Chapter Six
“What…is that?” Jonah’s eyes widened as he stared at the sleek motorcycle that Kijani had just parked in his driveway.
He was well aware of what it was—a glossy black bike with red accents and a passenger seat with a helmet strapped to it. Jonah was just shocked that Kijani owned one and the stunning bike was in his driveway.
But what really caught his attention was the rider himself, especially his thick, sculpted legs encased in perfectly fitting jeans. They caused Jonah to imagine what it would feel like to straddle those brawny thighs, to feel their ruggedness as Kijani flexed them against his butt.
The blue shirt he wore was rolled up at the sleeves, revealing dark hair and intricate tattoos on his arms. It fit snugly against his upper body, emphasizing his well-built physique and leaving Jonah feeling a bit breathless.
“It’s my Road Glide, sweetheart.” Kijani affectionately ran his hand over the bike. Had he just called Jonah sweetheart, or was he referring to his motorcycle? Either way, Jonah envied the bike for receiving such tenderness from Kijani. Lucky bike. “Figured we could get away for a while and leave our troubles behind.”
“On that?” Jonah had never been on a motorcycle before and wasn’t sure if he was brave enough to try it now. He had always admired them from afar but never had the courage to actually ride one.
Kijani cupped Jonah’s face in his hands, the warmth seeping into his skin. “I promise you’ll be safe with me. I won’t let anything happen to you, honey bee.”
The thought of getting away for a while sounded appealing. Lately, Jonah’s routine consisted of going to work, going home, and spending a single night at Kijani’s. “Do you have somewhere particular in mind?”
“I figured we could take a ride on the back roads and see where it leads us.” He brushed a few strands of hair from Jonah’s forehead then kissed his temple. “What do you say?”
How could Jonah say no to that fuck-you-against-the-wall voice and steal-your-breath smile? He felt his face catching fire as he smiled in return, knowing damn well he was going to give in to whatever Kijani wanted.
He had already given in to the most incredible kiss of his life. In fact, he had given in to so many things, even though he knew he should keep the deputy at arm’s length.
Denying Kijani was like denying oxygen to his lungs. Even if it meant hopping on a terrifying motorcycle just because Kijani wanted him to.
“You better return me the way you found me,” he warned as he narrowed his eyes. “Not a single scratch on me.”
A mischievous grin spread across Kijani’s handsome face. “Wouldn’t want to lose any brownie points.”
“Forget the points,” Jonah replied. “If anything happens, I’ll make you drive my tiny car.”
Kijani threw his head back and let out a booming laugh. “Your car tried to eat me.”
Jonah playfully shoved him. “I already told you that you have densely packed muscles that weigh a few tons. How is that my car’s fault?”
“A ten-ton elephant?”
“A ten-ton wolf,” Jonah countered with a goofy smile. “You better strap me to you with bungee cords on this motorcycle.”
“Nah, you’ll be fine as long as you hold on to me real tight, darlin’.”
An explosion of heat rushed over Jonah’s face, burning hot as he imagined wrapping his arms around those massive muscles.
After Kijani explained the rules of being a passenger, he placed the helmet that had been strapped to the seat on Jonah’s head. The weight of it was surprisingly light, but it felt strange and bulky on his head.
Then Kijani slipped on his black and white marauder helmet. He looked both intimidating and badass with it on, instantly transforming him into a fearless road warrior.
Jonah was disappointed his own helmet was just a solid dark blue. He wanted to look badass, too.
Kijani straddled the bike and kick-started it. Jonah stood there a moment, appreciating how hot the guy looked sitting on a motorcycle.
Raw power sitting atop raw power.
Jonah was tempted to trade the bike for a ride on Kijani himself.
He motioned for Jonah to get on, shaking him from his wicked thoughts. Kijani helped him mount the passenger seat, and then he tapped Jonah’s arms. “Keep them tightly wrapped around me at all times.”
He gasped when he heard Kijani’s voice through his helmet, the sound deeper and richer in the confined space around his head.
Thank god he hadn’t said anything that would have embarrassed himself.
When they pulled from the driveway and accelerated down the street, Jonah’s fear erupted into a high-pitched squeal, Kijani chuckling at the sound he’d just made. He clung onto Kijani with all his might as they weaved through traffic with expert precision.
“You don’t have to bust a few ribs, honey bee.”
“I can’t help it. My body is frozen with fear.” Although he knew his grip wasn’t strong enough to hurt the guy.
Jonah had been dead wrong when he’d thought Kijani had gone through town too fast. That speed had been slow compared to hitting the open road. His heart raced as fast as the motorcycle, and his whole body vibrated with the powerful engine.
The road beneath them flew by in a blur, so Jonah focused on the distant forest, with its thick green trees and the majestic mountain peaks looming in the distance. He watched how the sun played peek-a-boo behind passing clouds, casting shifting shadows over the landscape.
But what held his attention most was the tight press of their bodies as he clung to Kijani for dear life.
Jonah felt every cord of muscle moving under his arms and fingers, making him tingle more than the vibration of the motorcycle.
When they hit a bump, Jonah couldn’t suppress his gasp as his groin slid over Kijani’s backside, the friction sending stronger tingles through him.
“You okay back there?” Kijani’s smoky voice penetrated Jonah’s helmet.
“Just enjoying…the view.”
He strained a little closer, praying for another bump, licking his lips in anticipation of one. Kijani’s body tightened, as if he could feel the same burning need.
In that moment, all Jonah wanted was to be naked with Kijani and sitting in front of him on the motorcycle.
