Twenty-Seven
Scarlett
E ven after showering and changing, I can still feel James inside me, his cum leaking out and dampening my panties as we ride. His eyes had raked over me when I re-emerged in my clean clothes, choosing a pair or curve hugging skinny jeans and crop top for our night out. I was excited to go get dinner with him, but the idea of turning him on was also at the top of my list when I decided on what I was going to wear.
Riding on the back of his bike is an excitement I can’t even begin to explain. I’ve only ever been on my dad’s or Sonny’s a couple times. I never rode with Manny, and now I’m thankful to not have that memory. Clinging to James with the warm desert wind in my face is an entirely new feeling.
A deep throbbing sensation seems to have settled permanently between my thighs and I know I won’t find relief until he gets back between them. James has awakened a thirst inside me that I never knew existed, and only he can quench it.
He pulls into the small barbecue buffet place that I had told him about, and cuts the engine. His eyes gleam as he helps me out of the saddle.
“Damn, I like having you on my bike,” he grins as his arm wraps around my back and we walk towards the door.
???
“So, I guess the shooting range went okay. I mean, since you made it back alive,” I smile across the table as he takes a large bite of potato salad.
“Yeah,” James answers once he finishes chewing. “I had a chat with Pike. I think we’re good, but honestly, I could’ve taken him,” he chuckles.
“I’m sure you could have,” I say, feeling the ache come back full force as his smile holds my gaze.
“Fuck, darlin’. I’m not sure I can eat with you lookin’ at me like that,” he cocks an eyebrow.
“Like what?” I question, practically panting.
“Biting that plump lip, like you want me to fuck you right here on this table,” his voice is a low growl, and I immediately lift my spiked lemonade, trying to extinguish the rising heat.
“Actually, speaking of the range, I uh… I got a call from Ryder while we were there,” he says, changing the subject, and my body goes instantly cold. My eyes drop to my plate, staring at the piece of half-eaten chicken. I know who Ryder is and I know what this means. I can’t say it’s a complete surprise, because I knew the day would come when James would get called back home to South Carolina, but this is too soon. I want more time.
“Hey… Scarlett, look at me,” he requests and I lift my eyes. “It’s not that,” his voice turns soft as he reaches across the table and covers my hand with his. “He just wants me home for a weekend, that’s all. And I was hoping that maybe you’d want to come with me.”
“Really?” I breathe out in surprise.
“Most definitely,” a fresh smile curls on his lips.
“That sounds amazing. But my dad…” I hesitate. I know Dad has been acting like he’s okay with everything, but this might push him over the edge.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle Ray,” he assures me.
???
I’m surprised to see the lot practically empty when we get back to the clubhouse. Sonny’s bike is here, and a couple others, but everyone else must be out.
“Where is everyone?” I wonder out loud.
“Pike mentioned making a stop at the Kitty Kat,” James answers and I feel my eyebrows raise.
I’m tempted to ask if he had wanted to go, but I’m afraid of what his answer might be. Plus, the jealousy I can already feel bubbling in my belly is making me nauseous, and I might actually vomit if his answer is yes. I pull in a deep breath and let the thought leave my mind. He’s here with me now and that’s all that matters.
James holds the door open for me as we walk inside, finding Johnny at the bar, nursing a glass of what appears to be his usual whiskey. Miles and West cackle loudly, fully entrenched in what appears to be an intense game of pool.
“Everyone else still out?” James asks and Johnny offers a nod.
“I’m just finishing this and then I’m calling it a night. Trish went to bed a half hour ago, and I’m sure she’s waiting on me,” he winks.
“Have a good night,” James pats his shoulder lightly as we walk towards the two others.
“And how was your night, boys?” James grins at the two prospects. I’m sure they got sent back here while the others were out partying.
“We got to watch one dance, then we had to come back here,” West answers. I have no doubt they’ll both be patched in soon. They’ve definitely put in their dues.
“And Sonny, he’s back too?” I ask softly, knowing that his bike is outside.
“Uh…yeah. He brought Destiny back with him,” Miles says, and they both chuckle.
“C’mon,” I say, reaching for James’s hand as I start to pull him down the hallway.
The loud moaning and screaming are practically theatrical as we pass by Sonny’s door, and I try my best to ignore it. I glance up, catching the smirk of James’s face. Guys…
“Where are you taking me?” he asks as we keep walking right past his room.
“I want to go out back and sit by the pool for a few minutes,” I explain.
I drop into one of the lounge chairs, leaning back and staring up into the darkness, if you can call it that. It seems like the lights are always on in Vegas. James stays standing, pulling a cigarette between his teeth. His lighter flashes as he burns the tip and smoke starts to swirl.
“I wish I could see the stars. But the lights from the strip are way too bright,” I tell him, tipping my head back against the chair and looking up to the sky again.
“I’m sure I can make you see stars tonight,” he laughs and I feel my eyes roll, causing him to laugh harder. “Seriously, darlin’, I’ll show you the stars when I bring you to Rock Hill,” he adds.
I still can’t believe he wants to take me to South Carolina with him. I haven’t been out of Vegas in years. Not since that first summer when Mom left.
She had been a dancer, a real dancer, but got sidetracked when she met Dad and got pregnant with Sonny. I came as another unexpected surprise that kept her hanging around for a few more years. I honestly don’t remember much, but from what Trish has told me, even though she was still young, she had trouble getting back into her previous showgirl shape and competing for a spot. She decided to try New York City.
I was only five at the time, but Dad took us to the city to see her. She barely made time for us, so he brought us back home after only two days. Other than a few random phone calls, she completely disappeared from our lives after that. And from the few searches I did online when I was a teenager, she only ever made it into a few off-Broadway productions. I guess being a biker’s ol’ lady wasn’t in her life plans.
I glance over at James, watching him take a long drag from his cigarette before the smoke pours back out his nostrils. His eyes are lifted, searching the sky.
“Damn. You’re right. Can’t see a single fuckin’ one,” he says, dropping his gaze to meet mine.
“Come sit with me,” I request.
He stomps out what’s left of his cigarette and drops it in the small can set out beside the grill.
“What’s on your mind, darlin’?” he asks, pulling my hands into his.
The thought of him eventually leaving has been burrowing in my mind since he mentioned his phone call with Ryder. I’ve been trying to ignore it, because I know he’s not leaving yet. But that is the key word – yet . It’s unavoidable. He will leave, and I’ll be forgotten.
“Nothing really,” I answer, not ready to confess my fear. “So, I have to know, where did Shark come from?” I turn the conversation to the origin of his nickname.
“Ahhh… She finally asks. I’ve been waiting,” he grins broadly. “For a time, I was pretty good at the card table. I guess I earned the nickname, but honestly, I haven’t been living up to it lately,” he shares.
“Are you kidding me? You’re in Vegas and you never once mentioned that you play cards,” I stare back in surprise.
“Last time I sat down at the table, I got cleaned the fuck out. And it wasn’t just a couple bucks. I haven’t had the desire to go back. I don’t think my ego could take another loss like that,” he answers honestly.
“I guess I can understand that reasoning,” I offer an easy smile.
“Are you ready to call it a night?” he tips his head and I feel my entire body heat from the look in his eyes.
“Mmhmm…” I hum, biting softly on my bottom lip.