Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
ARIEL
Ican hear the door opening behind me as I'm standing at the sink, splashing cold water on my face.
“Sweetheart, are you okay?” Suzie asks.
I grab a paper towel and dry my face in an attempt to hide the tears that were just falling down my face.
“I don’t know why I tried to kiss him. There’s no way he’s going to want me to come home with him after that. It’s like my body wanted to make this move without my brain telling me to stop.”
She pulls me into a hug, and I can feel the tears stream twice as fast down my face.
"Trust me when I tell you that you're special.
There's never been a moment when he has connected with someone so fast that he offered a place for them to stay at his home.
He sees something different in you and wants you to be okay.
I know you've been through a lot that has changed who you are.
Know that being with him, he will never treat you that way.
He will ensure you are safe and happy. You also have a trusted network of guys in the club who will keep you safe if he has to step away for something.
Don't regret the kiss. Sometimes our emotions get the best of us, and we respond in ways that feel natural.
Please don't doubt yourself or feel bad.
Go back out there, be vulnerable, and be yourself.
Plus, I'm here if you need anything, too. "
All of the words that she's shared have helped me feel a little better about myself and the situation going on.
At first, I had this worry that I would have to be someone I'm not, but knowing I can be vulnerable makes me feel so much better.
Once we release from our hug, we make our way back out to the bar.
“I’m sorry about that,” I say to Sam.
Instead of getting a verbal response back, he leans in and kisses me the same way I did to him.
Damn, he’s a good kisser.
I could get used to this, but I need to go through some of my own healing from my trauma first.
“Are you ready to get out of here?” He asks.
I nod.
“As ready as ever.”
I wave goodbye to Suzie and follow Sam to the backroom, where he grabs a helmet for me.
“What do you think I’m doing with this?” I say, eyeing the helmet.
“You’re riding with me on my bike,” he says as he motions outside.
I stop dead in my tracks when I come face to face with his beautiful green and chrome motorcycle. I can't believe I've never been on one before, but I guess if I'm riding with him, then everything should be good.
“I got you,” he says, taking my hand.
The electricity that flows between our hands has my body responding in ways that it shouldn’t be. I can’t tell if it’s the thrill of what’s going to happen, or if it’s just my attraction to him. Whatever it is, I can get used to it.
He places my helmet over my head and puts the straps together before helping me onto my seat on the bike. It’s so crazy to think I’m about to go on my first ride. Once I’m secured, he does the same for himself.
"Are you ready, Babygirl?" I hear something come through my helmet.
I didn’t realize we could talk to each other, but this is pretty cool.
“I’m ready to go home.”
Fuck, I just called his house my home.
I can't be jumping to conclusions this fast on whether this will be my permanent home or not.
“Hold on tight. We’ll be home before you know it.”
I do as he says as we begin to take off.
I love being able to see all of the sights around me, with the breeze on my skin.
I didn't know how much I needed to feel this free until today.
It's crazy to think that a couple of hours ago, I was trapped with a guy who treated me terribly, and now I'm with someone who's going to keep me safe. It's all wild to me.
About ten minutes later, we're pulling up to his home. It looks pretty big from the outside for being a ranch style. I'm nervous, but here goes nothing.