Page 185 of The Invite
“Oh.” I feel silly, like I should know the name or something.
Amusement flickers on Augustus’s face when he doesn’t see a spark of recognition in my eyes. Before he can sense my embarrassment, I pop out another question. “Do you have a name for it?”
“Just because I call you pet names doesn’t mean I have them for everything and everyone in my life.”
Color travels to my cheeks at the intimacy of his statement. “But if you wanted to, what would you call it?”
“How about you pick?”
“It’s yours. So, you should decide.”
Tracing the slope of my neck with a fingertip, he drawls, “And I’m asking you.”
My gaze ping-pongs between him and the bike. One single name comes to mind right off the bat, but it stays stuck on the tip of my tongue. So, I lie, “Fine, I’ll think about it.”
I reach for the helmet but he pushes it behind his back. A narrowed gaze meets mine, and he demands, “You’re lying. Tell me the name, Ness.”
“Aren’t we getting late?”
He just stares back silently.
I sigh, and breathlessly reveal, “Beast.”
“Hmm, I like it.” He bends and kisses my nose.
It takes me a second to process his sweet reaction.
He legit kissed my nose like I’m adorable.
Does he find me cute?
“Yes, you’re the cutest, Ness.” Cupping the back of my neck, he caresses the side and smirks. “Even when you’re holding a knife to my throat.”
Before I can retort, he pulls out what appears to be a black bandana from his pocket. Seeing my curious expression, he explains, “I want to keep the place I’m taking you to a surprise. Close your eyes.”
I don’t hesitate to convey I trust him as I obey him.
He ties it around my head, covering my eyes and cutting off my vision. It’s not too tight. Over it, he slides my helmet on and tightens the chinstraps. His hands fall away and I hear him kick the stand of the bike and mount it.
Guiding me with a hand, he helps me do the same. I wrap my arms around his abs. They flex when he roars the engine tolife. Even though he probably can’t see, I know he senses my smile as I settle in for the ride, exhilarated and unafraid despite the blindfold.
It’s a whole new experience of riding with one of my senses gone, which makes the others sharpen. I feel the light breeze caress the uncovered parts of me, the vibration against my inner thighs, and the sounds when another vehicle zooms past us.
Every now and then, he caresses my hand, especially when he speeds up. My heart beats so loud I hear it in my ears. The grin on my lips never wavers.
All my worries about tonight slip away until we arrive at our destination.
Augustus cuts the engine.
A low buzzing remains in my eardrums, and I wait to listen for any noise when it dissipates to guess where we are. The sound of Augustus getting off is all I hear for a second before strong hands remove the helmet, leaving my eyes blindfolded. I gasp when he grips my waist and picks me up.
My feet never touch the ground.
His husky voice fills my right ear. “Wrap your legs around me.”
I shiver when a palm slides to my ass, pulling me flush, and he starts walking. The suspense of the unknown keeps me alert while being cocooned in his embrace tells me I’m safe. It’s a complete mystery how he changed from being my monster to my knight in shining armor.
When did it happen?
