by Harley Wylde
“I never meant to scare you,” I said. “You said you were a virgin, but I guess it didn’t really sink in how little experience you had. I’ve met virgins who had done everything but go all the way. I should have moved slower and given you more time. You’re more than a piece of ass to me, Danica. I won’t lie. I’ve been with more than my share of women, and they didn’t mean a damn thing to me. They aren’t you. I want to go on dates with you, watch movies together, share meals. Most importantly, I want to get to know you, for you to get to know me.”
She looked up at me, her brow slightly furrowed. “No offence, but if you’re such a great guy -- and trust me, you’re saying all the right things -- why are you still single?”
I curved my arm around her shoulders and hugged her to me. “Because I was waiting for you.”
She rolled her eyes and shrugged me off. “That has to be the cheesiest thing I’ve ever heard. Seriously? How can you expect me to take you seriously when you spout off nonsense like that?”
“It’s true. Not once have I been tempted to keep a woman for more than a night. Hell, none of them have been to my house. I not only wanted you in my house, Dani, but in my bed. I gave your horses a safe place to stay. Do you really think I’d go to all that trouble for anyone else?”
Her shoulders drooped a little. “I’m sorry. You brought me to this amazing place, opened up to me, and now I’m ruining it. I guess I don’t understand why you’d want me. I’m not like the other women at the Dixie Reapers. I’m not like Lyssa, or Farrah. They go after what they want and don’t let anyone stand in their way. The only place I’ve ever felt confident is on the back of a horse.”
I bit my lip. I wouldn’t say it. I wouldn’t. My jaw tightened and I knew I was going to lose the battle. “You can ride me anytime you want.”
Fuck me. I closed my eyes and groaned.
I heard a faint snicker, and then she was all out laughing. I opened my eyes and watched as tears streamed down her cheeks. All right. At least she found the humor in my stupidity. I could work with that.
“I think I was wrong. You aren’t giving me cheesy pick-up lines. You just suck at flirting,” she said.
“Only when it counts, apparently.” I folded my arms, glad she thought this was funny. At least she hadn’t kicked me in the balls. I’d take whatever victory I could get, even small ones. With Danica, I wasn’t worried about an instant win. I was in this one for the long haul.
Chapter Five
Danica
Being with Ranger left me off-balance. I never knew what to expect from him, and yet I looked forward to every second we had together. Despite his cheesy lines, I could tell he really did want me here. I might not understand why, but it was time for me to give him a chance. My dad had been right about one thing. If I walked away and Ranger found someone else, I’d never forgive myself. Not without knowing for certain things couldn’t work between us.
Cowgirl up. I took a deep breath and let it out.
Ranger had gone to bed a half hour ago, but I’d heard his shower running. I’d paced my room and tried to work up the courage to go after him. The pajamas I’d put on were the sexiest I owned, which wasn’t saying much. But the thin spaghetti straps on the delicate top didn’t always stay in place, and right now, one of my shoulders had been bared. The shorts scarcely covered my ass cheeks and were trimmed with lace. I shook out my hands, took another breath, and opened his bedroom door.
My jaw dropped and my eyes felt like they were bugging out of my head as I took in the sight in front of me. Ranger had kicked off his covers and lay naked on the bed, his legs parted, and his hand wrapped around his cock. He grunted as he stroked himself, his eyes closed and head tipped back. I must have made a sound because he jerked upright.
“Um, I, uh…” Why did my throat feel so dry? I licked my lips, but it didn’t help. My hold on the door tightened, and yet I couldn’t seem to pry myself away. His fingers were still around his shaft, even if he’d stopped all movement.
“Danica, what are you… is everything okay?” He reached to the foot of the bed and yanked the sheet over his lap. “Shit. I didn’t mean for you to…”
“Sorry.” My cheeks burned. “I should go.”
So why didn’t I? My feet seemed rooted to the floor. The way he watched me made heat flare in my belly. My nipples hardened against my pajama top, and I squeezed my thighs together. Was it my imagination or were my panties getting wet?
