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Each movie brings exciting characters, surprising plot twists, touching relationships, and powerful stories that keep you watching until the final scene. From billionaire romances to inspiring life journeys, every film offers a unique experience.
Enjoy HD movies with English subtitles and stay tuned for regular uploads of the latest popular drama films.
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AmusantTranscription
00:00Hanna, accepté, drew Dare,
00:02drew an ashen jackal, sweet or dare,
00:04and kissed my boyfriend Daniel in front of the whole clubhouse.
00:07I dumped him on the spot.
00:08He thought I was throwing a tantrum.
00:10Don't be such a sore loser.
00:11If you kiss somebody for a game, I wouldn't care.
00:13Of course he wouldn't.
00:15Daniel had me pegged as the good girl,
00:16the girl who never crossed a line.
00:18Next round, Marcus Giant Hale,
00:21the ashen jackal sergeant-at-arms Daniel desperately wanted to impress,
00:24drew a dare.
00:25Take any woman here home tonight.
00:27Every club girl looked at him.
00:28The giant walked past them and stopped in front of me.
00:31Want to give it a shot with me tonight?
00:32I put my hand in his.
00:34Yes.
00:34That night, Daniel nearly blew up my phone.
00:36An hour earlier, Hanna's dare had been simple.
00:39Pick any patched member or prospect and kiss him for three minutes.
00:43Her eyes went straight to Daniel.
00:44Every biker followed her gaze.
00:46Daniel just looked down.
00:48Claire, mind if I borrow Daniel for three minutes?
00:50Don't worry.
00:51I'll give him back when I'm done.
00:52The table cracked up.
00:53I didn't.
00:54Across the room sat giant 6'5",
00:57Black cut open, tattoos running into his sleeves.
00:59He hadn't joined the jokes.
01:00I looked away.
01:01Plenty of prospects were single.
01:03But I didn't answer.
01:06Come on, sweetheart.
01:07It's a game.
01:10She asked two other men.
01:12Both refused.
01:12A drunk hang around raised a hand.
01:14Pick me.
01:15Three minutes.
01:16Tongue and everything.
01:17You?
01:18I'd rather kiss the fucking pool table.
01:20The biker's coming.
01:22I said patched member or prospect.
01:25Earn a patch, then get in line, baby.
01:28Big mouth.
01:29Why don't we find out?
01:31Fuck off!
01:33She told you to fuck off, you deaf.
01:36Enough.
01:37The hang around froze.
01:38Giant hadn't even stood.
01:40He only looked at him through the smoke.
01:41Daniel glanced at Giant, shoulder straightening.
01:43My stomach tightened.
01:45I have a headache.
01:47Can you take me home?
01:48Come with me, Daniel.
01:49If he left now, I could believe Hannah meant nothing.
01:52Daniel looked at Giant, then the patched members around us.
01:57You know I can't leave, Claire.
01:58I'm still a prospect.
01:59The boys are watching.
02:00My eyes burned as I stared him down, tears threatening to spill over.
02:04He let go of Hannah's hand and crouched down in front of me.
02:06Hannah's a club girl, Claire.
02:08It's part of the life.
02:09Just be reasonable, okay?
02:10Don't watch.
02:11Just give me a few minutes.
02:12Daniel, if you kiss her, I'm breaking up with you.
02:15For real.
02:16My eyes were bone dry.
02:17I mean it.
02:18He stood up, looking down at me.
02:20Don't be childish, Claire.
02:21I caught the look in his eyes and froze for a second.
02:24I'd only seen that look once before,
02:26when some woman at the diner tried to set him up with her daughter last spring.
02:29Polite rejection.
02:31Pure disdain underneath, like I was already something he'd outgrown.
02:35The ashen jackal's patch on his prospect cut caught the light as he turned.
02:39He'd only been wearing that cut for three months.
02:42Three months, and he already looked at me like this.
02:44Across the booth, one of Daniel's brothers finally lost it and turned to me.
02:48Jesus, Claire.
02:49It's three minutes, not a wedding.
02:50You're going to kill the whole damn party over one kiss?
02:53Before I could say a word.
02:55Just like that, every eye in the clubhouse snapped somewhere behind me.
02:58I hadn't even heard him move, but suddenly the temperature in the room dropped
03:01and I knew, without turning, who was standing there.
03:04Marcus, Daniel's brother.
03:05The one everyone in Red Creek crossed the street to avoid.
03:08The one Daniel spent every night trying to impress.
03:11He was staring at the guy who'd just spoken to me,
03:13and nobody at the table was there.
03:15Even the drunkest prospect suddenly remembered how to shut up.
03:19If it's no big deal, why don't you go kiss every guy in this clubhouse?
03:22He paused, as if just thinking of it, and added lazily,
03:28Oh, not me though.
03:30I don't play those games.
03:31He knew exactly where to draw the line,
03:33just enough to humiliate him without starting a war inside of his club.
03:36The guy stammered, face burning red, but couldn't get a single word out.
03:40Marcus bit down on the cigarette and lit it, leaning back against the booth.
03:43He tossed his lighter onto the table with a sharp cling.
03:46Buzzkill?
03:47I stared at him, unblinking, him, of all people.
03:50I had not expected Marcus, Daniel's brother, the sergeant at arms,
03:53the man Daniel had spent three months trying to earn a nod from,
03:56to take my side.
03:57He didn't even look at me, not once.
03:59Just sat there, smoke curling around his knuckles,
04:01tattoos crawling down his forearm, and disappearing into the sleeve of his cut.
04:04Like he'd said, what he had to say, and that was the end of it.
04:07I was so stunned I didn't snap out of it until Daniel and Hannah were done kissing.
04:11By then, the hurt had already bypassed sadness.
04:13The moment Daniel slid back into the booth,
04:16I opened my phone, blocked his number, unfollowed him,
04:18deleted the photo I still had as my lock screen.
04:21The smug satisfaction drained from his face.
04:23He just stared at me blankly.
04:25What the fuck, Claire?
04:26I already told you, we're done.
04:27You've got to be kidding me, it's just a game.
04:28How far are you going to take this?
04:29If you kissed someone for a dare, I wouldn't have given a damn.
04:31He knew exactly how by the book I was.
04:33That's why he was so sure I'd never break up with him.
04:35The good girl from Red Creek.
04:37Predictable Claire, always circling back.
04:39The second he finished, the noise across the table shifted.
04:42Yo, giant, your turn.
04:44Somebody had already drawn Marcus's next dare,
04:47and every club girl in the room went very, very still.
