Heaven's Sinners

“Ah, so it’s not a romance?”

“No.”

I fuckin’ wish it were sometimes.

“And why is that, Spike?” she purrs, sliding her tongue out and running it over her bottom lip.

Fuck. Ciara’s sister is flirting with me. Openly. Not holding anything back.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

She steps forward, running a finger down the front of my shirt. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. If only Ciara was this outgoing, maybe then we wouldn’t be dancing around feelings that we both know are there, yet neither of us want to admit. It’s the fear of losing the friendship, but fuck, it’s draining. I’ve wanted Ciara since the day I laid eyes on her. She’s fucking gorgeous, inside and out. She puts me in the friend-zone, though. No matter what I do, no matter how many hints I drop. She just doesn’t see me. I’m tired of it, and in a sense, I guess I’ve given up. If a friend is all I can have her as, then that’s what I’ll stick with. She’s always going to be my girl, but I can’t keep waiting.

“Oh, Spike, I’d love to know. If she is silly enough not to snap you up, I most certainly will.”

I don’t get a chance to answer her, because I see Ciara standing at the top of the stairs. I turn my gaze to her, and my heart stutters. I’m not sure if it’s the long, slightly curled, blonde hair, the full red lips, the porcelain skin, or the yellow eyes, but fuck, she’s perfect. Her blue dress gently sways around her knees as she steps down towards us. Her eyes are on Cheyenne, and her face is filled with something I can’t quite pick. It could be jealousy, or anger. I know the two of them aren’t close, Ciara has told me a little bit about it. Whatever the look, it’s full of emotion. When her eyes finally turn back to mine, I see a hint of betrayal.

“I see you met Cheyenne,” she says, though her voice is empty.

“Yeah, I did.”

“You never told me Spike was so gorgeous,” Cheyenne laughs, placing a hand on my shoulder. I flinch.

“What did you call him?” Ciara asks.

“Oh, didn’t you know that’s what everyone calls him?”

Ciara’s eyes flash with hurt, before she covers it up, and shrugs. “Well, I’m glad you two met. Are we going?”

I nod, extending my hand. Ciara reaches down and takes it, and we turn, heading for the door.

“I’ll see you around, Spike. I’d love to know more about that nickname...perhaps you’ll tell me all about it next time you’re here,” Cheyenne purrs again.

Well fuck. Why do I get the feeling this is going to become a complicated situation?

~*~*~*~*

PRESENT - CIARA

“Hey Tom Cat!”

I smile as Cade comes running up to me when I’m at the compound the next day. He grins, wide and beautiful, and wraps me in a hug. For a moment, I enjoy the comfort. I need it. More than I realized. He pulls back, and looks down at me, studying my face.

“You don’t come here often, what’s up?”

I force a smile. “I was just after Jackson.”

“He’s in the main bar.”

“Thanks,” I say, walking towards the bar. Cade falls in step beside me. “How were your few days away?”

He nods, grinning. “Fuckin’ sweet. Was good to get away.”

“I bet Addi had a good time?”

“Fuck yeah, she always has a good time with me. She’s a fuckin’ wildcat.”

I shove him lightly, and he laughs.

“Get your mind out of the gutter, biker.”

He wraps an arm around me. “Can’t help it. The girl drives me crazy.”

“Crazy is good.”

He grins down at me, and then spins me around to face him. “She’s inside, go and say hello to her when you’re done with Jacks, yeah?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

“You all good?”

I nod, forcing a smile. “I’m good.”

“I’ll catch you later, Tom Cat.”

I watch Cade turn and walk off and then with a shake of my head, I walk inside.

The bar is quiet for a Thursday. It’s usually filling up with bikers by now. Addison is at the bar, drying a batch of glasses. I wave to her when she looks up, and her eyes brighten.

I can’t help the smile that stretches across my face. If anyone in the world understands pain, it’s Addi. She’s got a vibe about her that screams survivor, yet at the same time, it screams warmth and friendship. She’s definitely someone you want in your life.

“Hey! Ciara!”

“Hey Addi,” I say, walking over and stopping at the long, wooden bar. I lean my hip on it. “How’s it going?”

She drops the dishcloth and sighs. “Pretty good, sick of work.”

I nod in understanding. “I know what you mean, it’s my first day off in ages.”

“Are you getting paid again?”

I narrow my eyes. “How did you know about that?”

“Spike told Cade.”

I feel my brows raise now. “Spike and Cade speak?”

“They have been, yeah. It’s a slow process, but it’s happening.”

That makes me happy, for both of them. They deserve to find that friendship again. I imagine it would never be quite the same, but something is better than nothing at all.

“I’m happy for them,” I say, fiddling with the end of the dishcloth. “And yeah, I’m getting paid again. Spike gave me some money anyway, but I’m going to give it back.”