Page 20 of Wild Heart
“Nah.” Raiden shakes his head casually. “I don’t think so. Not if you’re safe and happy, and it’s your choice.”
His gaze meets mine, and there’s a flicker of hope.
He wants me to stay.
This powerful gruff biker who’s more than twice my age wants me to stay here. My stomach flips, and even though I should be mad at this man for pulling me out of the strip club and ruining my plans, I find myself smiling like a dizzy schoolgirl.
I’ve blown my chance to foil my father’s plans for me, but at least I can have a few days of freedom. To get to know the man who has haunted my dreams for the last two years.
Raiden bends down and wipes the flannel across my cheek, wiping away thick layers of foundation.
With him this close, I can smell his aftershave and bike oil. The scent makes my head feel light. My heart flutters with his closeness, and there’s an ache between my legs that I long for him to ease.
I long to stay here with him, but I don’t want to put anyone in danger.
“How about your club? My father might be…” Murderous? Vengeful? “…a little cross. I don’t want to bring trouble to your club.”
Raiden arches his eyebrow. “No doubt, Princess. I’ll speak to the club because you’re right. It’s not just my ass I’m putting on the line. But I want you here, and no threat from your father will change that.”
He looks so certain, the only man I’ve ever met not quaking at the threat of my father’s anger.
His gaze darts to my lips and I part them, ready for the kiss that his look promises. He leans forward and our eyes meet, my desire reflected in his.
I close my eyes, ready to feel his firm lips on mine. His breath tickles my lips.
There’s a knock at the door, and my eyes fly open as Raiden pulls away.
“Fuck.”
Raiden straightens up and runs a hand through his hair. He looks torn, and I hate that wanting to kiss me isn’t enough. Is he scared of my father, or does he think I’m a little girl who can’t handle him? Is he letting me stay because he wants me here or because his fatherly instinct is kicking in and he knows I’ll be safe here?
I’ll have to find a way to show him that I’m not a girl, that I’m all woman.
He strides to the door, and there’s a woman on the other side. I haven’t seen her before, but her smile is bright and her hair is pulled back in a cute 1950s do that matches her dress.
“I’ve bought some clothes and a plate of food.”
“Thanks Danni.”
Raiden takes the plate of food, and the woman drops the bag inside the door.
Her gaze finds mine, and she smiles sweetly, “I guessed you’d be about the same size as April.”
Jealousy flares in me at the mention of another woman.
“You need anything else, just holler.” Danni closes the door behind her, and I turn to Raiden.
“Who’s April?” It comes out harsher than I intended, and Raiden chuckles.
“She’s Snips’s wife.”
I turn away so he doesn’t see my relief andconfusion.
What is happening to me that this man makes me feel so much?
“I’ll leave you to eat. There’re fresh towels if you want a shower. Get some rest. I’ll be right outside the door if you need me.”
He shuts the door behind him, and I stare at it for a long time. We were so close to kissing a moment ago, and then he leaves abruptly.
