Page 41 of Panther's Magpie
It would make sense. I’m allowed here because I have protection. The brothers wouldn’t let anything happen to me. With them gone, it’s more dangerous.
As I’m overthinking, Panther is studying me. Thinking over what he wants to say.
When he finally speaks, I’m shocked.
“Come with me.”
PANTHER
“Come with me.”
Her eyes widen, caught off guard by my request.
Same, babe. Fucking same.
I had no intention of asking. Hell, I have no idea where the question came from, but it came out before I could stop myself. I don’t walk it back, though. The longer I think about having her pressed up against me for the next few hours, the more I like it.
The more I crave it.
The last time she was on the back of my bike felt right. Ever since then, when I’ve ridden alone, I’ve felt like something is missing. Which is weird, right?
Has she really buried herself so far under my skin that doing one of my favorite things lacks the appeal that it used to?
We haven’t even kissed for Christ’s sake, and she has me in a chokehold. She doesn’t even realize it either.
“Are you sure?” she asks quietly as she nibbles on the side of her lip.
Goddamn, I would do some shady shit to lean in right now and free her lip with mine.
Instead of doing what I desperately want, I reach out and free her lip from her teeth. My hand lingers before I drop it back down to my side.
“I’m sure,” I say, gruffly.
A beautiful smile covers her face. “Then I would love to.”
“Come on then.”
I hold out my hand and take hers in mine. Looking down, I study the way her fingers are wrapped around mine. How right they look. Her hands are soft and dainty compared to mine, which are rough with calluses.
Complete opposites, yet so right.
As we walk away, I feel Ava staring, but I don’t give her the time of day. Maybe now she will get the memo that I was serious when I said we weren’t happening. Crazy bitch.
Rain catches my attention, and she shoots me a thumbs-up and winks, making me laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Maggie asks.
“Just saw something funny in the crowd. Nothing for you to worry about. You need to go to the restroom or anything? We will be on the road for a while.”
“I’m good,” she says, squeezing my hand.
When we approach my bike, my brothers all turn and look at us. Their faces all show different levels of shock. A couple of the old-timers’ old ladies stare at Maggie like they are trying to figure out who she is and what she’s doing here.
“You joining us today, Maggie?” Eagle asks.
“I guess so. As long as you don’t mind,” she says.
“You’re always welcome to hang with us. You know that,” Talon tells her.
