Page 99 of Succumbed

“The bike tour continues! The route is a mashup of highlights and romantic nooks and crannies, so it’s a little…wandery.”

“Nooks and crannies?” I giggle.

He flushes. “Yeah. I researched the best routes, and those were the top two. Seemed like combining them would give us the most complete experience. Had to make the most of the day, you know?”

This man. This sweet, adorable man. Placing a hand on his cheek, I smile into his amber eyes. “Thank you, Linc.”

“Anything for you, beautiful.” He presses a soft kiss to my lips.

Before I can melt into him, he’s gone, standing and pulling me to my feet. I can feel Declan’s eyes on me as I gather the remains of our lunch.

“Where does it end?” I ask. “The tour.”

Linc grins. “You’ll see.”

Declan rolls his eyes at his brother’s giddy teasing, but I don’t miss how his lips tip up in the corner. Linc’s enthusiasm is infectious.

“Do we seriously have to use these bikes?” Declan grouses, staring at the two tandem bikes leaning against the bench.

Shane slaps his shoulder as he rights the one he and Linc are using. “You’ve got this, brother.”

“I know I do, I just don’t want to.”

“Come on, Dec,” I taunt, pulling our bike upright. “Has it been so unbearable to be trapped behind me all day?”

His eyes rake over me, heat flashing again as he grunts. “That’s not the problem, boss.”

“It’s not dignified enough for him!” Linc calls, swinging up behind Shane as they pedal seamlessly away.

Laughing, I look back over my shoulder. “Dignity’s overrated.”

“Right, says the woman who has more dignity in her little finger than half this fucking city.”

He pushes off as we both get settled, then starts to pedal, following the guys.

“You know,” I muse, fighting the urge to look at him, “that almost sounded like a compliment.”

“It was,” he calls over the sound of the cars and tourists around us.

“Are you feeling okay? You haven’t challenged me once today. I’m getting worried you’re off your game, Wilde.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my game.”

We pull alongside Linc and Shane, waiting for the light to change. I take the opportunity to look at him, twisting in my seat.

“Prove it.”

Shane’s low chuckle brings a teasing smile to my lips as Declan’s eyes narrow playfully. The light changes before he can reply, but as soon as we’re safely on our way, he rises to my challenge.

“You’re good for them.”

It’s torture not to glance back at him, but I’m not about to risk our safety as we speed through the city. His rich voice is quiet enough not to carry far, keeping our conversation between us.

“It took me a while to see it.” He admits. “Honestly, I didn’t want to. It’s been just the three of us for…a long time.”

I stay quiet, listening. My heart pounds as I adjust my grip on the handlebars, steering us steadily along.

“I’ve been in my head a lot lately. Too much. But you’ve been there for them, and…I’m grateful.”

---