CHAPTER FOUR - NEVER LEAVE YOUR HEART ALONE

Kozik watched as the VP slowed down and pulled over before following suit. The men stepped off their bikes and Kozik surveyed their surroundings. They were on the packed parking lot of a night club. They were surrounded by small groups of well-dressed people out to enjoy the night. A long queue had formed in front of the door.

"I thought we were going to see the Arsonist."

"Well, why do you think I brought you here? Dancing? Sorry kid but you ain't my type." The heavy man chuckled before leading the way to the club.

Kozik found himself following the man once again until they reached the heavy steel doors. The burly bouncer opened the doors for them, stepping off to give them way.

"He's out back." He said addressing Pete.

"Thanks Brother."

The man shot a rapid look at Kozik "New Recruit."

"Transfer. From Charming."

"Welcome to the Devil's Lair brother."

Kozik nodded to the man and let himself in, making his way through velvet curtains. Straight away, they were overwhelmed by the noise people now called music. The darkened room was packed, people stepping on each other's toes left and right.

"Jesus." Sighted Kozik.

"Welcome to the dark side, brother."

Pete made his way through the crowd, Kozik on his toes closely behind trying not lose sight of the old man. They walked all the way to back and reached the DJ's box.

"That's him, there." Pete yelled trying to be heard above the music.

Kozik looked at the man Pete was pointing at. He barely looked a day above eighteen, ginger hair spiked up his head in an unfortunate Mohawk, sunglasses on his nose that kept falling down his nose as he moved his head to the music. He seemed lost to the world oblivious to anything but the loud sound of hip hop coming out of the speakers.

"That's the Arsonist?"

"Kid's insane but he's a genius. Plus he's got the connections."

Pete reached out and knocked on the heavy glass. The DJ looked up and nodded to him before nudging the Arsonist.

"You got visitors."

The Arsonist glare at them, obviously annoyed at being interrupted in his trance. He opened the door to the glass box and stepped out. Without even acknowledging their presence, he walked towards a side door that was closely guarded by two bouncers. The bikers followed him but as Kozik was about to walk through the door the Arsonist turned around and addressed one of the guards.

"Not him."

"What?"

"I don't know you. I don't trust you."

"You got to be kidding me!"

Pete tried to intervene. "He's cool brother, he is with me."

"I said NOT him." The Arsonist had almost shouted and it startled Pete. He didn't want to upset the paranoid kid and risk coming back to the range empty handed. He turned to Kozik with a sigh. "I'll be alright brother. Just go have yourself a drink at the bar." Kozik was about to object but the two guards stepped in front of the door and closed it.

"Bar is that way brother."

Kozik glared at them but knew it was pointless to try and pick up a fight here, now. He let out a sigh and turned around in the bar's direction.

Ella was bored. Bored and soon I'll be drunk she thought to herself. She was sitting at the bar of Tacoma's newest bar, the Devil's lair by herself feeling very alone despite the fact that the place was packed with yuppies in their late twenties, pretending they still remembered what it was to be cool, but not quite getting there. She had lost sight of Gillian on the dance floor a while ago, after watching her friend steal the spotlight. Ella smiled as she remembered the men watching her from the side lines lust in their eyes and women gawking at her with envy and resentment. Just like in high school. Gillian had always loved the attention, even then. She had been the girl boys wanted to date and girls wanted to hate but secretly envied. One thing about the wily blond was that she never let anyone indifferent.

Growing up had been a different story for Ella. Guys had been attracted to her but more often than not they had kept their distances, the shadow of Ray Strickland, the outlaw father following her around. The few guys that had been brave enough to ask her out had quickly backtracked and broken up with her under false pretences. But Ella knew the score. They were all attracted to the excitement she represented, dating the daughter of a renown outlaw like a prize they had to win. But once reality set in and they'd all followed the same path and realised they would rather be dating someone with a more ordinary life. There had been one guy in senior year with whom Ella had though she might have something real but reneging your past came with a price and every time he got too close, or asked too many questions, Ella's defenses would kick in and her walls would come back up, so in the end he had cut his losses and broken up with her. She was very aware of her unability to trust anyone but as much as she had tried she just hadn't managed to let him in. So in the end, she had stopped trying, keeping mostly to herself, refusing to go out when asked, finding solace in her studies. And there she was now, she thought to herself with a wry smile. A few months after graduating she found herself exactly where she'd started.

