Riding Hard (Hell Ryders MC Book 4)

by J. L. Sheppard

  Midday Monday while her students were at lunch, she received a delivery—two dozen, long-stemmed, white, yellow, and red roses. Absolutely stunning. Grabbing the card, she flipped it open.

  Happy Birthday.

  Cullen & Dodge.

  Her lips parted. She stared at the note wild-eyed coming to grips with the fact that a biker, not just any biker but Dodge, had bought her flowers.

  Again, something she never expected him to do, but it had less to do with the fact that he was a biker and more to do with the fact that she couldn’t remember the last time a man she was dating bought her flowers.

  After snapping out of the haze and coming to her senses, she pulled open the bottom drawer of her desk and snatched her phone out of her purse. She slid her finger across the screen, clicked on his contact, and brought the phone to her ear. The call went unanswered. She hated checking voicemails, so instead of leaving a message, she hung up and set her phone on top of her desk.

  Not five minutes later, her phone buzzed. She drew her gaze away from the stunning bouquet of roses, picked it up, and held it to her ear.

  “Lex.”

  “Dodge.” His name came out breathless. Then she realized she must have been interrupting his workday. “Sorry to bother—”

  “You’re not bothering me.”

  Smiling, she released a breath. “I wanted to thank you for the flowers.”

  She heard his smile over the phone. “No pink.”

  “Um…what?”

  “You’ll notice there’s no pink.”

  She noticed the colors but didn’t know what he meant to tell her.

  “I know you don’t like pink.”

  She liked it just fine. She just didn’t like it on her walls or floors or used as a theme to decorate anything unless it was a little girl’s room, but she wore pink and liked flowers in every color. She didn’t want to share this since he sounded so proud to have remembered this fact. Although at the time she thought he’d insulted her, knowing him a little better now, she realized she’d been wrong. She’d also thought she disgusted him and knew now it was not the case. Every time they kissed, she felt how badly he wanted her.

  Even so, because they were embarking on something new and she didn’t want to lie or omit anything, she found herself saying, “For future reference, women like flowers in all colors, even pink.”

  “Women in general or you?”

  She hesitated a spilt second. “I like pink flowers though I like the fact that you remembered how much I hate my pink bathroom more.”

  “Better than any other color?”

  “No. I like a variety the best. Roses and tulips are my favorites.”

  “Variety on just flowers, right?”

  She laughed. “Nope, I love variety.”

  “Lex,” he growled.

  “Not what you’re thinking, Dodge.”

  “So we did good?”

  We. She loved he did that, never forgetting he had a son, almost like he wasn’t complete without Cul.

  “You both did great. Thanks, again.”

  “You busy tonight?”

  Last night, he hadn’t made plans to see her again, and she worried when he would. Not that he had to so soon, they had just spent two full days together. She knew men liked their alone time, the reason why the fact that he asked to see her for the third day in a row thrilled her.

  Unable to hide her smile, she didn’t bother. “I have an errand to run, but I should be home by six.”

  “Dinner. Our place?”

  She grinned. “Should I bring anything?”

  “Just you.”

  “Okay.”

  “And Lex?”

  “Yes?”

  “Next time I don’t answer, leave a message.”

  “Oh, so I’m interrupting you? You didn’t have to call back so soon. It could’ve waited—”

  “Not what I meant, Lex. I meant it’d be nice to hear your voice even if it’s recorded.”

  Her stomach fluttered. She sounded shaky when she said, “O-okay.”

  He chuckled. “See you soon. Bye.”

  “Bye.”

  She ended the call and looked at the clock at the far end of her classroom. Late to pick up her class at lunch, she left her phone in her top drawer and headed for the cafeteria. Returning with her class in tow, the art teacher, Miss Clark waited for them. After the students settled and she handed the reins to Miss Clark, she sat at her desk and instinctively, maybe because she wanted to relive that conversation, checked her phone. A new text message. She unlocked her phone and read it.

  Like talking to you midday.

  She responded, Me too.