His sense of time had faded. He was too focused on the broad form he was clinging to. It wasn’t until Kijani pulled into a bustling parking lot that Jonah’s focus shifted.
He looked around with wide eyes, trying to take in his surroundings as Kijani slowly drove until he’d found a place to park. Jonah dismounted and was relieved to finally remove his helmet and feel the warm breeze against his skin.
As soon as he did, he was bombarded with a symphony of sounds—children darting between vehicles, their laughter ringing out as they chased each other, lively music blaring from nearby speakers, people shouting in excitement, and the constant hum of machinery operating various rides and attractions.
Jonah inhaled the mouth-watering aroma of grilling meat, which made his stomach rumble.
“Did you plan this, or did we just get lucky?” Jonah asked, unable to contain his wide grin.
“F is for figure it out,” Kijani replied with a playful wink, mirroring Jonah’s smile.
“Nuh-uh. That F has already been used,” he said with a laugh.
“In that case, I plead the fifth.” Kijani grabbed his hand and led him toward a large black pickup truck with dried mud caked on its lower half.
“I see you made it,” Slater said as they approached him.
It was strange to see him in casual clothes instead of his uniform. He almost looked like a completely different person.
“Hey, Jonah.” The corners of his lips lifted into a genuine smile.
“Hi, Slater,” he replied, feeling weird that they were in a social setting together. They had only interacted twice before, both times at his house when Slater arrested Flint and when Kijani passed out and transformed into a wolf.
“You two can stow your helmets in my truck.”
Jonah handed his helmet over, thankful he didn’t have to carry it around. “Thanks.”
“Not a problem. Just let me know when you guys need them again.” He stored the helmets then locked up his truck. “I’m not trying to be rude, but I have someone waiting on me.”
“Thanks for doing us this solid,” Kijani said as Slater walked backward, nearly bumping into someone behind him.
“You two enjoy the fair,” Slater called out before turning and disappearing into the crowd.
“Come on, honey bee.” Kijani took Jonah’s hand with a grin. “Let’s go have some fun.”
* * * *
Jonah hit three different vendors within the first thirty minutes. He devoured most of a hotdog topped with every condiment imaginable and polished off a little over half of a juicy hamburger.
What he loved most was the large bag of cotton candy. The fluffy pink clouds melted on his tongue, leaving behind a burst of sugary sweetness. Every time he plucked off a piece to feed Kijani, the guy licked Jonah’s fingers.
It was the most obscene cotton candy Jonah had ever eaten.
They spent the afternoon riding thrilling rides, grooving to the live band on a small stage, and played various games, which ended up costing Jonah more money than he’d intended to spend.
“I can’t hit any of them,” Jonah moaned in frustration as he continuously missed the bull’s-eye at one of the game booths. “It has to be rigged.”
“Of course it is.” Kijani grinned. “Mind if I try?”
“I bet not even a cop can hit those targets.” Jonah thrust the plastic rifle into his hands.
“Stop pouting, honey bee.” His smile was a little too cocky. “I’ll buy you a pretzel after this.”
“And a Coke.” Jonah crossed his arms. He wasn’t really upset. He just hated the fact he hadn’t won a single prize at any of the games he’d played so far.
So much for impressing Kijani.
“What will you give me if I win?” Kijani whispered in his ear, sending ripples of goose bumps all over Jonah’s body. He nipped Jonah’s earlobe before pulling away.
“My respect.” He smirked.
“You know how to put pressure on someone.” Kijani swung his leg over the stool and sat, holding the plastic rifle like a real weapon, only the toy was too small to look badass. “Let’s see just how rigged this game really is.”
The worker overseeing the game rolled his eyes but said nothing. He was probably used to constant complaints.
When Kijani leaned forward, his butt rose off the seat, and Jonah shamelessly stared at his backside, remembering how he’d been pressed against it earlier.
“Eyes over here,” Kijani said without even needing to look back at Jonah.
Blushing, Jonah tore his gaze away from Kijani’s lip-biting butt and focused on the targets ahead. His jaw dropped as he watched Kijani effortlessly hit every damn one, as if he were born with a plastic rifle in hand.
A few nearby people applauded, but the worker seemed unimpressed by Kijani’s skill. “Pick your prize,” he said lazily, barely glancing at them.
Kijani pointed to something just out of Jonah’s view.
As the worker reached up and pulled down a medium-sized stuffed bumble bee, Jonah’s heart melted at the sight. Kijani turned to him with a sparkle in his eye and handed him the fluffy toy.
“I like this a lot better than a pretzel,” Jonah joked, trying to hide the sudden surge of emotions over a simple stuffed animal. “I promise to take special care of junior.”
Kijani choked on a laugh. “You saying this is our kid?”
Jonah smacked his arm. “Stop freaking out. It was just a joke .”
Kijani’s expression softened. “He’s the most beautiful bumble-wolf I’ve ever seen.”
“Shouldn’t he be a honey-wolf?” Jonah felt a flutter in his stomach. He loved that they could joke and tease each other, instead of arguing and being angry all the time like it had been with his previous boyfriends.
He and Kijani seemed to click so effortlessly.
“That would make more sense.” Kijani slid his arm around Jonah’s waist as they walked down the midway.
As the night sky filled with stars, they found themselves sitting on the grass by Kijani’s motorcycle, watching as families drifted to their cars, trying to get their over-sugared kids into them.
Kijani sat there with the stuffed bee resting on his lap, as if it was his turn to watch “junior.”
It had been one of the best days Jonah had ever had.