Page 66 of Claiming Veronica

“What’s that?” Maxim asked dutifully. “No mayo on mine.” He pointed to the last sandwich. He was a picky bastard.

Keeping my eyes on Veronica, I said, “I’m not going to do another fight. That’s not a good business for us anymore.”

“Are you sure? You could still run it without Luther.” She bit her lip in that cute way of hers.

“I’m sure.”

Maxim looked so pleased that I almost took it back, but the shining look in Veronica’s eyes sealed the deal. Finishing the sandwiches, I slid a half over to her with pickles and shredded lettuce just the way she liked.

“She wouldn’t eat anything for me,” Maxim grumbled. “Just the cottage cheese.” He frowned at her.

“Got to know how to make it.” I couldn’t stop the shit-eating grin from spreading over my face as I sat beside her with my plate. Veronica bit intothe pastrami sandwich I made her without complaint, which I took as a win. Maxim growled at me but tucked into his plate, ignoring my comment.

Later, as I pulled her to my side and ran my hands down her curves, I marveled again at how close I’d come to losing her. The image of seeing her on her knees on the pavement would never leave me as long as I lived. I leaned into her, inhaled her scent, and closed my eyes tightly, savoring having her in my arms. I would never let her go.

Chapter 33

Veronica

Iswung Eli’s hand in mine as we left the oncologist’s office. He smiled back at me, squeezing my hand in his.

“That was good news,” I said, unable to keep the grin off my face.

“Yeah, it was. The best news.” He bent over to kiss me quickly before we continued down the hall. I know I couldn’t wait to get out of there, and I’m sure he felt the same. I was free for another year.

I’d gotten lucky with this check-up. According to all the scans and lab results, I was still in remission. My oncologist had given me the stamp of approval. Today was a good day.

The clinic corridor echoed around us, and people gave us a wide berth—the heavily muscled manin a dark leather jacket and the pale girl beside him. We didn’t fit in, but I learned early on that you never knew what people in hospitals or doctor’s offices were experiencing. You should check your assumptions at the door. Disease and illness came for everyone, no matter what size, color, or age.

Eli radiated good health, and I noticed a few residents who hurried by, casting him admiring glances. Little did they know that other challenges brewed beneath the surface. Eli’s trauma wasn’t visible. He still suffered from nightmares.

Both Eli and I had suffered our own experiences with horrors in our past, and we were determined to cherish every moment together for however long we could. I gripped Eli’s hand tighter. I was so lucky and thankful. That was enough for me.

“Ready for the ride back, my little daredevil?”

“Absolutely.” Lowering my voice, I added,” Don’t forget your promise.” I was already soaking wet just thinking about what I’d gotten him to agree to. One of my fantasies had been to ride on the back of his bike. He’d agreed that since today might have been a shitty day that we could bring the bike for a ride. Already, it had exceeded my expectations. He drove so fast, weaving back and forth through traffic. To me, it felt like we wereon the edge of death every time he gunned it and dodged between lanes and cars. I was scared shitless and loved it.

“Oh, I haven’t forgotten.” He walked a little quicker, so quick that I almost had to run to keep up with him down the hallway.

Before long, Eli had me back on his bike, sliding the helmet over my hair. Latching onto him, we rocketed off through the city, Eli managing to maintain that razor’s edge that always had me guessing if he was riding with more skill or reckless abandon.

I was more excited this time about what was about to happen than the ride, although it still thrilled me. It felt like we could crash any second, and the aspect of danger did something to me. Something was genuinely wrong with me that this turned me on so much. Eli pulled the bike off the freeway and down into what looked like a not-so-nice section of town — abandoned. He absently rubbed my thigh with one hand as he angled the bike through the narrow alleys.

It was quiet, not a soul in sight, the buildings high enough that they blocked the light as he pulled the bike to a stop, put his feet down, and drew off his helmet and then mine, hooking them to the handlebars. I knew what came next — or I hoped I did.

He pulled his fingers through his hair, turning his eyes towards me. He looked hungry, as if he were going to devour me whole. I couldn’t wait.

“So my dirty girl wanted to be fucked is that right?” I bobbed my head against his shoulder.

He picked me up and spun me around to face him. “You said you wanted to fuck outside on the bike. Is that right?” I nodded. That was exactly right. I wanted him to take me on the bike. It probably wasn’t practical, but he’d been working with me to make a bucket list. Leukemia might come back, or my lungs could get worse. Either way, I wanted to experience things.

He lay me back against the tank, anchoring me tightly against his hips. “I’m not even going to take your pants all the way off to fuck this pussy.” He rubbed his thumb between my legs hard, making me moan. “I’ll bet you’re so wet right now. Not wet enough. It’s going to burn taking my cock this way. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

“Yes. I want it. Give it to me.” I wanted it all. I wanted all of him — rough, gentle, and dirty.

He wiggled my pants off and pushed them toward my chest, and released his cock from his jeans, pre-cum already leaking down the tip. We both knew I was soaking wet. There was never atime that I wasn’t. For some reason, Eli turned me on all the time. Without a preamble, he thrust into me, making me throw my head against the tank as he worked back and forth into my pussy.

“Fuck,” he growled. “You’re just going to let me use this little cunt of yours? Does my little slut need to come? Is that it?” he rocked up into me, placing one hand under my ass and one hand on my pussy, rubbing firmly on my clit. “I love you like this.” His teeth found my neck and took a slight nip, sending a zing straight to my crotch.

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