by Megan Lowe
She hesitates before saying, “You know this doesn’t mean anything, right?”
“Whatever you say, angel,” I reply as I take off my shirt and jeans.
I turn back to the bed and hear a soft gasp. I pull the sheets back and indicate for her to get in. With a small sigh, she kicks of her shoes and climbs onto the bed. I get in beside her and pull her towards with me, trapping her against my chest, my arm around her shoulders, holding her to me.
“Reed.”
“Shh, angel, just sleep. It’s late.”
After a few minutes, I can still feel her mind going a mile a minute.
“How did you manage to bewitch six members of the Ryan clan in one night?” I ask. Not only has Chris taken to her like a house on fire, but her in my bed fully clothed is another miracle in itself. I won’t lie and say I’m not dying to see what’s hidden beneath the clothes, but I don’t want to fuck this up by pushing her even more. Park was right when he called Bria my game changer, because she is. Already, from her care and kindness, she’s making me want to be different. That she's so damn beautiful helps too. She’s not a one-night stand, like so many—too many—girls before her. No, this girl, this woman has already cemented her way into my life, my heart, and my family and I like it, I welcome it.
“It’s a talent,” she finally answers.
“It’s something.”
“And to think all I wanted was a burger,” she says and I chuckle.
I kiss the top of her head. “Goodnight, angel.”
“Goodnight, Reed.”
Chapter Five
BRIA
I wake up wrapped around Reed, my head resting on his defined chest, my arm around his waist.
I take a moment to study his face, the thick black lashes framing his beautiful eyes, before moving on to his chest and arms, covered in intricate black-and-grey ink.
He shifts in his sleep and I feel his rather large erection poke me in the side.
I’m imagining all the things I’d like to do with it and him when he runs his hand down my back, breaking me from my naughty thoughts.
“Morning,” he says in a sleep-laced voice.
“Good morning to you, too.” I smile at him and he stretches his back, pushing his dick against me again, and I blush.
He catches sight of my cheeks reddening and gives me a cocky smirk.
I arch an eyebrow at him.
“Sorry, but when a man wakes up with an angel in his arms, there’s only so much he can do.”
“You are so smooth, Reed Ryan.”
“Not smooth, baby, truthful. You’re an angel. Not just in looks, though you’re a fucking knockout, but what you did for my family last night…. I know we keep harping on it, but Chris doesn’t trust women, at all, but with you, it was like bam!”
I smile. “He’s a great kid.”
“The best.”
“His family, especially his uncle, aren’t bad either.”
“Aw, thanks, baby.”
“I meant Liam.”
“You know Liam is gay, right?”
“I do. He mentioned you all were thankful he left all the girls for you because he’s the prettiest.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, that’s my little brother for ya, always looking out for me.”
“Well, it’s not like you couldn’t use the help,” I joke and am rewarded with a full-on laugh.
“Damn, angel.”
“Well, someone’s got to keep you grounded.” I shrug.
“But if I’m grounded I’ll never get to fly with you,” he says, getting serious.
“Reed,” I breathe.
“Bria.” He cups my cheek, “Seriously, you’re amazing and unlike any girl I’ve ever known.” I stare into his green eyes searching for deceit, but find none.
Everything is moving so fast, rationally I know this, but I don't have that little voice in my head, or even my heart telling me to slow down.
We stare at each other for a moment before he leans into me and kisses me.
The kiss is soft and gentle, but enough for my heart rate to spike at the contact. He gently leans on me, pushing me to my back before situating himself in between my legs and grinding into me. On contact, I moan in his mouth, my hands clutching at his chest. It doesn't matter that we only exchanged words a few hours ago. It doesn't matter that I know so little about him. How can any of that matter when everything about this moment, this contact feels so perfectly right?
Need moves me into action and I lift my hips to meet him. His lips travel to my neck and I tilt my head to accommodate him while his hand slips under my shirt. He pinches and kneads at my breast, sending ripples of pleasure straight to my groin, drenching my panties.
