Chapter 2
2
ASH
N ora blinked her big blue eyes at me, and I smiled, going for charming…but that was a stretch when you were a badass biker and a cutthroat lawyer. I could’ve turned on the silver-tongued, charismatic facade I used to enthrall a jury. But I wasn’t gonna fake anything with Nora. The only way we’d work was with complete honesty. Otherwise, when the curtain that shielded finally lifted, she would be crushed under its weight.
“Now?” she asked, glancing up toward the ambulance cab where her partner was waiting. “I’m still on shift.”
“When do you get off?”
She checked her watch, biting her lip. Unable to stop myself, I used my thumb to free it, enjoying her tiny gasp and the heat in her eyes.
“Um…in about an hour.”
Doubt clouded her face, and I wasn’t about to give her the chance to change her mind. “Gonna follow you back to work and wait until you’re done.”
“You’ll what?” She shook her head. “You don’t have to?—”
“Sure as fuck do, baby girl,” I grunted, slipping my hand around her waist and slowly bringing her closer. “Need to make up for disappointing you.”
She quickly dropped her gaze to my chest, but not before I saw the hope flare in her pretty blue orbs and the corner of her mouth kick up. “Are you sure?” Then her head swiveled to the right when the engine of a motorcycle roared to life. “On your bike?”
I cupped her chin and brought her face back to mine. “Nah. Got a truck. And you’re worth the wait, baby girl.”
“Okay,” she whispered, her cheeks dusting with pink as she gave me a small smile.
“Truck is at my house, though,” I told her reluctantly. “It’s only a few minutes from here. Mind following me there first?”
Her eyes narrowed, and her nose wrinkled adorably. “Your house?”
“Yeah,” I replied, confused as to why that bothered her.
“I guess it’s convenient to live so close when you take women home.”
I wanted to smile when I realized what was bothering her, but I had a feeling it would just make her mad. I wasn’t gonna fuck up the second chance she was giving me. “Suppose it is,” I answered, stamping down a grin when irritation flared in her eyes. “Never taken a woman to my house, though, so I never thought about it.”
“Oh?” she chirped, looking much cheerier for a moment, then her expression fell again. “So you just hook up here at the clubhouse?”
I couldn’t hold back my laughter anymore. “Adorable,” I murmured with a shake of my head.
Nora glared at me. “I thought I told you?—”
“Then stop being so fucking cute, and listen real good, baby girl.” I drew her in until our bodies were pressed together. “Never been a hookup kind of guy.”
“Oh?” she squeaked nervously, her cheeks blooming with red.
“Yeah, and while I do think you’re adorable sometimes, I also think you’re incredibly gorgeous.” Lowering my head, I inhaled her scent of coffee and cinnamon. When our lips were only centimeters apart, I whispered, “And jealousy looks real fucking sexy on you, baby girl.”
I didn’t give her time to react before I pressed my lips to hers. Her tiny gasp gave me the opening I needed to slip my tongue into her mouth. She tasted like coffee and cinnamon, which were quickly becoming my favorite smell and flavor. I wondered if it was a drink she had a lot or if she was simply that sweet. I had a feeling it was the latter, and I couldn’t wait to see if her pussy was just as delicious.
After a couple of minutes, I had to pull away before I lifted her by her round ass and took her to the nearest deserted room to find out.
“Damn. Could eat you for my next meal, but I need to make up for being a complete…blundering dunderhead?” I finished with a chuckle.
Nora shrugged, looking a little dazed, which made me feel smug satisfaction. “It seemed appropriate.”
I laughed again, then released her but kept her hand in mine. “You good with stopping at my place, then?”
“That’s fine unless we get a call. Then I’ll have to meet you at the company station.”
After giving her another quick kiss, I smiled. “Sounds like a plan.”
Glancing around, I spotted two prospects staring at us with their mouths hanging open. Probably because they’d never seen me with a woman who was clearly more than a friend. Or it could’ve been because they’d rarely seen me smile unless I was talking to a jury.
“You.” I pointed at the tall, gangly one. “Tell Prez I’m gonna push the meeting to tomorrow morning. And you”—I pointed at the shorter, even skinnier one—“go buy a bunch of pregnancy tests and give ’em to Wizard.”
His face screwed up, and he muttered, “Seriously?”
My eyes narrowed, and my expression hardened. “You questioning my orders, probie?”
“No,” he replied quickly. “Consider it done.”
I nodded, and my face softened when I turned back to Nora. She was staring at me, her blue eyes clouded, but I wasn’t sure what she was feeling.
“You okay?” I was a little worried that I’d scared her.
“Yeah…um…that was kind of…” Her skin flushed, her cheeks turning deep red, but she seemed to gather her courage before she blurted, “Hot.”
I tossed my head back and laughed heartily, then pulled her in for another quick, hard kiss. “Glad you think so, baby girl. Now, let’s go. Got some groveling to do so I can get some more of those sexy-as-fuck kisses.”
A dreamy smile formed on Nora’s gorgeous face. “I think you’ve earned a few,” she said with a giggle.
