Rose startled, and her heartbeat picked up, bringing her back to the present. She’d asked him to train her to defend herself so she’d be prepared when Kent came to collect her.
She still had nightmares about the asshole—the way he pinned her down, forced her legs open. Could she handle the experience again, even if it was only playacting?
“You look worried.” Duke scanned her face.
Rose sucked in a breath. “I am, but I want to try anyway.”
Duke moved toward her in measured strides—trying not to scare her with sudden movements.
“It’s normal to be jumpy. You remember the system we worked out?”
“Yes.” Some of the tension uncoiled in the pit of her stomach. Duke was here to help—not to hurt her. She braced herself, ready for him. “I can do this.”
Duke sprang on her.
Before she knew it, she was on her back, and he straddled her hips. Her arms were pinned above her head, and he held her in place. It happened so fast, she couldn’t think, didn’t even have time to block the attack. She felt dizzy, and the room spun.
“Fight me off.”
Beads of sweat broke out on her forehead, streaking down her temples, and her heart thundered. In her mind’s eye, she was beneath Kent once more—he held her down, ripping at her clothing.
Rose shook her head—tried to channel her anger and tamp down on the fear, but she could feel the panic rising.
Duke stilled. “Come on, focus, Firecracker. It’s okay—it’s just me. You’re safe. Break my hold on you.”
Rose tugged her arms down, but his upper body strength easily outmatched hers. She strained, trying to shove him off, but she struggled for purchase on the floor.
“You can do it. Come on.”
Panting, she tried again to dislodge him, but she didn’t get anywhere. Again, she thought of Kent on top of her, the dead weight of him, the feel of his erection pressing into her. Her arms started to shake, and her stomach churned.
“It’s me. Not him. Nothing will happen to you—I promise. Do you need to say the word?”
“No.”
She wouldn’t give in to the panic. It’d ruled her life the past few months. She had to push through the dread, find the courage within. Rose closed her eyes and gradually relaxed, the anxiety dissolving.
“Better?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” With a grunt, she moved her leg up, planting her heel on his thigh, and pushed, sending him back a few inches. It gave her enough room to scramble away from him. Rose lunged at him, pressing him backward, and lying flat on top of him instead, straddling his hips.
Rose grinned. “I did it!”
She laughed at his expression–equal parts pride and annoyance. Of course, she knew he’d gone easy on her, but the victory felt good nonetheless.
“Did I pass, coach?”
“Yeah, you passed.” He shifted his hips, and she became aware of the warmth of his big body. His scent overwhelmed her—a mixture of earthy cigar smoke, clean skin, and musk.
Neither of them spoke for a moment. The tension blazed.
Duke licked his lips. “I hate to cut it short today, but I gotta go.”
She could tell he was lying from the way he wouldn’t meet her gaze. But Rose got to her feet anyway, and he stood as well.
“We’ll do a cool-down fast.” He turned away from her and gathered up the mats, before placing them at their feet. They did a quick yoga cool-down, though it didn’t calm or center her.
Rose wanted to be on top of him again.
Duke bent over, and she followed his lead. They both grasped the back of their calves, holding the pose, and the muscles in the backs of her thighs jumped in protest, but she persisted. She’d been sore the past couple of weeks, exhausting muscles she’d never used before.
“Feel that?”
“Yes.”
She was positioned slightly behind him and made the mistake of glancing at his backside. Rose was far from an expert, but he had a firm butt, and she admired the curve of it. Her fingers itched to explore him.
She used to think she’d never be interested in sex at all, but she couldn’t have been more wrong. Sure, having a crush on Duke was awkward, but maybe it was a sign she was getting better? Rose had been slowly working on her issues the past few weeks.
Duke glanced back at her.
Rose could feel a blush creep up her cheeks. She’d been so lost in staring at his behind, she hadn’t been paying attention.
“Move into Downward Facing Dog.”
He stretched forward and placed his palms on the floor, extending his body, and she copied the move until they both perched on all fours, backs arched, facing the yoga mats beneath them. She had to work at learning poses. Rose lived more in her head than her body, and athletics was never easy for her. She had a difficult time committing things to muscle memory.
