Page 48 of Ride or Die
I step back to remove myself from his hypnotism, walking around the car to put some extra distance between us. He rubs his chin, watching me with a playful grin.
Fuck, even when he’s not pursuing me, he manages to pursue me. It's like every time we're in each other's presence, our bodies are magnetically drawn to one another.
I clear my throat and attempt to get out whatever parts of my speech I have left.
“You. You brought me here, Hawthorne.” I stop on the other side of the car and take a deep breath. “You’re a fucking paradox. You're a thief, a racer, you like living on the edge and you used to fuck every woman you saw. But, you’re smart, funny and genuine when you’re with me. You’re hot as hell. And I fucking hate you for that because every woman wants you. You’re exciting, and that terrifies me.” I stop my rant to take a breather, my chest heaving.
“Then there’s me. I play it safe. I study and work a regular job. I was a twenty-one-year-old virgin with no friends, and I have a savings account for crying out loud. I don’t go to parties. I don’t put myself out there. I put up walls to keep anyone from getting close to me because it truly scares me. But the thing is, I have to toughen up. I have to get over all the bullshit we’re going to face together because I want you, and that means accepting all the drama that comes with you. I’ve played it safe my whole life. I need the bad boy. I need the thrill. I need you.”
A smile crosses his gorgeous face as he silently stares, waiting for me to continue. Fuck, I want to eat him up.
"I'm sorry for not trusting you. I'm sorry for not listening when you tried to explain what happened. I'm sorry I shut youout because of those stupid bitches. It wasn't fair of me, and I can’t keep doing that."
He nods. "I understand why you did, Layla. It's a lot coming into this world as an outsider, especially on my arm. I forgive you. But yes, you do need to trust me. I've been nothing but honest with you."
"I know. I'm done running away. I promise."
With the weight of my apology off my chest, I circle around the car towards him, seductively running my finger along the metal. His eyes drink in my movements, his Adam’s apple bobbing when he swallows hard.
I step up to him, dragging my hands over his muscular chest. His muscles twitch under my touch. I love the effect I have on him.
“Take me for a drive,” I say suggestively, my voice husky and unrecognizable as I look up at him.
“Get in,” he says, his voice deep and full of promise as he opens the door.
Like the good girl I am, I slide into the passenger side seat, my thighs gliding across the cool leather. Dresses aren’t leather seat friendly, yet this feels oddly erotic. This car is sexy as hell, and he keeps it clean, smelling just like him.
My aphrodisiac.
He gets into the car, and his eyes crawl up my entire body from toe to head. His mouth tips into a sexy grin as he admires me in the passenger seat. When his stormy blue eyes finally reach mine, he says, “You ready for the ride of your life, baby?”
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FOUR
RIDE OF YOUR LIFE
LAYLA
He gives me a smoldering look, waiting for my response. I nod while biting my lip, and he starts the car. The powerful rumble of the engine resonates deep within me, sending a jolt of exhilaration through my body. It’s not just the unseasonably warm November night making me sweat; it’s the anticipation and thrill I am about to experience with this gorgeous man beside me, his presence radiating confidence and charm.
Everything is a thrill with him.
He shifts the car into gear, and we cruise through the suburbs. I feel him stealing glances at me, his gaze setting my skin on fire. Thankfully, the windows are open just enough to allow a little wind to blow through my hair, simmering this heat that’s overwhelming me.
There is just something about the way the streetlights illuminate him as we drive. The shadows and light that cast over him, over and over. He's so handsome, and it’s captivating to look at. I notice it every time we drive at night.
We drive out of the city lights into the countryside, where the smell of earth and water take over our senses. The air is cooler here.
“Not much farther,” he says, focusing on the road, his hand holding mine.
When we finally reach the desolate location, he stops right in the middle of the road, the engine rumbling beneath us.
“So, you said you need some excitement in your life?” he asks, looking over at me. His left hand hangs loosely over the wheel, looking casual and oh so fucking sexy.
“Uh-huh,” I reply, licking my lips.
“Well, you’ve come to the right guy.” He winks, putting the car into first gear and revving it up.