04:50The slip of paper hit the table.
04:52Take one woman from the clubhouse home tonight.
04:55Silence lasted maybe one second, then the room exploded.
04:58Fuck, giant finally got a good one.
05:00Who's the lucky girl?
05:01A couple of club girls were already smiling and shifting closer to Marcus.
05:05Does he even need to choose?
05:06Half the women in here would climb him before he finished the sentence.
05:09Nobody argued.
05:10Marcus, giant, hale, six foot five, tattooed from his hands up under his sleeves.
05:14Sergeant at arms.
05:15One of the most dangerous looking bikers in Red Creek and easily the hardest to approach.
05:19There were always women in the clubhouse who wanted him.
05:21Boring.
05:22Rules are rules, giant.
05:23Don't tell me the sergeant at arm is scared of one little dare.
05:26Come on, pick one.
05:29I volunteer.
05:31Get in line, bitch.
05:32Buy me a drink first.
05:34More like this.
05:34Marcus didn't touch either of them.
05:36I looked down and reached my door.
05:38None of this had anything to do with me.
05:40Daniel and I were done.
05:41Hannah could have them.
05:42The clubhouse could keep all of them.
05:43I just wanted out.
05:45Then the noise around me changed.
05:46A pair of black motorcycle boots stopped in front of me.
05:49My hand froze on the strap of my bag.
05:50Slowly, I looked up.
05:52Marcus was standing there.
05:53Up close, he was ridiculous.
05:55Too tall, too broad.
05:56Black ink covered his forearms, disappearing under the sleeves of his cut.
06:00He was looking at me.
06:01Behind him, someone muttered,
06:02No fucking way.
06:03For a few seconds, I just stared at Marcus.
06:06The kind of man people in Red Creek moved out of the way for without being asked.
06:10Behind me, Daniel gave a short laugh.
06:12Come on, Claire.
06:13You've made your point.
06:14I turned around.
06:15He still looked relaxed.
06:16That pissed me off more than anything.
06:17Ten minutes ago, I told him we were done.
06:19He still thought I was bluffing.
06:21You're not this kind of girl.
06:23Not a question.
06:24A verdict.
06:24Good girl, Claire.
06:25The girl who didn't smoke, didn't ride bikes, didn't flirt with bikers,
06:29and definitely didn't leave the clubhouse with one.
06:31Hannah took a drink and looked between us.
06:33Jesus, Danny.
06:34Maybe stop telling your ex what kind of girl she is.
06:36Especially when Giant's standing right there.
06:38Daniel's jaw tightened.
06:40Stay out of it.
06:41Hard, too.
06:41This is funny as hell.
06:43You wanted the patch life so bad.
06:45Congratulations.
06:46Now you get to learn the first rule.
06:48What rule?
06:50Don't piss off your girl in a room full of bikers.
06:52One of the older patch girls pointed at Daniel with his ear.
06:55Write that down, prospect.
06:56Marcus didn't.
06:57He was still watching me.
06:58No grin.
06:59No show for Daniel.
07:00He didn't even look around to see who was paying attention.
07:03I remember the drunk hang around grabbing Hannah.
07:05Enough.
07:05Marcus had said one word.
07:07Then I remember Daniel looking at Marcus before refusing to take me home.
07:10Giant's approval mattered more to him than I did.
07:12That was enough.
07:13Marcus stepped closer.
07:14The room quieted.
07:15He held out his hand.
07:16Want to give it a shot with me tonight?
07:19I looked at Marcus's hand.
07:21Big, calloused, old scars across the knuckles.
07:24Then I put mine in it.
07:25His fingers closed around my hand.
07:27Daniel laughed once like he was waiting for me to admit this was a joke.
07:30I didn't.
07:30Yes.
07:31For two seconds, nobody said a word.
07:34About damn time, somebody around here made an interesting choice.
07:37Claire, if you wake up tomorrow and able to walk, I'm not covering your shift.
07:41My face burned.
07:42Marcus finally looked at her.
07:46You done?
07:49Not even close.
07:51Holy shit!
07:52She actually said yes?
07:54Danny, you're fucked!
07:55Okay, good girl.
07:56You win.
07:57Danny, you just lost your girl to a man twice your fucking size!
08:00Shut up.
08:02Can't!
08:03Funniest shit I've seen all month!
08:06Daniel's smile disappeared.
08:10Claire.
08:12I ignored him.
08:13Marcus glanced down at our hands, then at me.
08:16You sure?
08:17I had to tip my head back to meet his eyes.
08:19You asked.
08:21One corner of his mouth moved.
08:24Fair enough.
08:25Daniel shot to his feet.
08:27You're seriously doing this?
08:29That sounded familiar.
08:30He'd asked me the same thing when I dumped him.
08:32You said you wouldn't care if I kissed somebody for a game.
08:34His eyes dropped to Marcus's hand around mine.
08:36This is different.
08:38How?
08:40Because he's giant.
08:42A couple of bikers made interested noises.
08:44Marcus didn't bother answering.
08:45Standing beside him made the nickname obvious.
08:47He was huge.
08:48Ready, sweetheart?
08:50Yeah.
08:51He turned toward the door.
08:52Daniel called my name again.
08:54Claire!
08:55I kept walking.
08:56Holy shit.
08:57Is that actually giant?
08:58Tell me I'm not that drunk.
08:59I'd sooner believe he's been body snatching.
09:01Hold on.
09:02I just wanted to say, have fun playing Rebel tonight, Claire.
09:05You'll be back by morning.
09:06Yeah?
09:07A couple of his brothers left.
09:09No thanks.
09:11Texting your ex about who I'm sleeping with?
09:13That's fucking desperate, Danny.
09:14Get a life!
09:16Zero hesitation in my voice.
09:18Sorry.
09:19Not really into prospects.
09:21Before Daniel could react, I grabbed Marcus's hand and pulled him out the clubhouse door.
09:27The night air outside was cool.
09:29A line of heavy cruisers sat gleaming under the security light, black and chrome.
09:34Marcus's was the biggest, and of course it was.
09:36I'd never been on a motorcycle in my life.
09:38My mom would kill me.
09:39Daniel had never once offered me a ride on his.
09:42Prospects weren't supposed to bring good girls to church runs or whatever excuse he'd used.
09:46Marcus didn't say anything about that.
09:47He just stepped in, tipped the helmet over my head himself, and adjusted the strap under my chin.
09:52His knuckles brushed my throat once.
09:54Careful.
09:54Barely there.
09:56Too tight?