“Reed,” I pant.
“I know, angel,” he says before returning his lips to mine, the hand on my breast navigating south.
When he reaches the button on my jeans, he pauses, waiting for me to object. When I don’t, he unbuttons them, pulls the zip down, and rubs his hand over the front of my panties. I arch up against him, running my nails down his back when he slides his hand inside, running his fingers up and down my slit, feeling my wetness.
“Damn, baby, you’re drenched.”
“I know,” I gasp. “What are you going to do about it?” In any other situation, I would have laughed or been horrified at my boldness, but with fierce desire pushing me on, I mean every word.
He growls, capturing my lips once again while he slips a finger inside me. I moan as he glides easily in and out.
“Oh God.” I gasp as he adds a second finger, the heel of his palm rubbing my clit. I start grinding myself against him and feel my insides tightening.
“That’s it, baby,” Reed coaxes. My breathing is loud and shallow. There’s a light sheen of sweat covering my body, and my nails are probably leaving marks down his back. The thought makes me clench around his fingers. I like the idea.
“Reed,” I breathe again.
“Come on, baby, come for me,” he whispers in my ear before sucking behind it, sending me over the edge into orgasmic bliss.
He continues sliding in and out of me as I slowly become aware of my surroundings, running my hand through my hair.
“Good?” Reed asks above me, a smug look on his face.
“My toes are tingling.”
“Good,” he says, giving me a quick kiss. “Thank you for letting me see that. You were amazing.”
A small smile tugs at my lips. I've never been thanked for allowing a guy to get me off before. It's all a little surreal. “What about you?” I ask, suddenly aware of what has to be a rather painful erection digging into my stomach.
“Don’t worry about me. I’m a big boy. I can look after myself.”
“I can tell.” I lift my hips to his and am rewarded with a groan.
“Seriously, Reed, do you need me to—”
“That was about you, angel. I’ll live.”
I bite my lip in indecision.
He unsnags my lip from my teeth. “Seriously, angel, I’ll be fine. That was something I wanted to do for you. Watching you come apart was so much more than I imagined.” He leans down and gives me another kiss.
I grab the back of his neck, holding him to me while my tongue explores his mouth, his wrestling with mine. While he’s distracted, I reach down and slide my hand beneath his black boxer briefs. He's too much of a temptation. He jerks when my hand comes into contact with his hard cock, and he tries to pull away from the kiss but I hold him to me, running my hand up and down his length.
“Bria,” he growls against my mouth.
“Shh, relax,” I say, squeezing him a little harder. I continue moving my hand up and down, and his hips begin to thrust in rhythm with me.
“Baby, I’m close,” he pants, and a few pumps later, he comes all over my hand and his stomach.
I bring my hand to my mouth, and look at the fluid. My eyes flash to his and he's staring at me with such an intensity, that my tongue snakes out and licks his salty cum off my skin. He gro
ans and covers his face with his hands. I love what I'm doing to him.
Exhaling a deep breath, he stares up at me with wonder in his eyes.
“Who are you? And what on earth did I do to deserve that?”
I grin. “Just giving as good as I got. And now I’ve got to go, and you need to have a shower,” I say, getting out of the bed and grabbing my shoes. If I honestly didn't have anywhere else to be, I'd be so tempted to stay in bed all day.
“Can I see you tonight?” he asks, leaping out after me.
“We’ll see,” I say over my shoulder as I walk to the door. It takes everything in me not to skip on my way out.
~
Heading into Wheels that night, I try convincing myself I’m only here to check on Christian, but really, I know I want to see him, be near him again. I definitely had not been thinking all day about the toe-curling orgasm he gave me this morning. I stop at the door and press my thighs together to help ease the ache.
I step inside and notice the windows once again have glass in them. It only takes a minute before Chris is rushing through the diner and attaching himself to my legs.
“Hey, buddy,” I say, ruffling his hair as who has to be another Ryan comes up to us. It's a face I recognise from my previous visits, but apart from that, I have no clue who he is.