  Instantly, another text. Can’t wait to see you tonight.

  She hesitated then. Quite frankly, she couldn’t wait to see him either, but she was scared to admit as much. In the past, it hadn’t worked well. Then before she changed her mind, she typed and sent her message.

  Can’t wait to see Cul tonight.

  A second later, WTF?

  She giggled to herself and responded. Can’t wait to see you too.

  Someone’s gonna get a spanking.

  She felt her cheeks flush. Try it and see.

  Immediately, he responded, I will.

  A second later, another text came in: Now I gotta find a way to get back to work with a hard on.

  Her eyes bulged. Cannot believe you just told me that.

  Everything about you turns me on including just thinking about spanking you.

  A shiver snaked through her body. Again, she typed and sent a message before she changed her mind. Maybe she’d come to regret it, but she didn’t want to bring past hurts and concerns into a new relationship.

  Ditto.

  Instantly, another message. Fuck me.

  Then another. Love to spend all afternoon texting you but gotta get back so stop teasing.

  She wasn’t. Though she didn’t feel the need to spank him, she got a thrill every time he mentioned doing it to her. She didn’t say any of this since he had to get back to work and so did she.

  Instead, she typed and sent: See you and Cullen tonight. XOXO.

  She spent the rest of the day staring at the clock in her classroom willing the hours to pass. After work, she headed to the mall, bought Dodge a couple of shirts and Cullen a football. She’d seen him with his friend throwing one around. At home, she showered and dressed before she headed over.

  She strode in with the nicely wrapped presents, her gaze swinging from the beaming smile on Cul’s face to Dodge.

  His stare on the bags in her hand. He clenched his jaw, rubbed the back of his neck, his Adam’s apple bobbing before he cleared his throat. “Thanks.”

  It sounded forced enough to make her wonder why, but he didn’t say anything until a few hours later.

  After tucking Cullen into bed, he entered the kitchen, not hiding his narrowed eyes, and closed the distance between them. “You shouldn’t’ve spent money—”

  “It was your birthday.”

  He stopped a couple of feet away and released a breath. “Fine, but it wasn’t Cullen’s.”

  He had a point, and she hadn’t asked if she could buy Cullen something either. She didn’t know what rules they had. While she’d been growing up, her parents preferred to save money for their college funds, so they never got fancy toys unless it was a special occasion, either birthdays or Christmas. This worked to her and Meg’s benefit since while in college, they hadn’t had to pay a dime out of pocket or get loans. What if Dodge disciplined Cul for whatever reason and she showed with a toy?

  “It wasn’t expensive.” Impulsively, she defended then shook her head. “But I see that I should’ve asked you before buying him anything. I will from now on.”

  He cocked his head, arching a brow. “From now on, you’ll ask me to buy my son stuff with your money?”

  She didn’t know why he had the habit of repeating what she said. Usually, it didn’t bother her. Then, it did since she’d done something
wrong.

  She swallowed. “That’s what I said.”

  He stared at her a long while, eyes intense, burning, and sad. She didn’t know why, but that sadness she felt sear her chest.

  Swallowing, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

  He dropped his head and ran a hand through his hair. Finally, he met her gaze. “You want to buy him something here and there, that’s fine, Lex.”

  Not what she expected him to say. That gloomy look in his eyes, the expression on his face, a mixture of emotions, hadn’t faded.

  “Just don’t spend a lot of money.”

  She nodded. “Is everything…all right?”

  He released a breath. “Yeah, Lex.”

  No, not okay. She knew, and she wouldn’t let something as silly as her buying Cul a gift ruin his mood.

  She grabbed hold of his hand. “Listen, if you don’t want me buying him things, I understand. I won’t take offense. I prom—”

  “It’s not that.” He took a step toward her and cupped her cheek. His gaze roamed her face, but he didn’t say anything for a while. “She didn’t work, but she spent money, maxed out all my cards. Always had something new on.” He shook his head. “But she never bought him a single thing.”