She looked around trying to locate her friend to no avail. She felt stupid here on her own, holding the bar. A few men had tried striking up a conversation, but she had politely but firmly shot them down before turning her back on the joyous crowd choosing the face the bar, obliterating any unwelcome interest. She really didn't feel like being hit on by ten different versions of the same men. That was why she hated placed like this. She hated the games, the men looking for someone to share the night with, women selling themselves short in the hopes of something knew she shouldn't feel like this. She was almost twenty years old, she should have been enjoying herself, having fun like most people her age. But instead she felt like an impostor, someone who didn't belong here. Because no matter how hard she tried, she knew she wasn't like the people around her and she would never be.

She looked up to ask for another drink and found herself staring at her reflection in the mirror hanging above the bar. She had made an effort tonight, smoking her already deep brown eyes, colouring her lips crimson, letting her hair down, free to cascade over her shoulders and she had been happy with the result. But now, as she looked at herself, she couldn't help but wonder who was the woman staring back at her.

As she was about to go find Gillian and ask her to leave, she caught sight of something in the mirror. It was him, Kozik. Of all places, this was probably the last one she had expected him or any of the Sons for that matter to be. It was why she had chosen it in the first place.

She observed him almost like a scientist observes a rare species, as he made his way through the crowd, oblivious to the questioning looks her was getting. He was so out of place, his biker style clashing with the clean cut suits and evening dresses. She watched as groups parted to let him pass. He reached the bar and with a simple nod, he hailed the bartender and made his order, once again not seeming to notice the looks of resentments from other patrons who had been trying to get their orders in for ages.

She had to admit that her interest was picked. For some reason, the blond man intrigued her. Despite the fact that he was so obviously out of his element, total confidence still emanated from him, he was at ease with himself and that made him very different from half the men there.

The bartender came back with his beer and Kozik handed him some money, almost yelling above the noise telling him to keep the change. He took a large gulp, brewing his anger. He wasn't used to being sent away like a little kid and didn't like it. He didn't like it at all. He felt an arm brush past his but ignored it until he heard a husky voice.

"Well, well, if it isn't Kozik the mechanic."

It was her. The girl from the side road. The mysterious stranger that kept popping back into his life. The one who had refused to give him her name.

She looked different tonight. She was wearing a sophisticated lime green silk dress that embraced every curve of her body and made her olive skin almost glow; the low cut back revealed the intriguing tattoo that Kozik had caught a glimpse of the day they met. A snake coming out of a hole with some obscure inscription on top, the ink ran from her neck to the small of her back. She had sky high heels that made her nearly reached his height but not quite and her face was all made up. She looked like a million bucks, stunning. But somehow, Kozik couldn't help but think something didn't quite fit. When he'd first met her and again earlier when he had seen her in town, she had looked like a diamond rough around the edges. But now, she looked polished, every flaw and expression hidden beneath the makeup. Kozik liked the wild and natural version.

She kinked an eyebrow, letting him know she had seen him check her out. "You know, at first the stalking was cute. Now it's just getting creepy."

"Really? Most girls find it endearing." He retorted with his signature grin.

"You really think you're cute, don't you?"

"Come on, you know I'm cute."

Ella bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile.

"There is that smile again." He leaned in closer conspiringly. "Careful now, people might think you're flirting with me."

"Don't flatter yourself sweetheart. I'm playing hard to get remember?" she replied in the same tone.

Kozik let out an impressed laugh. She really was something else. Not only did she have a killer body, but she had spirit, she was quick witted and flirtatious at the same time. Most of all, although she was miles away from the girls Kozik usually met, he felt that they were at the same level somehow.

She took his drink from his hand without asking, her fingers lightly brushing his and raised the bottle to her lips, her eyes never leaving Kozik's.

"You know, I wouldn't have thought this was your scene." She remarked handing him the beer back.

"Yeah? What's my scene?"

She feigned to think. "Seedy bars, old school rock music, bimbos looking for a bad boy to tame."

"What can I say? I'm full of surprises."

"You're full of something."

He started at her for a moment, scrutinizing her face as if he was trying to figure her out, and a sly smile slowly appeared on his face. "You're working so hard not to like me."

"What makes you think I have to try so hard?"

He chose this moment to lean even closer, their faces inches away from each other. "Because if you didn't, there's a good chance you might be interested."

He was so close, Ella could smell his perfume. She could feel his breath on her cheek. The proximity suddenly got too much for her and she decided it was time to leave. The alcohol was confusing her and she needed to go home before things got complicated. "Yeah, but then there's a good chance hell might freeze over." She retorted with a voice that lacked conviction. "Don't take my boredom for anything else than what it is. You don't know me. Don't try and read into me." She put her hand on her purse and felt his hand close on hers. Before she could make another move, Kozik stood up, suddenly dominating her. She tried to take a step back but she was stuck between him and a man behind her. She felt his arm reach around her back and with a single , he brought hercloser to him.