“Good,” I grunted as I turned her around and patted her tight ass to get her moving. “’Cause I’m already addicted.”
Luck was on my side because they didn’t get another call before Nora’s shift ended. When she exited the building, she’d changed into a pink sundress that made her hair look even redder. Wasn’t there some stupid rule about redheads wearing pink? Just another useless fact spouted by my mother, as if it would help me judge any woman I was considering marrying. Well, Mother, to that I say bull-fucking-shit . Nora looked like a goddess.
Her hair had been in a twist on the top of her head, but now it hung in soft waves down her back. I couldn’t wait to feel those locks wrapped around my hands while I pumped my cock into her tight little pussy. I carefully adjusted myself before she caught sight of me, then gave her a slow, lazy smile.
“Lookin’ gorgeous, baby girl.”
“Thanks,” she answered, a pink blush making her freckles pop. Eventually, I was gonna connect every last one with my tongue.
I took her hand and walked her the few steps to my truck, then helped her up inside. When I reached across her to clip in the seat belt, my arm brushed her tits, and her nipples poked through the fabric of her dress. Her quick intake of air made them jiggle a little, and I had to hold back a groan. Fuck…I was gonna end up needing her EMT services when I passed out from blue balls.
After making my way around the truck, I got in and settled in the driver’s seat. There was a fancy little French restaurant around the corner, and I’d made a reservation as soon as she’d climbed back into her ambulance earlier.
It wasn’t my style, but I would do whatever it took to convince Nora to give us a shot.
When I pulled into the parking lot, I glanced at her and was surprised to see her disappointed expression.
“Don’t like French food, baby girl?”
“It’s not that. It’s just…”
I gently took hold of her chin and turned her head so she was looking right at me. “We can go wherever you want.”
She licked her lips nervously, and I managed to hold back all the dirty thoughts it inspired and focus on my girl. “Really?”
“Anything you want.”
“Could we…maybe go to a place that has really awesome burgers? And milkshakes?”
A wide grin split my face, and I nodded. “Got just the place, baby girl.”
Ten minutes later, I drove up to The Fuel & Flame Diner. It was one of the legit businesses owned by the MC, while our main source of income walked the line between the laws of the land and our own brand of justice.
When someone needed to disappear, for whatever reason—as long as they weren’t deserving of a beating or the business end of my gun—they came to us because we were the best at it. By referral only, of course.
Most of the patches had some type of skill that helped us forge the new identities and all the other shit that came along with wiping a life off the face of the earth. Obviously, I took care of the legal shit and the “illegal” legal shit. Along with my other duties, like making sure no one ended up in jail.
“I’ve driven by this place,” Nora said happily. “But I’ve never gone in.”
“Best burgers in town.”
I hopped out of the truck and jogged around to open Nora’s door and lift her to the ground. It was impossible not to steal a kiss from her pink rosebud mouth. Then I led her inside and lifted my chin at Rock, the patch who managed the diner.
“Anywhere,” he informed me in his gruff, no-nonsense tone. He was a great guy, and his employees loved working for him, but he rivaled King with how much he scowled. I’d often wondered if he’d ever smiled at his longtime girlfriend, Deedee.
Several of my brothers, a few prospects, and some other random diners were scattered about the seating area, but a little corner seemed to offer more privacy, so I made a beeline for it.
After Nora slid into the booth, I followed her, grinning at her shocked expression.
“Not gonna pass up the opportunity to have you pressed against me.” I winked, and my smile widened at her cute blush. “Doesn’t hurt that you can’t get away from me either.”
Nora giggled and shook her head. “You’d be surprised. I’m limber and creative.”
Fuuuuuck. She was gonna kill me.
I dipped my head and whispered, “Looking forward to learning more about that talent, baby girl. ’Fraid I’m gonna need an up close and personal demonstration to back up that claim.”
Nora’s blue eyes darkened with desire, and she licked her lips again, making it impossible for me to hold back a groan.
“Better order some food before I decide to eat you instead,” I growled.
Nora swallowed hard, and I winked before sitting back up and handing her a menu.
Deedee appeared out of nowhere with a bright smile and a pad of paper. “Can I get y’all any drinks?” she asked in a Southern accent.
“How about a couple of Cokes, darlin’,” I replied in my native Texan drawl.
Deedee’s cheeks turned pink, and she shook her head. “Cokes it is. What kind?”
I glanced at Nora, and she chose a soda, then I asked for the same.
Deedee nodded, then smiled at Nora. “And who is this sweet young thing?”
I slipped my arm around Nora’s waist and pulled her in close. “This is my Nora.”
“Well, ain’t she just pretty as a peach?”
“She’s definitely got beauty to spare,” I told her.
Nora’s eyes bounced back and forth between us with something between awe and confusion.
But when her gaze locked with mine, my skin buzzed from the heat in the blue depths.
“This is Deedee,” I introduced the older woman. “She’s Rock’s old lady.” My chin bobbed toward the counter where he was working on receipts.