“Danica, what’s wrong?” he asked, reminding me he’d already asked me a question once.
“I, um…” My gaze skimmed over his chest. I let out a sigh and wished I had the guts to walk over and touch him.
“Dani girl, you have thirty seconds to tell me what you need before I get worried and come to you. And in case you forgot, I’m not wearing clothes. I don’t want you freaking out and running from the house, especially dressed the way you are.”
I jerked my gaze to his face and realized he really was concerned about me. I padded closer, not stopping until I’d reached his side of the bed. Before I could talk myself out of it, I sat on the edge of the mattress, my hip pressed against him. It didn’t matter a sheet separated us. I could feel the heat of his body.
“Dani.” His voice had become huskier. Deeper. A shiver raked over me, and I realized I wanted him to touch me, more than anything I’d ever wanted before. I didn’t know why he had such an effect on me.
“I want more than just kisses,” I said. “I don’t want to leave tomorrow. Or the next day. If I run from you, from whatever it is between us, I’ll regret it later.”
“Honey, that doesn’t mean you need to come crawling into my bed your first night here,” he said, reaching out to take my hand. “I told you I’d be patient, and I meant it.”
I swallowed hard, looking at our joined hands. I wasn’t brave. I’d never been able to talk to guys easily. And I certainly didn’t know how to ask him for what I wanted, or explain how he made me feel, but I realized I needed to try.
“I want to know what it feels like to be touched,” I said softly. “By you. I want your hands on me. Your mouth. I…”
“You’re killing me. Dani, as badly as I want you, I’m not sure I can only give you a little taste, then back off. I don’t think I have that much control over myself.”
My pajama top was hanging on only by one strap. I knew he was going to send me away, back to the other bedroom, and it’s not what I wanted. Ranger was being honorable, which was sweet. And not what I needed right now. I gave the hem of my top a tug. The material slid over my breast, exposing me to his hungry gaze. Heat flared in his eyes, and it felt like my nipple pebbled even more as he stared at me.
“Jesus, Dani. You’re so fucking perfect.” His fingers clenched on mine. “You really want to do this?”
I nodded. I did. More than anything. I didn’t want Ranger to become a regret. It had taken me long enough to get the courage to come into his room. If I left now, I’d not only chicken out from doing this again, but I’d likely run come morning. I’d be so embarrassed, and knew I’d never want to face him again.
“Show me the other one too,” he said.
I reached up and pulled my strap down my arm and kept going until the material of my top settled under my breasts. He leaned forward and captured my nipple in his mouth, sucking on it hard. He gave the peak a nip, making me call his name. I thrust my breasts out, wanting more.
“Don’t stop,” I murmured. “Please. It feels so good.”
My body ached and throbbed. My clit pulsed, and I wanted so badly to come. I squirmed, trying to alleviate the need building inside me.
“You’re beautiful,” he said, cupping my breast in his hand and rubbing his thumb across my nipple. “How far do you want this to go, Dani?”
“I want it all.”
“Then show me how wet you are. Take those shorts off and let me see what’s mine.”
I shivered at his possessiveness but hastened to obey. I wiggled out of my pajama bo
ttoms and panties. I’d never been naked in front of a guy before and felt a little self-conscious. Thanks to all the riding I did, my legs were muscular, which meant my thighs and calves weren’t small. Ranger groaned and trailed his fingers over my legs, then gripped my hips and lifted me over him, only to lay me down next to him.
He rose to his knees and placed his hands on my inner thighs, spreading me open. I heard his mumbled fuck as he looked his fill. I squirmed, wanting to close my legs, and yet also wanting him to touch me. I’d never been daring or naughty, but with Ranger, I wanted to be all that and more. I’d once heard one of the single guys at the clubhouse say he wanted an angel on his arm, but a whore in his bed. At the time, I hadn’t realized he meant it was two sides of the same woman. He’d laughed his ass off when I read him the riot act about cheating on his “angel” woman. Then Viking had explained what Thunder meant, and I’d been so embarrassed.
