inside me with a low, guttural g***n. We stayed locked together for several long seconds, both breathing hard, his forehead pressed to the back of my n**k. His hand was still splayed over my stomach, holding me against him like he wasn’t quite ready to let go. Eventually he eased out. I felt the slow slide of him leaving me. My legs were shaky. My whole body trembled. He helped me fix my clothes, right from my p*****s to my loosened brassiere. When I turned to face him, his eyes were dark, still hungry, but softer now. Neither of us said anything for a moment. The club noise seemed louder again and reality was already trying to creep back in. I reached up, touched his jaw, and kissed him once more, but slower this time. Then I stepped back, my heart still hammering, my body still aching for his t***h. “We should… go back,” I managed to say in a low tone. He nodded, but the look he gave me made my mouth gather saliva once again.