Page 21 of Battered Moves

“Whatever’s on your mind,” she just says.

I begin to sing “Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney, a song that reminds me of her, and I can feel her swooning beside me. I love how she gazes at me like I’m the most important person in the world when I sing. She makes me feel valuable,and I hope I do the same for her.

“You know, you’re such a softie behind all those tattoos, black clothes, and jewelry,” she says with a sigh when I end the song, and I chuckle.

“Oh yeah, you think so?” I reply, but she’s playing with the rings on the hand I have on her thigh.

“Why all the rings?” she asks. “Do they mean something, or is it just for style?”

I pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine before turning in my seat to face her. I stroke her cheek and tuck some hair behind her ear asshe looks at me with big eyes.

“I wear the rings so your neck looks pretty,” I whisper, my voice deep and rough.

My hand moves down to her throat, squeezing. I feel her gulp and watch her eyes widen even more, then I kiss her gently with my hand still on her throat, giving it one last squeeze before letting go. I can’t help but chuckle at the face she’s making.

“Fuck, Ryder,” she murmurs and squeezes her thighs together.

I grin and try turning the engine back on, but it doesn’t respond. I turn the key a few more times, but it still won’t start.Fuck!I look at Liv and cringe.

“Yeah well, that was dumb of me,” I say, and she chuckles.

“No, that’s just what you get for telling Jaxon you wouldn’t drive me around in this car anymore and still doing it.”

“He is going to kill us,” I say with a groan, letting my head fall back.

“Oh no, mister, he’s going to kill you,” she says with a laugh. “I’m an innocent bystander.”

“Oh, you think you’re innocent?” I ask before undoing my seatbelt, then I lean over to unbuckle hers. I pull her onto my lap so she’s straddling me, then grip her bare thighs under her dress and pull her down on the bulge in my pants. Her breath hitches, and she takes my head in both hands.

“I was innocent, but I think I enjoy being sinful with you, Ryder,” she whispers, making megroan, then she presses her lips to mine.

The kiss is sweet, full of emotion, and I’m overwhelmed when I realize how much she already means to me. Being in love is something I’ve never experienced before, but I know at this exact momentI love her.

She eases away, and I bite my lip to keep from letting those three words burst out. Instead, I stroke her bottom lip with my thumb and gaze into her stunning green eyes.

“I could kiss you for hours, baby, but let me check the car first so I can drive you home and we can continue this in my bed.”

Her breath hitches, but she nods eagerly and moves back to her seat.

“Stay in the car, please,” I say as I pull the lever to open the hood before getting out. As soon as I’m bending over the engine, I hear the passenger door open and roll my eyes.Of course she doesn’t do as she’s told, little minx.

“You’re lucky I’m not Jaxon, or you would be spanked for not listening to me,” I say before she even comes around the hood.

“So you think you deserve a spanking for not listening to me too?” Jaxon’s gruff voice says, coming out of Liv’s phone speakers as she stands beside me.I look at her with wide eyes, but she just chuckles.Oh, I am so screwed.I shoot Liv a glare, mouthing “Traitor,” but she bites her lip and giggles.

“Hey, Jax, nice to hear from you,” I say into the phone. “Did you have a good day?”

“Drop the shit Ry. What’s wrong with the car?” Jaxon asks, cutting straight to the point.

“Well, baby girl here didn’t really give me much time to check before she ratted me out,” I respond, taking another look under the hood. I shoot Liv a playful glare again, and she mouths “Sorry” in response. “It seems like the battery gave out. I can’t find anything else. Earlier, the radio went dead.”

“I’m coming to get you both,” Jaxon says with a huff. “I’ll bring some jumper cables, but it doesn’t sound like we can start it back up. The alternator should charge the battery while you’re driving, so more than likely, it’s completely dead. Can you send me your location, sunshine?”

Liv fiddles with her phone, then we hear a beep from Jaxon’s side.

“Why the fuck are you two out there? That isn’t the fucking way home from Miami!” Jaxon exclaims.

“It is, it’s just the long way,” Liv says,jumping to our defense. I can’t help but snicker, and Jaxon sighs.

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