09:57I shook my head.
10:02Get on, sweetheart.
10:04Behind us, the clubhouse door banged open.
10:06Daniel was standing in the doorway.
10:08Marcus didn't even glance back.
10:09He just kicked the bike to life.
10:13It wasn't until I was sitting behind Marcus, arms locked around his waist, that I finally let out a long
10:19breath.
10:20The frustration melted away.
10:22Thanks for having my back back there.
10:24You can drop me at the diner up ahead.
10:26You know what happens if you back out on a Jackets game bet?
10:30What?
10:31Superstition.
10:31Old one.
10:32Boys take it real serious.
10:33You bail on a truth or dare in that clubhouse, you're cursed.
10:36Broke luck for life.
10:37No money.
10:38Ever.
10:38He said it completely straight.
10:40I pulled out my phone and checked the board chat.
10:43Somebody had actually posted the rules.
10:45I read it three times.
10:47I was saving every dollar I could for college.
10:50Tuition.
10:51Books.
10:51Getting out of Red Creek.
10:53None of it was cheap.
10:54So when it came to money, I was religious.
10:57I actually believed in that shit.
10:59Get off, Bennett.
11:00Going broke for life ain't that big a deal.
11:02Somewhere behind us, one of them recognized Marcus and immediately looked away.
11:06Wait.
11:07He glanced at me over his shoulder, patient.
11:09Not smiling.
11:10Not not smiling.
11:12I can't get off.
11:13I take money curses seriously.
11:15His shoulders shook once.
11:16He might have been laughing.
11:17Might not.
11:18So what are you asking me, sweetheart?
11:22Just take me home.
11:24With you.
11:25Please.
11:26Not for anything.
11:27Just so it counts.
11:29So the bet counts.
11:31There was a long, long pause.
11:33Then he kicked the bike back into gear.
11:35The bike pulled off the road.
11:38Marcus killed the engine.
11:40Silence hit hard.
11:42I realized what I'd just asked him.
11:44My face went up in flames.
11:48I mean, not with you, with you.
11:50I just meant the bet.
11:52I don't want to be broke.
11:52He turned around on the seat.
11:55One big hand braced on the tank and just looked at me.
11:58Up close, his shoulders blocked most of the streetlight.
12:02Stubble shadowed his jaw and I couldn't tell what he was thinking.
12:06You want me to take you home?
12:07With me?
12:08All night?
12:09But not with me?
12:12Yes.
12:13His mouth twitched.
12:14But I don't want to.
12:15The air went freezing cold.
12:18Embarrassment burned so hot my head hummed.
12:21I wanted to vanish on the spot.
12:23I nodded slowly, trying to keep my voice steady.
12:26Right.
12:27Sorry, I've had too much to drink.
12:29Didn't mean to be weird.
12:30I'll just walk from here.
12:31I fumbled with the helmet strap.
12:34His fingers closed over mine.
12:37Stopped me.
12:38Sit still.
12:40He didn't say anything else.
12:42Just turned back around, started the engine, and pulled his back onto the road.
12:46Faster this time.
12:47I stared at his back.
12:49He hadn't told me to get off, either.
12:51I risked a look at the side mirror.
12:54His profile was harder than before.
12:56Jaw set.
12:57Eyes on the road.
12:58I figured he was annoyed at me for crossing a line, and wasn't going to let me run from it.
13:03So, swallowing my embarrassment, I tried again over the wind.
13:08I'm sorry, Marcus.
13:09I really don't have feelings for you.
13:11You're hot, but not my type.
13:13Don't worry.
13:14You're safe.
13:15Silence.
13:16Christ, Bennett.
13:17Keep digging.
13:19Engine growled deeper as we picked up speed.
13:22I stopped talking.
13:23Why was he getting more annoyed?
13:25He turned off the main road, gravel crunching under the tires, and pulled up outside a quiet
13:31bar I'd never seen before.
13:34Marcus killed the engine outside a low, dark building at the edge of town.
13:39No sign.
13:40Just an old, neon beer sign glowing in a smoked window, and a row of bikes out there.
13:46I stayed on the seat, confused.
13:48Where are we?
13:49He caught my look, forearm resting on the tank.
13:52Gave me an even glance.
13:53Don't forget, we're supposed to be together all night.
13:55Oh, so not doing that hadn't broken the deal.
13:59Marcus was decent.
14:01Weirdly decent.
14:02I didn't know why I'd expected anything else, but I hadn't expected this.
14:07I hopped off the bike and followed him in.
14:10Inside, it was warm and dim.
14:13Cracked leather boots, pool table.
14:14A few older guys at the bar who nodded at Marcus without making a thing of it.
14:20He nodded back.
14:20The woman behind the bar looked at me, then at him.
14:23You bringing home strays now, giant?
14:25Behave, Max.
14:27She snorted.
14:28That a yes?
14:29He steered me toward a back booth without answering.
14:33Sit.
14:33I gotta make a call.
14:34He disappeared out the back door.
14:36I slid into the booth and put my forehead on the cool wood.
14:40The buzz of the bar hummed around me.
14:42My phone lit up.
14:44Unknown number.
14:45I answered on reflex.
14:46There was noise on the other end.
14:48Clubhouse noise.
14:49Then two voices, close to the mic.
14:52Hannah and Daniel.
14:53She hadn't realized her pocket had dialed.
14:56Daniel, why aren't you calling her?
14:57Aren't you a little worried she's actually cheating?
14:59You think I don't know Claire?
15:02She's pissed.
15:03That's it.
15:03She wanted a reaction.
15:04She's probably back at her mom's already, in bed, crying.
15:08But you seem so calm.
15:09It doesn't sound like you care about her that much.
15:12A few seconds of silence.
15:13Then he answered.
15:14Yeah.
15:15I don't really like her that much.
15:17I hung up so hard, I nearly cracked the screen.
15:21Furious.
15:21Because I really had been about to do exactly what he said.
15:25Go home.
15:26Go to sleep.
15:27Come back tomorrow.
15:28My chest felt tight.
15:30Heavy.
15:31Suffocating.
15:31Right then, the waiter set a drink down in front of me.
15:35I snatched the glass and took a huge gulp, trying to wash down the anger.
15:40The waiter, a skinny kid, couldn't have been much older than me, gave me a strange look.
15:45Turned to leave, then suddenly froze.
15:47Miss, wrong drink.
15:49That's the owner's special.
15:50That's...
15:50I tried to reassure him.
15:52It's fine.
15:53Just tell me how much.
15:54I'll pay full price.
