Chapter 1 Christmas Heat #2
I would need a supportive, stay-at-home dad or someone who understands my ambitions and the importance of my job. I’ve never met a man like that. Most are intimidated or want a traditional housewife, and that is not me.
Viper hands me a mug. “Thank you,” I say, inhaling the coffee’s rich scent.
“So you’re telling me there are no sexy doctors where you work?” Sophie asks accusingly.
I cringe. “That’s a definite no. Most are married, and the ones who aren’t are not my type.” A lot of male surgeons have a chip on their shoulder and think they’re God’s gift. I love confidence in a man, but not arrogance.
“Here I was thinking it would be like all those TV shows with all the dreamy men.”
I chuckle as Viper narrows his eyes at his wife. Sophie is a force to be reckoned with. She’s confident and not ashamed to say when a man is attractive. She’s well attuned to her sexuality, but simultaneously completely devoted to Viper.
“I’d better watch my niece enjoy her first Christmas,” I tell them, and go and enjoy the rest of the Christmas festivities.
* * *
After lunch, I’m four, maybe five glasses of wine in.
I’m on a break from work, so I’m enjoying myself.
I’m seated at the table with Twitch, Rage, and Cash.
Twitch is beside me, and the other two are across from us.
Mercedez is in the kitchen helping clean up, for which I’m grateful.
She’s a sweet butt who’s always hanging off Twitch.
“Aren’t you guys going to see your family today?” I ask. Since it’s Christmas and all.
“Yeah, I’ll head off soon to see my mom and brother,” Rage replies. I notice he doesn’t mention his dad. Since it’s only Reaper and me, I’ve always been interested in other family dynamics.
Twitch shakes his head. “I called my mom earlier.”
“Don’t you have any brothers or sisters?” I ask him, secretly interested.
“Nah, it was just me and Mom, and I went to see her yesterday.”
I look at Cash. “And what about you?”
“I’m not close to my family. All my real family is right here at the clubhouse.”
My heart softens. Bless him.
“What about you?” Twitch asks me.
“Like you guys probably already know, Reaper and I grew up in foster care.”
Twitch frowns.
“It wasn’t bad. It’s just that it’s only ever been me and him. So all my family is here too.”
“Are your parents still alive?” Twitch asks.
I wince internally. “I’m not sure. Reaper and I decided that we’re the only family that matters.”
“I’d better get going,” Rage says. “See you guys in an hour or two.”
“Bye, Rage. Enjoy! Drive safe.”
Rage gives me a small smile over his shoulder before striding away.
Watching him, I can’t help but feel a pang of worry.
The MC men have become like family to me, and with Rage being the youngest, I feel protective of him.
He’s like the little brother I never had, even though he’s more than capable of taking care of himself.
Still, there’s something about him that tugs at my heart.
“Why does Rage fight?” I ask Twitch and Cash, my curiosity getting the better of me.
I know the club runs illegal fights and Rage is one of their best fighters.
He wins almost every match, but it doesn’t make sense to me.
“He doesn’t seem the type, that’s all. He’s so kind and sweet. I’ve never seen the other side of him.”
Cash chuckles. “Yeah, I didn’t think so either until I saw him fight for the first time.
” He cringes as if remembering. “He’s relentless.
Like an absolute beast in the ring. He’s so talented I think he could go pro.
He doesn’t even have to be the biggest guy—he’s quick on his feet and with his punches.
” He lets out a low whistle. “Let’s just say he can throw a deadly punch that leaves a man on his back, unable to remember his own name. ”
“Is that where he gets the nickname ‘Rage’ from?” I ask.
Cash nods. “He’s all nice, but in the ring he becomes this unleashed monster full of rage.”
“Is there a reason he’s like that?”
“You’re asking a lot of questions,” Twitch says offhandedly.
I find myself curious about everyone. I enjoy getting to know the people here and I feel I rarely get this one-on-one time with the men. I ignore Twitch and return my gaze to Cash.
“I think it’s all family shit. His dad had an affair and left for a new family. It was a messed-up situation. Rage is a good guy, but . . . pain affects people differently.” He clears his throat. “Would you two like another drink?”
My heart aches for Rage. I don’t understand how a parent could do that to their family. The dismissive way Cash speaks of pain makes me think someone hurt him too.
I peer at my half-full glass. “No, thank you.”
Everyone at the clubhouse has their own demons. It’s sad that bad things happen to good people.
Cash walks away, leaving just Twitch and me.
“Did you end up getting back to sleep last night?” he murmurs.
