Chapter 3
Chapter Three
R iding with Blade was unlike her previous experience. She relaxed against his honed body and mirrored his actions. What made this so different from riding with that other guy in art school? She’d gotten so tense each time she’d perched on his bike that she’d been sore when they got anywhere. Bouncing along with him quickly became something she dreaded.
Smooth, exhilarating, and yummy. That was how she felt wrapped around Blade. Well, yummy referred to his scent. Blade smelled like polish and fire from his work, but underlying that simmered hot, spicy male. Sapphire could roll around in that and be happy. An instant flash of what making love with Blade would be like popped into her brain. She bit her lip at the surge of pure hunger that filled her.
“He might make me stand on my head.”
“What?” Blade asked, looking quickly over his shoulder.
“Nothing. Just thinking of my weekly yoga class.” Sapphire covered for herself while mentally whacking her forehead for talking aloud.
“I’ve never tried yoga. Where do you go?”
“I watch it on TV. That’s the easiest.” She invented an excuse. Hey, quick thinking.
She tightened her hold on Blade as he slowed to turn into the parking lot of The Hangout. He drove around the back and parked with a line of motorcycles. Sapphire smiled to see several bikes had colorful helmets. She wanted to see the bikers wearing those.
“Slide off, Little girl.”
“Oh, sorry. I was looking at all the helmets.”
“You’ll enjoy meeting the special women who rode in with my brothers.” Blade predicted, throwing his leg over the bike in a practiced move.
“Your brothers,” Sapphire repeated. “Are there more of your gang here?”
“Motorcycle club, Blue Eyes. Not a gang,” he corrected.
Shrugging, Sapphire wondered what the difference was. MC club, gang? They seemed the same to her. Maybe the temperament of the members was the distinguishing factor.
“Come on. Are you hungry? They have amazing trash-can nachos here,” Blade suggested as he took off his helmet.
“Extra jalapenos?”
“If that’s what you would like,” he said, walking forward to unfasten her helmet. “Which helmet do you like the best?”
“I like this blue one you found for me,” Sapphire answered quickly, keeping her gaze away from the one with fuzzy pink decorations.
“I’m glad. You know there are ways to personalize it. Angel wings. Tattoo designs. Even ears.”
Her eyes widened at the mention of that last one. When he smiled, she quickly said, “Oh, it’s fine by itself.”
“So, ears, huh? Do you want fuzzy ones like Elizabeth has? Those are hers over there,” he pointed to the exact embellishments Sapphire had coveted.
“Really, it’s not necessary to decorate my helmet. I won’t ride with you that often.”
“Sure, you will. I enjoyed having you curled around me. Did you enjoy the trip here?” he asked, watching her carefully.
Sapphire couldn’t lie to those big brown eyes that seemed to see so much. “Yes. I loved it.”
“Then we get you some blue, fuzzy ears. Or would you rather have pink?”
“Blue!” she blurted and realized that she’d just admitted she coveted the additions.
“You’ve got them. I’ll order them tomorrow morning. Now, nachos?”
Nodding, she couldn’t help bouncing on her toes in excitement. Those blue ears would be so cute. She held on to his hand when he threaded his fingers with hers and followed him to the back entrance.
Several women flirted with Blade as they walked by. Sapphire glared at them before catching herself. She shouldn’t feel so territorial about a man who she’d just met. It wasn’t like they were a couple or something. He wants to be your Daddy. That’s pretty serious.
She glanced up at Blade to judge his reaction to the women’s interest and found him studying her. “Did I do something wrong?”
“I’m here with you, Little girl. No one else.”
“It’s scary how you know what I’m thinking.”
“What?” he asked, leaning closer like he couldn’t hear over the music.
“It’s scary….” The rest of her repeated statement disappeared as his lips pressed against hers in a quick, hard kiss that left her craving more.
“Ready to go meet everyone?” he asked as she tried to recover.
Sapphire would have agreed with anything he asked at that moment. When he tugged her hand gently, she followed him to a back corner of the large bar and grill. She hesitated, seeing a couple dancing on the floor that put everyone to shame. Blade stopped and watched with her.
