by Colt, Shyla
Grabbing his keys, he headed to his bike. The chrome and black Dyna Super Glide was the only lady in his life for years. She’d seen him through the dark, lonely times. He secured the flowers in a saddle bag, and ran his hands over the bike’s curves. In a matter of months, she’d become his number two woman with Es and Jocelyn firmly in the number one slot.
He snickered. Never thought I’d be in this position again with an old lady and a kid. An image of a little girl with dirty blonde hair and light brown eyes startled him. The thought of Es round with his child and getting the opportunity stolen from her warmed him through. One step at a time. He climbed onto the bike, started up the engine, and took off.
Backing into the parking space, he set the kickstand down. This was new territory he was diving into. His plan to conquer could backfire if she shut down on him. Right now, he couldn’t afford that. She kept him sane and calm in the insanity surrounding him. He needed that voice of reason. Taking a deep breath, he got off the bike and took out the bouquet. He’d never been a half-in type of guy. All or nothing. At the very least, I’ll have the rest of the night to convince her. She’s too polite to bail on our date. Not that she’d call it that. A pang of sadness flowed through him. Her non commitment bothered him. He gave a small self-deprecating laugh. I’m turning into a sentimental sap in my old age. On the verge of forty, he was feeling every one of his years.
No man wanted to end up alone without a woman to love him and a legacy to keep him alive after they put him in the dirt. Es represented his last chance at the total package. If you’re listening up there, lead me to the right words and allow me to have this. I know I don’t deserve her. She’s way out of my league. But I will love and protect her until my last breath. The thought took the air from his lungs. Holy shit, I love her. Astonished, yet determined, he continued his walk to her door feeling like a zombie as he went into auto pilot. He knocked, and cleared his throat, cracking his neck to dissipate the nervous energy encompassing him like an unwelcome shroud.
The door opened, and he was struck dumb. The white two-piece hinted at her newly gained curves and nipped in at her waist. Bright blossoms similar to the ones in the bouquet were on her knee-length skirt and beige stripped tank top. A layer of something light and gauzy covered both articles of clothing. There was something tantalizing about the sheer sleeves. He wanted to run his tongue over it, to taste her skin and feel the texture.
“You look beautiful, Sprite.”
She smiled, and pink flooded her cheeks and the tips of what he’d dubbed elfin ears.
“Thanks. You look handsome, too.”
He thrust the flowers at her. Her eyes widened.
“Oh, these are gorgeous, Xavier. You didn’t have to—”
“Yeah, sweet girl, I did,” he said, swallowing to moisten his dry mouth.
“Come on in. I’ll put these in water,” she said.
He moved inside, admiring the way her curls caressed her shoulders. It was growing out again. His fingers twitched. He longed to bury his hands in her silken strands and inhale her scent. But he refrained. If he did that, they wouldn’t be leaving the house. Her movements were graceful as she retrieved a mason jar and trimmed the stems. There was a lightness present she hadn’t possessed when he first met her. Progress.
“We’re going to an art gallery?” she asked.
“Yeah, a few friends of mine are showing their work at the Clover Gallery tonight.”
“From the Club?” she asked, wrinkling her nose as she flashed him a look brimming with skepticism.
He laughed. “Nah. I have friends outside the club, too, Sprite.” The tips of her ears turned red, and he looked down to hide his smirk.
“Okay, I’m all ready,” she said, stepping away from the flowers she’d artfully arranged and placed on the kitchen table.
“You’re good at this decorating thing, Sprite.”
“It’s all the staging books and articles I’ve been reading for the house. I want to make sure you put your best foot forward if it comes to a custody battle,” she stated quietly.
His love for her grew.
“And I appreciate that.” He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulled her to his side, and placed a kiss on her crown. The scent of fresh blossoms rose up.
“A-Are you sniffing me?”
“And if I am?”
“Um… I’ll try not to worry about you trying to wear my skin.”
“You smell good, sweet girl. Just like the flowers I brought you tonight.”
