Page 70 of Legacy

Luna told me I looked like I could be a pinup—all boobs, curves, and red lips—but I didn’t believe her until this second, when Jesse can’t tear his eyes off me.

There’s still so much left unsaid between us, but I can’t find it in myself to hit the brakes on our reckless behavior.

“You are absolutely beautiful, Reagan.” Jesse brushes the curl off my shoulder.

“Thank you.”

He leans in, planting a soft kiss on the sensitive skin below my ear. “And just so I’m clear, only a fraction of that beauty is your appearance.”

Jesse pulls back, and my throat tightens. He remembers what I told him about my parents. About the mask I’ve been forced to wear my whole life. No one’s bothered to look beneath the surface, but he sees me. Something more than my blonde hair and curves.

I’m not able to speak as he steps back. But I feel him all over.

“I wasn’t sure if this dress was too much.” I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure.

Jesse matches me in all black, but he’s casual with his T-shirt, jeans, boots, and cut.

“You’ll fit right in.”

I sigh with relief. “I figured it’s Vegas, so I couldn’t go wrong. And Luna said she’s dressing up. But I’ve never been to a bar, much less a strip club, so I wasn’t sure.”

I probably shouldn’t have said that last part. Jesse’s eyes widen with the reminder of how young and inexperienced I am. I’ve never been to a bar that wasn’t the one at the Twisted Kings clubhouse or ordered a drink legally.

My experiences are nothing like what Jesse has seen and done, and the last thing I want is him looking at me like a barely legal girl with my head in the clouds.

I’m still surprised he invited me out tonight.

When Ghost first mentioned the club visiting the Strip in front of me, I got the impression Jesse was agitated. He immediately brushed it off. But then on Thursday, something must have changed because when he mentioned it again, he said it more like an expectation than an offer.

Rude to the point that I considered turning him down if he hadn’t cut off my sassy comeback by planting his mouth on mine.

Hopefully, my insecurity doesn’t make Jesse second-guess his decision.

“You look perfect.” He nods, an equal measure of lust and longing in his eyes as his phone chimes. “Van’s here.”

He leads me outside, and with Bea and Margaret already in bed, he doesn’t hesitate to grab my hand.

Three black vans sit at the curb in the neighborhood, waiting for us. They’re nicer than the ones I usually see parked outside the clubhouse with tall, tinted windows. They’re clearly built for chauffeuring parties around town, but instead of hired drivers, I notice prospects are at the wheels.

“No bike?” I nudge Jesse with my hip as he guides me to the waiting caravan.

I’ve still never been on the back of Jesse’s bike, and even if the thought terrifies me, I’m curious.

Jesse leans down, a breath away from my ear, and whispers, “No one’s allowed to see you straddle my bike in this dress except me.”

I can’t hide the grin when I look up at him. “Promise?”

A slight tick of his jaw is the only answer I get, and his silence speaks volumes. For a man always in control, I sense him having to restrain himself.

Steel and Ghost guide Tempe and Luna into a van first, and Jesse’s hand falls to my lower back as he ushers me to follow them.

I’m thankful he stands behind me so I don’t flash anyone, and I slide into the first bench against the window. Jesse climbs in next, taking the seat directly at my side, not shying away or keeping his distance as his arm wraps around the seat behind me.

I melt against him and let him be my shield, shoving aside the warnings constantly screaming inside me.

Jesse’s fingers toy with the hem of my dress, drawing slow circles on my bare thigh. And for right now, I’ll let myself think this is possible.

Soul and Chaos are in the far back, betting on something, while Steel is in the middle, warning everyone not to get arrested. In the seats directly behind us, Ghost and Luna are whispering.

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