Page 87 of Paladin's Hell

“Am I doing it right?” I ask, hesitantly.

“Feels right to me,” he replies softly. “Fuckin’ good, Jay.”

“You want me to stop?”

“No, but you ought to.” His hips move. I feel a hardness against my ass.

Suddenly I remember I’m wearing these decidedly unsexy and childish pjs.

“Pal, I…”

“You go get dressed babe. Breakfast’s probably ready downstairs. I’ll get some more shut-eye.”

Sitting up, I try to inject some normality into the situation, asking him about when the lockdown will end. I’m probably putting the wrong pressure on his stomach or something, but I feel his hips move again. He groans, I don’t think he’s even aware of it.

I better get up.Wishing again I was wearing something sexy, I slide off him, grab some clothes, and as nonchalantly as I can, as though getting out of a man’s bed isn’t something strange, I take my clothing into the bathroom.

Once inside, I shut the door and slide down the wall, sitting on the floor with my back against it. My fingers go to my lips, caressing where our mouths had touched. Right now I’m feeling like a giddy teenager who’s just had her first kiss. Which is exactly what I am. Oh, sure, my abusers had forced their mouths on me, but I’d hated both it and their wandering hands. Paladin, though, kissing him had blown memories of that away. It was… what words can I use to describe it? Incredible.

My fingers cover my mouth as I realise, my breath must smell, I hadn’t brushed my teeth. But I hadn’t minded his, nor his taste. I think it could become addictive.

He needs his sleep.I don’t know what time he came to bed, but it must have been only a few hours ago, as I’d been told he was going to be out all night. Even though I’d like to wake him for more, it wouldn’t be fair.

Lockdown’s not finishing any time soon.Until then, he and I will be together. Time enough to explore. The notion no longer scares me, but instead is exciting.

When I emerge from the bathroom, I’m disappointed he’s lightly snoring and is fast asleep. But I don’t mind going down into the clubroom on my own, I’ve lived among bikers long enough. The men I’ve met seem nice, and the women will all be there.

The smell, and people walking out with loaded plates leads me to the kitchen. Both Jeannie and Mo are at the stove. As I’m walking across to them, Mace gets in front of me, and puts his hand on Mo’s shoulder.

“So, I was expecting to see Hell without his beard this morning.” He glances at her, and I don’t miss his wink.

Moira’s cheeks flame and as I look curiously on, notice she appears mortified as she replies, “He chickened out and decided he’d just make do with a trim.”

“Sure he did,” Mace smirks.

“You going all ol’ lady on him, Mo? Hell wouldn’t be Prez without that thick beard of his.” Pyro calls out.

Mace chortles. “I don’t think it was himself Hell wanted the shaving foam for. He seemed a bit too excited for that.” As Mace doesn’t give up, I see Moira redden even more.

What else could Hell have been shaving?Oh. I put my hand to my mouth and turn away choking back the giggle that’s about to escape. He wouldn’t, would he? Aren’t they too old to get up to stuff like that?

Titsy leans over and helpfully switches a burner off. “Bacon’s burning, Mo.” Then, oh no, she continues, “Prez does like his women bare.”

“You’ve no idea what he likes,” Moira snaps. “Stop lying, you slut.”

Jeannie puts herself in between them, giving Titsy such a look, the club girl makes herself scarce pretty quickly. Then Bomber’s ol’ lady catches my eye. “Jay, want some breakfast?”

I’m not sure I do anymore, but I nod, grab the plate she hands over, and disappear into the clubroom. The choice is sit by myself or at the table with a couple of club girls. I choose my own company. After a while, a slightly calmer Moira comes to join me, relaxing after she scans the room to find Titsy’s not there.

“So,” she sits down beside me, “how did you sleep?”

“Very well,” I reply honestly. Thinking it’s best not to add how I awoke.

“I’m sorry, Jay. Lockdown must seem very restrictive to you.”

“Not at all, Mo. I’ve been on lockdown before. In fact,” I nibble my lip as I think, “I’ve probably been cooped up on a compound longer than I’ve not.” When she throws me a look of sympathy. I shrug it off. “I’ve lived this life for years. Of course it’s different here, it’s not such a family club, but the vibe’s pretty similar. I know the biker types.”

Now she’s shaking her head. “You don’t know about this club.”

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