He’s probably between Liam and Reed’s heights, five nine, five ten maybe, more similar in build to Liam, and probably a few years younger.
“Who’ve you got here, Chris?” Young Ryan asks.
“Bria, she’s my girlfriend,” he replies.
“Your girlfriend, huh? And just how do you know my nephew?” he asks me.
“Which brother are you?” I ask.
“Jax, the youngest.”
“Bria,” I introduce myself and extend my hand. He shakes it.
“So you know Chris how?” he asks again.
“I was here last night.” I pick Chris up.
Awareness crosses his face. “Ah, you’re that girl.”
“Yep,” Chris answers. “She’s Uncle Reed’s girl. He’s in love with her.”
My heart flutters at an incredible pace and I try to brush aside the child’s words.
“You’re R’s girl?” he asks as a warm arm slides around my waist and a kiss is pressed to my temple.
“Yep,” Reed says once his body is close to mine. “Bria’s my girl.” He moves behind me, pressing my back to his front and giving me a squeeze.
“Your girl?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
“Yep, my girl,” Reed confirms.
“Isn’t it a bit early for that?” As soon as the words escape, the image of his fingers inside my panties, his mouth on mine, heats my system. I know my words make no sense.
“You’re the one who came back.”
“Maybe I came back for Chris.” I give him a squeeze as he rests on my hip, his tiny fingers playing with my hair.
“Chris?” Reed asks, and taps his nose. “The kid’s a flake, total commitment issues.”
I'm still too flustered by the memory of this morning and how this conversation is playing out. I find my voice, feeling the urge to push him. “Maybe I’m not in it for the long-term.”
“Don’t kid yourself, angel. You’re a long-term forever girl.”
“How do you know?” I ask, momentarily taken aback.
“Because a girl like you deserves the world, which is why you’re here right now and not in my bed.”
“Pulling out the big guns, big bro,” Jax says with what sounds like awe in his voice.
“For my angel, anything, everything,” Reed says, kissing my cheek. A huge smile crosses Jax’s face.
“Park was right,” he says as yet another Ryan walks up to us.
This one has the same dark hair as all the other Ryans, and if not for a few years’ age difference and grey-blue eyes, he could be Liam’s twin. He also has roughly the same build as him too.
“Because seven Ryans aren’t enough,” I mutter under my breath.
“R, Park needs you in the kitchen,” he says, then spots Chris in my arms. “What the fuck?”
“This is Bria. Chris’s girlfriend and R’s game changer,” Jax says, smirking.
“Huh?”
“Bria was the girl here last night,” Reed explains.
“Oh, right. Well, attachments aside, Park needs you in the kitchen.”
Reed gives me a squeeze and another kiss on the temple and moves off to the kitchen. The young Ryan shoots me a quizzical look before moving off towards the bar.
Jax sees my frown. “Don’t worry about Mav. He’s the mysterious one.”
“So if he’s the mysterious one, which one are you?” I ask as I move to the booth I sat at last night, sliding along the seat, and bringing Chris with me. Jax slides in opposite me.
“I’m the cheeky one.” He shoots me a dazzling smile.
“And Liam’s the pretty one, which leaves what for Parker and Reed?”
“Park’s the serious one, was even before the champ here came along,”—he taps Chris’s nose—“and Reed, he’s the fun one.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me.
“Of course he is.” I sigh.
“Which one am I?” Chris asks.
“You’re the handsome one,” I reply and tickle him.
“Although I guess there are a couple of others that Reed could go by,” Jax says, seemingly lost in thought.
“Like what?” I ask, my interest piqued.
“The troublesome one, maybe. The angry one, although not so much anymore. Nah, the fun one fits him best.”
“Why is or was he troublesome and angry?”
“Well he isn’t so much anymore, more when he was racing.”
“Racing?”
“You mean you don’t know what we do? Who we are?”
