Page 12 of Ruthless Sin

"There's something else," he says, his expression turning serious. "Your dad called a meeting. All members. He wantsrevenge. They tried to attack his daughter. He's not letting them go unpunished."

Reality crashes back in, but surprisingly, it doesn't dim the warmth in my chest. If anything, it makes this moment feel more real, more us. Because this is our life – love and danger, tender moments and club business, all mixed together.

"Then we should go," I say, but I don't let go of his hand. "Together?"

"Together. But first..." He leans closer, his voice dropping lower. "I'd like to have some time alone with you. To actually enjoy this, celebrate us taking this step. Without club business or angry fathers or Outlaws."

My heart races at the suggestion. "Where?"

"My place?" His eyes search mine, giving me an out if I want it. "Or we could go somewhere else..."

"Your place is perfect," I say quickly, maybe too quickly. My thighs clench involuntarily at the thought of being alone with him in his home. Of finishing what we started in the garage.

But anxiety mingles with the excitement. He has no idea that despite my tough exterior, despite the way I carry myself like I'm fully grown, I've never...

God, how do I tell Ruthless – experienced, mature Ruthless – that I'm a virgin? That I've been saving myself, waiting for someone special. Waiting for him, though I didn't always know it.

"You sure?" he asks, studying my face. "We could—"

"I'm sure," I cut him off. "We should celebrate. After all, we’re at war, right? We don’t know when we’ll have another moment like this."

He shakes his head, his expression darkening slightly.

"I think so. The war's been brewing since Chloe wrote that exposé on the Outlaws' trafficking ring. Then they nearly killed one of us, and we hit their weapon stash in retaliation." His thumb traces the bruise on my cheek. "But now? Now, all hell breaks loose. Things are going to get ugly, Angel."

"Then we deserve this moment even more," I say, trying to sound braver than I feel. "Before everything goes to shit."

He drops some bills on the table and stands, holding out his hand. "Ride with me. On my bike. We can leave the other behind."

I take his hand, electricity shooting up my arm at the contact. "Will it be safe?"

"Eddie's got cameras everywhere, and half the police force eats here. It'll be fine until morning."

Outside, the night air is cool against my heated skin. I climb on behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist. The familiar smell of leather, cigarettes, and something uniquely him surrounds me as I rest my cheek against his back. His muscles flex under my touch as he kicks the bike to life.

As we pull out of the parking lot, I hold him tighter, my mind racing with thoughts of what's to come. The war with the Outlaws, the club's reaction to us, and most importantly, what's about to happen at his place.

I should be scared – of all of it. But with my arms around Ruthless and his heart beating steady against my palms, all I feel is ready. Ready for whatever comes next, as long as we face it together.

The city lights blur past us as we head toward his place, and I close my eyes, letting myself feel everything: the rumble of thebike, the solid warmth of his body, and the promise of what awaits us. Because whatever happens next – with the club, with the Outlaws, with us – this moment is ours.

And I plan to make it count.

Chapter 6 - Ruthless

Angel's arms around my waist are a sweet torture as I navigate the streets toward my place. Every curve, every stop light is an exercise in control – something I'm usually damn good at, but tonight feels different.

Tonight, everything feels different.

Her face is pressed against my back, and I can feel her heart racing. Or maybe that's mine. Twenty years of military and MC life have taught me to stay cool under pressure, but this woman destroys every defense I've built.

I pull into my garage, hitting the remote to close the door behind us. The silence when I kill the engine is deafening. Angel doesn't immediately let go, and I cover her hands with mine where they rest on my stomach.

"You okay?" I ask softly.

She nods against my back before slowly pulling away. When I turn to look at her, the garage lights catch the nervous excitement in her eyes. There's something else there, too – uncertainty, maybe fear?

"Angel," I swing off the bike, turning to face her fully. "We don't have to…"

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