She stared at it a moment before holding it out to me. My heart nearly stalled, thinking she was refusing my gift, until I saw the soft smile on her lips.
“Put it on me?” she asked.
I got up and walked around to her side, taking the bracelet and kneeling next to her. I grasped her hand, kissed the back of it, before fastening the bracelet. I reached up and threaded my fingers into her hair, then pulled her closer, my lips brushing against hers. I kept the kiss brief, but it was the hardest damn thing I’d ever done. I’d never allowed myself to kiss her before, not a true kiss, and now I hungered for more.
“Rocket,” she said softly.
“Jesse. When it’s just us, call me Jesse.”
She smiled again. “Jesse. Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Yes. You. You’re what I want, Violeta. And I’m probably going to hell because I’ve wanted you for over a month now. From the beginning I was attracted to you, even when I shouldn’t have been. Once you started to heal emotionally and began to trust me, the protective feelings I had for you turned into something else.”
She leaned forward again, kissing me once more, then I stood before I was tempted to do far more. I reclaimed my seat and admired her beauty in the glow of the candlelight. The rest of our meal went well, and I had to admit that Ms. Richards had outdone herself. The food was the best I’d ever had, and Violeta could barely contain her moans of pure bliss. When dessert arrived, there was another box nestled next to the plate.
Violeta eyed me before picking it up. I rubbed my hands up and down my denim-clad thighs, unsure how she’d take this particular gesture. The bracelet had gone over well, but this was entirely different. It was a huge step, and I hoped I hadn’t made a big mistake. It was one thing to claim her verbally, and another to…
She lifted the lid and picked up the hotel keycard, lifting her gaze to hold mine.
I cleared my throat. “There’s something else in there.”
She checked the box again and pulled out an engagement ring.
“Violeta, I know that for someone who dragged their feet all this time that I’m suddenly moving very fast. Possibly too fast, but I wanted you to know that I don’t just want you as my woman. I want you as my wife.” I licked my lips. “I thought, if you accepted my proposal, that perhaps we could go to the hotel for our first time being intimate together. I wanted it to be memorable for you. Something better than just being at home.”
“You want to marry me?” she asked, gazing at the ring.
“Yes. If you’ll have me?”
I realized I was still sitting in my chair like an idiot and quickly got up and moved to her side. It was bad enough I’d done this at a restaurant, the most clichéd of all proposals, but I was fucking it up too. Taking the ring from her, I knelt and reached for her left hand. I slid the ring partway up her finger, then paused.
“Violeta, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you let me love and cherish you for the rest of my life? Protect you and support you in whatever way you need?”
I waited, as she stared at the ring, her expression unreadable in that moment. My heart was hammering in my chest and I was more terrified than I’d ever been before. If she said no… I wouldn’t force the issue. She’d accepted my name on her wrist, and that would be enough if that was all she could give me. I should have given her more time. I’d gone from keeping my distance to asking her to spend the rest of her life with me, and I knew her head had to be spinning right now.
I started to get up, to slide the ring back off her finger, thinking I’d royally fucked up. Then glanced at her face and froze.
Her lips trembled as she smiled. “Yes. Yes, Jesse. I would love to be your wife.”
The ring easily slid the rest of the way onto her finger, then she flung her arms around my neck and hugged me tight. My heart was pounding, as the fear she’d refuse slowly ebbed.
“You’re not just saying yes because you think you have to, right?” I asked as I drew back.
“Of course not.”
I kissed her again, then reclaimed my seat. We finished dessert and I left a hefty tip, then I hurried Violeta out of there. I was anxious to get her alone. Even though we’d had plenty of time at the house when it was just the two of us, tonight would be different. This time, I was making her mine in every way possible.
The ride to the hotel was uneventful, and since I’d already checked in and had the keycard, we went straight up to the room. I only hoped I didn’t fuck things up. She might not be a virgin, but as far as I was concerned, this would be her first time. This was the night she should have had when she lost her virginity, and I wanted it to be a night she’d remember forever, with happiness and not pain.
