Page 16 of Throttle All the Way

“I really do.”

Placing my hand onto her lower back, I led her out the door, directing her to the only car parked right up front. A midnight blue 1970 Oldsmobile Convertible. It was a damn antique, and it felt like one. I opened the door for her and couldn’t help but take a nice long look at those legs as she slid into the passenger seat. I cursed the wind before sliding into the driver’s side.

I drove her up the mountain to Soul’s bed and breakfast, at least I knew she’d be safe there. Soul was Brim's, our Tail Gunner’s woman, and she looked every bit of six months pregnant while she had an eye on a googly-eyed five month old in the crib behind the front desk. Let’s just say the couple had stayed busy the last couple years.

We hadn’t said a word to one another during the ride up to the Inn, and she only gave me a whisper of her name as I registered her into a room. Soul looked up at me and gave me a lop-sided smile as she handed me the key.

“Do you mind?”

I smirked. “You know, babysitters exist in this world.”

She lifted the little boy out of the crib and sighed. “When you find a good one, please let me know. But for now, take our guest upstairs please.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I murmured, guiding Mila up the stairs to her room.

As soon as we got to her door, she turned to look at me. “You really didn’t have to do all this. I didn’t mean to be a burden. You can come in. I’ll pay you back for your efforts.”

I looked past her into the dark recesses of the bedroom. The four poster bed loomed in the distance, and I knew exactly what she was offering. God, she tempted me in ways no other woman did. She also angered me in ways I didn't think possible.

“You're not a burden, Kitten. Soul’s part of the family and this comes at no cost.”

“Oh please, I can pay you back.”

“I saidno!” I snapped. I didn’t like how she was offering herself as payment. I hated thinking she was used to being treated this way.

I leaned in, closing her in between the doorframe and the hard planes of my body. “If I wanted that type of payment, Kitten, it would come in the form of pure pleasure. Not becauseyou need to pay back a favor but because you willingly want to give yourself to me.”

“Willingly,” she whispered, her hot breath tickling my lips.

“That’s right. You don’t ever have to pay me back for anything. Ever.”

I pushed back on the doorframe, creating some distance between us. “I’ll pick you up early tomorrow, Kitten.”

“Are you sure?” Her eyes wide and uncertain as she stared up at me.

“Oh I’m sure. I’ll take you back to Seattle and make sure you’re safe.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Giving her a quick nod, I strode across the hall and down the stairs, making sure she didn’t see me release the breath of air I was holding.

As I got back into that damn cage, I sat there for a long minute watching the snow fall onto the hood of the car. I’d taken the damn step I always told myself I wouldn’t and now I’d gotten too close.

Starting up the car, I gave out another curse as I headed back to the bar. I was in for a shit ride and I knew it.

MILA

Iawoke to the muffled silence that only a snow-covered morning could bring. I stretched out on the fluffy comforter and covered my eyes as light streamed in through the windows.

Slowly, I sat up in bed, glancing around the room. I'd been so exhausted last night, I just sank into bed and fell asleep. Looking down at myself, I sighed. I was still wearing the dress I had on the night before, although my heels were strewn across the room. The wooden panels beneath my feet were freezing as I got out of bed and I quickly grabbed a blanket that lay on the chair in the corner, wrapped it around me and peered out the frost-laden window of the cozy inn. A sinking feeling settled in my stomach. Snowflakes danced lazily in the crisp air, and it dawned on me that it had snowed all night.

Worry crept into my mind as I realized there was no way I was getting home through this storm. The roads were likely buried under layers of snow, making travel near impossible. I sighed, wondering if this was for the best. I honestly didn't want to spend another moment with Tommy Lingdale, especially during the holidays.

I recalled that handsome biker from the night before. There was something familiar about him. His voice, his scent. The feeling he gave me, unnerved me. I wanted to know where he came from and who he was.

A sudden knock came at the door disrupting my now sour mood, and I quickly tip-toed over to answer it. There stood the fiery-haired innkeeper from the night before, with a tray in hand. She offered a warm smile and gestured towards the breakfast she had brought.

"Good morning.”

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