Page 10 of Jaxon

Jaxon’s laughter rumbled beneath her hands. “Atta girl. You’ll get used to this.”

Used to this? Rachel didn’t know if she wanted to get used to this world of lawlessness and danger. But she couldn’t deny her fascination with Jaxon and the tantalizing glimpse into a life of reckless freedom she never knew existed.

The chopper rolled to a stop outside the clubhouse. Jaxon killed the engine and helped Rachel off, steadying her when her knees wobbled.

“Still with me?” His voice was gentle, his hand warm on her lower back.

She nodded. “Just a little shaky.”

“Nothing to worry about, angel.” His smile did little to reassure her. “The guys can look tough, but they won’t hurt you. You’re with me.”

With that, he guided her toward the clubhouse. The heavy metal music grew louder, the bass thumping in time with her erratic pulse.

Rachel took a deep breath and walked through the doors into a haze of smoke and noise. A dozen bikers and scantily clad women populated the dimly lit room with its concrete floors and pool table.

All eyes turned to the entrance. A dozen pairs of assessing eyes settled on Rachel, more than a few unfriendly. Her steps faltered as a lump formed in her throat. What had she gotten herself into?

Jaxon’s arm tightened around her waist, pulling her close against his side. “Relax, angel. I told you, you’re with me.”

His show of possessiveness did little to reassure the watching crowd, but no one challenged him. Rachel forced herself to keep walking as Jaxon guided her to the bar.

“Beer?” He raised his voice to be heard over the music.

She shook her head, clutching his leather cut. Jaxon ordered himself a beer and two shots of whiskey, passing one to her.

“Drink up, angel. It’ll steady your nerves.”

The liquid fire scorched her throat, but warmth blossomed in her belly, easing her anxiety. She managed a tremulous smile. “Thanks.”

Jaxon leaned down, his lips brushing her ear. “See? Nothing to worry about.” He nodded to a group of women shooting pool. “The old ladies can smell fear, but they won’t give you trouble if you don’t give them any.”

Rachel surveyed the women, her gaze settling on a curvy blonde in a tight tank top, eyeing her with suspicion. She tipped her shot glass toward the woman in challenge and threw back her shot.

The blonde’s eyes widened, but she gave Rachel an appraising look and a slow smile. Rachel straightened her shoulders, emboldened by the whiskey and Jaxon’s solid presence at her side. Maybe she could get used to this after all.

“Atta girl,” Jaxon said with a grin. “What do you say we get out of here? I’ve got a party to show you.”

Rachel smiled up at him, pulse racing. “Let’s go.”

She was ready to see what else this biker world had in store. Tonight, she would dance with the devil and see if she survived the flames.

Jaxon’s lips curled into a smirk, accentuating the scar that bisected his cheek. “You look beautiful.” His voice was a low rumble, filled with unspoken promises.

Rachel flushed under his gaze, acutely aware of how little her sundress concealed. She cleared her throat and met his stare. “Shall we go?”

He chuckled, a sound that did dangerous things to her equilibrium. “Impatient, are we?”

Before she could respond, he grasped her hand and led her to his bike. “Climb on.”

Her heart stuttered at the prospect of sliding onto the back of his motorcycle, of wrapping her arms around his solid torso. But she had made her choice, and there was no turning back now.

Rachel hitched up her dress and swung her leg over the seat, scooting forward until her chest pressed against Jaxon’s back. His skin was hot, even through the barrier of their clothes, and she breathed in the scent of leather and spice.

“Hold on tight.” He kicked the stand back, and the engine roared to life beneath her, vibrating in her bones.

She looped her arms around his waist, clinging to him as the bike surged forward. The wind whipped her hair, but she didn’t look away from Jaxon. Not for a second.

The bike handled as smoothly as Jaxon himself, eating up the road in a blur of motion that set her blood racing. Rachel smiled against his back, laughing in delight.

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