Page 26 of Tack’s Bounty

He cupped her face until she was staring into his eyes. “You ready for me to make you mine? There’s no going back after this—it’s for life. You’ll wear my cut as soon as I can get one here, and you’ll wear my ring when you decide what type of wedding you want. Do you agree to that?” he asked.

“Ryder, we’ve barely known each other a week. Are you sure?” she asked, hoping beyond hope that she meant as much to him as he meant to her.

“Babe, whether it’s been a week, a month, a year, or a lifetime is not going to change how I feel. You were so gorgeous when I met you, and then you opened your mouth and I was intrigued. That evening, I couldn’t stop thinking about you, and when you were in danger, it scared me. But I knew not long after meeting you that I loved you. It may be too soon, and with your history with dumbass, I’m sure you’re wary of committing yourself. You don’t have to say the words back, but if you’re not ready to be mine, then I can wait until you’re sure,” he promised.

Oh, this man. She’d started falling in love with him when he came to help her with the animals and called all his friends to help too. She’d pushed it down because she’d been afraid to hope. Being with Ryder made her stronger because his love wrapped around her and gave her strength. She wanted him to have the same feeling.

“I love you, Ryder. I was attracted to the hot SWAT officer, and then the one-percenter biker made me feel safe,” she admitted softly, laying her palm against his cheek. “It is fast, but I know this is right. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. You’re my man, or in biker speak, is it Ol’ Man? Whatever it is, I want you for forever. Make me yours,” Sophia directed.

“Babe, you’re mine—forever and always,” Ryder murmured against her lips, grabbing a condom and protecting them. The smile on her man’s face warmed her, and then he was settling between her thighs, kissing her like there was no tomorrow as he steadily filled her.

She grasped his shoulders, staring into his eyes and watching his face as he drove them both higher. She moaned, closing her eyes and letting the sensations wash over her. He was hers, and she’d have this for the rest of her life.

“Come for me, Sophia,” Ryder commanded against her neck.

She shuddered as his words triggered an explosion that washed over her, her toes curling and a moan leaving her lips. Ryder followed her over—his groan bringing a smile to her face. Ryder was hers.

Chapter Fifteen

Tack fixed Sophia’s coffee and picked up a couple of pastries from the box on the counter. This time, though, he’d left her a note saying where he was. He was also going to run her a bath in the en suite tub.

Once hadn’t been enough for him. He’d woken her during the night for their second time, with her on her hands and knees, which she’d been very vocal about loving. At four a.m., she’d cuddled into him and made him hard in seconds. He had to admit that the position he’d chosen that time was so if Lake bragged about Stinger doing her against the wall, his woman could say she’d been taken against the wall too.

At the time, he hadn’t considered it had probably been a while since she’d had sex. After the last time, he’d gotten her a warm washcloth to put against her pussy, but she’d still winced.

He might need to give her a break today, but his woman was delectable, each and every pillowy inch. Hopefully, after last night, she realized that.

He walked back into their room, carrying the tray with their coffees and pastries, setting it on the bedside table. Sophia was lying on her back with her hair spread out on her pillow. Her face was relaxed in sleep, and he couldn’t resist leaning close to place a soft kiss on her lips.

Sophia made a quiet noise, scrunching her nose. He’d love to let her sleep longer, but the list Sophia had for them to accomplish today was large.

“Babe, I have coffee and I’ll run you a bath,” he shared softly.

“Hmm,” she sighed. He’d gotten to know her pretty well and realized she didn’t function much until that first cup of caffeine hit her system. He left the food and drink on the bedside table, heading into the bathroom to start her bath. He found some Epsom salts in the cabinet and tossed those in. Hopefully, they’d help her be able to do all the things she wanted to. Once the temperature and height were where he wanted, he turned it off and went to get his woman.

He grinned because she’d turned on her side, away from the nightstand. His woman really didn’t want to get up. He knelt beside the bed, raising her hair to trail kisses along her neck. He tugged the sheet lower, exposing more skin to kiss. He paused at two marks in the middle of her back between her shoulder blades. They weren’t brand new, but with the scarring, he was guessing it had happened in the last year. The marks were such strange shapes, and one side was deeper.

“Babe, time to get up,” he whispered against her skin.

“Hmm, do I have to?” she whined, turning toward him, her full breasts making him want to climb on top of her, but the wince she made as she turned over told him she was way too sore.

“Nope, we can stay in bed, but the list won’t accomplish itself,” he mused.

She sat up, reaching for the coffee, sipping it, but then quickly emptying the cup. Once she finished, she smiled at him, leaning forward to kiss his lips.

“Thank you for the coffee. Did you say something about a bath?” she asked.

“I did,” he replied, lifting her in his arms and carrying her through the room to the steaming bath. “I figured you might be a little sore from last night and need a soak. You get in, and I’ll get you more coffee and bring that pastry in too,” he directed.

He set her feet on the ground, waiting for her to get in.

“Okay, but I need to pee first, and you’re not staying for that. I’ll be in the tub by the time you return and thank you. Do I call you Tack or Ryder this morning?” she asked.

He cupped her face and couldn’t resist cupping her breast with his other hand. “Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“Oh, I think I’ll save Ryder for when we’re in bed,” she winked.

He nodded. “Back in a second.” He paused in the bathroom doorway. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable, but those marks were really bothering him.