  Oh God. That was just…horrible. Her sister wasn’t even in her second trimester, and she’d already ordered her niece or nephew a couple of unisex onesies and bibs.

  “I’m sorry.”

  Lex wanted to say more. She just didn’t know what to say to make him feel better. She also knew there were times nothing anyone said could make someone feel better and figured this could be one of those times.

  He traced her lips with his thumb. “Me too.”

  Hoping to lighten the mood, she smiled and said, “So you’re hinting I can spoil him all I want?”

  He smirked. “Don’t spend too much, Lex.”

  Then he claimed her mouth. They kissed until she was close to giving in to him and instead pulled away. He walked her home and pecked her lips before she headed inside.

  Tuesday, he texted her early. Good morning, Lex.

  During lunch, she invited him and Cullen over for dinner. Fourth day in a row, she didn’t know if he wanted to but figured if he couldn’t make it, she’d make dinner for them another night. He texted not a minute later agreeing. That night, she made steaks, mac and cheese, and green beans. Both seemed to like it. After, they watched TV together. When Cullen fell asleep on her couch, Dodge grabbed her hand, helping her stand, led her down the hall, into the garage, and kissed her. They made out until she again drew away. Hard, but she managed it by reminding herself Cul slept a room away.

  Wednesday, again, he texted her early wishing her a good morning. The whole workday, she waited for another text. When four o’clock rolled around without, she made plans to take a yoga class. She’d been meaning to get back into a workout routine and hadn’t yet. At five, she went home, changed clothes, and helplessly looked across the street. His SUV wasn’t parked in the drive. Her stomach clenched. She fought to ignore it reminding herself they’d seen each other the last four days in a row.

  She then drove to class. Just before it started, she checked her phone. No text. After the one-hour session, she grabbed her bag, found her phone, and looked to the screen, probably the hundredth time that day. Still, no text. That tightening in her stomach strengthened. She ignored it.

  At half past six, she pulled onto her drive, her gaze flying to the porch steps where he sat resting his elbows on his knees, head up, staring straight at her. Smiling, she turned off her car, opened her door, stepped out, and belatedly realized with his expression impassive and his jaw locked, he didn’t look excited to see her.

  A sinking feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. She closed the distance between them on a jog. “Did something happen to Cullen?”

  His eyes widened. He shook his head. “He’s next door.”

  She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. “Oh, okay.”

  He raked his gaze from the top of her head to her feet and back up again, that same look on his face that made her think she disgusted him. Then his eyes hardened.

  “Why—”

  He stood, towering over her. “What the fuck you wearing, Lex?”

  She angled her head up to hold his eyes. “Um…” She glanced down at herself, taking in her black and neon green high-waisted leggings, matching top, a sports bra, and jacket.

  “You can’t wear shit like that.”

  Her lips parted. Um… What?

  So maybe she didn’t have the perfect body. She wasn’t thin. She had a butt and boobs, but she wasn’t fat! She could wear leggings. She wasn’t one to show much. Technically, she wasn’t wearing a shirt, only a sports bra, but she wore high-waisted leggings, so she showed barely an inch of her stomach. The leggings were tight, but that’s what women wore to yoga. Besides, no hiding her butt. It was big. She wore a light jacket over and only took it off for class. It was ridiculous and maddening he thought she couldn’t or shouldn’t wear something because she didn’t have the perfect body.

  “This is what everyone wears to yoga and I was at yoga. I’m sorry I don’t have the perfect body, but I’m still entitled to wear what I want.”

  His jaw dropped. Then he clenched it tight. “What. The. Fuck?”

  She had no idea what he meant, and so, she didn’t respond. She did cross her arms over her chest.

  He dragged his hand through his hair. “Did I say you didn’t have the perfect body, babe?”

  “You didn’t have to. It was implied.”

  “The only thing I implied was what I fuckin’ said. You didn’t get it, so I’ll repeat. You can’t wear shit like that.”

  Since he’d raised his voice, she thought it pertinent to take the conversation elsewhere.

