Page 54 of Tempted
A couple bikes turn into the driveway whilethe others stop out on the road. There must be about twenty ormore. Gage, of course, is in front. He’s wearing a helmet, shades,and a skull bandana that covers the rest of his face, but I knowit’s him. With his hoodie, he is now the very picture of the GrimReaper. The only thing he’s missing is the scythe. Then again, hisversion is probably tucked into the back of his jeans. I can feelhis eyes on me, but I do my best not to look at him.
“Ray?” Chrissie pleads once more.
“No.”
She grabs my hand and pulls me to my feet.We’re down the stairs before I’m able to dig my heels in and stopher.
“Okay, fine,” she finally relents.
She releases me and heads over to Ron’s bike.Lonnie is with Venom, staring daggers at me.
“You’re not coming, baby girl?” Crow shoutsover the roar of the bikes. His old lady, Marlowe, nods and givesme an encouraging smile.
I shake my head, still avoiding Gage.Suddenly, the men—the ones I know, anyway—all start begging me tocome along. Lonnie looks confused, no doubt wondering how they allknow me and why they’re all so…familiarwith me. I alsonotice the redhead with Razor. She looks at me appraisingly fromhead to toe. I finally glance at Gage. He’s removed his shades buthe’s still just sitting there, watching me.Shit.I lookaround again at all the faces imploring me to join them, and Icrack.
“Fine. Let me just change my shoes.”
I return in my combat boots and find thatonly Gage, Dr. E, Ron, Venom, and Razor are waiting. Lonnie isfuming. I look to Dr. E, silently begging him to let me ride withhim. His gaze flicks to Gage then back to me before he nods. As Ipass Gage, he grabs my wrist. Dr. E shrugs helplessly. Chrissysmirks. Lonnie’s shocked, unable to close her mouth, and Redhead iswatching with growing interest.
“Where do you think you’re going?” He asksfor my ears only.
“With Dr. E –”
“Get your ass behind me.”
He hands me his helmet and slides his shadesback on, but not before I see the anger in his eyes. I strap on thehelmet and climb on behind him, using his shoulders as leverage. Heraises his hand, makes a signal, and we all ride out. I can’t evenenjoy the ride because I’m afraid Lonnie’s going to shoot me in theback along the way.
We’re on the road for about an hour before hepulls in to a gas station, where his crew is already waiting forhim. As soon as my feet hit the ground, he drags me to the side ofthe building where no one can see us. He removes his shades, pullsthe bandana down, and crashes his lips into mine.
“Ga–”
His tongue barges into my mouth. As much asmy brain knows this is not for pleasure, my body still reacts. Myheart thuds in my chest. Little tingles travel down my body andland between my legs. He unleashes his anger on my mouth. Lips,tongues, and teeth clash, the sounds of our ragged breathingfilling the air. He pushes me against the wall and ravages my lips,digging his fingers into my jean-clad hips. I slide my fingersthrough his hair, grabbing a handful. It becomes hard to breathe. Itry to break away, but he growls and pulls me back in. I pound onhis chest and he releases me but cages me in with his arms while Idesperately draw air into my lungs. He’s breathing hard, jawclenching in anger. My lips are pulsating and are, no doubt, anangry red.
“You don’t sit your ass on anyone’s bike butmine. You got that?”
“That’s what this is about? I just thought–”
“There’s nothing to think about. Your ass, mybike. Period.”
Jeez…talk about possessive.He reachesinto his pocket and hands me a wad of cash.
“Get yourself some snacks or something.”
I get that the conversation is over, so Iwalk ahead of him. I pull my bottom lip between my teeth, hopingeveryone will think it’s swollen because I’ve been chewing on it.Gage veers off to the pumps and I head into the store. And rightinto Lonnie.
“What the fuck is going on?” She demands.
“With what?”
“You know what I’m talking about, you littlebitch. I told you to stay away from him.”
“Why don’t you go ask him?”
“Because I’m asking you.”
“I’m not in the mood for your shit,okay?”
Razor walks up and glances between the two ofus. “Everything okay, girls?”
