It was Nothing

Marina's POV

I began to mount the new one back in position. I installed it using the reversal process for the removal. I made sure it was properly seated and it aligned with all the necessary mounting points. I finally reconnected the wires to their respective terminals.

I torqued all the bolts and reconnected the battery. When I finished, I rose up and kick-started the ignition.

It rumbled to life, but just before I could scream in victory, it made silly noises with wire sparks. My smile faded and I immediately crouched back down. I didn't want to look at Varce’s face but when I did, he was even angrier than he was initially.

Damn.

I checked for any issues over and over, fixed the minor ones and finally started the engine again.

It worked. It fucking worked. No weird noises.

I rose to my feet and looked around but they all looked stunned, and I was unclear if it was in a bad way or not. Then I saw Varce approach me and for some reason I took a step back and watched him start the ignition over and over like he couldn't believe his eyes. Then he climbed on it with his hot body and drove it around us, a smile settling on his face.

I watched with calculated excitement until he rounded the garage and stopped in front of me.

“You really fixed my Harley. You did.”

“Yes sir.”

“Wow. I can't believe it. It's incredible. Thank you for fixing it.”

“You're welcome.” Then we both faced the Crowd.

“Give him a round of applause you idiots! He fixed my bike, and none of you were able to do it. A simple coil issue and none of you could figure it out? That's disappointing. Now you stand there and do nothing, not even clap. Well, you'll do it today!”

He said, climbing down from the bike as they finally clapped and congratulated me for fixing it and him for having his bike back.

I beamed, all smiles, my heart doing the thing where it leapt for joy.

I really did fix the bike! So I wasn't leaving! The second the thought settled in I jumped around and danced, forgetting where I was.

When I calmed down, they were all staring at me. I just acted like a stupid girl, didn't I? Gosh.

Then I remembered our agreement as I watched Varce.

“Captain.” I called out his name, my hands behind my back as I stood.

“Yes?” He turned around to face me, his smile gone. He had gone back to typical Varce. Such an ungrateful prick.

“You owe me a wish.”

“Excuse me?” He towered above me and I swallowed.

I said nothing as I looked down, scared to even look him in the eye. I should've known he wasn't the type to keep his promises.

“What the fuck do you want? I'm only doing this because you repaired my bike.” His deep voice coursed through my veins as I raised my head back up sharply, unable to hide back a smile. I guess I made him really happy.

“Better food? I don't know if I can ask for that, but maybe better food.” I said hopefully and watched his face squeeze.

I looked around and watched others nod. Obviously they agreed with me.

“So you came here to eat then. You want princess treatment like a pussy?” He shook his head like he was disappointed.

“There's nothing wrong with wanting to eat good food, captain.” I stood my ground and sometimes I hated when I couldn't keep my mouth shut.

“Shut up and stop talking back at me.”

“Yes Sir.”

I nodded obediently. He scratched his cheeks thoughtlessly for a second.

“I guess that can be arranged. Done.”

I smiled at him and watched him turn around to yell at others.

“So you guys hated the food!” He asked like he couldn't believe it. I'm sure they were definitely feeding him something different and better.

“Captain, your food is different. We just never cared to complain but we do need the change like Sergey said.” One of the guys said.

“Okay, okay.”

He turned around to face me again, smiling like crazy, making my heart jump.

“Thank you for fixing my bike. You can head back. I'm not happy you're here but I will always stick to my word. Fuck up so i can look for another excuse to kick you out, okay?”

“I'll never mess up then.” The words flew out of my mouth before I realized. My lips flew to my mouth but he just laughed loudly, took steps towards me and ruffled my short hair. I hid it under a cap so I guess somehow it was out and I didn't realize it all this while?

I hoped I didn't look so feminine now.

“Run along now kiddo.” He ruffled again and I let him. It felt so good. I ran back to our main building, the men that came to watch chanting my name for performing a feat that no one had been able to do.

……

“I was so scared for you.” Oliver danced in excitement when I entered the room. He wasn't allowed to come out and watch. Well, some of the guys. It was a rank thing. Crazy if you ask me.

“Why would you be? You're so weird, Oliver.” I don't know, somehow he weirded me out. Why was he all over me?

He looked at me like he understood my problem then rolled his eyes.

“The other guys here are years older than us, okay? I have no friends so don't blame me when I see someone around my age range.” Then I felt pity for him. I guess now it made sense. I didn't want friends, but I was definitely stuck with him now.

“You know what? I totally get you. Well, thanks. At least the captain is getting a better chef as a reward.”

“So we heard. The boys are excited and grateful.”

“Oh please, it was nothing.” I shrugged my shoulders and dismissed him, tired as hell.

A girl just wanted a cold shower but I couldn't because I needed to be extra careful.

“Well, fuck.” I exclaimed, realizing the stupid shit I just did.

I should've asked for a separate room all to myself. It wouldn't be possible, but maybe it would've been?