“Charmer.” She placed a hand on his cheek and he marveled at the current that flowed between them. This feels right.
“Come on, let’s go be fashionably late.”
“Wait, is there a certain time we should’ve been there?” she asked, pulling away and placing her hands on her hips.
In that moment, he could see the teacher and mother in her stern face.
“No, ma’am. It started at six, but runs until nine. It’s why I thought seven thirty would be the perfect time to slip in and say hi. We’ve got dinner reservations for eight thirty.”
She relaxed. “Okay. For the record, I hate being late.”
“Trust me, sweet girl, I noticed you run a tight ship a long time ago.”
“Hey, it’s not a bad thing.”
“Never said it was,” he said. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and she tilted her face toward him. Unable to resist, he bent down and sucked her bottom lip into his mouth. She moaned, and his mouth tingled. When he slipped his tongue inside her mouth, she sucked on his tongue. He wound his fingers in her hair, pulled her neck back, and tilted her head, deepening the kiss as he sampled her. She was a fine whiskey, aged and flavored to perfection. She seared her herself on his heart and set his senses aflame. They pulled apart breathing heavily.
“If we don’t leave now, sweet girl, we won’t be going anywhere.”
She gasped. “Then we should go.”
“You sure about that?” he asked, searching her lust-filled glossy gaze.
“Yes?”
The uncertainty in her voice was the green light he’d been waiting for. Tonight she’d learn who she belonged to.
§
“Wasn’t there an act of terrorism here last year?” she asked as they stood outside the rebuilt building.
“Yes, a car bomb was placed outside. They were randomly targeted. No need to be concerned.”
“You sound so sure about that,” she said, narrowing her eyes.
“I know the owner,” he replied with a shrug. And the perpetrators. But you don’t need to know about that.
“If you say so,” she muttered as they walked inside. The crowd was small, but the sold tags on the paintings told him it’d been a good night.
“Snake!” Collen exclaimed, greeting them.
“Hey, Collen, how are you?”
“Good. I’m so glad you came. The kids will be happy to see you. All three of them. Who’s your pretty friend?” Collen asked.
“Yeah, brother, who’s the beautiful woman you somehow convinced to show up here with you?” Enzo asked, coming up with Aibhlinn beside him, his goddaughter, Aoife, in her arms. Her dark curls spilled down her back, obscuring her face from his view as she snuggled into her mother’s shoulder.
“This is, Estelle, my old lady. Estelle, this Aibhlinn, Enzo, my goddaughter, Aoife, and their mother, Colleen.”
At the sound of his voice, Aoife pulled away from her mother and turned her head.
“Nake, Nake!” she cried.
“Hi, baby girl,” he said, rubbing her back.
“Oh,” Aibhlinn breathed.
“Wait, your what?” Es questioned.
“It’s nice to meet the woman who tamed this wild man,” Aibhlinn said.
“I didn’t—”
“Don’t let her fool you. She ran
me through the paces, and makes me walk the line,” Snake stated with a wink.
Es sputtered behind him, sounding like a car out of gas.
Enzo laughed. “Did you tell her this before now?” Enzo asked.
Snake grinned, wrapped his arm around Es’s waist, and squeezed her hip. “I’m telling her now.”
He loved her blushing and speechless. She blinked and recovered after flashing him a look that said she’d have his ass later.
“It’s nice to meet all of you,” Es said.
“Show us around, brother. I wanted to brag to her about my artistic friends,” Snake said.
“All right.”
“Here. You take her. She’s going to pitch a fit otherwise,” Aibhlinn said, handing him the squirming Aoife.
“Hey, baby girl. You miss your Godfather?” he asked, tickling her face with his beard.
Aoife laughed and pulled on his hair playfully.
“I’ll take that as a yes. Be a good girl, so I can see Mommy and Daddy’s work.”
“Kay,” she said, giggling as she hugged his neck. He cherished her small weight, rubbing her back as he turned his attention to the adults.
