by J. C. Cliff
The anger fades from him as his molars grind the mints to dust and a smiles blossoms on my face. It’s a small victory but a win nonetheless. Pocketing my mints, he stares at me as I struggle with the helmet. Stepping forward, he brushes my fumbling hands away and secures the chin strap.
“Sheltered and a pain in the ass,” he mutters under his breath.
About to argue, my lips part but he lifts a finger to my lips, silencing me. Treating me to a wink, he brings his hand up and raps his knuckles against the top of my helmet.
Lost in the simple gesture, I realize the night is young and full of promise.
It’s going to be a very interesting date.
Yes, I have officially decided to call him my date and not an escort. Although, I don’t think I’d mind much if he decided to escort me to his bed at the end of the night. At the thought, a chuckle escapes my lips.
“Somethin’ funny?”
Shaking my head, I balance the weight of the helmet on my head and try my best to stifle the giggle. Seeing through my attempt, he mumbles something I can’t quite make out and backs me up against his Harley. He cages me in, placing his hands on either side of me and his chest brushes against mine. At the close proximity my breath hitches and my heart pounds in my ears.
“You ever been on a bike before?” he rasps. His eyes dip to my lips and my knees threaten to buckle, giving me a look that makes my knees wobble.
Clenching my legs, I shake my head and watch as he licks his lips before revealing a wicked grin.
“I’m going to get on first, then you throw a leg over and straddle the seat. I want your chest pressed against my back and your thighs squeezing mine. Hold on tight, sugar. I’m a rough ride.” He pauses, raising a brow. “You getting all this, Ree?”
“Uh-huh,” I whisper through a dry mouth. He flashes me a smile full of straight white teeth, and I force myself to swallow.
“Like that I’m the one who gets to give you your first ride, sugar. I like it a fuck of a whole lot,” he murmurs, voice husky. “My dick is hard just thinking about how good you’re going to feel wrapped against me.” If he keeps talking like that, my panties won’t make it out of the parking lot dry. “Now, once we’re ready, you’re going to wind your arms around my waist and whatever you do, don’t let go. When I lean into the corners, you lean with me,” he instructs, and I try to pay attention, I swear I do. But the tone of his voice is so seductive all I can do is imagine ripping his clothes off. His heated gaze works the length of me before settling back on mine. “Got it?”
“Yeah,” I rasp. Just wrap all available body parts around him and hold on tight. “Got it.”
He slowly backs away and grabs his own helmet. Slipping it on over his head, I straighten up on weak limbs and fight for breath. Turning his attention back to me he points to my chest and my heart speeds up all over again.
“Zip it,” he commands, drawing his hand up, mimicking the motion of a zipper. I release a shaky breath as I reach for my zipper. Flustered, my finger fumbles with the zipper. Grabbing the handlebars, he gracefully swings his leg over the seat in one fluid motion, and as he throttles the engine, I take a moment to compose myself. The kickstand disappears with a swift kick of his foot and he plants both boots on the concrete before he glances over his shoulder and whistles for my attention.
“Hop on,” he orders over the boisterous sound of the bike.
Eager to touch him, I find my footing and close the distance between us. Laying both hands on his broad shoulders, I use him to balance myself as I climb on behind him. Inching myself closer, I press my chest against his back and wrap my arms tightly around his waist as he instructed. Stifling a giggle, I ignore the pounding pulse of my erratic heartbeat and find the nerve to slip my hands underneath his leather jacket. Splaying my hands across his stomach, I feel his abs contract beneath the thin cotton of his shirt. An indescribable thrill rips through me as the bike roars to life and the vibrations jolt between my legs.
Adrenaline swirls through my veins, awakening my body in the most exhilarating way. For the first time in a long time, I am truly free. Free from my past.
Free to find my future.
Free to live how I choose.
Blade doesn’t have to tell me to hang on tight, I automatically do so because I can, but also because he told me I should. He gave me total clearance to wrap myself up in him like a pretzel knot.
