Page 42 of Falcon

We make our way through a small courtyard dotted with plaques that contain historical facts about the area, benches, and trees before she crosses a side street to a small parking lot.

“Here we are,” she says, rummaging through her bag for her keys. “Did you drive? Do you need a ride?”

I shove my hands into my pockets. “I rode my bike. It’s at a meter near where Case parked. I met him down here for a drink before we busted in on you ladies.”

“You’ve been drinking? Should you be driving?”

“I had half a beer, Faith. I’m good. I promise.”

I see her shoulders relax a little. “Okay.”

“If you want to wait right here, I’ll walk down to my bike and I can follow you home? Just to make sure you make it all right,” I offer.

“That would make me feel better, yes,” she says.

I reach out and cup her cheek with my hand. “I’ll be back in five minutes.” I lean forward and press a tender kiss to her lips. “Go ahead and get in your car. Lock the doors.”

She gives me a small smile. “Yes, sir.”

“Mmm. I do like the sound of that.”

She rolls her eyes and slips into the driver’s seat, but I don’t leave her side until I hear the click of the locks.

The drive back to her house goes quickly. I follow behind her on my bike, and I can tell she is going much slower than normal. I think it is for my benefit since I said I’d had a beer.

I can’t help but smile just a little. She’s fucking adorable.

I roll my bike to a stop behind her car and climb off, instantly shedding my helmet and sliding my hands through my hair and my fingers against my scalp.

“Did you know that cars are capable of going over twenty miles per hour?” I ask, with a smile, approaching her as she climbs from her car.

“Did you also know that driving while even remotely intoxicated is dangerous, and I cannot believe I even let you do that? I had to do something to combat it, so I forced you to drive reasonably.” She closes the car door with her hip and presses the button on her keys to set the alarm.

Her cheeks are still a bit flushed from our kiss, and fuck if it doesn’t make me want to do it again.

“Well, I appreciate your concern for my safety, baby.”

She looks up with a small smile. “Always.”

“I’ll walk you up.” I nod to her front porch. “Call it concern for your safety.” I wink.

“I think the only person I have to worry about it a six foot two fighter with broad shoulders, beautiful eyes, and tattoos.”

“Six foot three,” I correct her with a shit-eating grin.

“Who said I was talking about you?” She nudges me and walks toward her house as a giggle sounds from her lips.

I bolt after her, up the stairs, and wrap my arms around her from behind, pulling a playful scream and laugh from her. “There better not be any other fighters vying for your attention.” I bury my face in her neck and place a kiss on the tender skin.

“Mmm.” She leans her head back against my shoulders. “What’s it to you?”

“Call it the alpha in me.”

“You haven’t even had me yet, Caveman.” She slides her hand around to cup the back of my neck.

“Yet being the keyword here. We both know it’s a foregone conclusion.” I press my mouth to her ear. “I’m too damn irresistible,” I tease her.

“Eww. Okay, I’ve changed my mind.”

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