15:55He didn't even respond.
15:57Just dropped his tray on the next table and bolted for the back door where Marcus had gone.
16:02It didn't take long for me to realize why he was terrified.
16:06This booze was way too strong.
16:08By the time Marcus came back in, the room was tilting sideways.
16:12He took one look at my face, then at the empty glass.
16:16Mags.
16:17Don't look at me.
16:18Your spray drank it.
16:20Marcus swore under his breath and slid in across from me.
16:25Claire, how much of that did you drink?
16:27He leaned across the table, pressing the back of his cool hand against my cheek.
16:31I leaned into his touch, rubbing against his palm like a cat.
16:35But the tiny bit of sober left in me remembered how he'd said,
16:39I don't want to, on the side of the road.
16:41Embarrassment flared.
16:43Where are you going?
16:44I think I need a man right now.
16:47Afraid he'd misunderstand, I promised him seriously.
16:50But it won't be you.
16:52He almost smiled.
16:53I met his eyes, dead serious.
16:56Relax.
16:57I wouldn't sleep with you if you were the last biker on earth.
17:00Marcus's expression turned to ice.
17:02Is that so, Bennett?
17:03He was so much taller than me.
17:05Everything in the bar tilted.
17:07I hope you mean that.
17:08He didn't grab me.
17:09He just put one hand at the small of my back.
17:12Steady.
17:12And steered me toward the staircase in the back.
17:15The one that led up to the rooms above the bar.
17:17I let him.
17:18Somewhere in the back of my head, a small voice noted that he was still walking slow enough for me
17:24to keep up.
17:24The room upstairs was small.
17:26A bed.
17:27A window.
17:28A single lamp already on.
17:29Marcus set me on the edge of the mattress.
17:31Crouched down.
17:32And pulled off my sneakers one at a time.
17:35He didn't look at my face.
17:37Stay.
17:37I'll get you water.
17:38The alcohol was hitting harder now.
17:40Everything felt hot.
17:42Restless.
17:42My skin didn't fit right.
17:44He came back with a glass.
17:46Made me drink half of it.
17:47Then set it on the nightstand.
17:48I watched him.
17:50He stripped off his cut and hung it on the back of the chair.
17:53Careful.
17:54The way you'd handle something that mattered.
17:56Then he peeled off his t-shirt.
17:57Just his t-shirt.
17:58Left the sweats on.
17:59He sat on the edge of the bed, keeping some space between us.
18:03Tattoos.
18:04Tattoos everywhere.
18:05Down his chest.
18:06Across his ribs.
18:07A long white scar cut over one shoulder.
18:10Another one lower, along his side.
18:12My eyes wouldn't move.
18:13Marcus rolled a small tin between his fingers.
18:16His dark eyes had gone lazy and foggy under the lamp.
18:20Bar fight last week.
18:22Ribs are killing me.
18:23His mouth tipped.
18:25Sergeant at Arms reduced to begging a drunk good girl for a back rub.
18:29Don't tell the boys.
18:31I nodded.
18:32My head was spinning.
18:33I could barely focus.
18:35Every last bit of my common sense seemed to slip away.
18:39Dizzy and flustered, I still agreed to the impossible task.
18:43Where does it hurt, Marcus?
18:45Here.
18:46He guided my hand to a deep, dark, inked ridge of muscle over his ribs.
18:50Another one.
18:51Lower.
18:51Warm under my palm.
18:53He was watching me.
18:54Steady.
18:54Not moving.
18:55Not pushing.
18:56I could stop.
18:57I knew I could stop.
18:58Instead, I dabbed the balm on with shaking fingers, and my eyes kept drifting back up to his face.
19:03Does this hurt too?
19:05He caught my fingertip and dragged it across his bottom lip.
19:09That unbearably lazy grin returned, loaded with unspoken suggestion.
19:14Yeah.
19:16Right there.
19:17Somewhere between dabbing on the balm and losing my mind, I ended up sitting beside him.
19:23Way too close.
19:24Way too close.
19:24He did it again.
19:25Caught my fingertip and dragged it across his bottom lip.
19:29Does this hurt too?
19:31Kiss it better.
19:32I did.
19:32I looped my arms around his neck, completely drunk on him.
19:36No sanity left in sight.
19:38And kissed him.
19:39Soft.
19:40Barely there.
19:41Then I pulled back.
19:42Marcus' hand settled on my waist.
19:45His hand covered most of my waist.
19:47He dipped his head, voice low.
19:49Why'd you stop?
19:51Can I kiss you again?
19:56You don't have to ask, sweetheart.
19:57This time, Marcus lit a hand to the back of my head and took control.
20:02His fingers spread over my skull, careful.
20:05Then he tilted my chin up and kissed me again, slow and deliberate.
20:09His other hand didn't move from my waist.
20:12He wasn't rushing.
20:13He wasn't pulling me closer.
20:15He was just letting me kiss him.
20:17The size of him under me.
20:19The heat coming off his chest.
20:21The way his tattoos moved when he breathed.
20:23I forgot every reason I'd ever had for coming up those stairs.
20:27Marcus?
20:29Yeah, baby.
20:30You said you didn't want to.
20:32He huffed a quiet laugh against my mouth.
20:34His hand curled around the back of my neck.
20:37I lied.
20:38I made a small sound I didn't recognize.
20:40He kissed the corner of my mouth.
20:42Then my jaw.
20:43Then just under my ear.
20:44Claire.
20:45Hmm?
20:46You want me to stop?
20:47You say stop.
20:49Right now.
20:50Anytime.
20:51Deal?
20:51I nodded so fast I almost cracked my forehead against his.
20:55Word, sweetheart.
20:56Deal.
20:56I don't want you to stop.
20:58He exhaled against my throat like something had eased in him.
21:02Then Marcus' hand slid up under the hem of my shirt.
21:05Warm, steady, careful.
21:07And my phone rang.
21:08Impossible bad timing.
21:10He glanced at the screen.
21:11His mouth tightened.
21:13Then, without a word, he flicked it on speaker and brought it to my ear.
21:17Marcus cupped my face and let the kiss linger for another second.
21:21It wasn't until he glanced at the screen again that he paused.
21:25He pulled back just enough, flicked it on speaker, brought it to my ear.
21:29Claire.
21:29Where are you?
21:30Your mom said you never came home.
21:32Who are you with?
21:33Right now.
21:34I barely registered his voice.
21:36I leaned toward Marcus again, trying to steal another kiss.
21:39Marcus.
21:40Low, and tilted my chin.
