I eye him as I pour myself a cup of coffee. He’s probably talking to Malachi or one of the other guys from the motorcycle club. Victor walks over to me and kisses my forehead. I give him a small smile, feeling bad I’m keeping him from going riding with his friends. My phone vibrates on the counter and I glance at it, seeing Ansley’s name pop up.
Ansley: Caroline wants all the girls to hang out today. Are you feeling up to it with everything going on?
I sigh in relief. If I go to Caroline’s, then Victor can go riding.
Olivia: Yes! It’s been a while since we’ve all hung out.
Victor is getting off the phone as I send that. I turn to face him, leaning against the counter. He smiles at me, but I see the worry and stress in his eyes.
“What do you want to do today?” he asks.
I stare at him over the rim of my mug as I take a sip. He’s not going to mention going riding because he doesn’t want me to feel bad. It makes me feel good, but also makes my heart ache at the same time.
“Well, Ansley just sent me a text. Caroline wants all the girls to come to her house and hangout. So, I thought I could do that and you could go riding with The Outsiders.” He steps forward and places his hands on the counter, caging me in.
“Olivia, I know you overheard that conversation. While I miss riding, I also need to make sure you’re safe.” He stares down at me. I see the truth in his eyes. He does want to make sure I’m safe, but I need some space.
“I’ll be safe. I’ll be at Caroline’s house with all the girls and Leo or whoever you choose will be sitting outside keeping watch,” I tell him.
He stares at me for a moment and I can’t help but want to squirm at his proximity. The way he affects me is disconcerting. His mouth lifts into a smile, like he knows what I’m thinking. He takes my coffee from me and places it on the counter while wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me close while he also steps close, pressing me into the counter. I suck in a breath as I stare up at him, wondering what he plans on doing.
“Maybe I want to stay here all day and have my way with you,” he whispers as he kisses my jaw. I tilt my head back and exhale as goosebumps breakout along my arms and neck.
“You can have your way with me anytime you want,” I say breathlessly as he leans down and pulls my clothed nipple between his teeth. I love that he’s more spontaneous, but it’s so confusing. When he was more controlled, it was easier tocompartmentalize, but now? I want more and I’m not sure if he’s willing to give it to me.
“That is true,” he replies as he runs his nose along the edge of my top. “Alright, you go to Caroline’s and I’ll go riding, but tonight I will have my way with you. I’ll text you and tell you exactly where I want you before I come home. Understand, treasure?” His voice has dropped to that octave I love so much. I swallow and take a deep breath.
“Yes, Sir.”
Leo and Arden are sitting outside. I asked Victor who would watch him and he chuckled while naming off the many members of The Outsiders. When Bec arrives, she hugs me and part of me wants to hold on to her longer. She’s had experiences with Donovan as well. It has caused us to have a connection I don’t have with the others. Caroline brings out a large charcuterie board that she’s made.
“Wow! This looks great, Care. How did you have time to make this with a newborn?” Ansley asks as she eats a grape.
Caroline chuckles and shakes her head. “I had no idea newborns sleep all the time. I had to wake Mia up at four this morning to feed her because my boobs were hard as rocks.” She points to her boobs like we don’t know what she’s talking about. With a giggle, I shake my head as she brings over a pitcher of margaritas and begins to pour everyone a glass.
After everyone has a glass, she lifts hers. “Cheers!” We all clink our glasses and say cheers in response, then dig into the charcuterie board.
“You could start your own business doing this,” I tell Caroline. Everyone nods in agreement as we all sample everything. If I were to ever get married, this is something I’d like to have at my wedding.
“How are things going between you and Connor?” Bailey asks Bec.
Bec’s face turns pink and she shrugs. “Good.”
I wait for her to expand further and it seems like everyone else does too, but she doesn’t.
“That’s all? Just good?” Ansley asks.
Bec has this bewildered look on her face, so I keep my thoughts to myself. I understand what it’s like not wanting to share, so I’m not going to be the one to push.
“I expected more. You’ve wanted this for so long,” Caroline says. Bec pulls her bottom lip between her teeth as a smile forms.
“I love him so much,” she gushes. “It’s so much better than I could have ever hoped for. But I don’t know what happens next. His guys are almost done with my grandpa’s house, and I don’t need to stay at his house to finish decorating it. I don’t want to leave.” Bec has been staying at Connor’s since he got hurt, so he used the opportunity to fix up the house her grandpa left for her while she was there.
“Tell him that,” Bailey says. I look between Bailey and Bec. Bailey always says what’s on her mind or what she wants. It’s not that easy for everyone. “I bet he’s not going to let you leave.” Bailey has a point. I see the way Connor looks at her.
“He adores you. We’ve all seen the way he looks at you. Even before you two became official,” I tell her.
Bec gives me a small smile. “It feels like I’m living a dream. I’ve wanted him for so long. I’m so scared he will wake up and decide he doesn’t want me anymore,” she admits.
