Page 4 of Claimed By a Knight

Now is no different. With its ridicule and reprimands, at the first light I can make a turn, I spin around and roar my engine back to the swanky restaurant. Sure, barging in and swooping her off her feet away from Ezra Green might piss him off, but it’s like the boss keeps on saying—the Knight Riders need to show these newcomers who runs this town.

I pull back into the Casa Bella’s parking lot, but I don’t have time to waste looking for a spot. I stop my bike in front of the entrance, turning heads in my direction as I dismount and head for the door.

“Sir, you can’t park—” the doorman taking names says, but I silence him with a single raised finger, hovering dangerously close to his mouth.

“Won’t be long, so keep an eye on her. Got it?” My narrowed eyes meet his gormless expression dead on. No way he’s going to cause any problems for me. Doubt he gets paid enough to tussle with a man double his size and three times as mean.

“Understood.” He nods and steps aside to let me in.

I storm through the entryway, barroom, and into the main floor of the restaurant. Heads crane to stare at the mad monster barreling through the restaurant, my flaring nostrils a sign of the trouble I bring. Silence falls over the room, almost like you’d see in a movie, as they all gawk at me, fumbling nervously with whatever they can get their hands on. Waiting for the trouble to start.

But it comes to a quick end, with folks returning to their conversations. I’m certain most of them are centered around me. I don’t belong here, that much is certain, in my raggedy t-shirt and dark blue jeans. Had I known I’d be making a public appearance, I’d have at least pulled my jacket on before I left Gracie’s place.

Oh well, not much I can do about it now.

“Over here.” Her angelic voice cuts through the low murmuring of the crowd.

And when I see her again, unencumbered by the weight of Ezra Green’s company, a relieved sigh barrels out of my lips. Time seems to slow as her bright pink cheeks and wide smile filter through my vision.

My heart starts to race as I take my first few steps toward her. Every inch inspiring an overeagerness that makes me want to gallop forward to be at her side again. To hell with friends ‘till the bitter end. Wouldn’t lovers be a better start to the end of our old lives as we step into the new?

“Are you okay?” Her smile fades as I reach her table, and panic washes over her face. “Did something happen?”

Tongue tied, mind twisted, I struggle to answer. My heart’s slamming haphazardly against my ribcage, and the pit in my gut traps my words tightly in its grip.

Gracie’s increasing dismay forces me to speak. Husky words that have no place leaving my mouth, but I need to bring that smile back. “I’m fine. Everything’s fine.” Both the truth and a lie, wrapped up neatly.

“Then why are you back here?” She eases back into her chair, inadvertently pressing her chest out.

Fuck, where’s that fluffy pink pillow when I need it?

I take a moment to scan the restaurant. Glances in various directions to ensure Ezra’s not around, watching me steal his date away. Not that he could do much to stop me, but I’d rather avoid unnecessary drama.

“I’m here for you.” I gulp, feeling like I’m making a massive ass of myself.

“For me?” Gracie tilts her neck down, gazing up at me from beneath her lashes. Once more, those pearly whites sink into her lower lip, and my manhood aches against the inseam of my boxers.

“You can’t do this.”

“I know you don’t like him, bu?—”

“No.” I shake my head, cutting her off. “Not him. You can’t do this. With anyone.” Good start. Flawed execution, but I’m bringing the point across. At least I hope so.

“It’s a bit of fun.” She raises a brow, but the devious smile forming on her lips is enough to tell me exactly what I want. She’s screwing with me. “I’m not gonna marry the guy or anything.”

“Yeah, sure, but what if I want to have thisbit of funinstead?” Expressing feelings shouldn’t be this hard, and yet, my throat feels like it’s about to tighten shut and choke me out.

“Then I’d ask why you didn’t tell me sooner.” She kicks her chair back and gets to her feet, gathering her handbag.

“How am I supposed to answer that?” Maybe under different circumstances, with more thought and planning, I’d be able to. At this moment, I’m at a loss for words, slipping further and further into embarrassment, even knowing she’s toying with me.

“By saying, ‘I’m a big dummy.’” She winks, and I nearly fall flat on my ass.

“Fine, you’re a big dummy.” I try to keep it light, pull back control where it’s slipped so far out of my grasp.

And she laughs. Glorious, sincere laughter that resonates through the main floor and once more calls all attention to us.

“Well then, you’ve come this far.” Gracie circles the table slowly, dragging a finger across the top as she approaches me. “What’s next?”

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