Page 19 of F Is for Honey Bee

Kijani groaned with a chuckle. “Please, stop. Show me some mercy.”

“I’ll trade you mercy for a much-needed hug.” Leaning next to Kijani was nice, but Jonah could really use those barrel arms around him, especially after he’d just been staring at the wall Flint had him pinned against.

“I accept your barter.” Kijani pulled Jonah into his lap, his firm arms caging him like Jonah would take flight at any second. Absolutely nothing could harm him when he was wrapped up in safety and protection. Not even those grim thoughts could penetrate Kijani’s secure barrier.

The apprehension and edginess seeped away like pollutants down a sewer drain during a powerful thunderstorm.

Jonah exhaled and closed his eyes.

Chapter Six

“What…is that?” Jonah’s eyes widened as he stared at the sleek motorcycle that Kijani had just parked in his driveway.

He was well aware of what it was—a glossy black bike with red accents and a passenger seat with a helmet strapped to it. Jonah was just shocked that Kijani owned one and the stunning bike was in his driveway.

But what really caught his attention was the rider himself, especially his thick, sculpted legs encased in perfectly fitting jeans. They caused Jonah to imagine what it would feel like to straddle those brawny thighs, to feel their ruggedness as Kijani flexed them against his butt.

The blue shirt he wore was rolled up at the sleeves, revealing dark hair and intricate tattoos on his arms. It fit snugly against his upper body, emphasizing his well-built physique and leaving Jonah feeling a bit breathless.

“It’s my Road Glide, sweetheart.” Kijani affectionately ran his hand over the bike. Had he just called Jonah sweetheart, or was he referring to his motorcycle? Either way, Jonah envied the bike for receiving such tenderness from Kijani. Lucky bike. “Figured we could get away for a while and leave our troubles behind.”

“On that?” Jonah had never been on a motorcycle before and wasn’t sure if he was brave enough to try it now. He had always admired them from afar but never had the courage to actually ride one.

Kijani cupped Jonah’s face in his hands, the warmth seeping into his skin. “I promise you’ll be safe with me. I won’t let anything happen to you, honey bee.”

The thought of getting away for a while sounded appealing. Lately, Jonah’s routine consisted of going to work, going home, and spending a single night at Kijani’s. “Do you have somewhere particular in mind?”

“I figured we could take a ride on the back roads and see where it leads us.” He brushed a few strands of hair from Jonah’s forehead then kissed his temple. “What do you say?”

How could Jonah say no to that fuck-you-against-the-wall voice and steal-your-breath smile? He felt his face catching fire as he smiled in return, knowing damn well he was going to give in to whatever Kijani wanted.

He had already given in to the most incredible kiss of his life. In fact, he had given in to so many things, even though he knew he should keep the deputy at arm’s length.

Denying Kijani was like denying oxygen to his lungs. Even if it meant hopping on a terrifying motorcycle just because Kijani wanted him to.

“You better return me the way you found me,” he warned as he narrowed his eyes. “Not a single scratch on me.”

A mischievous grin spread across Kijani’s handsome face. “Wouldn’t want to lose any brownie points.”

“Forget the points,” Jonah replied. “If anything happens, I’ll make you drive my tiny car.”

Kijani threw his head back and let out a booming laugh. “Your car tried to eat me.”

Jonah playfully shoved him. “I already told you that you have densely packed muscles that weigh a few tons. How is that my car’s fault?”

“A ten-ton elephant?”

“A ten-ton wolf,” Jonah countered with a goofy smile. “You better strap me to you with bungee cords on this motorcycle.”

“Nah, you’ll be fine as long as you hold on to me real tight, darlin’.”

An explosion of heat rushed over Jonah’s face, burning hot as he imagined wrapping his arms around those massive muscles.

After Kijani explained the rules of being a passenger, he placed the helmet that had been strapped to the seat on Jonah’s head. The weight of it was surprisingly light, but it felt strange and bulky on his head.

Then Kijani slipped on his black and white marauder helmet. He looked both intimidating and badass with it on, instantly transforming him into a fearless road warrior.

Jonah was disappointed his own helmet was just a solid dark blue. He wanted to look badass, too.

---