Page 33 of Stag

“She just needed to get out,” I said to him, completely unnecessarily.

“Oh, I just thought you were making sure you had a reason not to help me out,” he gestured to the helmet display as he spoke, but there was no bite to his words.

“Why’s Rocket not helping?”

He laughed. “Not his job.” But apparently it could have been mine?

“And Caroline?”

“Helping her mum out with something tonight. You wanna run through any more names, or can I get back to my work?”

Yeah, I’d delayed him long enough. “Thanks for the loaner, VP. Appreciate it.”

I turned to Claudia, who was watching us warily, probably not picking up our words while we faced away from her at awkward angles.

“He’s just whining about working late, love. It’s not a problem.”

She nodded, biting her lip in a way that had my eyes laser focused there. I’d kissed those lips. I knew how fucking soft and sweet they were. I wanted it again. I wanted to taste every inch of her, but this probably wasn’t the place. Or the time.

“Wanna go for a real ride?” She focused on my lips to read my words, and I felt it all over, I felt like she was watching them because she wanted them. Fuck me, curb the urges before you scare her away. I didn’t want to prove her sister right. I’m really not a bad guy. I just say the wrong things, do the wrong things, and get angry easily. See? Just a good all round guy. Jesus, no wonder nobody fucking likes me.

She grimaced and dug her phone out of her pocket, rolling her eyes and tucking it back inside with a shrug. I guess her sister was hounding her, but what the fuck was that bitch’s problem anyway? Let your sister fucking live.

“Let’s do this. I’ll take you to get a drink or something.”

She nodded, lifting the helmet onto her head, while I stepped in immediately and helped her fasten it securely.

“All good?”

She nodded, and waved at Harley as she walked outside.

“Go steady, brother. I think those feelings you’re having might just be mutual, yeah?”

Holy fucking shit. Way to make me go from nervous to shit scared in an instant.

Claudia

It was better. It was so much better. Now that he had a helmet on too, he didn’t have to hold back, and if I let myself focus on the fact that he risked his life to get me away from Marissa, then I’d probably cry and throw myself at him simultaneously.

We rode out of town, along some twisty lanes and empty country roads, while exhilaration filled me, because it felt like flying. It felt like pure freedom, like being allowed to just be me, especially since the rumble of the road beneath the motorbike was almost audible to my useless ears. It was something that involved all of the senses, filling my heart with enjoyment, even as that tinge of fear made everything feel more intense and real. All too soon, we were heading back into town, and slowing in front of a late night takeaway.

Once we were stationary, he held his phone up where I could see it.

Hungry? I could get us some eats.

Eats. So cute. Everything about him was cute, but there was also something so hot and dangerous about him too. Something that made me want him.

I took the phone and cleared the message, typing a response.

Yes, but can we go back to your place?

Was that too forward? Was it too pushy? Was I being a whore?

He stared at the phone for too long, even trying to dart a look over his shoulder at me.

Finally the phone reappeared.

Of course, but you should know I live at the biker compound, and currently it’s a freaking tent with a bed in it.