§
Estelle
She’d always found Snake attractive. But seeing him with his goddaughter set her ovaries on fire and made it impossible to stay upset with him. Old lady? She understood the significance of the title. In his world, it was something akin to a wife. Does he really feel that strongly about me? Do I feel that way about him? The questions swirled around in her head as the wind blew her hair out behind her. They’d left the gallery reluctantly to make their dinner reservations. She liked his friends. Enzo and his wife both had a certain charisma which made it difficult not to feel at ease. The Irish brogue didn’t hurt either. She could listen to Aibhlinn and her mother for hours. She snuggled into his back, loving the smell of old leather. Riding on a motorcycle was exhilarating and incredibly arousing. The large machine vibrated beneath her, making her wish for a different beast between thighs.
He pulled into the parking lot of The Prescient, one of the most well-known steak houses in the city. He really went all out. The gesture cooled her anger even further. She removed her helmet and they climbed off the bike.
“I can’t believe you got us a table here.”
“I can do romance, and believe me, you deserve the best. I’m lucky you gave me the time of day. I know that. I wonder why you stay.”
His honest words stunned her. “Is that why you said that back at Clover?”
“No. I said that because it is true.”
“How do you get to decide that for both of us?”
“I didn’t. All I did was put a name to what’s been happening organically. It was a clarification.”
“According to you.”
“According to everyone with eyes, sweet girl. I promised you I’d go slow. I believe I’ve honored that. But I can’t have you hanging in the wind.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Protection.”
“Nothing’s going to happen to me,” she said, placing a hand on his chest.
“I screwed up last time with Jade and Jocelyn. I won’t do the same thing with you. I need this, Es. I also need to define your role in my life in case I go to court for Jocelyn. Is it so bad to be linked with me?”
“No, of course not. I…” She bit her bottom lip. “I just don’t know if I’m ready to take such a huge step.”
“Sprite, you are. We’re already doing it. Naming it shouldn’t make a difference. Make no mistake, title or no title, you’re mine. You have been from the moment you walked into the support group that day looking lost and frightened. I didn’t realize it at the time. I know you’re scared. Hell, I am, too. But I’m not willing to lose this thing between us over fear. We’ve both been given a second chance at things. Let’s not squander it.” He smoothed down her hair. “Listen, don’t make any decisions now. Let it all sink in and let’s enjoy our dinner together. We’ll talk all this over tonight at home, okay?”
I can do that. She nodded. “I like that plan.”
“Good.” He placed a sweet kiss on her forehead and she melted a little inside. Who knew such a rough man could be so damn gentle?
He lifted her off the bike and she marveled at how small and protected he always made her feel. After years of walking around feeling like the sky could come down around her at any second, it was a comfort she craved constantly. Her feet touched the ground, and he tucked her arm into his in a gentlemanly nature that made every protest she thought of feel null and void.
They walked toward the dark brick building trimmed in large white lights. When they stepped inside, it was like going through a time warp. The hall was covered in a curved ceiling with exposed brick that made the rich mahogany paneling on the walls and dark wood on the floor stand out. A woman dressed in smart black slacks, and a black button down greeted them with a bright smile.
“Welcome to The Precinct. I’m Sarah, I’ll be your Maître de for the evening.”
“Hi, Sarah, we have a reservation for Kolton at 8:30,” Snake said.
Es surveyed the area, charmed by the attention to details. High ceilings were accented by dazzling chandeliers of various shapes and spirals. Her eyes lingered on the spiral shapes with hanging crystals.
“Right this way, please.”
As they followed the tall brunette, Es took in the other rooms. The exposed brick continued throughout the restaurant. The black and white tiled floor stood out beneath the rich mahogany stools, and the large wraparound bar. The antique lamps created a feeling of opulence and craftsmanship rarely experienced in daily life. They were led into a room surrounded by stained glass windows. The tables were covered with crisp white lines. Napkins folded in large triangular shapes rested on the table in front of white plates trimmed in gold. I feel like a princess in a castle.