"What are you doing?"

"Dancing. What does it look like?"

Ella was tempted to untangle herself but she caught a glimpse of his eyes and realised he was challenging her. He was trying to rattle her and she wasn't about to be pushed around. She put her hands on his powerful arms and locked eyes with him. She felt him press his hand on the small of her back and leaned in as if to kiss her only to move an inch and whisper in her ear.

"You know, you're right. I don't know you. But it seems a little unfair that you seem to know so much about me. And I don't even know your name."

"You don't care about my name. Not really. If I told you, let's get out of here now, you'd probably forget all about my name and just get on with it. I'm just a challenge. I'm not buying into your usual BS and that bothers you. It's the chase you enjoy, not my company. And I'm not looking to be anyone warm body.

"Don't sell yourself short. Maybe I want to know you because you're different."

She cocked up her head shooting him an amused look. "Really? The "you're different line"? Tell me Kozik does that actually work?"

"Usually I have to say, yes."

She let out an honest laugh and he liked the sound of it. It was the first time she had laughed, not just a snigger but an actual good humored laugh.

"Alright, humor me. What makes me so different?"

For the second time that night, he scrutinized her face like he could see through it. His blue eyes watching her intensely. "You. Here. All dolled up. That's not you. It's all an act and you hate every second of it." He saw the wry smile on her face quickly disappear and her body going stiff in his arms. "Also, right now, we're dancing, I'm leading but you just can't let go. You like to be in the driver's seat. You need it because you don't like losing control. It scares you too much."

Ella felt her throat dry up. He was still staring at her awaiting a reaction but she couldn't speak. She couldn't tear her eyes from him either. She had told him he couldn't read into her and he had read her just like an open book seeing right through her. It left her feel exposed, a feeling she hated above all. She hated being vulnerable.

Kozik could tell he had thrown her off and somehow he didn't quite get the satisfaction he had been expecting.

They were still moving to the music, but in that instant if anyone had asked Kozik what music was playing, he would have been unable to answer. The only sound he could hear was the sound of his blood pumping in his ears. Their faces were so close; small move would have been enough for their lips to touch. Before Kozik could make a decision, they were snatched back to reality.

"There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere!"

Ella instinctively took a step back and Kozik reluctantly turned to the new arrival. She was a tall blond, who was presently looking at him with a mixture of mild amusement and surprise. She lacked natural but she was undeniably hot. She wore a low cut top that was a few inches too short and showed a perfectly flat and atnned stomach; leather trousers so tight they probably had had to be sewn on her and black heel boots. She also had a full sleeve tattoo and wore it well.

"Who is your friend?"

"That is Kozik the mechanic."

"A mechanic, uh? Imagine that. I'm Gillian." She said shooting him an earnest smile.

"Nice to meet you, Gillian." He turned to Ella. "See that how it works, people give you their names and you give them yours."

"That's because she doesn't know any better."

Kozik reverted his attention back to Gillian "Is she always like this?"

"No, usually she's meaner. That's her on good days."

"Well I guess I'll just have to keep trying."

"And we should go, I'm properly starved. It was nice meeting you Kozik."

"You too. And I'm sure I'll see you around" he said addressing Ella.

She shot him a last smile before following her friend and disappearing through the crowd. He smiled to himself. He had to find out who she was. Maybe she was right. Maybe it was the chase. Maybe he liked the challenge she represented. He had wanted to kiss her and he almost did. Had she been any other girl he wouldn't have had to think twice. But the look on her face when he told her why he thought she was different had been somewhat familiar to him. It had made him think of a wounded animal. For the first time since he had met her, she had appeared to lose her defences, she had seemed almost fragile. He couldn't shake the feeling that she was more than met the eye and for the first time in a long time, Kozik felt it wasn't about sex, not anymore. It was something else. He felt himself wanting to know more about her.

"Hey."

He turned around startled to find Pete looking at him quizzically. He quickly recovered. "Get what we need?"

"We're all good brother." Replied the VP showing the bag he was holding. "Sorry about the kid. He can be a bit skittish around new faces."

"What's his damage anyway?"

"PTSD. Iraq, man."

Kozik sighted. He knew enough about the damages a war can do on a grown man, let alone on a boy barely out of his teens. "Alright, let's go."