The engine rumbles with a loud roar as we peel away from the curb and out of the parking lot onto the street. The second the tires touch the free road, he takes off and we soar through the streets.
I release a hearty laugh from the thrill of it all, and then cheer loudly over his shoulder, “Yes!”
Blade’s stomach muscles shake with what I believe is laughter and a smile spreads across my lips. Resting my chin on his shoulder, the wind whips around us as the falling sun sets in the west, signaling that our night has just begun.
CHAPTER SIX
I think a person doesn’t realize how badly they’re suffering or how lost they’ve truly become until they’re released from the ties that bind them to that misery. It’s almost as if this adventure has paved the way for me. Suddenly, I’m not bound to the debilitating depression my divorce left me in. I’m not defined by the abuse I endured.
Experiencing an outdoor concert is hands down the only way to listen to music. The scenery and delicious aroma of vendor food paired with the sound of live vocals is simply surreal.
Blade appears to have this magnetic personality, bringing a spark of energy and life to everything and anyone in his vicinity. He’s made this experience more thrilling than I could’ve ever imagined. Smiling at the thought, I consider how attentive he’s been to my needs. All the stolen touches and wayward glances he’s given me, have sent me spiraling into a tailspin. The way he wraps his arms around me and sways our joined bodies to the music seems to make the crowd surrounding us disappear. It’s as if we’re the only two people here and as a result, the music has taken on a whole new meaning. One song fades into another and we can’t seem to keep our hands off each other, making me to wish the night would never end.
I could barely find the courage to tear myself away to use the bathroom. The nice thing about this outdoor venue is they have really nice restrooms, and despite what Trish and I talked about earlier, I do have my limitations. I hate porta-potties.
Giving myself a quick makeup check, I stare in the horror at my reflection. Dancing my ass off all night long has proven to be real work, and I reach for a paper towel. Patting it across my sweaty skin, I try to preserve what’s left of my makeup. I pull out a tube of lipstick from my crossbody purse and apply a fresh coat to my lips. Satisfied with my appearance, I fluff out my long blonde hair and grin with confidence back at my reflection.
For once in my life there is no one taking the glass from my hand, telling me I’ve had too much to drink. Dean was notorious at regulating my alcohol intake in public places.
It was embarrassing.
It was condescending.
Another form of mental and emotional abuse.
Snapping out of it, I push the poor bastard and his evil ways out of my mind. He doesn’t get to ruin my good time. Not anymore. There is a drop-dead gorgeous man acting as my date and he deserves my undivided attention.
Thinking about Blade and all his sexy swagger, I can’t help but ponder over what he keeps hidden beneath those tight jeans of his. Deciding I’ve wasted enough time in the bathroom, I wash my hands and exit. The moment I step outside, the blaring music fills my eardrums and I close my eyes, relishing in the beat. The cool night air dances across my arms as the bass pulses through my entire body.
Working my way back to Blade, I meander through the mass of people when a loud whistle sounds to my right, grabbing my attention.
“Over here, beautiful,” Blade’s rich baritone voice calls over the background music. Leaning against a brick wall half hidden under a low-lying tree, his eyes meet mine and I watch a
s his lips quirk.
God, he looks incredible.
Walking toward him, I watch as he nonchalantly chucks his cigarette off to the side. Keeping his eyes pinned to mine he pulls the tin of mints from his pocket and empties a few into his mouth. His teeth grind them to dust as he forces a smile and I can’t help but smile too. His lips thin as I draw closer and he stares at me with a feral expression heating his eyes. It causes a rash of goosebumps to spread across every inch of me.
Remaining rooted in place, he crooks a finger at me, beckoning and pointing to the space before him. The gesture would at any other time grate on my nerves but coming from him? I can’t help but find his wordless command sexy.
“You know littering is not cool,” I mock lecture, reaching him.
Unabashedly, he takes his time sweeping his gaze over my body, pausing as he reaches the swell of my breasts. Uncrossing his ankles, he grabs my wrist and gives it a gentle tug. Caught off guard, I stumble forward colliding against his steel-cut chest. He wraps his strong arms around my waist and my heart thunders inside my chest as our bodies mold as one.
