Page 80 of Whispers of Fire

Damn.

I just gave her a property jacket like the crazy fucker that I am, anxious she wouldn’t take it or wouldn’t understand the meaning of it. But fuck, she surprised me once again when her fingers followed the shapes of the sewn letters, watching it like I had gave her the fuckin’ moon. She held my gaze long enough so that I knew she accepted it.

That she wouldn’t just wear it like any garment. She gave me a I’m your woman now look, and fuck, it almost gave me a heart attack.

Haven’t told her where we’re heading yet, I wanna surprise her. Never shared my bike with a woman, never felt like it. But with her, it’s so fuckin’ different. This is it, her first ride with me, and I want it to be perfect. I reach for the helmet I bought especially for her.

"Here," I say, gently placing it on her head and fastening the straps securely. “I won’t go too fast cause’ it’s your first,” I say, my voice softening a bit. “Just hold on to me and tap twice on my helmet if you want to show me somethin’.”

She nods with the helmet on her, making her look even more tiny than she already is.

T his small, blonde, smart, gorgeous woman will be the end of me.

Grabbing her by the sides of her waist, I lift her onto the seat, making sure she’s comfortable and protected by her gears.

Precious backpack I got here.

I straddle the beast in front of her and start the engine, the rumble of the bike filling the air. Rose's grip tightens on my waist as we pull out onto the open road, the wind whipping through her hair escaping the helmet as we pick up speed, driving away from our neighborhood.

As we tear through the night, my angel clings to me like her life depends on it.

Fuckin’ cute .

Her body's warm against mine, her grip tight as we navigate the streets of Knoxville. I catch whiffs of vanilla blending with the cool night air. With every twist and turn, I can feel her hold tightenin’ on my abs, giving me fuckin’ goosebumps everywhere, her body pressing against mine in perfect sync with the bike's moves.

When we hit that lookout spot up the mountain I wanted to bring her to, I help her to get off the bike, her hands lingering on my shoulders.

I like when she touches me. Never cared bout’ it with any women before, but with her, it’s addictive.

I remove her helmet, and I can't help but hold her gaze a moment longer than necessary, my eyes lingering on her full lips that are begging to be kissed. I can tell when she parts them that she's feelin' it, too. But she’s still holding back.

The city's spread out before us, a sea of endless lights. Thought she’d like it there. Pretty and shit.

“Did ya like it?” I motion to the bike with my chin as we sit on the ground of the hill, watchin’ over the city side by side.

“Yes,” she says silently, nodding with a tiny smile on her face.

“There she is,” I say, finally seeing her relax. “Fuckin’ wanted to put a smile on your face since ya got home .”

Home.

Fuck.

I said it like it’s ours.

Fuck, Vox, you’re way ahead of yourself.

If she caught me slipping, she acts like she hadn’t heard anythin’. Taking out the notebook and the pen I usually keep on the kitchen countertop for her, I hand them to her. Figured she could use it here. Her eyes widen as she takes them, her lower lips trembling slightly. Turnin’ her gaze back to the city lights, she whispers.

“Beautiful.” The syllables dance on her lips, making me able to read her. I’m getting better at it each day.

“Yeah, beautiful,” I say back, keeping my eyes on her the whole time.

Most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

I take out a bag of popcorn from my backpack and hand it to her with a grin on my face. It’s the same brand from last time since she liked it so much.

Shaking her head, she grins and licks her lips before taking a piece into her mouth. The motion of her tongue on her lips sends a rush of heat through me.