Carly's Ride (Burning Knights MC) || Watty's 2019

Chapter 15 - Carly

Slash leads me to his bike and hops on first, me climbing on after him. This time with more confidence. I wrap my arms around his waist and scoot forward, gripping him tightly as butterflies swarm around my stomach. So far it had been great. The place, even though it was gaudy on the outside, was warm and welcoming on the inside. The food was seriously good, I'll definitely be coming back. Even with Slash's reaction to the 'mum' question, I still had a good time. I feel happy that he allowed me to see a different side of him. 

"Off we go, babe," Slash says as he starts the engine. He backs out of the parking spot and then smoothly rides out of the carpark and onto the open road. I will myself to calm down and to open my eyes. Slowly, very slowly, I open my eyes and look around. Wow! The scenery looks amazing as we ride by! I look with a smile, loosening my hold slightly on Slash's waist. 

We ride for a while before Slash pulls off onto a bush track, a big sign stating it's a nature reserve at the front of the road. We pull off into a small carpark clearing and Slash parks the bike. I gingerly slide off, my legs like jelly from the ride. I giggle to myself as I slide the helmet off, sitting in on the seat Slash just got off. 

Running my hands through my hair, I try and tame the flyaways. "So, do you know where we're going, Slash?" I ask, giving up on my hair. 

The man looks down at me with a smile, offering his hand again. Trying not to overthink, I take hold of it. "Of course I do. Come on," He tugs me forward and leads me to a walking track. I smile to myself as I relish the feel of his big warm hand around mine. Making me feel safe for once in my life. 

It scares me honestly, how quickly I'm opening up around him. It feels... Right. It's strange to see this side of him. Not that I have much of an opinion since I haven't known him long. But compared to when I first met him at Ruthie's, it's a big change. A welcome one too. 

Tracking through the forest we keep our hands clasped, admiring the scenery. It's truly beautiful, from the rocks, the trees and the birds singing their melodies. "I didn't take you for the bushwalking type Slash, I'm pleasantly surprised,"

"Yeah, well it's an excellent way to clear your head. Especially my head," he replies gruffly, glancing to show me a smile. "So what about your family?"

I swallow roughly, fighting the feeling of tears as they burn through the back of my head. "U-Um... They're both dead." I mumble. Slash stops walking, turning to look down at me. 

"Sorry sweetheart, it's tough to lose your parents. How old were you?" 

"I was 13. I was put into foster care shortly after. None of my parents family wanted to take me on. Too much to handle they said," 

"Fucking selfish bastards babe, don't waste your heart on them," he says, raising his hand to my cheek, stroking it with the pad of his thumb, the rest of his hand cupping my face. 

I nod my head slowly. "Yeah. Guess we all have sore spots, don't we?" I question. 

"We sure do, babe. It's how you choose to handle them that counts," he says calmly, slowly dropping his hand. 

"Yeah, it is,"

"So, what about Jay? You've not mentioned his dad. So I can guess he doesn't have anything to do with him,"

"N-No... He doesn't," I whisper.

"Any reason? Or is he just a deadbeat?"

"H-He... Um..." I stutter, not knowing how to answer him. I don't want to lie to Slash, but I'm scared of what he'll think of me.

"No need to be nervous babe. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," he says, studying me from the corner of his eye as we continue walking.