“Neither is leaving a man alone with his thoughts for too long,” he counters as I curl my fingers into his leather jacket.
“I suppose that’s right. It gives him time to stray,” I reply. I regret the words the moment they leave my lips and start to turn my head away in embarrassment, but his fingers find my chin and bring my gaze back to his. Dropping his hand, he reaches for my hips and pulls me closer, making me stand between his thick, corded thighs. Touching his forehead to mine, he arches his hips slightly and my breath catches as his erection presses against me.
“Gives him time to think of all things he probably shouldn’t be thinking of,” he clarifies, pressing himself deeper into me, and continues like he didn’t hear me. “Filthy, dirty things.”
An uncomfortable silence settles between us as we stare at one another and for a moment, I try to figure out what to say. I’ve never been with a man as crass and vulgar as Blade, and I don’t know how to respond to it. My body heats and my thighs clench but the words don’t come.
“I’m not inebriated,” I stammer, a nervous mess because he makes me feel things I’ve never experienced before. “You didn’t have to escort me back to my seat. I know my way,” I continue, attempting to divert the conversation and break the heated tension mounting between us.
“I wasn’t worried about you finding your way back, sweetheart. I was more concerned another man would snatch you before I got my fill.”
“What are you talking about?” I ask, knitting my brows in mild confusion.
Releasing an exasperated sigh, he shakes his head.
“You’re fucking kidding me, right?” he growls.
“No,” I respond.
Sensing the irritation in his tone, I frown as his hands tighten on my hips and he does the impossible and drags my body even closer to his. The thick bulge between his legs digs into my stomach and my breath catches.
“You’re so damn blind,” he mutters. Lifting one hand, his thumb traces my lower lip. “You have no fucking idea how gorgeous you are, do you? How fucking sexy?” His other hand drops from my hip and he proceeds thread both through my wavy hair, grabbing two fistfuls. “I see it, Ree. I see the repressed wild look in your eyes. Stop hiding it. Let it out, baby.” His voice drops to a whisper and heat flashes in his eyes as he gives my hair a good tug. “You want to let go and get wild, don’t you, Ree?” The question is a murmur as his gaze searches mine. “Fuck yeah, you do.” Decision made, he releases me.
Swallowing hard, I take a step back, knowing if I don’t rein myself in, I’ll tell him to take me right here, in front of all these people.
“If I can pick up on that shit, you best believe other men can too. You’re fucking sexy as hell, girl. The fact that you have no idea what you’re doing to most of the men here is a damn shame,” he says. “I may be able to tell it’s been a good long while since you’ve let your hair down, but they can’t. They look at you, see that fucking smile of yours and they think it’s an invitation to make a move.”
My eyes widen at the accusation.
“I’m not trying to flirt with anyone if that’s what your insinuating. I just want to have some fun.”
“I know that, but they don’t. You want to flash that beautiful smile at someone, flash it at me—only me—not them,” he pauses, running his tongue along his bottom lip. Drawing in a breath, I look away and contemplate his words.
“I’ve been told my friendliness can be misconstrued as flirting,” I admit, trying to be honest with him. At least that’s what Dean always said. “Your concern is duly noted but unwarranted, Blade. I’m nothing special.”
Releasing an agonizing groan, he lifts his eyes to the sky and mutters a curse. If he didn’t look like sin, I’d say he was praying for patience, but something tells me Blade isn’t one with God. “That’s the point, babe,” he growls, leveling his eyes on mine. “You’re a weapon of mass destruction against every fucking man here and you don’t even know it.” Narrowing his gaze, he scratches his jaw and shakes his head in disbelief. “How is that you don’t know how goddamn beautiful you are?”
Sighing, I roll my eyes and decide to be frank. “Look, it’s been a long time since I’ve been on a date, and to be honest, this has been my first real night out in a long time.” The thing about truths is once you open the floodgates, words begin to spill incessantly. Soon, I find myself sharing way too much. “I’m not in the best of shape. However,” I pause, lifting a finger, “that’s probably the main reason my husband cheated on me,” I ramble, my tone turning bitter.