21:42Later, sweetheart.
21:43Daniel went silent.
21:44For one glorious second, I thought he'd finally hung up.
21:48Then, Marcus?
21:49Marcus raised an eyebrow.
21:51I covered my face with one hand.
21:53Oh, God.
21:55Marcus, is that you?
21:56Morning, prospect.
21:58It's two in the morning.
22:00Then why'd you say morning?
22:01I almost laughed.
22:02Daniel did not.
22:03What the hell are you doing there?
22:05Marcus looked at me like he was genuinely considering how much trouble he felt like causing.
22:10I shook my head.
22:11He looked disappointed.
22:12Daniel kept going.
22:14You know how I feel about Claire.
22:16How could you be with her like this?
22:17You know how much I love her.
22:18My irritation came rushing back.
22:21Love me?
22:21Interesting time to discover that.
22:24You're my brother, man.
22:26How could you?
22:27Marcus's expression changed.
22:29The amusement disappeared.
22:31And he looked at the phone, then at me.
22:34Want me to answer that?
22:35I should have said no.
22:37Instead, I nodded.
22:38Marcus's mouth curved into a slow, dangerous mile.
22:41Marcus tossed the phone onto the bed.
22:44He caught my wrist and pressed my palm flat against his bare chest, right over his heartbeat.
22:49Then he leaned close enough that his breath warmed my ear.
22:53As for Daniel's outburst, he answered with a trace of dark amusement.
22:57Well, not anymore.
22:59Silence.
23:00Then a muffled voice on Daniel's end barked a laugh.
23:03Jesus, prospect.
23:05Hang up.
23:06I bit back a smile.
23:09Daniel apparently didn't find it funny.
23:11What the fuck does that mean?
23:12Marcus glanced at the phone.
23:14Sounded pretty clear to me.
23:15Marcus?
23:16Still here.
23:18This isn't funny.
23:19A little bit.
23:20I couldn't help it.
23:21I laughed.
23:22Daniel immediately switched to me.
23:23Claire, seriously?
23:24You're doing this because you're mad at me?
23:26There it was again.
23:27That incredible Daniel Carter talent for making absolutely everything about Daniel Carter.
23:33No, Danny.
23:34Then come home and we'll talk.
23:35We already talked.
23:36Claire.
23:36We're done.
23:36He started saying my name again.
23:38I hung up.
23:39Marcus stared at me.
23:40What?
23:41Cold Bennett.
23:42He deserved it.
23:43Didn't say he didn't.
23:44I tried not to smile.
23:45Failed.
23:46Everyone always said Giant was a man of few words.
23:49Cold.
23:50Distant.
23:50The one you didn't small talk at the bar.
23:53Apparently everyone was wrong.
23:55You're enjoying this.
23:57A little.
23:57You're terrible.
23:58So I've heard.
23:59His hand was still warm around mine.
24:01For some reason, that quieted me faster than anything else had all night.
24:06Marcus noticed.
24:07Of course he noticed.
24:08You still good, Claire?
24:09I nodded.
24:10Words.
24:11Yes.
24:12I'm good.
24:13He studied my face for a second.
24:14Good.
24:15For the first time since Daniel kissed Hannah, I wasn't thinking about Daniel at all.
24:20I was thinking about Giant.
24:22And that was probably a much bigger problem.
24:25When I woke up the next morning, Marcus was already gone.
24:29Didn't leave a note.
24:30Clearly, he didn't want anything to do with me afterward.
24:33Just a mistake.
24:34One drunken night.
24:35That was all.
24:36I sat up hugging the blanket.
24:38Feeling a bit deflated.
24:39Though, I'd kind of expected it.
24:41His cut wasn't on the chair.
24:43His boots weren't by the door.
24:45The tin of balm was still on the nightstand.
24:47And my sneakers had been lined up neatly beside the bed.
24:50He'd tucked the blanket up over my shoulder before he left.
24:53I told myself not to read into that.
24:56Warm sunlight hit my shoulder, marked with faint red spots.
25:00I let it go pretty quickly.
25:02Consider it a win.
25:03I'd slept with the hottest patch member in the ashen jackals.
25:07No strings attached.
25:09I wasn't blackout drunk.
25:11I remembered everything.
25:12Which, great, fantastic.
25:14I found my clothes, splashed water on my face in the tiny bathroom, and let myself out through
25:20the back stairs, so nobody in the bar would see me.
25:24By the time I got home, I'd already made peace with it in my head.
25:28So when I saw Daniel waiting outside my mom's house, sitting on the porch steps in yesterday's
25:33t-shirt, I wasn't even surprised.
25:37Claire, I deleted Hannah's number, blocked her on everything.
25:41I'll keep my distance from her from now on.
25:43Let's pretend last night never happened, okay?
25:45I didn't even know what expression to make.
25:47I was completely speechless.
25:49Compared to him kissing Hannah, and then immediately ditching her.
25:52What I really couldn't understand was, he already knew what I did with Marcus last night.
25:57He'd been on the phone.
25:58He'd heard.
25:59And he still came running to make up with me right away.
26:01I almost wondered if he had some kind of cuckold fetish.
26:05You're not bothered?
26:06That me and Marcus last night-
26:08Drop the act, Claire.
26:09Daniel cut me off, calm.
26:10I already know.
26:12Nothing happened between you two last night.
26:14I froze.
26:16Marcus must have told him.
26:18He'd slipped out without a word.
26:20I took that as my answer.
26:21He wanted what happened between us buried.
26:24Daniel stepped up on the porch to hug me.
26:26But you did manage to fool me.
26:28I was up half the night losing my mind looking for you.
26:30So we're even now, right?
26:31I stepped back.
26:32I said, we're done.
26:34Leave me alone.
26:35I pulled cards on my friend's tarot app last night.
26:37It said, you're terrible for my money luck.
26:39Daniel stared.
26:40Your money luck?
26:41I'm saving for college.
26:42This is serious.
26:43Claire-
26:44Bye, Danny.
26:44I got inside and locked the door.
26:46Last night had been a lot.
26:48Three hours of a lot.
26:50I went upstairs and passed back out.
26:52In the afternoon, my alarm went off.
26:55I had a shift at the diner where I'd been picking up hours since graduation.
26:58Every extra shift went into my college fund.
27:02Tuition, books, a dorm.
27:04My ticket out of Red Creek.
27:05I washed up and headed out.
27:07At the diner, I felt almost normal.
27:09I'd tied a scarf around my neck to hide marks from Mrs. Ellis.
