Alice followed his rhythm.“That’s right.”He held her hand and squeezed.“Easy does it.”

After a few seconds, she finally managed to give him a weak smile.

“Thanks.”Her cheeks burned.“It wasn’t really a panic attack.I just, well, touching you...”She left the sentence hanging.

Axel chuckled.

“Trust me, I feel the same way.Are you ready, then?”

She nodded.Relief swept through him, and he let out a breath of relief he’d been unaware of holding.Not only did she also want him, she still desired to leave with him.

“Let’s go.”Grabbing his helmet and leather jacket, he led her through the back door of the bar to an alley where he kept his bike.

“This is it.”

Alice remained rooted on the spot, staring at the vehicle as if it were an alien contraption.

“It doesn’t bite, I promise.”Opening the helmet lock, he pulled out his spare helmet.“Here, you must wear this.”

She took it but still didn’t move.

“Let me help you.”

Gently, he brushed back her hair and adjusted the hat onto her head.He swallowed, fighting the urge to steal a kiss.Instead, he turned and put on his own protection.Getting onto the motorcycle, he reached for her hand.

“One foot up and then the other,” he instructed, steadying her.“That’s it.Hold on to me.Tightly.”

He revved up the engine.

“The most important thing you must remember is that when we hit a curve, you lean toward it, okay?”

“Yes,” she replied, pressing herself closer to him.A sigh escaped him.She was here.This would work out.Eventually.

He hit the road, enjoying the wind on his face and the warmth of her body behind him.This would be their future.He grinned, happiness covering him like a warm blanket.He took a bend, and she did as he instructed, albeit he didn’t miss her yelp of fear.

Slowly, Axel.

He hadn’t caught his prey yet.Finally, after what seemed to him an endless ride, they reached his home.He hit the remote and the heavy gates opened slowly.Her gasp was audible in his ears.

“You live here?”

He rode through the dimly lit driveway trying to take in the sites like a newcomer would.A golden sea of tall grass sprawled in both directions dotted with trees and shrubs.The starry sky was clear above them, almost devoid of any light pollution.Finally, as they approached the end of the road, the large Southern style house came into view.

“Welcome to my pride lands, Baby Girl.”