Turning back to the sweet woman I’d known since I was a prospect, I asked, “How’s things your way?”
Deedee laughed. “Zeke’s got his tail up. But what else is new?”
I tilted my head and glanced behind her at Rock, chuckling. “He’s all hat and no cattle.”
Her eyes twinkled. “Can’t argue with that.”
“He ain’t got nothin’ to fuss over. You’re shinin’ brighter than a diamond in a goat’s ear.”
Deedee’s face reddened, and she giggled before looking at Nora. “Silver-tongued devil, ain’t he? I swear, this boy could talk a cactus into blooming.”
“I’m guessing I would agree with you if I knew what you were saying,” Nora laughed. Then she looked between us again. “I know you’re speaking English, but…”
I laughed and ignored when Deedee’s eyebrows flew up and got lost in her hairline.
For fuck’s sake, I wasn’t that grumpy.
“Deedee is from Texas,” I explained.
Nora canted her head and stared at me. “That explains her accent and interesting vernacular. What about you? That doesn’t sound fake.”
I shrugged. “Grew up in Texas. I can whip it out when I want to.”
“Interesting.” The heat was back in Nora’s eyes, and I swallowed hard.
“How about two cheeseburgers with the works?” Thankfully, her question reminded me that we weren’t alone because I’d been real damn close to losing control.
“Sounds good,” I grunted, adjusting myself under the table, hoping to make things a little more comfortable in the groin. It didn’t work. My shaft was so fucking big and hard, I wouldn’t have been surprised if my long, thick cock burst through the zipper.
Deedee sauntered off, and I tried to think about anything that didn’t involve a naked Nora.
“Not complaining, baby girl, but you gonna tell me why the long face at the French restaurant?”
Nora stiffened, then sighed. “It reminds me of my life, I guess.”
Confused, I asked, “Your life?”
“Yeah. My parents…well, I grew up wealthy. My dad is the mayor of the town where we live. I spent my life in restaurants like that. Being the perfect daughter. Wearing the right clothes. Eating the appropriate food, with the correct silver.” Her nose screwed up in disgust before she admitted, “I had a freaking ‘coming out’ party!”
I chuckled, and she threw me a death glare. “It probably sounds ridiculous to you, but?—”
“Actually, I was laughing because I know how you feel.”
“Pardon?” She blinked her big blue eyes, observing me with skepticism. “You had a coming out party?”
Snickering, I shook my head. “Cute, little smart-ass,” I muttered. “Nah, but my father is a Texas senator. I was born with the proverbial silver spoon in my mouth. Or silver rattle.”
One corner of my mouth lifted when she giggled.
“My parents would do just about anything to cement their ‘family values’ platform. Including having a kid.”
Nora frowned and shook her head. “I’m sure they wanted?—”
“Nope.” I went on to tell her about my choices and how I ended up where I was. Happy and free.
“I didn’t need more reasons to like you, Elias Prescott III.”
“My full name? That’s a surefire way to get a cherry-red ass, darlin’,” I said, adopting my smooth Texas accent again.
Nora’s cheeks turned pink, and she bit her bottom lip.
I inhaled deeply, then realized what a mistake it was when the scent of cinnamon and coffee hit my nose. “Need to get you home, baby girl,” I grunted.
Disappointment flashed on her face before she gave me a fake smile.
Taking hold of her chin, I locked eyes with her. “Ending our date is the last thing I want to do. But I don’t think you’re ready for what would happen if I took you to my house.”
Nora’s lips curved into a sweet smile, and happiness twinkled in her bright blue orbs. “Oh,” she replied softly. “I guess that makes sense.”
With a frustrated growl, I slid out of the booth and grabbed her hand to pull her out and up beside me. Quickly, I retrieved my wallet from my back pocket and tossed some bills on the table.
The drive to her house was a new kind of torture, and I almost turned the truck around to take her home half a dozen times. But I’d messed up, and this was about proving how important she was to me beyond sex.
When I came to a stop in the circle drive of her house—a colonial, two-story brick house with a water fountain…yeah, a fucking water fountain in the center. I took in one last breath, savoring her smell. Then I cupped the back of her neck and brought her closer for a deep kiss that had my heart racing and my cock dripping with need.
“What time do you get done tomorrow?” I rasped.
“Um…three.”
“Be ready for me to pick you up at six.”
She beamed at me, then leaned in to give me a peck on the lips.
“That is not how you kiss your man, baby girl,” I scolded. “But if I give you a demonstration, you won’t make it outta this car. Stay here while I come get you.”
I started to exit the truck when she laid her hand on my arm. “My parents are…” She sighed, looking frustrated and a little contrite. “I just need a little time to ease them into this.”
I frowned but eventually relented. “I get it. Not gonna wait long, though.”
“You won’t have to.”
I grunted in reply, then jumped out of my truck and jogged around to help her down from her seat. “See you tomorrow, baby girl,” I murmured before giving her a searing kiss, then patting her on the ass to get her moving.
Climbing back into my vehicle, I watched until she was inside before forcing myself to drive away.