Page 15 of Heron's Flame

Heron’s mouth pressed to mine, and something inside me ignited. The flame we talked about sent heat rushing through my veins. That little spark zipped and zinged across my skin like a live wire. An electric jolt that shot a needy ache into my core.

A moan escaped as he pulled back. I didn’t want it to end.

Funny, but it wasn’t a wild or fuck-me-now kiss. Somehow, it was even more potent. Tender. Sweet. The passion contained in those few seconds unfurled a deep need and heightened the desire between us. But it also endeared Heron to me because I felt his care and concern with that soft brush of his lips. He held back to ensure I wasn’t overwhelmed.

“That’s just the beginning,” he whispered like he knew everything I was feeling. Maybe he did. I’d never met a guy as intuitive as him.

“How do you know what I need?” I asked, nearly breathless, as our chests rubbed with every inhalation. “It’s like you’re in my head and my heart at the same time.”

“I just feel it.”

It was almost cheesy, but the sincerity in his tone and that spark between us proved he spoke the truth.

Funny thing, I felthim, too. His raw hunger for me and his need to protect and shelter me from harm. It was hard to believe fate had brought the kind of man I dreamed about into my life when I least expected him. Like a fairytale, only this was the adult version with a bad boy biker and an iron steed.

And I wasn’t the damsel in distress. Sure, I had things to work through. I wasn’t perfect. But I didn’t need him to save me. I wanted him to walk beside me while I kicked ass and be there to make me come when it was over. It wasn’t hard to figure out.

“Maybe you aren’t the only one.”

“I think I need another kiss to be sure.”

The next time we parted, I was far too dazed to form a single thought.

Chapter 5 Heron

“How long do you think they’re gonna be in there?” Hawk asked, flicking ash from a cigarette onto the concrete sidewalk outside the salon.

“Fuck if I know,” Talon replied. “I’m fucking bored.”

“Stop bitchin’,” I laughed. “None of us are doing much with our women inside.”

Hawk ticked his chin at me. “You claiming Rebel?”

“Yeah. I am.”

Talon laughed. “I knew it. You owe me twenty bucks, Hawk.”

Hawk lifted his hand and flipped him the middle finger. “I said he would claim her too.”

“But you also said it would take another month. I didn’t.”

Hawk mumbled under his breath, flicked his smoke to the ground, and stomped out the cinders. Reaching for his wallet, he pulled a twenty and slapped it onto Talon’s palm.

“Easiest money I ever made,” Talon joked.

“How many of you fuckers are betting on this? Everyone?”

“Yep. Even Crow,” Talon answered with a shrug.

Damn. Not even my pres held back. First, they made wagers on whether I could work things out with Rebel. Now this.

“Don’t look like someone pissed in your Cheerios, man. It’s not the only bet circulating.”

“Let me guess. My crow,” I answered with a groan.

“We all wanna see what you can do, brother.” Talon grinned. “I’m betting you have superhero qualities.”

“You’re an asshole,” I announced, flipping him off.

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