Duke stood and circled her, evaluating her pose.
“Very good, but you’re overextending the hips a bit.” He placed a hand on her right thigh, pushing it in slightly.
Rose gasped. His fingertips burned straight through her clothing. She turned her head, locking eyes on his, and neither one of them looked away.
“Your hips should only be a shoulder’s length apart.” His voice had gone deep, dark velvet.
“I’ll get it right next time.” Rose got up and suddenly found herself pressed against his chest. They were both breathing heavily… and not from exertion.
Duke bent and kissed her—it was tentative, a brushing of his lips against hers, over in a moment.
But it made her crave more.
“I’m sorry.” Duke shook his head.
“You are?”
“Aren’t you?”
“Not even a little bit.”
“Oh.” He licked his lips, eyes flicking to her mouth once more.
For a moment, she thought he might kiss her again, but, with a grunt, he ran a hand through his hair.
“I’m sorry, anyway. We shouldn’t be… it won’t fucking happen again. I promise.”
“It won’t?” Christmas was canceled.
“No, it won’t.” Duke glanced out the window. “I’m here to train you, not hit on you. I’m gonna be late. I gotta go. I’ll see you Friday for another session.”
And then he all but ran from the room.
Rose gathered up her gear and headed home. As she drove back to the hotel, she kept touching her mouth. She could still feel Duke’s lips.
And Rose craved another kiss.
Chapter Nine
Days later, the night of Eddie’s party at Perdition arrived. Daisy and Cowboy insisted that Rose go with them. They were going to announce their pregnancy, and there was supposed to be another big pronouncement as well. Being in a large group of people made her nervous, but she’d suck it up for Daisy.
Daisy persuaded her to wear a dress for the occasion, which she bought at the local dress shop—Hell’s Belles. She stood staring at herself in the mirror on the back of the bathroom door and felt exposed. She hadn’t worn anything but baggy clothing since she’d been rescued.
Although the long maxi dress was modest by anyone’s standards—it came down to her ankles, for pity’s sake. The sweetheart neckline made her anxious because it revealed so much skin. Daisy had also bought a black and white shurg to pair with it, and Rose wrapped it around her torso tightly.
Daisy knocked on the door, and Rose opened it to find her sister standing there in a calf-length sky blue sundress paired with a matching cardigan. She had the slightest hint of a baby bump. Her cheeks held a rosy hue, and her hair fell softly around her shoulders. Daisy had slicked on some lip gloss and eyeliner as well, and she looked luminous.
Rose’s heart clenched. Daisy deserved every bit of happiness.
“You ready?”
Rose stifled all of her doubts and nerves. She wouldn’t ruin Daisy’s day for the world.
“Absolutely. Let’s go.”
Arm in arm, they walked ou
t to Cowboy’s truck. He had a wide grin on his handsome face—looking blissful and utterly content. Cowboy offered Rose a friendly wave, which she returned. Daisy climbed up and scooted in close to him. Rose sat on the opposite side of Daze.
“I’m a lucky man.” Cowboy wrapped an arm around her sister. “I’m arrivin’ with the two prettiest girls.”
His eyes were on Daisy, so much love in them it made Rose shiver. Some day she wanted a man to look at her as if she were the only thing in the world—but Rose doubted it’d ever happen.
When they arrived, the party was in full swing.
A mixture of hard rock and country played on the jukebox. Several long buffet tables had been set along the wall—all of them were laden with food. Mostly Texas-style eats–ribs, brisket, corn on the cob, corn bread, beans, and the like.
Daisy and Cowboy got in line for the buffet, and she followed behind. She wasn’t hungry, but she didn’t want to be rude.
Rose spotted Duke seated at a table with his hellion. The woman draped herself over him, kissing him, placing his hand in her lap. Rose tried not to stare, but it was impossible—she was jealous, which was ridiculous. She had no claim on Duke.