“That’s Talon and Elizabeth.”
“He’s a Shadowridge Guardian?” she asked, glancing back at Blade.
“He is. Come on. You can meet them when this song ends.”
As they approached, Sapphire saw a dozen men in the MC’s cut. They had claimed several tables in a partially secluded area. A number of women mingled with them. Sapphire noted a difference between the flirtatious ones trying to pick up a biker and those she guessed were already attached to a Shadowridge Guardian.
“Blade,” called a blonde dressed in a short bubble skirt and lacy socks. The woman’s eyes dropped to their intertwined hands and then she scanned Sapphire.
As everyone turned to look at them, Sapphire stood proudly with her shoulders back, waiting to see the group’s reaction to her blue hair and tattoos. She’d always been artistic and liked things a bit out there—more colorful and her own relaxed style. From this group of bikers, she didn’t expect the dismissive or scornful backlash she got from the general public. To her relief, they all seemed pleased to see them. Even the tall grumpy-looking guy who’d helped her with the box.
Sapphire was amazed when the blonde who’d greeted them rushed forward to hug her. Shocked, she allowed the contact, not knowing what else to do. She glanced over the woman’s shoulder at Blade.
“Sapphire, this hugging machine is Harper. Harper, this is Sapphire.” Blade introduced the two.
“What a perfect name! Your eyes are gorgeous. You’re with Blade?” Harper asked.
“Thanks. Umm, yes?” Sapphire offered hesitantly.
“She’s mine,” Blade answered in a much more definitive tone. “We’re getting some food. Are you hungry, Harper?”
“For nachos,” the woman answered, batting her eyelashes at Blade.
Sapphire couldn’t help but laugh. There was no real flirtation happening. She was playing Blade hard.
“I’m familiar with your vampy ways, Harper. I’m going to order nachos for Sapphire to try. Want to check with the other… others if they want to join us?” Blade asked. “Oh, and ask Doc if you can have some to eat.”
Sapphire suspected that he’d changed what he’d started to say.
“Okay!” Harper agreed. The petite woman ran off to talk to a man leaning against the wall, who watched them closely.
“Other what?” she asked Blade. She could tell from his expression that he knew exactly what she was asking.
“There are some things that are best shared by the individual,” he answered cryptically.
“Hmm.” While Sapphire approved of him not gossiping, a part of her wanted the information he’d chosen not to reveal. She crossed her fingers hoping to get the scoop soon.
Sapphire watched as Harper’s fellow slowly nodded before saying something to her. Immediately, the other woman smiled and ran over to a cluster of people seated at the table. As Harper talked to them, the entire group turned to look at Sapphire.
“Tell me they’re friendly,” Sapphire said out of the corner of her mouth to Blade.
“I have weapons. You’re safe,” he assured her as the group leapt to their feet. Two chairs clattered to the ground as four women rushed toward them.
Blade stepped in front of Sapphire and held up a hand. “Whoa, ladies.”
“Oh, sorry. We didn’t mean to frighten her,” one assured Blade.
“I’m not scared,” Sapphire told them as she peeked over the biker’s broad shoulder. She couldn’t move around him. Blade held her hand pressed to his firm butt. She struggled not to explore his body.
“We’ll be good,” Harper promised.
Blade relented and stepped back to Sapphire’s side. “Everyone wants nachos?”
“And to meet Sapphire,” a young woman dressed all in black confessed.
“Say hello and then go ask your… men for permission,” Blade instructed.
Sapphire watched in amazement as they lined up in front of her. In three minutes, she’d met Harper’s friends, Remi, Eden, Carlee, and Molly. They were super sweet and seemed happy to meet her.
Molly lingered after greeting her. “Elizabeth is here too. She’s out dancing. Talon’s teaching us a few steps. It’s so much fun. Look, here they come.”
The couple arrived in excellent spirits. It was easy to see that they enjoyed dancing together. The woman zeroed in on Sapphire immediately as a new arrival and introduced herself. “Hi, I’m Elizabeth.”