“Jesus, fuck,” he bites out. Startled, I shrink back and gnaw at my lip. Lifting a hand to cover my mouth, I force myself to shut up.
“I didn’t mean to let that slip out,” I admit.
Blade is quick to pick up on my embarrassment and extends his hand, running his knuckles down my cheek.
“Your ex-husband is a fucking asshole,” he points out. “You’re fucking gorgeous. Quit letting that bastard fuck with your self-esteem.”
His words hit me hard and I cast my eyes downward in regret. Instantly, he cups my chin and forces me to look at him.
“Hey,” he whispers, keeping his gaze locked with mine. “That bastard is done fucking with your head, yeah?”
Deciding not to argue with him, I concede.
“Okay,” I whisper back.
I’ve tried so hard to break free from the shackles of our marriage and yet, here I am, letting Dean dictate how I perceive myself. I suppose it doesn’t help that he’s been stalking me for six months, trying to win me back.
Aside from not wanting to attract a criminal, I also didn’t want Dean to find out about the ad I placed and so for both of those reasons, I chose to disguise my identity. The last thing I wanted was to give him any ammunition on his quest to creep intrusively back into my life. No one knows about his advances, not even Trish, mainly because I feel as though I’ve burdened her with enough of my marital woes.
I’m not sure if he’s having me followed or if he’s tapped my lines, but somehow the bastard knows everything. When I first realized he was keeping tabs on me, I went to the police and tried to file a restraining order. But, they wouldn’t grant me one unless he physically assaults me or threatens my life. It’s not as if a restraining order will help much since they’re about as useful as roll a toilet paper.
“Hey, beautiful,” Blade rasps, drawing my attention back to him. “Where’d you go?” He searches my eyes like he can find the answers he’s looking for.
“I’m here,” I reply softly.
“Are you?” he challenges.
Silently, I nod my head in response.
“Tonight, it’s just us. No one gets inside that head of yours but me.”
“Is that so?”
“Yep,” he confirms. “I’ll make sure I’m the only thing on your mind.”
“And how are you going to do that?” I ch
allenge, licking my lips in anticipation.
“I won’t have to try very hard, Ree. Judging by the way you’re looking at me, you’re almost there.”
“You’re awfully confident.”
His eyes dart to my lips as he lifts one eyebrow and spreads his legs further apart. Bending his knees, he touches the tip of his nose to mine and I feel his breath on my lips.
On instinct I close my eyes, anticipating his mouth but he disappoints me by planting a kiss to the corner of my mouth.
“Not yet,” he murmurs, inching away. The gravel tone of his voice vibrates through me and I bring my lower lip between my teeth, suppressing a whimper. “Once I get a taste of that beautiful mouth of yours, I won’t be able to stop until I’ve taken all you’re willing to give.”
Hot molten lust shoots straight to my core and I force myself to breathe.
“I think I might be okay with that,” I sigh.
“There’s that wild spirt I was talking about,” he murmurs in that low gruff voice of his. “My little wildcat.” A shiver runs down my spine as he moves his mouth and I feel his breath against my ear. His teeth nip at my earlobe briefly before he lowers his mouth and peppers a path of kisses down my neck. Giving him better access, I drop my head back. His full wet lips feel cool against my heated skin, and a moan rips free from the back of my throat. “God woman,” he groans. “I want to fuck you senseless.”
The loud music fades away as he alternates between his lips and tongue, driving me insane with need.
“You’d like that, yeah?”
“Blade…” I rasp, releasing another throaty moan.
“Fuck yeah, you’d like it a whole lot,” he answers for me, pulling his mouth away. My breath hitches as he stares at me with hooded eyes and a cocky grin spreads across his wet mouth.
Accepting I’m a wanton mess, I blurt, “My panties are useless right now.”
Reaching behind me, he grunts as he grabs my ass, giving it a forceful squeeze.