Page 13 of Devil's Dilemma

Totally unexpected, having predicted tonight would be a one and only, thinking either him or I, or both, would be bored, I’m already looking forward to the next time I see him. Skull seems far more mature for his years than his looks would have led me to believe.

I really like him.

I hadn’t anticipated doing so.

I thought I’d have found his company tedious.

I did not.

His leaving me on the doorstep with just a peck on the cheek?I’d wanted more.

Saturday passes far too slowly, and I try to occupy myself doing chores. I bake, of course, then notice the state of my oven and clean it. Anything to keep busy.

When Skull pulls up on Sunday, I’m already at the door, having grabbed my purse when I heard his motorcycle’s engine roar. My eagerness is greeted with one of his cocky grins.

As I’m unused to riding, he doesn’t want to take me too far. His choice of destination is again perfect, as we ride up into the forest where it’s cool. Once the bike is parked, we walk hand in hand along a shaded path with the sweet smell of a soft carpet of pine needles underneath, conversation flowing easily, never stopping.

Suddenly Skull comes to a halt, his pause in steps ceasing my forward momentum. As I turn, it’s to see a gleam in his eyes.

“Want to kiss you, Mel. That okay?”

More than okay.The warning, though, has me swallowing nervously. First kisses can be awkward, not knowing what to expect. Where should I put my hands, for example? Does he expect tongues, or just a brush of our lips?

To give myself a moment, I query the shortening of my name. “Mel?”

His eyes darken, then he places his hands on my biceps and he pushes me until I’m pressed up against a tree. “Everyone else calls you by your full name. Want to have something for me.”

Wow. Romantic or what?

He pauses just a second longer, and then, his lips lower.

I shouldn’t have worried, as he takes complete control. My hands naturally go to his shoulders and just hold on for the ride. His tongue invades, his taste immediately mingling with mine, our mouths meld together as though we’ve done this dance many times and this isn’t the first.

The aroma of pine mingles with the leather of his cut as I now know his vest is called, and birdsong, which a moment ago sounded loud, now only just reaches my ears above my murmurs of appreciation, and his growls of encouragement.

Time stops, my brain quiets, and all I can think of is how we are joined, mouth to mouth, his hands holding me close, mine grabbing onto his arms.

I can feel his hard cock pressing into me, but he doesn’t grab my breasts or touch inappropriately.

At last he pulls his head away, leaning down to place his forehead against mine. “When I get you in bed, you’re not coming up for air for a very long time,” he rasps against my skin. “Be warned, darlin’. Once you let me in, that’s where I’m stayin’.”

There’s nothing about that statement of intent that concerns me at all.

In fact, the words spill out of my mouth in a breathless gasp, “Your place or mine?”

He chuckles, softly. “Yours, babe. I live at the club at the moment. But for now, how about another taste?”

After that second kiss, and a few more as we make our way down the mountain, we arrive back at the bike. As he fastens the strap of the helmet under my chin, I find myself trying to picture how I left my place.Is there underwear strewn across my bedroom floor? I shaved my legs, are there hairs still in the shower tray? Is there makeup left around? That box of tampons isn’t still left out from last week is it?

He stares into my eyes. “Doesn’t have to happen today, Mel. Not if it’s too soon.”

The fact I’m worrying about all the insignificant things perhaps means that it is.

The fact he doesn’t mind, shows me Skull is a good man.

When he drops me off, Skull smooths his hand down the side of my face. “Can’t make it tomorrow or Tuesday, I’ve got work.” His grimace shows he’d prefer to spend time with me instead. “Wednesday we’ve got church, that’s our club meeting. But Thursday I can be all yours if you want.”

I want. “How about I cook?”

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