“Hi, Elizabeth. I’m Sapphire. The two of you dance superbly.”
“Talon can make anyone appear good.”
“That’s two, Little girl.”
That quiet comment drew Sapphire’s attention to the handsome man at Elizabeth’s side. His face was serious as he focused on the other woman.
“I’m smart, and my friends love me,” Elizabeth added to the conversation. Then, as if she realized that was random, she clarified for Sapphire. “Daddy makes me think of two nice things about myself if I say anything negative.”
“That’s wonderful. I’ll tell you one more. I think you’re an excellent dancer,” Sapphire added.
Elizabeth looked at Talon and then back at Sapphire. “Thank you. I love to move to the music. It’s so much fun. Hey, everyone’s putting the tables together.”
“I’m ordering nachos. Are you hungry, Elizabeth?” Blade asked.
“Starving! No jalapenos for me,” she requested.
“I’ll put in a couple of orders. One with jalapenos and one without,” Blade promised. “Elizabeth, would you help Sapphire find a seat?”
“Of course. Let’s join the others. You’ve met everyone?” Elizabeth asked as she walked with Sapphire over to the table.
“Yes. They’re all nice.”
“They’re the best friends I’ve ever had. You’ll see,” Elizabeth assured her.
The thought that she’d like to have people in her life she felt that close to resonated in Sapphire’s mind. She’d always had friends, but they’d been more acquaintances. These women appeared bonded. Their body language proved that as they leaned close to each other with happy expressions.
“Jalapeno lovers on that side. Sane people over here,” Harper directed.
The two women looked at each other and split up. Sapphire sat down on the spicy section, struggling to remember the two women’s names. The flurry of introductions had evaporated from her mind.
“Yay! You live on the edge like Carlee and me,” said the dark-haired goth-like woman, pointing to the cutie with pigtails.
Whew! That was one name. Carlee and….
“Remi really doesn’t like peppers, but they seem daring, so she tries to eat them. Her Daddy devours them all for her.” Carlee exposed the truth and reminded Sapphire of the previous speaker’s name.
“She’s right. I’m a wimp,” Remi agreed.
“Daddy? You’re not….” Sapphire didn’t want to label them with something they weren’t.
“Little? I can only talk about myself. I am. Kade’s my Daddy. He’s the biker with the most tattoos. I love yours. Does this mean something?” Remi said, skillfully changing the subject as she pointed to a sun design on Sapphire’s inner wrist.
“That’s my everlasting summer. I didn’t enjoy school much when I was a kid. Well, nothing other than art class and then art school later on. I designed that one when I graduated from high school to celebrate that I didn’t have to struggle anymore,” Sapphire told her.
“School can be hard,” Carlee agreed. “My Daddy is so good with numbers. He’s an accountant.”
This time, Sapphire didn’t ask. She followed Carlee’s gaze to a handsome man who played pool.
“Is that him, taking the shot?” Sapphire asked.
“Yes! That’s Atlas,” Carlee confirmed
“It’s fun to see who goes with which biker,” Sapphire shared.
“Which one do you think is Molly’s?” Remi asked, pointing to the demurely dressed woman with glasses.
“Hmmm.” Sapphire waited for Molly to give it away by glancing at one of the men. She did not. Taking a wild guess, Sapphire said, “How about the bald guy over there with the snarly look on his face? Faust?”
“She got another one,” Elizabeth crowed. “You are good. They’re together.”
“Do me next. I’m Eden,” a red-haired woman volunteered. She almost danced in her chair with excitement.
“Hmm. Opposites attract. How about that guy with the salt and pepper beard over there?” Sapphire pointed.
Eden’s jaw dropped. “How did you know? That’s Gabriel. He’s mine.”
“Honestly?” Sapphire paused. “He keeps checking on you.”
The whole group turned to look at the silver fox and found his attention squarely on Eden. There was a collective gasp, and everyone swiveled to stare at Sapphire.
“You’re good,” Eden complimented.
“Thanks. I’m good at reading people. It comes in handy in my business.”
“What do you do?” Elizabeth asked.