27:13The lunch rush was already thinning out.
27:15I clocked in, grabbed an apron, and started wiping tables.
27:18I was refilling coffee for a trucker in the corner booth when the little bell over the
27:23door rang.
27:24A girl slid onto a stool at the counter.
27:27Blonde.
27:27Cute.
27:28I recognized her from town.
27:30She'd graduated a year above me.
27:32She waved me over.
27:33Hey, you're Claire, right?
27:35Daniel's girl?
27:36I paused.
27:37Was.
27:37Her eyes lit up like I'd just made her day.
27:40Oh, okay.
27:42Then, does Giant have an old lady?
27:44Or anyone regular?
27:45I've been trying to work up the nerve to go after him for months.
27:51Embarrassment hit me.
27:52I didn't know why.
27:54I don't know him.
27:55Not really.
27:55We've barely talked.
27:56She stared at me.
27:57Bullshit.
27:58Half of Red Creek heard you left the clubhouse on his bike.
28:01This town needs hobbies.
28:02I wanted Giant to stay untouchable in my head.
28:05I barely know him.
28:06True enough.
28:06Last night, I'd been the only one doing the talking.
28:09All he'd managed was a lot of yeah and easy, sweetheart.
28:13I didn't need to turn around to feel the shift in the room.
28:16Marcus was standing in the doorway.
28:18He was wearing all black today.
28:20Cut zipped over a black t-shirt.
28:22Sleeves pushed up over the tattoos on his forearms.
28:25He leaned against the diner door frame.
28:28Arms crossed, watching me, not smiling.
28:31Barely know me, huh?
28:32His eyes dropped to my scarf.
28:35Town gossip must be getting creative.
28:36The girl at the counter went red and made herself very small.
28:40I opened my mouth.
28:42Nothing came out.
28:43Marcus tipped his head toward the back hallway.
28:46The one that let out past the walk-in freezer to the parking lot.
28:49Bennett.
28:50A word.
28:51I set the coffee pot down, wiped my hands on my apron, walked past him without looking up.
28:56He followed me out.
28:58The second the back door swung shut behind us, he backed me against the brick wall.
29:02One big hand braced above my shoulder.
29:04The other tucked in his cut pocket.
29:06Not touching me.
29:07Just there.
29:09Didn't expect this from you.
29:10His voice was low.
29:12You're pretty heartless, sweetheart.
29:13I tilted my head up fast.
29:15My lips nearly brushed his jaw.
29:18Who taught you that?
29:20Kiss me, sleep with me, then walk out like nothing happened?
29:23I wasn't trying to kiss you.
29:24I said before my brain caught up.
29:26It was an accident.
29:28He scoffed.
29:29I'd think that over again if I were you.
29:31The memory of me asking Marcus for a kiss last night flooded back into my head.
29:35Sitting beside him.
29:36My arms around his neck.
29:38Can I kiss you again?
29:40My straightened posture immediately wilted.
29:42Marcus wasn't done.
29:44He kept going, settling the score.
29:47Slept with me, then left without a word.
29:50You left first.
29:51I stepped out.
29:52I came back.
29:53You were gone.
29:54I blinked.
29:56You came back?
29:56He looked away, jaw tight.
29:59Didn't answer.
30:00Something about the way he wasn't looking at me made my stomach flip in a completely new direction.
30:05I opened my mouth.
30:06His hand slid down off the wall and settled, carefully, deliberately, on my waist.
30:12Diner closes at 9, right?
30:14I nodded, stunned.
30:16I'll be outside.
30:17He pushed off the wall and walked away before I could say a word.
30:21At 9 o'clock, I untied my apron with hands that didn't feel like mine.
30:25When I stepped out the back door, the parking lot was empty, except for one bike.
30:31Marcus was leaning against it.
30:32Boots crossed at the ankle.
30:34A paper bag from the diner counter in his hand.
30:37He held it up.
30:38Grabbed you dinner.
30:39Figured you didn't eat on shift.
30:41Is this your idea of romance?
30:43No.
30:43This is grilled cheese.
30:45I stared at the bag.
30:46Grilled cheese.
30:47Extra pickles on the side.
30:49The exact way I always ordered when I ate at the counter.
30:53Which meant he'd been in that diner more than I'd realized.
30:56And paying more attention than I'd realized.
30:59I took the bag.
31:00My throat did something weird.
31:02Get on.
31:03I got on.
31:05He drove slower this time.
31:07Along the back road out of town.
31:09Past the fields.
31:10Past the old drive-in that didn't run movies anymore.
31:13Not toward the bar.
31:15Not toward the clubhouse.
31:16He pulled up at a lookout above the creek and killed the engine.
31:20Handed me the paper bag again.
31:22Eat, Bennett.
31:23I ate.
31:24He watched the water.
31:25Halfway through the grilled cheese, I finally worked up the nerve.
31:28When you said you came back this morning?
31:30Went to grab you breakfast.
31:31He set it flat.
31:33Like he was daring me to make it into something.
31:36Diner.
31:37Pancakes.
31:38You mentioned once you liked the ones from Ellis's.
31:40I hadn't mentioned it to him.
31:41I'd mentioned it in front of him.
31:43Months ago.
31:44At a bonfire.
31:45He'd been across the fire pit.
31:47Not even in the conversation.
31:49He'd remembered.
31:51I texted you.
31:52Phone was off.
31:54It was dead.
31:56Yeah.
31:57I figured that out around noon.
31:59The silence stretched.
32:00He wasn't looking at me.
32:02He was looking at the water like it had personally offended him.
32:05Marcus?
32:07Hmm.
32:08I thought you left because you didn't want me to still be there.
32:11He finally turned his head.
32:12Looked at me for a long second.
32:14Then he took the empty paper bag out of my hands.
32:17That's on me.
32:18Should have left a note.
32:19I didn't know what to do with that.
32:21Marcus didn't seem to know either.
32:23He just kept looking at me.
32:24Patient.
32:25Unreadable.
32:26Waiting to see what I'd do with the information now that I had it.
32:30I looked down at my hands.
32:31So last night.
32:33Was last night.
32:34Right.
32:36Meaning what you want it to mean.
32:38What does that mean?
32:39He gave me a small one-sided smile.
32:41The kind that didn't quite reach his eyes.
32:45Means I'm not going to corner you into anything, Bennett.
32:48You had a hard night.
32:49Danny had it coming.
32:50Doesn't mean you owe me a thing.
32:51That should have been a relief.
32:53It wasn't.