No pressure, Jesse. None at all.
Chapter Three
Violeta
Maybe I should have been nervous, but I wasn’t. Rocket asking me to be his had been huge, and I’d never felt happier… until he’d asked me to marry him, too. Seeing that ring, knowing what it meant, had filled me with a warmth I hadn’t known in so very long, if ever. I didn’t know why he was suddenly acting like he couldn’t live without me. Had whatever Fox said really had that big of an impact on him?
The hotel room he’d rented for the night wasn’t as elegant as some of the places I’d seen, but it was special because he’d gotten for us. I ran my fingers over the bedspread and a shiver of anticipation went through me. There was still a bit of fear that I would freak out, or disappear into the void, whenever we were intimate, but this was Rocket and I knew he would be patient and understanding.
“I bought you one more thing,” he said, picking up a box from the top of the dresser. He handed it to me, a pretty pink ribbon tied around it.
I took the package and sat on the edge of the bed, tugging the bow. When I removed the lid and folded back the tissue paper, a beautiful nightgown lay inside. I couldn’t help but rub the silky material before removing the garment. The box tumbled to the floor as I held up the gown, admiring the simplicity and elegance of it.
“You don’t have to wear it,” he said. “I just didn’t know if you’d feel more comfortable if you had something available to wear to bed.”
“Is that your way of asking if I’ll be scared if you see me naked? I believe I already undressed for you once.”
His cheeks flushed and he cleared his throat as he glanced away. “That was different.”
“Yes.” I held the gown to my chest and moved closer to him, placing my hand on his arm. “You didn’t hurt me then, and I know you won’t hurt me now. I’m not a child, Jesse. I haven’t been one for a long time. Even though I was broken when I came here, you’ve helped me heal and I’m stronger than I was before.”
“You were always strong,” he said, gazing down at me. “You survived when others might not have. No matter what they did to you, you refused to give them the satisfaction of completely breaking you.”
“I don’t really see myself that way.”
“I do,” he said softly. Leaning down, his lips brushed mine. “You’re strong, beautiful, and amazing, Violeta. And mine. I’m only sorry it took me so long to act on my feelings.”
My lips twitched as I fought not to smile. He’d mentioned his conversation with Fox, and I could see the Hades Abyss VP telling him to pull his head out of his ass and saying those exact words. Even though Fox had terrified me at first, I’d learned that he was funny, sweet, and a good guy. All the men of the club were. They’d treated me and Luciana like we were made of spun glass, afraid we’d shatter if a harsh word was spoken in our presence.
I set the nightgown aside and reached up, sliding his cut from his shoulders, then carefully placing it on the dresser. Within a week of being at the Hades Abyss compound, I’d learned the significance of what I’d been calling a leather vest and knew that it was to be treated with respect. Next, I began unbuttoning his shirt, my gaze locked on his. Passion blazed in his eyes, but he didn’t rush me, didn’t even reach out
for me. Rocket stood still, letting me lead the way. Maybe he thought that was what I needed or wanted. Honestly, I’d just worried if I didn’t make the first move, he might talk himself out of it.
His shirt fell to the floor and when I reached for his belt, he placed a hand over mine, a smile curving his lips.
“We have all night, Vi. No need to rush things.”
Rush? I’d been waiting for him to notice me as a woman for over a month! Several months if I was being completely honest. I’d flirted, tried to make him jealous, and I’d started to think it was hopeless. Now I had him here, all to myself, completely mine, and I was tired of waiting. I kicked off my shoes and unzipped my dress, letting it pool at my feet. The bra and panties I had on matched even if they weren’t a set, but they weren’t pretty or sexy. One was plain white cotton, and the other was white cotton with small blue polka dots. The look in his eyes said he didn’t care.
“Nothing you haven’t seen before,” I told him.
“I was too busy running last time to appreciate the beauty before me.” He smiled faintly. “This time I plan to savor every second.”
