Page 33 of Claimed By The Club
My mouth turns dry. “Yeah. Closeness.”
He lifts a brow, then shifts closer, the moonlight catching the hint of gold in his hair. “What about you? Ever think you could stay here, even after the Reapers are dealt with?”
That question carries more weight than I expect. “I… I haven’t dared let my mind go that far. My life’s upside down. I do want to rebuild my fashion brand, or some version of it, but maybe I don’t have to run back to the city. I’ve grown to like it here, despite the drama.”
His smile brightens, relief and curiosity mingling. “That’s good to hear.”
A hush stretches, thick with anticipation. We’re alone under the moon, miles from the clubhouse. The tension crackling between us becomes impossible to ignore. I sense the same electricity I’ve felt with Frost and Ghost, that magnetic pull that defies logic. My heart thrums, uncertain if I should lean into this or run.
Viper reaches out, tucking a wandering lock of hair behind my ear. The gentle touch stirs a flutter in my chest. “Don’t be nervous,” he murmurs. “I’m not here to pressure you.”
I manage a small laugh. “I’m nervous because… I like you, Carter. And I’ve already crossed boundaries with Frost.”
He nods, sliding his hand to my cheek. “I’m aware,” he says softly, pausing. “Doesn’t change how I feel.”
A million questions churn in my head, but all vanish as he closes the last inch of distance, brushing his lips across mine. The contact is tentative at first, a moment’s hesitation. Then I exhale, leaning in. Our mouths press together more firmly, the desert around us fading into a backdrop of starlight. Heat pools in my core, surprising me with its intensity.
His hand cradles the spot behind my neck, fingers tangling in my hair. I respond, sliding my palms over his shoulders. The kiss deepens, a slow burn that sends jolts of excitement through every nerve. It’s different from Frost’s commanding touch, or Ghost’s haunted intensity. Viper’s warmth wraps around me, disarming and enticing at once.
Time slips. The only sound is our breathing and the distant wind. Eventually, we ease apart, foreheads resting against each other, hearts racing in tandem. My mind whirls with conflicting emotions—pleasure, relief, anxiety.
“I shouldn’t,” I whisper, voice shaky. “Frost and I have this… agreement. We never really defined it, but we?—”
Viper hushes me with a soft chuckle, lightly thumbing my lower lip. “I get it. But believe me, you might be reading too much into MC rules. This life isn’t always about pick one man and lock it down.”
Confusion swirls. “What do you mean?”
He lifts a shoulder. “Sometimes we share. Sometimes we adapt. I’m not saying it’s all free-for-all. But we’re not as rigid as you think. If we’re loyal to each other, we figure out a way. Talk to Frost. You might be surprised.”
My cheeks burn. “You’re joking, right?”
He shakes his head. “I’m dead serious. Look, the club’s changed over the years. People have unique arrangements, and it’s not my place to detail who’s done what. But the world’s not black-and-white, especially not with us.”
I swallow, mind reeling. The idea that Frost might not care if I connect with Viper, or Ghost, feels surreal. Yet part of me senses a glimmer of truth—there’s always been an unspoken closeness among them, a brotherhood that might allow for unusual dynamics.
“You’re messing with me,” I say weakly, though I can see the sincerity in his eyes.
He smiles, brushing a light kiss across my temple. “Don’t worry so much. We handle our own. If you want this—whatever this is—just be honest. Don’t hide from it.”
My stomach twists in nerves, but I nod. “I’ll try. It’s a lot to process. My entire life, I assumed monogamy or nothing.”
He shrugs, an easy confidence in his posture. “You never know until you talk it out.” His arm rests against my waist, pulling me gently against his side. “For now, how about we just enjoy this view?”
I let out a trembling exhale, resting my head on his shoulder. The moon bathes the desert in silver, and the city lights twinkle far behind us. Part of me is still spinning with what he said, but I can’t deny the comfort in his presence. The kiss lingers on my lips, reminding me that maybe I’m not the onle one experiencing this confusing tangle of feelings.
We stay like that for a few minutes, breathing in the crisp night air. I shut my eyes, letting the moment ground me. Viper’s body is solid and warm, a safe harbor in the swirling chaos of threats and shifting loyalties.
Eventually, he stirs. “We should head back before someone thinks we got ambushed. Don’t want Ghost freaking out.”
I laugh softly, picturing the stoic man scanning the horizon for us. “True.” I stand, dusting off my jeans. “Thank you for this… detour. It means a lot.”
He rises, taking my hand. “Glad it helps. You deserve a break from all those spreadsheets and shady bikers.”
I smirk, letting him guide me to the bike. “You know you’re included in that shady biker category, right?”
He chuckles, grabbing both helmets. “Fair enough.”
We mount up, and I loop my arms around his waist again. The engine roars, sending a thrill down my spine. The ride back is calmer, though I’m keenly aware of each rumble beneath me and the steady warmth of his body against mine. My mind churns with questions about what he said: If we’re loyal to each other, we figure out a way.
