I follow Declan through the kitchen.
We step outside, and the bitter wind cuts straight through me, making me shiver down to my bones. Declan grabs a helmet from the back of his emerald-green Harley.
“Can’t believe you ride in this weather,” I say, hugging myself for warmth.
“It’s cold, yeah, but it’s not snowing yet. So, I’m good,” he replies with a shrug, completely unfazed by the chill.
I’ll freeze on the back of his bike. I remove the cap from my head and stuff it inside my little jacket.
Declan pauses, his green eyes scanning me for a beat longer than I expect. Without a word, he steps forward and slides the helmet over my head, his hands brushing against my hair as he adjusts it.
My heart hammers against my ribs.Stop it.This isn’t the time. I’m on the run, remember?
A shiver runs down my spine.
“I don’t live far,” he says, grinning as he buckles the strap under my chin. “I’ll get you warmed up in no time.”
“Declan, I’m not looking for anything from you. If you’re expecting something…”
“Oh, no,” he chuckles. “I meant I’ll start a fire to keep you warm.”
“I really hope you’re not a murderer. I could use a good night’s sleep.”
“Meridea, the entire town knows who I am.”
“This could be a ‘Get Out’ town.” I arch a brow.
He laughs. “Good point. Well, if it is, then no place would be safe here.” Declan reaches for the other helmet and slips it onto his head. “I’m going to keep you safe, Meridea. In order for me to do that, you’ll have to tell me exactly what kind of trouble you’re in.”
“Can we talk about it tomorrow?” I ask.
“Yeah, get on,” he instructs.
Declan swings a leg over the bike and settles into the seat, twisting the throttle until the Harley growls to life. The sound is low and powerful, reverberating through the narrow alley.
I hesitate for only a moment before I swing a leg over, placing my feet on the foot pegs.
“Hold on tight,” he calls over the roar of the engine.
I wrap my arms around his solid torso and lower the helmet’s visor. He guns the throttle, and we’re off, roaring out of the alley and into the main street.
The town comes alive as we pass. Holiday decorations glow warmly in every shop window, painting the streets in a nostalgic haze of red, green, and gold. It’s like something off a postcard.
Is it wrong that I rest my head on his back? The engine is driving my pussy crazy. I know it’s only because my arms are wrapped around a muscled God. This man is so handsome, he could be featured on one of those firefighter calendars. I can only imagine how his muscles ripple under his leather jacket.
He pulls into a long driveway, then takes a sharp right. The six-car garage doors begin to ascend with a soft hum. I blink at the sleek setup. Is he renting this place from some rich guy? Or worse—does he live at home with his parents?
The bike rolls to a stop inside the spacious garage, where everything seems meticulously organized. My eyes land on a leather motorcycle jacket hanging on the wall. Bold letters across the top read Ravens, and beneath it: Blue Haven.
I’m so caught up in staring at the jacket that I don’t even notice Declan standing next to me until he starts unbuckling my helmet.
“Sorry, I spaced out,” I say, suddenly self-conscious. “I’m just thrown off that you’re really a biker.” I slide off the motorcycle.
Declan places both helmets back into their spots without missing a beat. “Yup,” he replies simply.
“Can I look at it?” I ask, already moving toward the jacket.
“Sure,” he mutters, watching me with an amused expression.