Duke glanced up sharply, meeting her gaze, and she swore to God her heart almost stopped. He’d evidently felt the weight of her stare.
Damn.
She hadn’t wanted to bring attention to herself. He smiled at her slowly, almost like they shared a private joke.
Rose couldn’t help but grin back.
She turned her attention back to the rapidly cooling food on her plate and walked to the table where Cowboy and Daisy were seated. Rose tried not to listen as they sweet-talked each other—at this rate, they’d have another baby next year. Rose brought a forkful of baked beans to her lips and forced herself to eat.
Later in the evening, Captain climbed on the bar and held his hand out to Eddie, who took it after a moment of hesitation. They looked like a couple. When Rose had first arrived in town, she’d assumed they were. While Eddie might not return his affections, Captain was all about her.
Captain was an older man but still had a powerfully built body. Rose placed him in his forties, with spiked blond hair and a hint of gray at the temples. Slight lines crinkled around his blue eyes, and he had a well-groomed mustache and beard.
Captain whistled loudly to get everyone’s attention. “Stop your jawin’ for a second and pay fucking attention.”
The crowd immediately quieted down.
He addressed the group. “I’m happy y’all could make it here tonight. The Horsemen aren’t just an MC. We’re a family, and when one of us has good news, the group shares in it. We’re lucky bastards tonight because two of the brothers have some damn fine news to share.”
Everyone cheered.
“I’d like Cowboy and Daisy to stand up,” Captain called, a grin splitting his face. “Share your news with the group, brother.”
Cowboy wrapped a protective arm around Daisy, his hand resting on her stomach. “I’m pleased as punch to say Daisy and I are expectin’.”
The crowd stomped and cheered loudly.
“A boy or a girl?” Shep shouted over the din.
“A girl!” Daisy yelled, cupping her hands around her mouth to amplify the sound. “Her name is Violet May.”
Daisy met Rose’s gaze.
Rose couldn’t stop tears from falling—Daisy, Rose, and now they had a Violet in the family. Their mother, Sunflower, had started the flower name tradition, and now it’d continue into the next generation.
The bikers pounded the tables and roared while the hellions screamed and clapped.
Eddie smiled. “Congratulations, Daisy and Cowboy! I’m sorry, but I’m gonna have to bring the mood down. I have some very sad news to tell you.”
A hush fell over the crowd.
Then she laughed. “Well, sad if you’re a hellion, anyway. My baby boy is officially off the market.” She turned to Ryker. “Tell ‘em your news, kid.”
Ryker got to his feet. “Elizabeth has agreed to make an honest man of me. We’re officially affianced.”
Elizabeth raised her right hand, showing off one hell of a rock. “We haven’t set a date yet, but all of you better be there.”
The Horsemen clapped again.
Next, Steele stood to address the group.
“Ryker might be taken, but I’m free, single, and definitely easy, ladies. If any of you hellions need some consolin’, I’m available for your use.” Steele ran his hands along his body, as though anyone hadn’t picked up on his unsubtle message.
Everyone laughed, and a couple of women slid a bit closer to him.
Rose smiled at his audacity.
The bikers eventually went back to their individual conversations, though a group of well-wishers surrounded both Ryker and Elizabeth as well as Daisy and Cowboy. Rose backed off into the shadows, watching the party rather than participating.
Some of the men pushed back the tables to form a small dance floor, and a few couples danced to Whitesnake’s Is this Love.
Rose felt a prickle on the back of her neck.
She turned to find Duke watching her from across the room—an invitation in his eyes. His hellion was nowhere to be seen, but a quick scan of the room revealed she was part of the group surrounding Elizabeth, admiring her ring.
“Would you like to dance?”
Rose turned to see Coyote standing at her elbow. Rose tensed, wondering if he’d seen the DVD yet. Maybe he’d already told Duke, and they hadn’t found anything of use?
Coyote smiled. “I ain’t very good, but I think I can manage not to step on your foot.”
Flushing, Rose shook her head and forced her thoughts away from Kent’s media mind games.
