Page 43 of Reaper

“I like this.” She rubs her hand up and down the leather. “Why is it so heavy though?”

I smile as I pull the front of the jacket together before zipping it up. “It has a skid plate on the back, so if for some reason the bike goes down, you have added protection. Don’t worry though. You’re safe with me.”

“I know.”

Those two words do funny things to me. I like that she’s depending on me even after all the hell she’s been through. That she trusts me.

I always thought I’d want an independent woman, but now I’m thinking I might enjoy one who likes to be pampered.

Taking her hand in mine, I lead her through the clubhouse, ignoring the looks I’m getting from my brothers.

Some men will let anyone jump on the back of their bikes.

I’m not that man. I haven’t had a woman on the back of my bike since I was in my teens. Back then, I was a clueless kid. Now I see the purpose of that place.

The other night when I was holding her, I decided I want Natalie there. We aren’t even anything, yet I already know I’ll fight to keep her here once I solve all her issues. I want it to be her choice, but I’m also not above playing dirty.

When we get to my bike, I grab her helmet, turning to her.

“I’m going to help you put this on.”

She nods, letting me place it over her head. I adjust the chin strap until it’s tight enough. I smile down at her as I brush the bit of hair caught in her face. Her doe eyes look up at me with trust. It’s fucking heady. Has anyone ever looked at me like that before?

“This visor goes down while we ride. The mic is keyed up though, so if you talk, I can hear you, and vice versa. Got it?”

“Got it.”

The urge to kiss her is riding me, but it’s not the time. I need to keep earning her trust. Show her that life doesn’t have to be the way she has been living and that I won’t change once she lets me in.

I’m going to show her what it means to be truly free.

I get on my bike before reaching my hand out to Natalie. She takes it, looking at the bike nervously.

“Trust me, sweetheart. I’ve got you. Throw one leg over and straddle the bike.”

She swallows hard, her eyes meeting mine. There’s no mistaking the heat that flashes in them.

Then she’s on the move. Using my shoulder, she climbs on the bike, settling behind me.

“You’re going to have to get closer than that,” I growl. My hands reach back, grabbing onto her legs. I pull her flush against my back, leaving no space between us.

She gasps but doesn’t pull away. I can feel her heat, making my dick grow in my pants. I swear this woman has put a spell on me. I’ve never felt more like an adolescent than I do in her presence.

“Keep those pretty little legs wrapped around me, sweetheart.” I grab one of her hands, pulling it around to hug my center. Her other hand follows until she’s hugging me close. “Good girl. Hold on tight.”

I put on my helmet before starting the bike. She jumps a little at the sudden noise, but then I hear her giggle. It’s such a beautiful sound.

I want to hear it every day for the rest of my life.

As we pull away from the compound, I smile to myself. She’s squeezing me so tight, but I love it. I want her close. Hell, if it were safe, I would have her straddling my lap.

I take the long way around town, showing her the deserts that surround Vegas. Everyone comes here to see the city, but there is so much more to the state than the tourist trap. Sure, it’s good for business, but I prefer our little corner of the city.

Opening the throttle, I chuckle when I hear Natalie squeak as she holds me even tighter. Her thighs are squeezing my hips and it makes me imagine what it would be like to have her pinned underneath me with her legs wrapped around my waist as I bring her pleasure. For half a second, I consider pulling over to kiss her senseless. I don’t though. Instead, I keep up the pace.

“Oh shit.” I hear her breathe.

“What?” I ask.

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