I take a slow breath, letting my cheek rest against Locke's chest, listening to the steady, reassuring thrum of his heartbeat as I gather my thoughts.
"I grew up in the club," I say. "It was noisy, rough, and completely chaotic. As the daughter and younger sister of two patched-in members, with no mother at home to take care of me when they were out, I had a very… specific kind of childhood.”
“I can imagine.”
“Don’t get me wrong, there were amazing pros: I had a dozen giant, tough men who treated me like absolute royalty. They taught me how to ride before I could drive a car, and made sure no one ever dared to breathe wrong in my direction. I always knew I was loved, safe, and backed by an entire family."
Locke’s hand slides up to cup the back of my head, his fingers gently weaving thr