“You’re mine, Dani girl. We do this, you can’t walk away. I’ll find you and bring you home every time. So if you have any doubts, even one, you say so now.”
His. I would be Ranger’s. His old lady. His property. I knew the Reckless Kings were like the Dixie Reapers in the fact their men were faithful to their women. I wouldn’t have to worry about him cheating on me.
“I’m sure, Ranger.”
He leaned down and lightly brushed his lips over mine. “My name is Parks. Parks Saeed. When we’re alone, you don’t have to call me Ranger.”
“Parks.” I reached up and ran my fingers over the five-o’clock shadow on his jaw. “Make love to me.”
He shook his head. “I have no idea how to be all gentle and sweet, Dani. I’ll do my best to make it good for you. But I like my sex rough. Think you can handle it? Handle me?”
I nodded. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I could or not, but I was going to do my best. I wanted him. Not just him, but a life with him. Rough sex wouldn’t kill me. Maybe I’d even like it. The books I’d read made it seem exciting. Romances weren’t really my thing, but the other girls had made me read a few. Now I was grateful to them.
“Put your hands over your head, Dani. Cross your wrists and don’t move them.”
I did as he said, waiting to see what he’d do or say next.
“If I hurt you, let me know. That’s the last thing I want. Everything we do in here should feel good for both of us.”
“All right, Parks.”
He winked and stretched out on his belly between my legs. He hooked my thighs over his arms and the moment his mouth touched me, my hips bucked.
“Oh, God!”
He chuckled as he licked my clit. “You taste good, Dani. I’m going to make you come, and then I’m making you mine.”
He worked my pussy with his lips and tongue, sending waves of pleasure crashing over me. Every flick and lick had me soaring higher and higher. I started to get dizzy and realized I was holding my breath. I sucked in a lungful of air right as Ranger brushed his tongue against the sensitive bud again. I screamed out his name as my body bucked. The orgasm rushed through me, leaving me boneless and out of breath.
The room spun and before I could come down from my high, Ranger settled over me. I felt the nudge of his cock against my pussy and spread my legs farther. He felt hard and impossibly big as he pushed inside me. It burned as he stretched me. The pain wasn’t as bad as I’d feared.
“You’re mine, Dani.” He kissed me and I could taste myself on him. Without warning, he thrust hard, filling me completely. He didn’t even pause before pulling his hips back and surging into me again.
“Don’t stop. Please don’t stop,” I said, gripping his shoulders. Soon the discomfort eased.
“Never.” His eyes seemed feverish as he drove into me. Ranger shifted so that on the next stroke, he brushed against my clit. Little sparks of pleasure danced along my nerve endings. Every push and pull of his cock made me plead for more. “Say you’re mine, Dani.”
“I’m yours. Only yours.”
He kissed me long and hard as he claimed me. The bed slammed into the wall with every thrust, and I hooked my legs over Ranger’s thighs. I felt the heat of his release and soon after I followed, coming so hard I saw stars.
“My Dani girl,” he murmured, smoothing my hair back.
“Didn’t you need to ask your club to vote on me being your old lady?” I asked.
He smiled. “They won’t deny me. Soon as a property cut can be made, you’ll have my name on your back.”
I shifted my hips, feeling our mingled release seeping out around his cock and soaking the bed under me. “Um, Parks. We sort of forgot protection.”
“No, we didn’t.”
I arched my eyebrows. “I certainly don’t recall having that discussion, or seeing you put on a condom.”
“You haven’t been with anyone, so you’re clean. I got tested after the last woman I was with, and I haven’t been with anyone since then. I’m clean.”
I sank my nails into his shoulders until he winced. “There’s more to it than that, Parks, and you damn well know it. What if I end up pregnant?”
His eyes lit up and the smile that crossed his lips told me plenty. He’d been trying to knock me up. I couldn’t exactly say I was surprised. I’d been around bikers long enough to know how they thought. He wanted me tied to him in every way possible. As angry as it should have made me, I couldn’t find it in me to be upset with him.
“You want a baby?” I asked.
