Page 9 of Royal

Holy shit.

The light turns green, and I am saved from passing out as he pulls out onto the interstate. Everything is a blur due to the power of the bike. I rest my head on his shoulder to take in the view.

The ride should be longer when we reach the city where the MC club is based. We pass it on the way farther downtown and I can see people giving him a nod as he passes the building, ones filled with respect.

Royal slows down in front of an expensive-looking Italian restaurant that is usually booked out months in advance. He parks the bike and takes hold of my hand as I slide off, my legs wobbly from not being used to riding.

“My daughter still gets clumsy after she rides with me.”

I smile at the mention of his daughter. “Donovan loves dirt bikes. He has a hundred little toys in all shapes and sizes.”

Royal helps me remove the helmet and leather jacket and places them in the side saddle. “What did you think of riding?” he asks me, setting his hand on the small of my back and leading me across the short distance to the restaurant's entrance.

I smile excitedly. “I loved it. Initially, I was a bit scared, but I can see why you’re obsessed with it.”

He looks down at me, taking hold of the door and opening it for us. “It’s the most freeing feeling in the world. Got shit on your mind? A ride down the road and it’s gone.”

The hostess at the front looks up at Royal, and after seeing his cut, she says, “Your table is ready.” My eyes widen in shock that she didn’t even ask for his name.

We are led through many people eating and dressed way fancier than I am. I’m wearing wedges, white high-waisted skinny jeans with the knees ripped, and a light blue peasant top tucked into my pants.

The table is away from everyone, and a piece of glass separates us to give us some privacy. When we reach it, I notice this table is decorated differently than all the others.

My hand lifts to my throat, shocked at the thought he put into this. The table is covered in a pristine cream cloth. The silverware is wrapped in red cloth napkins. The china is white but has a delicate design around the rim. Rose petals are scattered on the table, giving it an elegant, romantic vibe, and the lights are dimmer here, with candles emanating a soft glow.

“You did this for me?” I ask him. No one has ever gone through the effort of doing something like this for me.

On the side of the table in a vase is a massive bundle of red roses that I know are for me. The hostess leaves us alone, and now it’s just us.

“Is it too much?” he asks, and I see an uneasy expression on his face.

I shake my head furiously. “This is more than anyone has ever done for me, the effort and thought…” I try to hold back tears, but I can feel my eyes welling up anyway, but they don’t fall.

Royal’s expression softens. His hand touches my face gently, his thumb on my cheekbone. “That breaks my heart that no one has put in any effort for you. You’re beautiful, and I can see your heart and soul is so fucking pure.”

I rest my face in his palm, taking in the affection he is giving me. “Now, let’s get you to sit.”

I stand back, letting him pull out my seat. He helps me sit and scoots in my chair.

Looking over at the rest of the crowd in the restaurant, I notice a few people trying to peer around the privacy glass.

Royal notices, too, his jaw clenching, and he grunts, turning to stare back at them, his eyes dark. The man and woman watching us look sheepish before turning back to their dinner.

I try not to laugh at the shame they have on their faces. Royal chuckles under his breath, and I can no longer fight the smile on my face at seeing his amusement.

“Do you have any other family members?” he asks me.

I take a drink of the water one of the waitresses dropped off with the menus. “I have a brother. He is in the Marines right now. Shane hasn’t been home in quite a while, but he is getting out of the military very soon.”

“That’s awesome,” he says before looking over the menu. I look at mine, too.

“Penny’s mom is not involved at all in her life?” I can’t resist asking because that is a massive part of his life.

He shakes his head. “Not at all. I attempted to let Penny see her years ago, and it was a total disaster. So, I have raised her completely on my own.”

“That is an amazing thing. Not many men would take on their daughter to raise them alone,” I tell him.

He reaches over and takes my hand, resting it on top of where it’s resting on the table. Chills run up my arms at the feel of him touching me. “You’re the one that is fucking brave, darling.”

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