Page 27 of Beast

“Muffins, then?”

God, the man was dense.I stuck one finger in my mouth and sucked on it suggestively.“Guess again.”

Half an hour later I was feeling deliciously satisfied and ready for whatever the day brought.Or at least I thought I was.I had a quick shower and got dressed while he went to find me that donut he’d mentioned and explain the change of plans to the band.

“You going to tell them about Drake and his band of hit men?”We had agreed not to mention my insane ex, the mafia connection, or the contract out on me to my agent or the band when I’d agreed to the tour, but that was when it was a vague threat.

Beast shook his head.“No point.It would just freak them out, and there’s nothing they can do.Best they look as innocent as they are if anyone comes sniffing around.As far as they are aware, I’m your bodyguard because you needed an excuse to bring along your boy-toy.They all think you just can’t keep your hands off me.”

I raised one brow.“They seriously think I can’t keep my hands off you?”

He grinned.“It’s true.”

I reached for my chaps that he’d laid out on the bed.“Yeah, it is.Help me get these chaps on.”

“I thought you had this figured out.”

“I did.But I like the feel of your hands on me, right?”I stuck my tongue out at him.

“Wench!”

I laughed.

He stalked over and took the chaps, wrapping them around my waist and buckling the belt.Damn, the man was freaking gorgeous.And he was right.I couldn’t keep my hands to myself.

* * *

It had only been a day since the last time I’d rode on the back of Beast’s bike, but that had been much too short of a ride.The wind whipping past me while I rested my head against his broad back brought me a special kind of peace.I felt safe.Cared for.Happy, even.

All my worries melted away, and the only things that mattered were the vibrations of the bike beneath me and the warmth of Beast’s body in front of me as I watched the landscape race by in a blur of color.The next gig was in a little town three hours down the road from last night’s performance, but Beast had warned me that the detour he had in mind would take us at least twice that long.We weren’t scheduled to be on stage until the next day so there was no rush.I could relax and just enjoy the ride.

I’d never understood people who spent their whole lives moving from place to place.My childhood had been one of constant moves when my mom hadn’t been able to pay the rent, found a new boyfriend, or jumped at a new job.She’d always been searching for that perfect life that was just out of reach.

Me?I’d longed to have a real home, a permanent one where I could settle, make friends, and feel like I belonged.I watched the little cliques of kids at schools who’d grown up together, friends since they were old enough to walk, and I’d envied them.Now I wasn’t so sure home was a place.Beast made me feel safe, and his club, Riptide, had made me feel welcome with no judgment, no questions.My dad had helped me escape San Diego without hesitation.Despite the terror of knowing Drake wanted me dead, I felt happy.I’d found a family, a home.I just hoped they felt the same way about me.

A few hours later, Beast slowed down and turned into the parking lot of a shabby-looking diner.Parked in a row in front were several motorcycles, and he pulled up beside them.

I slid off the back and removed my helmet, shaking my head to fluff up my hair.

“Doesn’t look like much, but the food here is good.”Beast took my helmet and hung it off the handlebars beside his.

I eyed a faded sign that proclaimed it to be theBest Burger Joint in the State.“You’ve been here before?”

He nodded.“It’s run by an old Navy buddy of mine.”

“You seem to have old Navy buddies all over the place.”

“We went through a lot together in the SEALs, and we keep in touch.Like family, but with less fucking drama.”

“That sounds nice.Family.”I could hear the wistful note in my own voice.

Beast held out his hand, and I hid my grin.

The lady behind the counter looked up and beamed at us when we walked in.“Beast!Been too long since you visited.How are you doing?”

“Good, Ruth.How about you and Henry?”

She rolled her eyes.“He’s as stubborn as ever, but I love him.I must, to put up with his shit.He wants to paint the place.”

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