I reached behind me and popped the clasp on my bra, letting it drop to the floor. He sucked in a breath, his eyes going dark as he stared at my breasts. Shimmying out of my panties, I stood still and let him look his fill. For the first time in my life, being naked in front of a man made me feel desirable, and a bit powerful. I could see the need etched on his features, and the proof of his arousal tenting his pants. Rocket didn’t take me, didn’t force me to my knees. He just stared, his nostrils flaring and his jaw tight as if he was having difficulty holding back. It didn’t scare me. With another man, it would have, but not with Rocket.
“You can touch me,” I said softly. “I want you to.”
He groaned and quickly removed his boots and the rest of his clothes, then stalked toward me. I didn’t feel like prey, though. No, I felt more like a lioness being approached by an alpha male lion. My heart was thrumming hard in my chest and my clit pulsed with need. Slowly, he reached for me. Pulling me close, Rocket cupped my breast and stroked across the nipple.
I hissed in a breath at the contact, and everything in me went tight. Not in fear, but with this burning need I’d never felt before. He froze, his gaze locking with mine, but I gave him a nod, letting him know I was fine. More than fine. I ached, but in the best of ways.
“Please, Rocket. Don’t stop.”
He pinched my nipple, making me gasp.
“Jesse. Call me Jesse.”
I bit my lip and he growled.
“Say my name, Vi, or so help me…”
“You’ll what?” I asked.
“Punish you,” he said, his words a near whisper. “I’ll get you so hot and ready, take you to the edge again and again, but never let you come. Make you beg for my cock.”
I whimpered and my body trembled at his words.
“I think you like that idea,” he murmured, his hands skimming down my sides, then back up to palm my breasts. He rubbed his thumbs over my nipples before giving them a little twist. “I wanted to be gentle. To go slow.”
“I don’t need gentle and slow, Jesse. I just need you. Don’t hold back because you’re afraid to hurt me.”
“You’ve seen enough darkness in your life, Vi. I won’t be the one to trigger a memory or send you tumbling down into the abyss.”
I reached up and cupped his cheek, my heart aching from how sweet and caring he was. People looked at Jesse and saw a rough biker. A guy most people feared, especially the ladies around town, but I saw my savior. An angel who had helped me heal, cared for me, protected me. He was my hero in every sense of the word, and I wasn’t about to put the burden of my past on his shoulders, to have him fear that he could ever send me back to that place emotionally or mentally by being himself.
“Jesse, I love you. I know that you would never hurt me on purpose, that I’m safe with you. If you become a bit… exuberant when we’re intimate, it’s not going to scare me. I’ll know it’s you with me and not the monsters from my past.” I leaned up and pressed my lips to his. “Don’t hide who you are. I want you, Jesse. All of you.”
“I can be a bit demanding in bed, Vi. I don’t think you’re ready for that. Not this first time. Let me show you how it’s supposed to be. When you lost your virginity, it should have been exceptional, the best night of your life. I want to make tonight special. Vi, I need to do this. For both of us.”
I nodded, understanding why he wanted slow and tender this time. I didn’t care, as long as I got to be with him, that was all that mattered. I loved that he wanted to make tonight memorable, but he’d already given the greatest gift in the world. Himself.
He lifted me into his arms and carried me to the side of the bed, then eased me down onto the mattress. I shivered as his fingers trailed up my leg, then teased the inside of my thigh. Parting my legs, I waited impatiently for him to touch me where I wanted it most, but he didn’t. He stroked back down my leg before caressing the other one.
“So beautiful,” he said. “No matter how many times I look at you, I’m always in awe of your quiet beauty and your grace.”
“I’m far from beautiful,” I argued.
“To me, you’re stunning. And I’m the only one that counts, right?” he asked with a smile and a wink.
I reached over and took his hand, lacing our fingers together. “You make me feel beautiful, and special. Make love to me, Jesse. Please. I need you so much. I don’t care how fast or slow it is, or how hard or soft. All that matters is that you’re the one here with me.”
He audibly swallowed, then joined me on the bed, pulling me tight against his body.