“Chris told me last night you guys ride bikes, but that was it.” I shrug.
“My brother is calling you his girl and you haven’t Googled him?”
I shake my head and shrug again.
“Damn girl, you gotta do your research. Us Ryans are some important people,” he says in all seriousness. “None more so than me.” He bursts out laughing.
“Oh my God, you’re terrible,” I admonish but can’t help laughing along with him.
“I know but I’m lovable as well, so that helps.” I roll my eyes. “Nah, Chris was right, we do ride bikes.”
“Push bikes?” I ask, trying to picture Reed in skintight Lycra. I have to admit, the picture isn’t half-bad.
“Nah, well sorta, but mainly motorbikes. Park and Mav do, or did in Park’s case, motocross. Mav and I do freestyle motocross as well as freestyle BMX, and Reed and Liam are our factory racers, or again, used to be, in Reed’s case.”
“Whoa,” I say, realizing just how involved the Ryans are in, well, motorsport.
“Yep, we’re da best,” Chris pipes up.
“Is that right?” I ask him, bouncing him on my knee, and he nods wildly.
“So Parker gave up because of Christian, but why did Reed?”
“Reed and this guy, Hunter David, came up through the ranks together, and because he’s a local as well, there was always fierce competition between the two,” Jax begins. “It only got worse the higher the level of competition. Hunter is a great rider, stupidly talented, but he never wanted to work hard and took every shortcut he could. Reed didn’t have as much talent but he worked hard and was persistent. He never gave up. Realistically, Hunter should’ve smoked him every time, but because he didn’t want to do the hard work it evened them out.
“Anyway, it was towards the end of the season and at every race there were parties and all the favours that come with them, if you know what I mean.”
I nod and Jax continues.
“Well, it had been a not-so-hidden secret that Hunter was indulging a little too much, but Reed never had enough proof to go to the race organisation. I mean, racing is a dangerous sport, guys have died doing it, so the last thing anyone needs is to be racing a
gainst a guy still living last night’s high. Finally, Reed got proof of what Hunter was doing and took it to the race organisation. They banned Hunter for the rest of the season but he was allowed to compete the next.”
“They made him go to rehab and counselling, right?” I ask.
Jax shakes his head. “Nope,”—he pops the P—“and so Hunter had six months to develop a fully formed habit and stew in his anger. By the time the next season rolled around, he was an addict hell-bent on revenge. He ended up making every race an opportunity to try to take Reed out. Reed told the race organisation this would happen, and everyone could blatantly see what Hunter was trying to do, but because there were never any crashes that could be labelled as more than racing incidents, their hands were tied.”
My eyes widen in surprise. It's like hearing a soap opera for motorsports. “Was Reed hurt?”
“A few broken bones and he was sore more often than not, but nothing serious.”
“I don’t understand why the race organisation wouldn’t do anything.”
“Neither could anyone else. In the end, after a particularly nasty crash, Reed had enough. He went to the race organisation and said one day Hunter was going to kill him or someone else and he refused to put the other riders at risk. He said that if they wouldn’t put a stop to Hunter and his vendetta then he would, and so he quit.”
“It seems like such a shame.” And it really does, especially if Reed is as good and as passionate as his brother says he is.
“It is. Reed’s a great rider. The sponsors and the crowd loved him, but Hunter was getting more reckless. He didn’t care who he took out on the way to getting Reed, and Reed refused to put the other riders at risk.”
My chest constricts painfully at the thought of Reed being seriously injured. The emotion was raw and unfamiliar. “So what happened to Hunter?”
“He ended up losing sponsors because of his behaviour and had to drop down to the lower classes.”
“So why didn’t Reed go back?”
“His body had changed. He’d bulked up, which wouldn’t have been an issue to lose, but he’d also grown, and crouching on those bikes is hard enough without having to worry about the gangly-arse legs he’s got going on. Besides, Liam had been working his way up and making a name for himself and Reed didn’t want to trample on any progress he was making.”