Page 13 of Riding Hard

Tony rounds toward us, his gun aimed but not at me. He stares down at his son. “You’re a fucking disappointment. Get your ass up before you ruin this for everyone. Businessalwayscomes first.” The large man grips his son by the neck and shoves him back toward the inlet at the center of the factory before turning back toward me. “Please accept my apology. My son will be taken care of.”

I don’t know what that means, and I don’t care. Tony is right, Nico needs to be‘taken care of.’

I pull Bella into my arms and stare down at her. She’s so strong, beautiful, and brave. “You saved me.”

She smiles and I swear her eyes light me up in places that have been buried for decades. “I hardly saved you. You just punched a guy for me.”

“That was nothing. You literally moved mountains for me. I’m not sure I can let someone with that kind of power get away.” I kiss the top of her head and hold her close.

“I’m not trying to get away.” She stares up at me, our gaze fixed on one another. For the first time in ages everything feels right. Now, I need to explain it to my daughter.

Chapter Nine

Bella

I stand outside the dilapidated factory trying to focus on anything other the conversation Diesel is having with Amber, but my heart is in my throat and my stomach is about to cut a hole through my skin and make a run for the highway.

“So… you two are a…” Kane fumbles with his words. I’m not sure that’s ever happened before. “I’m surprised. Diesel had such an opinion about Amber and I getting together. The age thing and all. It hasn’t been a problem for us, and I wish you two the best of luck, but I’m just surprised.”

“Me too.” I let out a heavy sigh and refocus on a small patch of daisies growing near the cracked cement. I remember why I left the Springs. Rugged Mountain is so much nicer. The peace, the mountains, the fresh air. Here, it smells like someone has taken a hot blow drier to black mold and left it on high. “I don’t think either of us expected this to happen, and it’s not ideal, but…”

“Hey, Bella.” Amber interrupts my ramble. Dear God, I’m not ready for this. How embarrassing is it to tell your friend that you have a thing for their dad? A real thing. A thing I couldn’t stop thinking about if I tried. A thing that I want more of.

“Hey,” I squeak, my heart beating in my throat.

“Dad told me about you two.” She holds back a smile. “I know you’re expecting me to be mad, but I’d be a pretty big hypocrite considering I’m in love with this big guy.” She slaps Kane playfully on the chest. “I want you guys to be happy. Dad has been lonely for a really long time. He deserves to fall in love, and I don’t think he could’ve found anyone better.”

I hold back all the weird questions like…isn’t it strange that we’re the same age? And if your dad and I get married, am I your stepmom?Those are unproductive and not at all at the heart of what’s happening.

Diesel’s arm wraps around my waist and his deep voice rumbles low as he says, “We should head back.”

Amber reaches her hand out for mine and squeezes it before pulling me close for a hug. “I love you, but I’m not calling you Mom.”

Why am I relieved that she got that out of the way?

Amber and Kane take off with Gunner, Tex, and Chap, who was waiting outside with Amber. I’ve met so many interesting people today.

I bite back a grin and steer toward Diesel’s bike with his hand in mine. “She handled that better than I thought. How are you?”

“Relieved.” I stare up toward him, tipping onto my toes. “I thought something awful happened to you last night, Diesel. I’m so glad you’re okay.”

His giant hand lands on my face and his thumb strokes across my cheek. “I’m never letting you out of my sight again, okay?”

My heart swells and my skin warms against him. “Okay.”

He nods. “That’s my girl.” He climbs onto the bike, and I sit behind him, holding tight around his waist as the engine rumbles to life.

Diesel holds his hand over the top of my knee as he rides away from the factory and toward the main road that takes us back into Rugged Mountain. I’ve never been on a bike before, but with Diesel I know I’m safe. Besides, I’ll take any excuse to be close to him.

The rumble of the engine under my seat vibrates throughout me and the scent of his musk whips back in the air. Maybe I’m not safe here after all.

My pussy is aching again. Aching and pulsating to be touched by the big man driving. Unfortunately, we’re surrounded by multilane traffic, stoplights, sidewalks, sirens, horns, and brakes squealing. I didn’t realize how much clutter I’d eliminated until now. If we were in Rugged Mountain, he could pull off the main road and we could have a quickie. Here, we’d have to get a room.

Diesel turns back as he pulls up to the stop light at the edge of Highway 20. “You need anything before we head back?”

I study a woman crossing the street with her bag clutched tight to her side and her heels undoubtedly aching her feet. This is the life I gave up and I’ve never been happier. “No.” I snuggle into his shoulder. “Just you.”

Sunlight dips into the horizon and a soft glow spreads across Diesel’s arm illuminating his tattoos. His voice is deep as he says, “You mind if I make a quick stop? Not here, but closer to the mountain.”

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