“With you? Yes.” He kissed me. “I’m sorry, Dani. I should have talked to you about it before making the decision to not use protection.”
“You’re only sorry because I called you on it.”
He shrugged a shoulder. “Truthfully? Yeah. I want you pregnant with my kid. Hell, I want several babies with you. I’m not exactly getting younger, Dani. I know there’s a bit of a gap between us, and maybe you aren’t ready for a family just yet, but I want it all with you.”
“Just talk to me before making any more big decisions. If we’re in this together, it means I should get a say in any life-changing plans.”
“I will. Unless it’s to keep you safe. If someone comes for you, I’ll do whatever it damn well takes to protect you, whether you like it or not.”
I cupped his cheek. “I understand, and I accept that part of you, Parks.”
“How sore are you?” he asked.
“Not enough I’ll be walking funny, but if you’re wanting to go for round two, could we maybe wait a little? You’re not exactly small down there.”
He pulled free of my body and rolled off me. Before I could ask what he was doing, he got out of bed and walked into the adjoining bathroom. I heard water running and got up to investigate. Steamy water poured into the tub, and I saw he’d placed a folded towel on the counter.
“You sit in the tub and soak. I’ll rinse off in the shower and make sure the club knows you’re here to stay. I’ll make arrangements tomorrow to expand the pasture for your horses and we can put in a better barn behind the house.”
I sank into the water and flicked my fingers across the surface, splashing him. “Not too close if you want to have kids. They’ll need space to play too. But make sure there’s enough stalls and land for a pony or two. My kids are going to learn to ride.”
He bent down, bracing his hands on the tub, and kissed my forehead. “Yes, honey. They’ll learn to ride. Maybe in a week or two, I’ll take you to meet my family. After you’ve had time to settle in here. We need to call your family too.”
I curled my hand around the back of his neck and pressed my lips to his. “Take your shower and do whatever you need to. After I get out, I’m crawling back in the bed.”
“Better be the one you just got out of.”
I smiled. “It will be.”
Ranger got into the shower and washed quickly. I watched through the clear glass, admiring the strong lines of his body. When he’d finished, he gave me one more kiss before disappearing through the doorway. I wasn’t sure what I’d go
tten myself into. I only hoped I hadn’t bitten off more than I could chew. My family would understand when I said I wasn’t coming back home, but it would be a big adjustment. For all of us.
On the plus side, Lewis wouldn’t be able to get into the Reckless Kings compound. I wouldn’t find more notes in my truck, or worry about him catching me alone at home. No way he’d get through the gates. Of course, that didn’t mean he wouldn’t track me down in town. I needed to tell Ranger about him. Show him the notes. The ones I hadn’t tossed out already. As much as I didn’t want Ranger going after Lewis, I knew I couldn’t keep this from him.
I only hoped he’d be reasonable about the situation.
Chapter Six
Ranger
Beast called Church first thing in the morning. I hoped the only thing we needed to cover was the vote for Dani to be my old lady. I wasn’t up for handling other business. Not with my woman waiting at home. She’d still been curled up in bed when I’d left. I’d stayed long enough to check the horses’ water and give them some feed. Not wanting Dani to feed them again, I’d left a note before heading to the clubhouse.
“Why the fuck are we having Church so damn early?” Brick mumbled as he practically fell into his chair.
“Sucks to get old, doesn’t it?” Forge asked.
Brick flipped him off before groaning and laying his head on the table. Looked like he’d either partied too much the night before, or some woman had kept him up.
“As you all know, Cowboy’s daughter, Danica, came here last night to see Ranger. The two of them spent some time together while we were at the Dixie Reapers’ compound. Several of you helped put up the fencing and shelter for Danica’s horses,” Beast said. “She’s decided to stay.”
“And that means what, exactly?” Wrangler asked.
“It means I’ve claimed her as my old lady,” I said.
“So we’re taking it to a vote.” Beast looked around the table. “She knows the score since she grew up with the Dixie Reapers. Hell, she’s friends with my old lady. Raise your hand to vote yes for accepting Danica as Ranger’s old lady.”