Page 53 of The Price of Love

“I kinda figured that.” I can’t hide my grin. “But can you elaborate?”

A hint of a dimple shows on her cheek, telling me she’s softening. “Damn it, Storm. I’m scared. Frost is gunning for you, and if anything happens to you…” Her voice trails off, and pain fills her eyes.

Knowing she’s softening, I grab her hand. “Hey, how many times do I haveta tell you, we’re in this together?”

“Then take my worry seriously. You know my instincts are good.”

“You’ve got the best instincts of anyone I know.” It’s true. She catches things most people wouldn’t. It’s how she survived. “Do you really think it’s dangerous for me today?”

“I suppose not. Frost just has me on edge.” Dimples’ shoulders relax, and then she laughs. “Today, I think Shadow is much more dangerous for you than Frost.”

I smile. “See, I told you that your instincts are spot on.”

“You’re an idiot.” Dimples’ smile is back. “Get out of here. But promise me, if I tell you I’m afraid, you’ll listen.”

I raise my right hand. “I swear.” I wrap her in a hug and squeeze extra tight before I let go. “Thanks for looking out for me.”

“I love you,” Dimples says in answer.

“And I love you.”

“Tell Shadow goodbye for me.” Dimples slaps me on the back. “Get outta here and keep it rubber side down.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I say, backing away. “Rubber side down.”

When I get back to Shadow, my bike is waiting for me. I make a mental note to thank the prospects. Shadow is pacing with helmet and gloves on, aviator glasses down, and a determined expression on her face.

“Sorry it took me so long,” I say.

“Is everything all right?”

I nod. “Yeah. Dimples just worries about me. Protocol says Nails should stick with me, but I don’t need her today. I’ll meet back up with them after I drop you off.”

“Is that necessary in broad daylight?” Shadow asks.

I wave her off. “You don’t need me boring you with club rules. You have places to go, children to see.”

“I do.” Shadow smiles. “Thanks for this.”

“Not a problem.” I plop my helmet on my head and pull on my glasses. “You ready?”

“I am.” She pats the seat of her bike. “I just hope she is.”

I throw my leg over my bike. “Side by side or staggered?”

Shadow shoots a glance over her shoulder. “We’ll drive out of here staggered.” I understand her meaning. She doesn’t want Wiz witnessing her riding side by side, especially with a Thorn. “But I’m up for side by side if you’re comfortable with me.”

“Absolutely.”

When we pull from the lot, I’m certain all eyes are on us. A Steel Grace and an Iron Thorn riding alone together is something they don’t see often. About a mile down the road, I let off my throttle and drift back beside her.

We’re babying her bike and keeping it under fifty. At this speed, it’s easy to divert my attention from the road and look at her. She’s facing forward, so I study her features. Her makeup enhances her high cheekbones, giving them a chiseled look. Most people are more attractive from the front, but Shadow’s perfect from all angles. Her chin juts out with determination, and her full lips draw my eye.

I glance back at the road. If I’m not careful, I’m gonna drive into her like a moth to a flame. Will I ever see her again? It’s not like the Graces and the Thorns travel in the same circles. At most, we’ll cross paths two or three times this summer, but it won’t be enough.

What the hell is wrong with me? I don’t lack for women wanting to share my bed, so why am I thinking this way? I’m not a hopeless romantic. Hell, I’m not romantic at all. I don’t believe in that love at first sight bullshit or soul mates, but I remember what Aces told me. She said she’d fallen in love, just once—in college—and it hit her like a ton of bricks. And said she never felt it again for anyone else.

What if this is what she meant? Could I spend the rest of my days longing to feel the heat that rushed through my body the moment I laid eyes on Shadow?