“Um, no thank you. I appreciate being asked, but I don’t dance.” And the thought of being that close to a strange man made her queasy.
Yet she never minded when Duke touched her. Hmph.
Coyote ducked his head. “No problem. You have yourself a real good night.” He turned and walked away.
Great.
Now she felt like crap for turning him down. He’d been nothing but sweet to her, but she wasn’t interested in Coyote. By all rights, she should be—he was the right age, handsome, kind. He also didn’t appear to have any hellions tucked away for special favors either.
Rose only had eyes for one man.
She watched as Duke sauntered over to the jukebox and selected a tune—just as the Whitesnake song ended, Firecracker by Josh Turner started up.
Her breath caught.
Duke winked, and his mouth moved as he sang along with the lyrics. He hadn’t asked her to dance because it wasn’t his style, but he’d still played her the song.
What did it mean, though? Where was it going?
“What’s the deal with you and Duke?” Eddie asked.
Rose nearly dropped her drink, she was so shocked.
“Geez. Where’d you come from?”
“Hmm, maybe you should’ve been payin’ better attention. Somethin’ got you all distracted?” She nodded to Duke, who was abruptly interested in the beer he was holding.
Rose fixed the older woman with a blank look. “No.”
Eddie took a sip of her margarita. “Oh, come on, now. It’s obvious to everyone, and by everyone, I mean me. Though I’m bettin’ my nephew will catch on pretty quick. Shep is smart as a whip.”
“My love life is my own business.” Rose wished she would go away so she could sit there and watch Duke, see if he sang any more of the song to her, but Eddie seemed determined to butt in.
“Love life, huh? So there is something to tell.” Eddie pulled her to a corner table. “Come on, honey, you can tell me everything. I’m the mother figure in this particular group. Spill it.”
“I already have a mother figure.”
“Daisy?”
Rose nodded.
“She’s a strong woman. I bet she took care of you when you were kids.”
“Y
es, she was part mom, part sister.”
Eddie sat back in her seat. “Yeah, but she’s family, and I bet you haven’t told her you got a thing for Duke. If I know Daisy, and I do, she wouldn’t approve.”
Rose flinched. “I don’t have a thing for Duke.”
“No?”
“No.” Her chin notched higher, daring the woman to contradict her.
“Then why you pinin’ for him from across the room?” Her eyes twinkled with mischief.
“I am not pining for him.” Although, Rose thought about Duke way too often.
“Honey, I could coat this whole conversation in a layer of whipped cream and cherries, but I don’t see the point. I’m too old to be coy. I’m gonna lay it out there. I know you’ve been through hell.”
Rose blanched, feeling torn. The Horsemen had helped Daisy save her, and they’d provided her with food, shelter, and protection. She certainly owed them, but discussing her trauma felt too personal. Invasive even.
“I don’t know everything. And I don’t want to know. That’s your business—but your sister and Cowboy painted a word picture for me. Duke is a mess too—he’s even more tight-lipped about it than you. He hasn’t told me a damn thing, but I’ve made an educated guess.”
“I know he’s a mess.”
“I bet you do. You two have been spendin’ time together?”
Rose hesitated unsure what she should divulge and what she should keep private.
“Uh, yeah.”
“Duke’s too old for you.”
“Do you think age matters?” Duke seemed like the only person who understood her.
Eddie paused a moment, mulling it over. “I’d like to say that age is just a number, especially because I’m on the backside of fifty, but it helps if you are both at the same stage in your lives.”
“What about you and Captain? He’s younger than you, but it’s obvious that he’s in love with you.”
It was Eddie’s turn to be uncomfortable.
She didn’t speak for a moment. “Oh, honey, I’m too old for him. Captain was a prospect for the group when I was already an old lady. We’re just good friends.”
“Yeah, he wants to be more than your friend.”
Eddie raised a brow. “You ain’t intimidated, are you? Kent didn’t break you.”
“No, he didn’t, but he gave it his best shot,” Rose said coolly.
Joy Ride: A Virgin Romance (Let it Ride Book 3) Page 21