Outside, the bouncer saw the two men jump on their bike and leaves. He called out to one of his co-workers "Take over for a moment. I need to pee."

He made his way to the side of the building and lit up a cigarette before dialing a number on his phone.

"They just left. They got the package. It's going down tonight." He hanged up without further comments and took a long drag on his cigarette, satisfied.

"God, It' s been so long since I've had one of those." Gillian sighted with satisfaction.

Ella nodded in agreement. "I know. This is good."

After leaving the club, they had made their way to the diner that had been their hang out growing up, ordering a unhealthy diner of French fries and double cheese burgers. They were surrounded by teenagers without a single care in the world but the place was full of memories for them. Back when it had been the two of them against the world.

"Thanks for tonight, Gillian. I needed this."

"Even though you hated every second of it?"

Ella smiled. Gillian still knew her better than anyone else. "Not exactly every second of it."

"Right, speaking of which, what's with you and GI Joe?"

"He helped me out when I was stranded and I guess he's expecting gratitude" Ella replied dismissively.

Gillian put a fry in her mouth. "And how exactly is he still breathing right now? Sons usually know better than trying to bed the Pres's daughter."

"You Well, he doesn't exactly know who I am."

"How is that even possible?"

"Transfer. From the mother charter." Ella made a brief pause and looked back at her friend with a conniving smile. "Does that make me bad?"

Gillian let out an impressed laugh. " Look at you girl. Playing heartbreaker with a badass biker."

"I'm not playing."

"Hello? I was right there. There was definitely something going on there."

Ella rolled her eyes. "Come on Gil, you know me. He's everything I hate in a guy, he's cocky, full of himself, thinks he can bed any girls he wants, probably does too. He's a player. Believe me when I say I'm not interested."

"I believe that's what your head is telling you. But tonight girlfriend, your body was giving a whole different story."

"Fine. He's attractive. I'll admit that. But he is a Son. A fully patched member of the club. He's as bad as the rest of them."

Gillian put down her drink and "They're not all bad guys Elle."

"How can you of all people say that? You left town because of one."

Two years prior, Gillian had dropped out of school and taken up a job with the club tattoo artist to learn the trade. She had become involved with a young member of the club, Danny Trevino. But whilst Gillian had fallen head over heels for him, waiting for the day she'd officially be his old lady, he had met another girl and ended things with Gillian. She had left town shortly after that, unable to face him every day. He was now doing a ten years stretch, his old lady had left taking all his possessions and the club barely visited him anymore.

"I didn't leave because of Danny. I left because of me. Alright, being with Danny, it was like being on a rollercoaster, I never knew where I stood with him. But he never lied to me, he never made any promises. In fact, he warned me about getting involved with him. But I did. I made a choice and everything that happened after that, it lands on me."

"He broke your heart."

"Yes. But that doesn't make him a bad guy. It's just makes him a guy. Trust me, there are some pretty bad guys out there, I've been with half of them myself, but Danny? He wasn't one of them. Look I get it, you want a different life. But you can't spend it watching from the side-lines. At some point, you're going to have to take a risk."

"With him?"

"Him, anybody. You don't have to be alone Elle. You just are."

Ella contemplated the words of her friend for a moment. She knew Gillian was right. She had bailed every time things had gotten too complicated, to intimate. She had spent years focused on one objective, getting out. It had become her reason for being. But in the last few weeks, she had found herself wondering if that had been smart. She was back in Tacoma, back in her father's house, with no friends, no love life, nothing but her mother's illness. It didn't feel like she was getting out, it felt like she was here to stay.

"Who died and made you wise all of sudden?"

Gillian giggled "It comes with old age."

"Are you sure you have to leave tomorrow?"

"You know Cali isn't that far away, maybe you can come over and visit sometimes."

"Maybe."

Kozik and Pete pulled into the shooting range parking lot to find Tease pulling up at the same time. The man stepped off his bike and walked to them.

"Good to see you again man" he said before hugging the blond biker.

"It's good to see you too man. I hear you got two more kids on the way. You ever hear of condoms man?"

Tease chuckled "I guess that what I get for marrying a catholic."

The door to the shooting range opened and Ray and the rest of the crew came out. They approached the group.

"We're all set?" the president asked.

"We're good.."

"Let's go gentlemen. Tease, Kozik and Pete you stick together. I'll go with Chance and Stone. Happy, Wizz and Stockhard will take the last one. The rest of you stay close by in case we need back up."

The men nodded at once.

"Let's do this, boys and no mistakes."

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