Page 78 of Skid
The road leading out of Pierce Bluff was smooth, and I got lost in thoughts of our future. There were no more secrets between Dalton and me, and I felt freer than ever before. We were getting closer to his cabin, and I lifted my arms from around his waist and leaned back, feeling the wind pushing against me. The stress and worry bled from me as Dalton placed his hand on my knee while he drove down the road. I’m sure I looked ridiculous to Claw and Jackal, but when Dalton sped up, I knew he understood.
When I saw his road up ahead, I placed my arms back around him and kissed the back of his cut, right over the skull in the middle of his Death Hounds logo. This beautiful man, hardened by life and situation, found me when I was lost and saved me from a life of loneliness. Seeing his cabin come into view down the long tree-covered driveway made me emotional.
As the bikes pulled into the front of the cabin, I felt tears building in my eyes, realizing this was my home. A real home with real love by a man who would move earth to make me happy. I never thought it would happen for me. I guarded my heart and lived a life of solitude, afraid someone would see how broken and confused I was.
Dalton saw me and refused to let me stay buried in shame and regret. His love brought me to life, and as the bikes turned off, casting us into momentary silence, I gripped onto Dalton tighter. He turned in my arms and glanced over his shoulder to see tears falling down my cheeks, wetting the back of his cut.
He brought his hands to my arms and asked, “Grace, baby, what’s wrong?”
I released my hold on him, and he stood from the bike, bringing one hand to my cheek and stepping close. I swiped at the tears as the other three Death Hounds stood by, watching but not invading the moment. A smile broke out on my face, and I looked up at Dalton. His blue eyes appraised me, and I brought my hand to his cheek as I explained.
“Nothing’s wrong. In fact, everything’s right.”
“Then why are you crying?” His thumb brushed across my cheek, and I took a stuttering breath.
“I just realized. This . . . you . . . I’m home,” I tried to explain, the overwhelming relief too much to take as I cried.
Dalton closed his eyes briefly, and when his gaze caught mine, I could see them glistening as he smiled down at me. “You’re home, Grace.”
I hugged myself to his chest, and he cleared his throat before speaking. “Let’s get you inside and into a warm bath. Then I’ll get you something to relax while we decide on food. Does that sound okay?”
I nodded and pushed back, wiping the errant tears still falling. He helped me from the bike, and I turned to see Gunner watching with a huge smile on his face. The other two men appeared uncomfortable, with Claw looking away as he rubbed the back of his neck, and Jackal scrubbing his boot across the dirt.
“Would you like to come inside?” I asked them, and Gunner stepped forward.
“Thanks, darlin’. We’re going to head out but make sure you stop by and see Sadie in a few days. She’s been worried about you,” Gunner explained, and I looked down briefly before meeting his intimidating gaze.
“I’m sorry to make everyone worry.”
He leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on my cheek before he replied. “That’s what families do, but next time, talk to Dalton before you run. I’ve known him for ten years, and he is the best man I’ve ever met. He’ll never hurt you, and if he does, I’ll hold him while you beat him up.”
“She doesn’t need you to hold me. She can beat me on her own, from what I’ve heard,” Dalton said, and Gunner pulled a face, showing he was impressed.
“I’ll pay you to beat up Skid,” Claw replied, and I shrugged with a smile.
“I could never hurt my old man.”
Dalton scooped me into his arms, and I shrieked as the Death Hounds chuckled. “On that note, I’m taking my old lady inside. Thanks for the escort.”
I looked over Dalton’s shoulder as he carried me up the stairs, and Gunner winked at me before pulling on a pair of sunglasses and cranking his bike. Dalton punched a code into the panel by the door and the door unlocked before he carried me inside and kicked the door shut with his foot.
He placed me on my feet in the living room, and I looked up at him. His blue eyes were filled with love, real true love, and I couldn’t help myself. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I pulled myself closer to him, feeling his warmth against me. He pulled me tighter to him and kissed me on top of the head.
“Let me get you settled and fed,” he suggested, and my stomach growled.
I released him and stepped back. Smiling, I linked my hand with his and tugged him toward the bedroom. In the far corner, opposite the king-size bed, was a large tub in front of a window. The view was of beautiful trees and flowering bushes, and it was stunning.
Turning to Dalton, I asked, “Would you like to join me for a bath?”
He brought his lips to mine and kissed me, letting me feel his length pressed against my stomach. I flexed my hips into him, and he groaned before breaking the connection and resting his forehead against mine.
“I know you’ve had a stressful few days, and I want to give you time. Let me take care of you, and if you still want me afterward, I’ll give you all you can handle and then some.”
“Don’t . . . don’t you want me?” I asked, unsure why he wouldn’t want naked tub time with me.
He grabbed my hand and brought it to the front of his pants, wrapping it around his hardness, and squeezed my hand. I could feel his want, his need, and I looked up at him, seeing the fire in his eyes. “Do you feel how hard I am for you? How much I want you? I will never not want you, but I need to take care of you first. Shower, smoke, food,” he squeezed my hand around his length again, “then, I’ll make you come so hard, you’ll pass out and sleep until tomorrow. Will you let me take care of you?”
My breathing accelerated, and I swallowed thickly before whispering, “Yes.”
