Page 34 of Ink's Devil

Because one she can alter, and one she’s stuck with.

“You are absolutely fuckin’ perfect.” I swallow hard and reach out my palm to place it against her face. “There’s no one else like you, Beth. Or no one I’ve ever met. I like what’s inside of you here,” I drop my hand so it rests over her heart, “and I love the package it’s in. I wouldn’t change anything about you. Nothing at fuckin’ all.”

She literally shrugs off what to me was a compliment. I suppose up to now I haven’t done anything to make her believe she’s special to me, but she is. I want to explain, but where do I start? I’ve no experience to draw on.

“I fuck, Beth, I told you that. I don’t go to a girl’s house, meet her mom, watch a god-awful film that actually turned out to be quite good. I don’t leave without getting my dick wet. Never done anything like this before, let alone fuckin’ enjoyed it.”

I can see she doesn’t know what to make of what I’ve told her. Truth is, I don’t know myself. There’s a notion growing inside me that I’d like to replace the seat on my bike, get one with a pillion pad and sissy bar. Have her riding up behind me? Heading out just the two of us and the open road? Put up with the shit I’ll get from my brothers?

Well, fuck me, but I think she’s worth everything they’d throw at me. I think of what we’ve got in stock at the shop, sure I can find something and make it work. Payback’s a bitch, as I expect I’ll find out. Pyro and Mace will find me fitting a double seat too big a chance to pass up. For her though, I’ll do it.

“Want to go for a ride with me next weekend, babe?”

She looks confused, and I realise maybe Mel has told her of the significance of a woman riding two up on a bike. “What? Where?”

“A ride. You and me. If the weather allows that is. And wherever we want.”

She looks down, and I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. “You don’t want to go on my bike? I’m a safe rider, Beth.”

“It’s not that. Don’t laugh, but I’ve always wanted to ride one myself.”

What?I frown, then feel my lips start to curve as I wonder why the fuck not? She’s tall enough to be able to handle anything. “Well what’s stopping you? How about I teach you?”

You’d think I’d offered to buy her the fucking world. She starts jumping on the spot. “Really? When? Wouldn’t I need to buy one first? Where do I start—”

“Whoa, hold up. One of the prospects has got a Sportster, that’s a good learner bike that you’d be able to handle alright. I’ll get him to let you ride it to see how you get on. And next weekend, if you want.”

“Ink I… I really like you.” She leaps forward and into my arms. Caught off guard, I stagger back laughing as I catch her.

“We’ll talk, later in the week, okay? Firm up on arrangements once we know how the weather is holding up?”

After that we say our goodbyes, then I’m straddling my bike with a huge grin on my face. Never did I think I’d gain the affections of a woman by offering to teach her to ride a motorcycle. I’m still chuckling as I pull on my balaclava, my safety glasses, and bandana, and finally, my riding gloves. Then, with a wave at the woman who’s still waiting at the open door, ride off in the direction of the compound.

I blow on my hands to warm them after getting off my bike, grimacing at the grit I’ve driven over, but knowing it’s better than ice. Beaver’s at the bar, I go straight over.

“Bourbon no ice. Oh, and get my bike washed tomorrow. And on Saturday I want to borrow your Sportster.”

“Sure.” The first request is fulfilled within seconds. Then he replies positively to the second as any good prospect should. “I’ll do it, and for the last request, can I ask why?”

I shrug. “It’s a Sportster, isn’t it? Got someone who wants to learn to ride and thought yours would be a good one to try on.”

If I’d thought about it, I’d have had my phone out and ready to take a picture of the expression on his face. I have to try hard not to laugh as his mouth opens and shuts a couple of times.

Lizard has overheard, and comes over, saying into my ear, “Let’s see how much he wants that patch.”

Beaver, though, hasn’t heard the worst of it yet.

He looks from me to Liz, though he hadn’t heard what was said. “Who’s learning? A new hangaround?” His expression shows how little he thinks of a novice touching his ride.

Keeping my face as straight as possible, I respond, “Nah, Beth.”

Beaver goes absolutely still. His face slowly goes red. “That tall bitch?”

I bristle at the term he’s used for her, though fuck knows why. Can’t blame him when I call all women that myself, though Beth’s become more elevated in my mind.My womanhas a better ring to it.What the fuck am I thinking?Not coming anywhere near close to claiming her. Unable to offer an alternative description for her, I just nod.

Lizard snorts beside me, making me look at him. He’s staring at Beaver who’s clearly not keen.

Then the prospect lets out a defeated sigh. “She’s got the physique to handle it. As long as she doesn’t drop it or put a scratch on it, I suppose it will be alright.” He thinks for a moment. “I was actually thinking of selling it, so if she likes it, she might be interested.”

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