Page 16 of Bounty
I drew on my cigarette and released the smoke through my mouth and nostrils, then flicked ashes on the floor. Some of Effie’s light had dimmed. I wanted to blame the alcohol but I knew it was because I brought up her sister. Low diversionary tactics. Leaning back in my chair, I dug in my pocket for the piece of paper Daria handed me earlier. I dangled it in front of Effie.
“If you don’t want me to call her, take it and tear it up.”
Relief flooded her face and she snatched it from me, tearing it into minuscule pieces. Even if I had the idea to glue it back together, it would be impossible.
My erection eased, so I stood. I refused to have that waitress return to the table and flirt with Effie again, so I walked to the bar and had Claude ring up my tab. I left that chick a two-dollar tip on a sixty-dollar check. Fuck her. She needed to be taught a lesson.
I returned to the table, where Effie was gathering her belongings. I wondered about the photos she’d taken and regretted not asking for a peek. Hopefully, she’d allow me to see the raw images before she tweaked them. Even the risqué photos she’d sent always had a filter slapped over them.
She lifted her gaze to me.
A sweet tenderness unfurled inside my chest. I gave her a half smile. “Do you still enjoy dancing?”
“Always.”
“I…” If I took her to the club…fuck, I’d give her the wrong idea, but until I got the call from Riker, Dad, or Drifter that I was off the hook and the bounty on my life was canceled, I wouldn’t be comfortable straying too far from where I was known.
The hotel was the exception.
“We can go to the clubhouse. It isn’t far from here.”
Her eyes lit up.
“But you must follow my lead, Effie. This isn’t one of your mother’s novels. This is fucking real.”
“I’ll follow your lead,” she agreed, without asking for details.
“When I tell them you’re mine and with me, don’t ask questions and don’t dispute that.”
She got to her feet, gazing at me like I’d hung the fucking moon.
I liked it more than I should have. Once we got back to the hotel, I’d correct her. For now, her vigorous nod and soft, “Okay,” sufficed.
She trusted me, even though I wasn’t worthy of it.
Although I’d had only a few sips of the margarita, it buzzed through me. Coupled with Slice and the way my arms wrapped around him on the ride to his clubhouse, my body sang. I’d never been to an MC before. The one time Mom went, she took Dad and some writer friends.
Slice pulled into a spot near the end of a block linedwith motorcycles. Even in the darkened night sky, the chrome gleamed, and my breath caught. The scent of oil and exhaust fumes hung in the cool air.
Slice killed the engine and dismounted in a smooth motion. He lit a cigarette, shoved it in the corner of his mouth, then laid his big hands on each side of my waist. His touch burned through my clothes, and I shivered. His hands remained in place until I steadied myself, and then he slid his fingers through my hair. The wind had blown it to hell.
He pulled away too soon. Unintelligible music vibrated from the club, but the brick façade absorbed the exact song.
While he finished his cigarette, I tried to repair my hair, wishing I could see him, but we stood just out of range of the streetlights.
He stepped closer to me. He smelled smoky and spicy.
“Ready, babe?” he asked.
“Yeah,” I said, unsure of what awaited me but anxious to find out and trusting Slice.
He clasped my hand and started moving. My heart banged against my chest. Asking about his club’s name was the extent of my questions regarding his biker life. Long ago, I’d decided he’d tell me whatever he wanted me to know. My nerves got the best of me. After that gaffe, I never expected he’d invite me to his club.
Beams of light now flooded us,him, and I felt as if I was seeing the world around me for the first time. A world filled with Slice. I was five feet six inches and he still towered over me. Muscles rippled from him. He commanded attention and—
We halted a few feet from the door, directly underneath a light shining from the top of the building. He glanced up. Before I followed his line of vision, he turned to me and pulled me closer. He wrapped me in his arms and dipped his head.
I stood on my tiptoes and sank into his arms. He swept his tongue into my mouth, and I groaned. My eyes slid closed and my tongue met his. No kiss I’d experienced compared to Slice’s mastery. He devoured my mouth as if he couldn’t get enough of me. I slid my hands through his hair, wishing he’d remove the leather tie, not protesting when he gripped my butt and backed me against the building. His fingers tangled in my hair while his other hand slid under my shirt, invaded my bra, and cupped my breast. His lips roamed down my neck. I gasped, throwing my head back for easier access.