“I have a jewelry shop downtown.”
“I noticed your earrings. I love them,” Harper chimed in. “They’re so unique.”
“Thank you. I designed and created them,” Sapphire said as she ran her fingers over the teardrop form of twisted metal dotted with small turquoise and topaz stones. They were one of her favorites because they went with a lot of colors.
“Does that ear thing hurt?” Carlee asked.
“The cuff?” Sapphire touched the gold metal band that fit on her ear. When Carlee nodded, she added, “It doesn’t. It fits loosely on the cartilage of your ear. Would you like to try it?”
“Is that okay?” Carlee asked.
“Of course. It’s just like sliding on someone’s ring,” Sapphire explained as she pulled it off. She handed it to Carlee who started to put it on and bobbled it. She looked down at her empty hand in horror. All the women pushed back their chairs and searched on the floor.
“I’m so sorry,” Carlee babbled, repeating the phrase numerous times before dropping to her knees.
Everyone joined her, including Sapphire. “It’s okay, Carlee.”
“We don’t have much time before they get suspicious. Sapphire, we’re all Littles. It’s okay if you aren’t, but we’re not good at pretending. Can we be friends?”
“I’d like that more than anything,” Sapphire answered. A genuine smile curved the end of her lips as she met the gaze of each woman. They were lovely women, inside and out.
“In that case,” Carlee lifted a hand above the table they crouched under, “I found it!”
The women peeked over the top to see the cuff sitting in the middle of her palm.
“Oh, thank goodness,” Elizabeth said. “That was too precious to lose.” She turned away from the bikers to wink theatrically at the others, who slowly rose to retake their seats.
“They’re up to something,” Faust announced in a voice that carried.
As if operating with one mind, each of the woman completely ignored that statement. Sapphire couldn’t help the corners of her lips from turning up as Carlee returned her ear cuff. Already she adored this crew. They were honest, fun-loving, and open.
Most of all, they accepted her whether or not she fit with the group perfectly. She understood that they’d wanted to know if they could be themselves around her. Crossing her fingers, she hoped they understood she wasn’t ever going to criticize someone for living their truth. Maybe they would tell her more about being Little?
Remi patted her leg when the conversation swirled around them again. “We’re glad Blade found you.”
“I’m glad I found her, too.” Blade’s deep voice rang out above her. “Are you all ready for nachos? Here they come!”
The men hustled to grab drinks for their Littles as the two servers carried immense trays to the table. In a practiced move, the waitresses fitted the tray over the bucket-sized garbage can and flipped it over. Lifting the metal can up, the employees allowed the layers of chips and goodies to cascade over the tray. It smelled incredible.
“Enjoy!”
“Dig in, Sapphire. I’ll go grab you a drink. What goes best with nachos in your opinion?” Blade asked.
“I’ll take a beer. Something light,” Sapphire requested.
“You got it.”
When he came back with a Mexican pale ale with a lime on the top, she knew he was a keeper. The attention he gave her felt incredible. She liked being the center of his attention.
The men pulled chairs up to the table and joined the group. The good-natured ribbing between them told Sapphire that the Shadowridge Guardians were close. They really were a brotherhood.
She relaxed and found herself leaning against Blade’s hard body. When he leaned in to kiss her temple, she smiled up at him.
“I like your people,” she told him.
“That’s good, because I enjoy having you here.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her onto his lap.
When she shifted to slide off his muscular thighs, he asked, “Are you uncomfortable?”
“No.” She shook her head.
“Then stay. I like holding you.”
Wild horses couldn’t have pulled her away. A hopping song and peer pressure made her join everyone on the dance floor an hour later. Sapphire discovered that kissing wasn’t the only thing Blade did well. Her mind drifted to fantasize about what else he was so skilled at, and she tripped over her own feet. Her cheeks flamed hot with embarrassment.
“Whatever that thought is, I want to hear it later,” Blade growled into her ear.
“Not going to happen, biker boy,” she sassed back.
“We’ll see about that. Slow song. Come here. I need to wrap my arms around you, Blue Eyes.”