The SGT at arms and his run-away

Like flying

*Zac*

Iris is perched behind me on the bike, her tiny arms wrapped tightly around my middle. Her laughter rings in my ears, pure and infectious. It's one of the few things in this world that can still make me smile without effort.

"Ready, princess?" I ask, glancing back at her. She nods, her dark eyes sparkling with excitement. They’re the same shade as her mother's, darker than mine. Despite the pain her mother caused me the thought still tugs at my heart, but I shove it aside, focusing on the ride ahead.

The daycare’s a short distance away, but Iris loves these little trips. She’s a biker's daughter through and through, taking after her old man I think with pride. As I pull up to the colorful building, she lets out a disappointed sigh.

"Can we go again, Daddy?" Her voice is hopeful, pleading.

I chuckle, ruffling her dark curls after removing her helmet. "Later, princess. You’ve got a big day ahead."

She pouts but nods, and grab my hand, hopping off the bike with a surprising amount of grace for a four-year-old. I follow her inside, watching as she joins her little friends, her initial disappointment forgotten.

Back on the bike, I find my mind wandering to the café down the street. To the girl I met there yesterday. Willow. Just the thought of her sends a strange fluttering sensation through my stomach. I shake my head, laughing at myself. Seriously, am I getting butterflies in my stomach over a girl? I am sure that hasn't happened since I was a green teenager.

Pulling up to the café, I find myself scanning the crowd through the window for a glimpse of her. The butterflies intensify, and I can't help but wonder, will she show up again today? Or did I scare her off?

Standing here, I’m contemplating my next move, the temptation to return to the familiarity of the clubhouse is overwhelming. I could lose myself in the haze of alcohol and the fleeting companionship offered by the club girls. But I know, deep down, that neither will fill the void that gnaws at me. Regardless, I find myself already dismounted from my bike, my feet carrying me toward the cafe in a futile hope.

As I cross the threshold, my gaze sweeps across the room, instinctively seeking out the table she occupied the previous day. The sight of the empty seat strikes me like a physical blow, my heart plummeting at the realization of her absence.

An internal chastising follows. What was I expecting? A joyful reunion? The reality is probably that she breathed a sigh of relief yesterday when I left. I'm sure that to her I’m some creepy old man, despite the fact that I’ve not yet celebrated my thirty-third birthday. But from her youthful perspective, I must seem ancient.

“Can I help…” A waitress begins, her words trailing off as she takes in my appearance. Her mouth snaps shut and she takes a step back.

I send her a reassuring smile, acutely aware that my imposing stature and tattoos, not to mention the leather cut, can be intimidating. “No need, darling, I seem to have had a change of heart.”

With a resolute turn, I stride back towards the exit, feeling the weight of curious eyes on my back, trying not to limp to much. I internally berate myself, they don't know that you were stood up. But, can it even be referred to as getting stood up, when it wasn't even a date?

Straddling my bike I tell myself that this is for the best. I have Iris to focus on, I’m not looking for a new old lady. The term makes me chuckle, she’s as far from fitting that phrase as possible.

Closing my eyes I shake my head lightly. I’m not even sure what I was hoping for, besides her being there. And I mumble to myself, “Seriously man, what did you think would happen?”

“Yeah, Zac… What did you think would happen?” The soft feminine voice sounds behind me and I turn to see Willow standing there, a hand on her hip.

She came… She actually came, and she is sassing me, which makes me smile.

*Willow*

As I take in the sight of him, straddled on his motorcycle, he just grins and his hardened exterior softens for a moment, revealing a vulnerability that tugs at my heart.

"Sorry, I'm late," I say, my voice steady despite the unexpected rush of emotions coursing through me. "My bus was delayed."

His eyes search mine for a moment, as if trying to decipher the truth in my words. A flicker of understanding dances across them before he gives me a small nod.

"Thought you didn't come," he finally says, his voice just above a whisper. The disappointment in his tone is palpable, making me reel with guilt.

"I wouldn't just stand you up," I assure him, my voice strong and clear, wanting him to believe in my sincerity.

He seems to contemplate my words before a small smile graces his lips. "Do you want to grab some breakfast at the cafe?" he offers, pointing towards the cafe where we met yesterday.

I glance at the cafe, then back at him, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. Honestly my behavior surprises me more than anyone. "I’d much rather take that ride on your bike you talked about."

His surprised chuckle echoes in the quiet morning as he extends a hand towards me. “What you want you shall have.”

As he hands me the helmet, my heart flutters in my chest. I take it from him, my fingers brushing against his in the process. The contact sends a jolt of electricity through me, making me shiver. His eyes widen a bit, noticing my reaction. He doesn't comment on it though, instead he slips his large hand around me, gently pulling me closer to help me with the helmet.

His hands are strong but gentle as he adjusts the helmet on my head. I can't help but flush under his close proximity. His scent, a mix of leather and cologne, wafts towards me, making my head spin slightly.

"Now, when you get on the bike, make sure to hold on tight," he instructs, his voice low and almost intimate in the quiet of the morning. “We don’t want any accidents.”

I nod, swallowing hard as I swing my leg over the motorcycle. When I’m on, he kinda sinks back in the seat, settling in front of me. I wrap my arms around his waist, holding on tight as he had instructed. The heat radiating from him is comforting, and the steady beat of his heart against my palms is calming my nerves.

His laugh rumbles through him as he revs the engine, the sound loud and thrilling. "Ready for the adventure, Willow?" he asks, glancing back at me.

I meet his gaze, the anticipation in his eyes matching my own. "Absolutely," I reply, my voice steady despite the rapid beating of my heart.

And with that, we drive off, the wind whipping through the part of my hair hanging below the helmet, as the world blurs around us. I tighten my grip around him, a thrill coursing through me. It's terrifying and exhilarating all at once, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

The bike roars beneath us, vibrating against my thighs, the rhythm aligning with the thudding of my heart. My fingers dig into his abdomen, feeling the play of muscles beneath his shirt. Each shift and ripple is a testament to his strength, and I find myself fascinated by it… by him.

His back is broad and warm against my chest as we lean into a curve, the world tilting on its axis. I press my face against his shoulder to hide my smile. The wind whips past us, stealing my breath, but this... this is freedom. This is what it feels like to fly. I long to fly.

I wish I could do this over and over again, wish I could see him every day. But reality’s waiting for me at the end of this ride. School, my responsibilities, my family. They all tie me down in a way nothing else can.

The danger my family poses is real. They wouldn't understand this, wouldn't approve. Probably he wouldn’t either if he knew my last name. And he... he’s too old for me. He's a man, experienced and worldly, while I'm just a girl who’s barely crossed the cusp of adulthood.

Yet, in this moment, none of that matters. Being here with him, holding onto him as we race down the road, is the most intimate thing I’ve ever experienced. I’ve never been this close to a man before, never trusted anyone enough to let them take control like this.

I close my eyes, letting the wind and the roar of the engine drown out my thoughts. For now, I just want to enjoy the ride, enjoy being with him. After all, who knows if I’ll ever get a chance like this again.