[MC #1] Biker's Treasure [Ghost Series Part 2]

Chapter 10 - Michelle

It's all my fault.

Everything is my fault!

Lia is hurt because of me and there's nothing I can do to help her!

"Precious, you need to calm down. Come on, deep breaths. In and out." I feel lightheaded as John pulls me to his chest, rubbing my back and neck. That's when I realize I'm hyperventilating.

"I-It's all my fault!" I sob into John's shirt, clutching it with my hands.

"No, it's not. – he grabs my shoulders and pulls me away from his torso and keeps me at arm's length as he speaks – None of this is your fault. Don't you ever say otherwise, you hear me? It's not your fault that those fuckers are after you and it's not your fault that they hurt Lia. Do you understand?" I just give him a small nod, but he's not convinced, giving me a stern look.

"Words, precious. Do you understand?"

"I do." I hiccup as tears roll down my cheeks.

"What do you understand?" John doesn't give up, still pushing me for answers.

"I understand that it's not my fault." I look straight into his eyes as I speak, getting a proud smile in response and a kiss on my forehead.

"Good girl. We should start packing, I don't think Blake wants to stay here for long." I nod and leave his arms, heading straight to my closet.

I end up with two bags of clothes and a small travel bag filled with my personal items and toiletries. John wordlessly carries everything out, while I lock the window in my room before taking my handbag and following him out. Blake quickly packs food from the fridge, so it doesn't go bad, then takes the small refrigerator to his car. I wait with John by his car, while Blake locks all the windows and doors. I would've helped him, but I know he'll get it done faster than me. I see his car is filled to the brim. How did he pack all of it in such short time? His face is scrunched in worry as he locks the front door and sets the alarm before walking to his car and pulling out of the driveway.

John helps me get in the passenger seat of his SUV - damn him for being a giant - then drives away, heading to the clubhouse. I keep his large hand in both of mine, playing with his long fingers in my lap to distract myself.

What if Lia doesn't recover from her wounds? What if she hates me? What if she doesn't want to see me? She's my best friend, I don't want to lose her.

"I can almost hear the cogs turning in that pretty head of yours. What are you thinking about?" John glances at me imploringly.

"What if Lia hates me after this?" He sighs heavily hearing this.

"She won't. Do you really think Lia is that kind of person? She won't hate you. She cares about you too much to hate you." I'm not convinced. Lia is hurt because of me, I would be surprised if she wants to see me after this.

"Precious, don't even go there. It's not your fault, end of discussion." Did he read my mind?

"No, I didn't read your mind. – he chuckles, making me turn to him with wide eyes – I can tell what you're thinking by just looking at you. You're like an open book." He takes my hand in his bigger one, locking our fingers, and leaves a kiss on my knuckles, causing a small smile to appear on my face. I put our joined hands back on my thigh, playing with John's fingers again.

"How are you so calm about this? Those guys now know about my connection to the club, that's why they left Lia there. I don't want to involve your club in this." I quietly say, staring out the window.

"You're impossible. I already told you – you're mine. I am responsible for you and I will do everything I can to keep you safe. Besides, those guys basically signed their death certificates the second they decided to lay a hand on our sister. Lia is a part of the club even though she doesn't have a cut and doesn't work for us. She earned my respect after we fought and since then I claimed her as family. She will forever be protected by the club. And so will you." I gaze at John with teary eyes and my heart swells with love for this man. The way he speaks about Lia being his sister, his family, goes straight to my soul, causing warmth to spread through me. I pull his hand to my lips and leave a firm kiss on the back of it.

I hesitate for a moment before speaking. I'm actually scared.

"I love you, John." His hand tightens in mine as he whips his head at me, his eyes wide. Then his gaze softens, his whole body melting into the seat.

"You have no idea how much it means to hear you say that. I was so fucking scared of confessing my feelings to you, afraid that you wouldn't reciprocate them. I mean, I'm over 10 years older than you. I love you too, Precious. I wanted to ask you this in different circumstances, but I guess I'll do it now... - he glances at me, his eyes filled with emotion - Will you be my Old Lady?"

I feel my eyes get watery and I squeeze John's hand tightly in mine, giving him a wide smile. Despite the horrible situation we're in, I feel pure joy and happiness fill me. I lean from my seat and kiss John's cheek, getting a smile from him. "I will."

"But wait, would I have to get the tattoo? I'm scared of needles." I quietly tell him, wincing at the mere thought of getting a tattoo.

He sighs, seemingly deep in thought. "I understand, but it's the club's tradition. A claimed old lady gets a property cut and a tattoo, that way she's recognized as part of the club. And since I'm the Prez, it's even more important that my woman is respected. I'll think about your tattoo, but please try to consider it. It really means a lot." I sigh.

"I'll think about it." I say right before John parks his car in front of the club.

I see Blake run out of his car and rush inside with Gun and Wrench following him. Lia!

John frowns and leads me inside, telling the prospects to get my bags to his room. We're met by anxious Maggie, Gun and Wrench in the hallway in front of Lia's room.

"What's going on?" John demands.

"Lia's awake. I tried to call you, but you didn't pick up." Maggie answers and I feel tears prickle my eyes as I glance at the door. "I think it's best to leave those two alone for now." Maggie says as Gun takes her hand and pulls her away. She pat's John's shoulder then my head, like one would to a child, before leaving.

"Tank?" Wrench implores, seeing the concentrated look on John's face.

"Get the guys. I'm calling Church." I glance at him questioningly, but he just presses a kiss to my forehead before taking me to the meeting room, where they hold the 'church'.

We're the first ones here and John pulls me onto his lap, getting a strange squeak from me. I'm not light enough to sit in his lap!

"It's time we explain everything to the guys. They have to know what we're dealing with." He tells me, rubbing my back comfortingly and I melt in his embrace, leaning my head against his shoulder.

He presses his lips to my head then strokes my hair. "Do you want to tell them everything or should I do it?" He whispers into my ear as the guys pile into the room, looking at the both of us questioningly.

"Could you do it?" I hopefully ask, getting a firm nod in response.

"What's going on, Prez?" Wolf asks first.

"As you know, Lia got hurt. Badly. And there's suspicion that the people who did that to her are the same ones that are after my girl. Guys, meet my Old Lady - Michelle Lans."