32:54He started the bike back up before I could figure out what to say.
32:57Drove me home.
32:59Walked me to my porch, one hand at the small of my back.
33:02Like he'd been doing it his whole life.
33:04Didn't try to kiss me.
33:06Get some sleep, Claire.
33:07I stood on the porch for a long time after his taillights disappeared.
33:12The next few days, things between us were weird.
33:15Or I was weird.
33:16He'd text once a day.
33:18Short things.
33:19You eat.
33:19You off tonight.
33:20Get home safe.
33:21Nothing loaded.
33:23Nothing pushy.
33:24Just there.
33:25I didn't know how to answer him.
33:27I kept typing things out and deleting them.
33:29Every time I saw his name on my screen, I felt like I was 15 again.
33:33Meanwhile, Daniel showed up at the diner twice that week.
33:37First time, I sent him back out with a to-go cup and no smile.
33:41Second time, he tried to corner me by the pie case.
33:47You're seriously doing this over one kiss, Claire?
33:50I'm seriously doing this because you don't actually like me that much.
33:53Your words, Danny.
33:54Not mine.
33:55He turned red.
33:56Mrs. Ellis came out of the kitchen with a spatula,
33:59took one look at his cut, and said,
34:02Very sweetly,
34:04Sweetheart, you going to order pie or keep bothering my waitress?
34:08Because only one of those pays me.
34:10Daniel left.
34:11That night, my phone buzzed on the counter.
34:14Marcus, you good?
34:15I stared at it.
34:16Then I typed back, before I could talk myself out of it.
34:20Can you come get me?
34:22He was outside in 11 minutes.
34:25I climbed on behind him without a word.
34:27He didn't ask where.
34:28He just drove.
34:29We ended up at the garage.
34:31It was closed for the night.
34:32Dark except for the bay light at the back.
34:35Marcus rolled the bike into the second bay,
34:38killed the engine,
34:39and swung off.
34:40Held out a hand to help me down.
34:42His palm was warm and rough,
34:44and grease-stained.
34:45He noticed at the same time I did.
34:47Wiped it on a shop rag before he touched my waist.
34:51Sorry.
34:51There was a half-taken-apart bike on the lift in the first bay.
34:56A radio playing low country somewhere.
34:59A worn couch shoved against the back wall under a calendar three years out of date.
35:04He guided me to the couch, sat me down, handed me a bottle of water from the mini fridge.
35:11Danny bothering you again?
35:13A little.
35:14Want me to talk to him?
35:16No.
35:17He nodded.
35:17Didn't push.
35:18He sat down on the coffee table across from me,
35:21elbows on his knees.
35:23His huge frame made the coffee table look like doll furniture.
35:27Please don't break that.
35:29No promises.
35:30Somewhere in the back of my brain,
35:32I realized this was the first time I'd been alone with him without alcohol involved.
35:36Without a dare.
35:37Without an audience.
35:38Marcus?
35:40Yeah?
35:41Why did you pick me that night at the clubhouse?
35:44His eyes flicked up.
35:46I braced for something smooth,
35:48something that sounded rehearsed.
35:49Didn't like how he was talking to you.
35:50That was it.
35:51No smirk.
35:52No line.
35:53Just that.
35:54That's it?
35:57That's what I'll tell you tonight.
35:58Something in the way he said tonight sat sideways in my chest.
36:02He stood up before I could push.
36:04Come on.
36:05I'll take you home.
36:06At my porch, he stopped one step below me, which was the only way I was ever taller than
36:12him.
36:12He looked up at me for a second.
36:14Then he said quiet.
36:16Get some sleep, Bennett.
36:17And left again.
36:19Two more weeks passed like that.
36:22Marcus texted.
36:23Marcus showed up.
36:24Marcus fed me.
36:25Marcus drove me home.
36:27Marcus didn't touch me.
36:29I was losing my mind.
36:30Meanwhile, Hannah started showing up at the diner.
36:34Sitting at the counter.
36:35Ordering nothing but coffee.
36:37Watching the door every time it opened.
36:39In case a certain someone walked in.
36:42He didn't.
36:43Not while she was there.
36:44But he did text me.
36:46One Thursday night.
36:47At 11.
36:48Out back.
36:49I untied my apron and went.
36:51He was leaning on his bike in the dark.
36:54Arms crossed.
36:55Cut zipped against the wind.
36:57The parking lot lamp buzzed overhead.
37:00Get on.
37:01Marcus.
37:03Yeah.
37:04You're not going to kiss me again, are you?
37:06Because this whole brooding biker thing is getting annoying.
37:09He went very still.
37:10Do you want me to?
37:12That's not an answer.
37:13That's the only answer that matters, Bennett.
37:15I stepped closer.
37:16Close enough that I had to tilt my head all the way back.
37:20He exhaled like he'd been holding it for two weeks.
37:24Then his hands were on my jaw.
37:26Careful.
37:26And he was kissing me.
37:28Slow.
37:29Deliberate.
37:29Nothing like the drunk mess of last time.
37:32His thumb stroked along my cheekbone.
37:35His other hand slid to the back of my neck.
37:37He kissed me the way somebody kisses you when they've been thinking about it.
37:42A lot.
37:42When he finally pulled back, he pressed his forehead to mine.
37:47You gotta tell me what this is, Claire.
37:49I don't know yet.
37:50Okay.
37:51Is that okay?
37:52Yeah, that's okay.
37:53His hand hadn't moved from my neck.
37:55But I'm not doing that again.
37:56One night thing.
37:57Not with you.
38:00Okay.
38:01I could feel his heartbeat in his throat, where my knuckles rested.
38:05He kissed my forehead, stepped back.
38:07Go finish your shift, Bennett.
38:09I floated through the rest of it.
38:11At close, I pulled out my phone to text him goodnight, and saw a missed call.
38:15Daniel.
38:16Voicemail.
38:17I hit play.
38:18His voice was cold, sober.
38:21Claire.
38:22My boys told me you've been getting on the back of Marcus' bike every night.
38:26So, guess we should talk.
38:27Tomorrow.
38:28Come to the clubhouse.
38:30I didn't go to the clubhouse.
38:32I went to the garage.
38:34Marcus was under a truck when I walked in, boots sticking out from beneath the frame.
38:39He rolled out on the creeper the second he heard my footsteps.
38:43Took one look at my face.
38:45Sat up.
38:46What?
38:46I played him the voicemail.
38:48He listened without moving.
38:50When it was done, he wiped his hands very slowly on a rag.
38:55Okay.
38:56That's it?
