Zak’s warning

Zak POV: The sun hangs low in the sky, casting warm hues across the compound as I step outside, the sounds of laughter and music echoing from the backyard. The air is thick with the smell of BBQ and the unmistakable scent of freedom that comes with a party. As I take in the people stumbling around from the effect of the flowing liquor, I stand still trying to wrap my head around everything that happened in the meeting yesterday. Nadia—Flames—with her fiery entrance and the explosive confrontation with Vince replay in my mind. I can’t shake the image of her standing there, the way she commanded attention and respect. It’s not every day a woman walks into a room full of bikers and leaves them speechless. “Hey, you coming or what?” Logan calls out, breaking me from my thoughts. He is already halfway to the backyard, a plate piled high with food in one hand and a drink in the other. “Yeah, just needed a minute,” I reply, following him. The last thing I want is to be in the middle of a bunch of drunk bikers after what was revealed by the woman who seemingly consumes my mind as of recently, but I know I need to keep my head occupied, especially after everything that went down. As I step into the backyard, I scan the crowd, looking for any sign of her. It’s hard not to feel the buzz of excitement in the air, but my mind is elsewhere. I spot Liam, the prospect who welcomed Nadia earlier, chatting with a couple of old ladies as he passes them on his way to the bar. He seems to have taken a shine to her, and my gut twists at the thought. “Dude, you’re staring,” Logan says, nudging my side. “What’s the deal with you and Flames?” “Nothing,” I snap, trying to brush off the growing tension inside me. “She’s just… complicated.” “Complicated? She’s a f*****g firecracker! That’s what makes her interesting,” he laughs, stuffing a piece of BBQ meat into his mouth. “You should talk to her.” “Easy for you to say. Did you see her drop Vince like a sack of potatoes,” I mutter. “She’s not afraid of anyone, and that’s not something we’re used to.” “Maybe that’s what we need, man. Someone who won’t put up with your s**t,” he jokes, but there’s a seriousness in his eyes that makes me pause. “Maybe.” I take a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on the present. I spot Leo over by the grill, flipping burgers and chatting with some of the older members. I make my way over, hoping to get some insight into what’s going on with Nadia. “Leo!” I call out, trying to sound casual. He looks up, a smile spreading across his face. “Zak! How’s it going, brother?” “Not too bad. Just wondering if you’ve seen Nadia around,” I ask, trying to keep my tone light. His expression shifts slightly, a knowing look crossing his face. “Yeah, she’s over by the bar, talking to Liam. Seems like she’s fitting back in well.” “Fitting in?” I echo, feeling a surge of protectiveness. “I don’t want her getting too comfortable with anyone here.” “Relax, man. She’s a grown woman. Besides, it’s good for her to be around people who can care for her, even if that’s not her opinion right now,” Leo replies, a hint of seriousness in his tone. “She’s been through a lot, and if anyone can handle this life, it’s her.” “Yeah, I get that,” I mutter, my mind racing back to the way she stood up to Vince. “She’s strong, no doubt about it. But I can’t help but feel like she’s stepping into a world that could swallow her whole.” “And you think you can swoop in and be there to help her navigate it,” Leo suggests, raising an eyebrow. “You’ve always had a way with the ladies, and trust me, she could use a friend but that woman can hold her own. She doesn’t need a saviour.” Before I can respond in my defence, I catch a glimpse of Nadia across the yard. She’s laughing, her head thrown back as she talks to Liam. The sight stirs something primal in me—jealousy, protectiveness, a strange mix of admiration and desire, all of which I have no right to feel after the short time I’d known her. “Look, I gotta go talk to her,” I say, cutting off Leo before he can respond. “Good luck, man,” he calls after me, a grin on his face. I make my way through the crowd, my heart pounding as I approach her. She looks radiant in the sunlight, her hair catching the light like flames. The moment I step closer, she turns her head and our eyes lock. There’s a spark there—an undeniable chemistry that sends a jolt through me. “Flames,” I say, trying to keep my tone casual despite the rush of adrenaline. “Having fun?” She raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing at her lips. “You could say that. Liam here has been keeping me entertained.” I shoot Liam a warning glance, but he merely grins. “Just making sure she has a good time, man. She’s new here; we gotta show her the ropes.” “Yeah, well, I’d be careful with that,” I reply, my voice low. “She’s not someone you want to underestimate.” Nadia’s eyes flicker between us, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity. “Is that so?” “I’ve seen what this place can do to people,” I state, moving on with my tone serious. “I wouldn’t want you to get caught up in it.” “Is that concern I hear, Zak?” she teases, but I can see the glimmer of understanding in her eyes. “More like a warning,” I reply, not backing down. “You’ve got fire, but this world can snuff it out quickly if you’re not careful.” She studies me for a moment, and I can’t tell if she’s annoyed or intrigued. “Maybe I want to see just how bright my fire can burn.” “Just make sure it doesn’t burn you in the process,” I say, my voice low. She takes a long sip from her wine bottle, holding my gaze. There’s something electrifying in the air between us, a connection that feels both exhilarating and dangerous. “Thanks for the advice, but I think I can handle a little heat,” she smirks, her confidence unwavering. I can’t help but smile back, despite the unease swirling in my gut. “Just remember, I’ll be around if you need someone to watch your back.” “Noted,” she replies, her smile brightening.