“Thank you, Sarah,” Snake said.
“It’s my pleasure. Your waitress, Heather, will be by shortly to take your order.” Sarah slipped away as Snake pulled out a chair.
Es sank into the plush chair. “This place is gorgeous,” she whispered.
“Yes it is,” he replied, never taking his eyes off her.
Heat filled her cheeks. She never knew a man could look hungry and enchanted at the same time. For all his tattoos, scars, and large frame, he had an inner romantic that wouldn’t quit. How could I even think of walking away from this man? She tried to think of her days without him—no texts, phone calls, visits, or plans. She’d only see him at work, and even then they’d be polite and distant. Her stomach rolled. It was inconceivable. He was her light in the dark. I am head over heels for this man. The bottom dropped out of her world, and she watched him with new eyes. He seated himself across from her and smiled. The toothy grin changed his entire appearance.
A tiny blonde with bright blue eyes and a large breasts came to their table.
“Good evening, I’m Heather, and I’ll be your waitress today,” she announced. Her gaze lingered on Snake, and Es’s hackles rose. Mine. The reaction sealed the deal. He’s got me. Time to stop fighting against gravity. Narrowing her eyes, she snapped her teeth; Heather jerked and put her professional face back on. As she stared Snake down, daring him to make a comment, he smirked and covered his amusement with a cough. It was official, they were a them. Instead of anxiety, she felt liberated.
§
Full of food and a little booze, she leaned against him as they made their way toward his bike.
“My place or yours?” he asked.
“Your choice,” she said.
He arched an eyebrow. “Mine.” There’s that word again. “I think I’ll take the scenic route. You seemed to be having such a good time earlier.”
Her eyes widened. “Snake—”
“All that power between your
legs vibrating feels good, doesn’t it, sweet girl?”
“Yes,” she murmured, embarrassed, but eager to see where he was going to take this.
“Why don’t we consider this a warm up for tonight?”
Butterflies flapped their tiny wings in her belly. Like a rabbit hypnotized by a snake she nodded her head.
His eyes darkened with desire. “Hold on tight to me, baby. This will be a ride unlike any you’ve ever had before.”
She whimpered and his nostrils flares.
“You want it bad, don’t you, sweet girl?”
“Oh, yes,” she rasped.
“Whatever my old lady wants, she’ll sure as hell get,” he said, turning to start the bike.
After pulling the helmet on, she fastened the chin strap. He insisted she always practice safety. It was almost a shock he let her get away with riding in a skirt tonight. If he had his way, she’d be in full leathers twenty-four-seven. The monster roared to life, and she moaned, wrapping her arms around his waist tightly as he pulled out. Once he got off the main drag, hit the back roads, and opened up the bike, it was like her butterfly vibrator times three. Pressure built between her legs and something clenched low in her belly. She rocked her hips, in an attempt to relieve the pressure. Wetness soaked her panties and her inner thighs. He revved the bike, and she cried out. A delicious swirl of desire began to circle inside of her. Panting, she gripped him harder as her legs shook and she came, hard. Leaning against his back, she went limp as she basked in the afterglow that never went away as the vibration continued to fan the embers left behind after her explosion.
Time distorted as they continued their trip. Suddenly, they simply reached his home.
“You okay back there?” His voice was full of amusement.
“Mmm hmm,” she said, carefully getting off the back of the bike.
“How about I make you feel a lot better?” he asked, his voice husky.
“Please,” she rasped, throwing all her apprehension out the window. She knew this man from the inside out. There was nothing left to think about. The only thing keeping her from being happy was herself. No more. I surrender. She gripped the lapels of his jacket, to stay upright as he wrapped his large hand around her neck. He tightened his hold just enough to keep her in place and made love to her mouth. The world shrank to include only this man and the way he made her feel. Her breasts swelled along with her clit and she sucked on his tongue. A moan rumbled in his chest. He tasted like whiskey and man.