  “Let’s talk inside.”

  She walked past him, unlocked her door, strode in, hung her bag on the coat rack then took off her jacket, hanging it too. When she turned and faced him, his eyes went feral. His whole face flamed in anger. About what, she had no clue.

  He sliced his stare from her chest to her legs then back to her face. “I’ll fuckin’ repeat. You cannot wear shit like that.”

  “I’ll repeat. I’m sorry I don’t have the perfect body, but I’m entitled to wear what I want.”

  “You got the perfect body, a body I don’t want anyone looking at ’cause it’s mine and I haven’t seen it.”

  Her lips parted for a completely different reason this time. Stomach fluttering, her breaths grew shallow.

  “I’ve seen you wear all types of shit, Lex. You look hot in everything, even the loose shit you wear to school. I get why you do it, but this…” His gaze shot from the top of her head to her toes. “You wearing tight as shit, your stomach showing, I’m seeing you like this after getting a call from Dash who saw you before I did?”

  He jerked his head side to side. “Fuck no, babe. Fuck. No. You’re mine. I haven’t seen you like this. Why the hell should anyone else get to?”

  God, such a caveman! Why did it make her feel special? Like he cared? Why did it turn her on?

  She had to get a grip. Waiting on her doorstep, ready to scold her about something she did unknowingly, something as stupid as his friend seeing her in yoga attire and calling and telling him about it was not okay. Anyway, he had no right to tell her what to wear.

  She swallowed and tried to even out her rapid breaths. “I was at yoga.” She motioned to her outfit. “This is what everyone wears at yoga.”

  He leaned in to her. “Wear something else.”

  Her eyes widened. “No. I’m a grown woman. I wear what—”

  In an instant, his arm circled her waist. He shoved her against the length of him and dug his hips into her. On her stomach, she felt him, all of him and gasped. Then he gripped the back of her head and slammed his lips onto hers, silencing her. Her mouth opened of its own accord, tongue slipped out searching for his. He found hers first, kissed her with brute force, a
nd to her surprise, it spurred her. Wrapping her arms around his neck, nails digging into his hair, she kissed him just as forcefully.

  His hand at the back of her waist trailed up to the top of her leggings. He tugged them and sunk his hand inside. Then he gripped her butt hard and rubbed himself against her. Her head snapped back. Losing hold of his lips, she let out a moan. Then his mouth slid to her neck biting lightly, teasing, taunting.

  Her nipples puckered against his chest as his other hand glided from the back of her neck to her front. He grabbed the bottom of her sports bra and yanked it up. He pinched her nipple, cupped her breast, and dropped his head. The warmth of his mouth heated her there.

  “Beautiful, Lex.” He sucked her deep, his stubble making the plethora of sensations mind-blogging.

  She should stop him, but all she could do was cry out, “Oh God…” With her hand at the back of his neck, she held him against her as she lifted her leg, wrapped it around him, and instinctively rubbed herself against him.

  He tore himself away and groaned. Then he was at her mouth again kissing her deep.

  “Please…” Somehow, she managed it. “Stop.”

  He released her so quickly she stumbled. His hands went to her waist to steady her, yet he kept his distance. Breaths rapid, jaw clenched, he let her waist go and fisted his hands. She knew what she wanted to say but needed to catch her breath.

  “You…” Because his stare fell to her chest, she readjusted her sports bra and finished, “…Can’t tell me what to wear.”

  Gaze snapping to her face, his hands went to his head. He dragged his fingers through his dark hair. The muscle in his jaw twitched. “Fine.”

  Her eyes widened. She won the argument? That fast?

  He smirked. “You get home after whatever the fuck it is you’re wearing shit like that for and give me a kiss like that one, fine.”

  Still catching her breath, she nodded.

  “Now seeing as how I gotta fix this—” He pointed to his hardness. “—Before my balls burst, I’ll catch you later.”

  She saw him and Cullen an hour later. He brought food. They ate together. Then he and Cullen left.