38:57I'll handle it.
38:58Marcus.
38:59Not you handling it, Bennett.
39:01Me.
39:02He's a prospect.
39:03I'm sergeant at arms.
39:05For once, let the stupid patches work in your favor.
39:07I sat down on the edge of the couch.
39:09My hands were shaking a little.
39:11He noticed.
39:12Of course he noticed.
39:13He crossed the bay in three strides, crouched down in front of me, and put both his big
39:19hands over both of mine, grease and all.
39:22Hey.
39:23I'm fine.
39:24Claire.
39:25I don't want you to fight him.
39:27His mouth twitched.
39:29I'm not going to fight him, sweetheart.
39:30I don't need to.
39:32Then what?
39:33He needs to be told, one time, in front of the boys, that you're not his to call.
39:37That's all.
39:38I looked down at his hands over mine.
39:43So I gotta ask.
39:44Quiet.
39:44Careful.
39:45Are you mine to say that about?
39:47I looked up.
39:48He wasn't smiling.
39:49His jaw was tight.
39:51His eyes were doing that thing where they went too still, like he was bracing for the
39:56answer.
39:56For a second, I saw something I hadn't seen in him before.
40:00Not danger.
40:01Not that lazy, sinful smirk from the clubhouse.
40:04Something almost careful.
40:06Like he already thought he knew what I was going to say, and it wasn't the thing he wanted.
40:11Yes.
40:12He blinked.
40:13Yeah?
40:15Yes, Marcus.
40:16He let out a breath, dropped his forehead against our joined hands, just for a second.
40:21Okay.
40:22Then we do this right.
40:24Come with me.
40:26He took me back to his place instead of the clubhouse.
40:29Small house at the edge of town.
40:31Neat.
40:32Not what I'd pictured.
40:33Bookshelf in the living room.
40:35Coffee pot on the counter.
40:37A cat on the couch.
40:38You have a cat?
40:40She had me.
40:41I looked from the biker to the tiny cat.
40:44Don't.
40:45I didn't say anything.
40:46You were loud about it.
40:47I sat down at the kitchen table.
40:49He poured me a glass of water.
40:52Then he sat across from me and didn't say anything for a long moment.
40:56Finally.
40:57I didn't want you thinking I was just doing this out of some obligation.
41:01So let me be clear.
41:02He looked at me.
41:03Eyes clear as spring water.
41:05I like you.
41:07Have for a long time.
41:09What?
41:11You were Danny's girl.
41:12He said it plain.
41:13No drama.
41:15Just the fact he'd been carrying.
41:16So I didn't do anything about it?
41:19Wasn't gonna.
41:19I was gonna let it be.
41:21Marcus.
41:23That night.
41:24At the clubhouse.
41:25When he let that girl kiss him with you sitting right there.
41:27His jaw worked.
41:32That was the first time I let myself say anything at all.
41:35And even then I told myself it was just a dare.
41:37Get you out of the room.
41:38That was it.
41:39I couldn't speak.
41:40I know what I look like, Bennett.
41:42I know what I do.
41:43I know how old I am.
41:44And I know how old you are.
41:47I ain't gonna pretend I'm what your mom pictured for you.
41:51Stop.
41:53You're smart, Claire.
41:56Mrs. Ellis said you turned down a scholarship application
41:58because you didn't think you'd get it.
41:59That true?
42:00I opened my mouth.
42:01Closed it.
42:03Maybe.
42:04You could go to college.
42:06You know that, right?
42:07You don't have to stay in Red Creek.
42:09There's more than this.
42:10My eyes went hot.
42:13You want me to leave?
42:14No.
42:17But I want you to know it's an option.
42:19Somebody should have told you already.
42:21Nobody had.
42:22Not Daniel.
42:23Not my mom.
42:24Not the town.
42:25I looked at him across the table.
42:28Huge.
42:29Tattooed.
42:29Terrifying to everyone in Red Creek.
42:32Telling me, careful as anything,
42:34that I had a life outside of him.
42:37Okay.
42:38Okay.
42:39He reached across the table and took my hand.
42:41Take your time, Bennett.
42:42I applied.
42:44Three schools.
42:45State ones.
42:45Nothing crazy.
42:46Mrs. Ellis wrote me a recommendation letter
42:49and cried a little when she handed it over.
42:51My mom cried a lot more.
42:53Daniel, when he heard through the grapevine, didn't say a word,
42:56which was probably the most respectful thing he'd ever done.
43:00Marcus drove me to the post office the day I mailed the last envelope.
43:04He didn't come in.
43:05Waited on his bike in the parking lot, arms folded, watching the door.
43:11Scared of the post office?
43:13Government building.
43:14Terrifying.
43:15Exactly.
43:16On the ride back, he took the long way, along the creek, past the drive-in.
43:20He didn't say anything the whole time.
43:23At the lookout, he killed the engine.
43:25I climbed off.
43:26He didn't.
43:27Marcus.
43:28Yeah.
43:29You've been quiet.
43:30Yeah.
43:30You going to tell me why?
43:32He looked at the water, took off his helmet, then looked at me.
43:35If any of them say yes, you go.
43:38Marcus.
43:39I mean it, Claire.
43:39You go.
43:41You don't turn it down for me.
43:42You don't turn it down for this town.
43:44You don't turn it down for anybody.
43:46You want me to leave?
43:47No.
43:48Fast.
43:48Certain.
43:49Then quieter.
43:50But I want you to have a choice.
43:52I ain't ever going to be the reason you didn't.
43:54I stepped closer.
43:55He was still sitting on the bike,
43:57So for once, I was almost tall enough to look him level in the eye.
44:01You told me I had a choice.
44:03Yeah.
44:04So let me make one.
44:05His jaw shifted.
44:07Claire.
44:09I'm going to apply.
44:11I'm going to go, if they take me.
44:13I'll drive back on weekends.
44:14You'll come up when you can.
44:16Bennett.
44:16I didn't say I was leaving you, Marcus.
44:18He closed his eyes.
44:19For a second, the huge, tattooed man every club girl wanted just breathed.
44:23Then he reached out, hooked one hand behind my neck, and pulled my forehead to his.
44:28Say that again.
44:29I choose you.
44:30Yeah.
44:31Yeah.
44:32He kissed me under the streetlight above the creek.
44:35Slow.
44:36Careful.
44:36Like he'd imagined this moment a hundred times, but only now let himself come close.
44:42Behind us, the bike ticked in the cooling air.
44:45The road ahead was long, but this time, we had chosen each other.