Page 8 of Ash

I gently took hold of her chin and turned her head so she was looking right at me. “We can go wherever you want.”

She licked her lips nervously, and I managed to hold back all the dirty thoughts it inspired and focus on my girl. “Really?”

“Anything you want.”

“Could we…maybe go to a place that has really awesome burgers? And milkshakes?”

A wide grin split my face, and I nodded. “Got just the place, baby girl.”

Ten minutes later, I drove up to The Fuel & Flame Diner. It was one of the legit businesses owned by the MC, while our main source of income walked the line between the laws of the land and our own brand of justice.

When someone needed to disappear, for whatever reason—as long as they weren’t deserving of a beating or the business end of my gun—they came to us because we were the best at it. By referral only, of course.

Most of the patches had some type of skill that helped us forge the new identities and all the other shit that came along with wiping a life off the face of the earth. Obviously, I took care of the legal shit and the “illegal” legal shit. Along with my other duties, like making sure no one ended up in jail.

“I’ve driven by this place,” Nora said happily. “But I’ve never gone in.”

“Best burgers in town.”

I hopped out of the truck and jogged around to open Nora’s door and lift her to the ground. It was impossible not to steal a kiss from her pink rosebud mouth. Then I led her inside and lifted my chin at Rock, the patch who managed the diner.

“Anywhere,” he informed me in his gruff, no-nonsense tone. He was a great guy, and his employees loved working for him, but he rivaled King with how much he scowled. I’d often wondered if he’d ever smiled at his longtime girlfriend, Deedee.

Several of my brothers, a few prospects, and some other random diners were scattered about the seating area, but a little corner seemed to offer more privacy, so I made a beeline for it.

After Nora slid into the booth, I followed her, grinning at her shocked expression.

“Not gonna pass up the opportunity to have you pressed against me.” I winked, and my smile widened at her cute blush. “Doesn’t hurt that you can’t get away from me either.”

Nora giggled and shook her head. “You’d be surprised. I’m limber and creative.”

Fuuuuuck. She was gonna kill me.

I dipped my head and whispered, “Looking forward to learning more about that talent, baby girl. ’Fraid I’m gonna need an up close and personal demonstration to back up that claim.”

Nora’s blue eyes darkened with desire, and she licked her lips again, making it impossible for me to hold back a groan.

“Better order some food before I decide to eat you instead,” I growled.

Nora swallowed hard, and I winked before sitting back up and handing her a menu.

Deedee appeared out of nowhere with a bright smile and a pad of paper. “Can I get y’all any drinks?” she asked in a Southern accent.

“How about a couple of Cokes, darlin’,” I replied in my native Texan drawl.

Deedee’s cheeks turned pink, and she shook her head. “Cokes it is. What kind?”

I glanced at Nora, and she chose a soda, then I asked for the same.

Deedee nodded, then smiled at Nora. “And who is this sweet young thing?”

I slipped my arm around Nora’s waist and pulled her in close. “This is my Nora.”

“Well, ain’t she just pretty as a peach?”

“She’s definitely got beauty to spare,” I told her.

Nora’s eyes bounced back and forth between us with something between awe and confusion.

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