“Yes. Thank you for caring. The dreams still come now and then, but I’m not as anxious. Every day gets a little better.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“Am I really that loud at night?” I ask shyly.
He shakes his head. “I heard you talking in your sleep, and that’s when you seem to have your bad dreams. Last night, I heard you cry out. It wasn’t loud, though, so don’t stress.”
“Then how did you hear it? I thought you were one of those people who could sleep through a hurricane.” He’s always one of the last to get up. I’m sure the only thing that rouses him is the smell of breakfast. Twitch loves his food.
“Since everything that happened, I’ve been worried about you. I think that alone has made me a light sleeper.”
His sincerity makes me want to jump his bones. “I know I’ve thanked you a million times, but you saved me that day. I don’t know if Ivy and I would still be alive if you and Demon hadn’t found us.” The thought of it sends shivers down my spine.
He stiffens. “But we did find you. They’re dead. You’re safe here.”
I reach over and straighten his motorcycle club vest, loving the sensation of leather between my fingertips.
His cologne is fresh, like a sea breeze mingling with earthy sage.
His eyes darken and slowly roam over me, lingering on my breasts before returning to my face.
He licks his lips, and my panties dampen.
Twitch makes me feel like I’m the most attractive woman in the world.
No one has made me feel like that before.
I let go and take a gulp of wine, hoping to cool my flushed face. “I’m feeling left out. I’m the only woman who hasn’t got a club vest,” I joke. They’re for the ol’ ladies, but still.
“I’m sure Reaper would get you one if you wanted.”
The women wear property vests with their partners’ names, so that’s a hard no. And Reaper would never approve of me wearing anything that officially affiliates me with the club. “I highly doubt that.”
He’s cheeky grin says he agrees.
“So . . . how are you and Mercedez going?” I bring the glass to my lips and smirk over the rim.
With a groan and a roll of his eyes, he says, “We’re not together. I don’t know why everyone keeps saying that.”
Is he that naive? “She hasn’t gotten the memo. You act like a couple. The other sweet butts don’t latch onto the guys they are sleeping with like she does, and . . .” I glance away. “I’ve never seen you with anyone else.”
He looks away, deep in thought. “I’ve told her, but you’re right. I should keep more distance between us. She’s always been around.”
I believe him. He’s a genuine guy, so I don’t think he would hurt her deliberately, but he is hurting her, and the longer it goes on, the worse the fallout will be. I’ve noticed he avoids conflict, so I assume that also plays a part.
“I’ve only ever been hot for one woman.”
My heart rate increases. I have a feeling it’s me, but I play dumb. “Oh yeah,” I say mischievously. “And who’s that?”
He gives me a seductive grin and runs a hand through his thick, wavy hair. I sigh. Men shouldn’t be allowed to be that sexy. I stare at his lips and wonder if he’s a good kisser.
“I think you know exactly who I’m talking about.” He leans closer, his warm breath on my neck making goosebumps race up my arms. His voice drops to a low rumble that vibrates against my ear. “It’s you. It’s always been you.”
His words sink into me. An excited quiver radiates from my belly, and the biggest smile paints my face. Hearing him say it out loud warms my chest. I reach out and rub a hand down his arm. “I feel the same about you,” I say quietly, fully aware anyone could walk in. But I’m itching to touch him.
An outrageous, tipsy thought forms, and I go with it. I look around. “You know, most members are visiting their families. The clubhouse is pretty empty.” I direct my gaze toward the sleeping quarters. “It’s the perfect opportunity to get each other out of our systems.”
His face brightens. “Fuck yeah.”
I laugh.
“I’ll go up now. Meet me in my bedroom in five.”
I love how eager he is. My breathing quickens. “See you soon.”
He gets up, and I watch his fine ass as he leaves. I gulp down the rest of my drink. The sexual tension between us has been building for so long. After a few minutes, I walk up the stairs, blowing out a deep breath to ease my nerves.
His door is cracked open. I hesitate, but I shake my head, not wanting to think about the consequences .
. . This is a one-time deal. I peek left and right.
No one is around. I push the door open and walk inside to see him standing there, waiting, in nothing but boxer shorts.
He’s all lean muscle, with faint abs and that damn V-line at his hips. I lick my dry lips.
Time freezes.
I can’t breathe.
He chuckles, striding toward me. “Like what you see?”
Those forest-green eyes pin me in place. Rules are fleeting when chemistry burns so hot it sears reason to ash. I smirk. “Yes, I do.”