“It amazes me,” he said.
“What does?”
“That a tiny little woman like you can turn me into a sappy guy with a romantic side. I’m supposed to be a big, tough, badass biker.”
“You are those things.” I ran my fingers along his jaw, feeling the rasp of his whiskers. “But you can still be those things and be sweet too. I kind of like that only I get to see this side of you, that it’s all for me and no one else.”
His lips kicked up on one corner before he pressed his mouth to mine. The kiss was soft and slow, but a flick of my tongue against his lip had him growling and taking what he wanted. The passion of his kiss left me dizzy, and I felt like I couldn’t get close enough to him. I lifted my leg over his thigh and scooted closer, feeling the brush of his very hard cock against me. Feeling more brazen than I’d have ever imagined possible, I reached down and grasped his silky-smooth shaft, positioned him at my entrance.
“Now, Jesse,” I begged. “Make me yours.”
He thrust hard and deep, making me cry out in ecstasy.
“You’ve been mine since the moment you got on the back of my bike at that airstrip. I felt things I didn’t want to feel, shouldn’t have felt because of your age. You had my stomach all knotted up because I wanted you, then felt like a sick, twisted bastard for wondering what it would feel like to kiss you.”
“I haven’t been a girl in a long time,” I said.
He kissed me hard as he drew his hips back, then surged forward again. He filled me over and over, his movements almost frantic. Every slam of his cock inside me made his pelvic bone brush my clit, sending sparks of pleasure through me. I clung to him, my nails biting into his back as I pleaded for more.
“Yes! Please, Jesse! Don’t stop!”
“Need you to come, Vi.” Thrust. Thrust. “Pinch those pretty nipples. Tug on them for me.”
I released him and wiggled until both my hands were free. I cupped my breasts and did as he’d commanded, pinching and tugging the hard tips. He took me harder, faster, and soon a tidal wave swept over me, dragging me under as pure bliss filled me. It felt like I was flying, and I never wanted it to end. He rammed into me a few more times, grunting as his cum started to fill me up. When he stilled, I felt his cock twitching and my inner muscles clamped down on him.
/> “Christ, Vi! You’re going to make me…” He sucked in a breath as I squeezed his cock again. With a slight growl, he thrust a few more times and I felt a bit more cum spurt out of him. “Damn, sweetheart. No one’s ever done that to me before.”
I kissed him, threading my fingers in the longer strands of hair on top of his head. I ground my hips against his, and pulled back, my eyes going wide when I felt him start to get harder.
He pulled from my body and slapped my ass before lifting me onto my hands and knees. Leaning over me, he gripped my wrists, crossed them and demanded that I keep them there. I widened my thighs and cried out as he entered me hard and fast. I felt his hands grip my hips as my eyes slid shut, and I was helpless to do anything but feel. The slide of his cock, the tightness of his hold, the pounding of his hips against me. He snarled as he slammed into me again and again, taking me like a man possessed. Rocket released one of my hips and his hand slid around my belly, then between my legs. He parted the lips of my pussy, then pinched my clit hard enough I saw stars and came screaming out his name. Rubbing the little bud firmly between his fingers, he made my orgasm last and last.
The world was spinning and I could barely breathe as the headboard rammed against the wall with every stroke of his cock. He shifted and seemed to go even deeper, while his fingers played with my pussy, drawing another release from me. By the time he came, I was nearly sobbing from the pleasure he’d given me. I’d never felt anything so intense, and my body ached, my clit pulsing and throbbing. When he eased out of me, I whimpered, wanting to pull him back inside.
He covered my body with his, caging me between his arms and he kissed my upper back and my shoulders.
“I should let you shower, but I don’t want to.”
“Why not?” I asked, prying my eyes open to look at him.
“Because I like seeing my cum all over your pretty pussy. I like seeing you swollen from being thoroughly fucked, knowing it was my dick that did that, brought you so much pleasure that you screamed for me.”
Rocket (Hades Abyss MC 2) Page 4