Page 28 of Property of Scythe
“It’s easy. Hold onto me and lean into the turns.” Scythe hops on first and then gestures for me to join him.
I hike a leg over the seat and drop onto the leather, placing my hands on his shoulders. “Like this?”
“No, baby. You’ve got to get a lot closer. I should feel the heat between your thighs and those perfect tits smashed against my back.”
“Scythe!”
He’s scandalous. Who describes things that way?
A dirty biker, that’s who.
I do as I’m told, realizing this isn’t only enjoyable for him. I’m wrapping my arms around his waist, snuggling a man who radiates power, warmth, and protection. It’s an aphrodisiac on its own. “Is that good?”
He squeezes my thigh. “Yeah.”
When the Harley rumbles to life beneath me, I’m shocked as the vibrations travel up my body and settle in my core. It’s surprisingly erotic and thrilling at the same time.
“Hold on, darlin’. It’s gonna be a wild ride.”
I have a feeling that’s going to be true on and off a motorcycle with a man like Scythe.
Chapter 10 Scythe
It’s opening night for the maze and haunted hayride, and the crowds prove it. They’ve shown up in overwhelming numbers, eager to check out the newest thrills and scares. The ticket line is so long it extends beyond the main entrance to our festival, albeit on a much smaller scale than any amusement park, but it’s still impressive. We don’t do much advertising since word of mouth drives our sales. Virus keeps the website up to date and handles the online ticket sales, so I don’t get a fucking headache.
This year we’ve bought a few bouncy houses and added ring toss and a few other carnival games to our collection. By keeping our business open only twelve weeks a year, we’ve created demand and excitement. People drive from all over the Midwest to visit.
The best place to park is in town, walking to the festivities instead of trying to battle for a space by the entrance. I park my Harley behind Tillie’s, away from the tourists, so I don’t end up with my paint scratched. It’s dark behind the strip mall, and the shadows stretch around us when I shut down the engine.
I lift off my helmet and reach for Lottie’s, storing them both in my saddlebags. Everything should be secure back here since there’s no reason for anyone to go exploring in this section. It’s far from the attractions, and there’s nothing worth checking out.
The second the helmet is off, I inhale, taking in the faint scent of buttered popcorn that will grow stronger as we approach the Fear Farm. We realized long ago that we needed a gimmick to drive people to our town and tempt them to spend money on our attractions. It’s not only about income, but making money is a contributing factor. Plus, the season provides for the townsfolk through the winter, and that means people are fed, warm, and happy when the snow and ice cover the ground.
“Oh, wow. I can smell the popcorn,” Lottie reveals.
“I just thought the same thing.” I reach for her hand, and she takes it, allowing me to lace our fingers. “You hungry?”
“I had a snack, but that doesn’t mean I’ll turn down popcorn or cotton candy. Is there cotton candy?”
“There is,” I confirm, thinking Lottie definitely has a sweet tooth. “It’s not gonna be as good as Granny Jo’s baked goods, but it’ll handle any craving.”
“Then we’re stopping at some point for it.”
“And for hot chocolate,” I add.
“I’m in heaven,” she jokes. Her dazzling smile makes my heart flutter.
“Come on. I want you to see the Fear Farm. The first and last nights are always the busiest, so prepare for the crowd,” I warn.
Once we’re on the street, I can see the crowds lining up, and people have already begun shopping at the Mystic Emporium, the gift shop, and Raven’s Claw Consignment. The latter has elaborate window displays with spooky themes every week. Tonight, it’s a ghostly dinner with moving candelabra, dripping blood, and ghosts. Visitors are snapping photos andtaking videos with their phones.
“You need to experience all Raven’s Crest has to offer, Lottie.”
“Oh? What do you mean?”
“All the rides.” Including me. I think she gets the point as her cheeks grow pink.
The streetlights are on, and most of the businesses have fairy lights in the windows. Raven’s Claw’s window display glows orange and purple, casting the colors onto the sidewalk.
