“You feel good,” she whispers.
“Damn right I do.” My fingers find the back of her neck, guiding her lips to mine. The kiss is slow. Deep. Not rushed like before. This one says something. It says she’s mine, and I’m hers, and that’s not changing. I keep stroking her spine, memorizing every curve and sigh. She’s safe in my arms. She’s wanted. She’s home.
TWELVE
BRI
The morning smellslike fresh coffee and gasoline, which honestly fits the Iron Reapers Customs vibe perfectly. Blade parks the bike behind the shop, engine growling low until it cuts off.
Switch and Rev are out by the bay doors with their coffees, talking shop. Well, theyweretalking shop. The second they see me climb off Blade’s bike, the conversation dies. Switch’s eyes narrow. Hard stare engaged. Big brother mode activated.
Blade doesn’t give me the chance to panic about what happens next. He stands, grabs my hand like it’s the easiest thing he’s ever done, and helps me off the bike. His fingers stay laced with mine. Warm. Solid. Intentional.
Rev’s eyebrows go way up. Switch looks like he’s mentally choking Blade out behind the dumpster.
Blade just pulls me tight against his side and drops a kiss to the side of my head. Slow. Possessive. Not subtle even a little. My knees forget the plan was to hold me up.
“Get to work, baby,” Blade murmurs, voice full of last night’s energy. “I’ll come check on you in a bit.”
Every biker within sight hears thebaby.I try not to implode.
Blade heads toward the guys like he didn’t just publicly claim me in front of the entire MC mechanics crew.
I swallow and start toward the office, coffee cup in a death grip. My boots click on the concrete way too loud. Switch steps slightly in my path, eyes softening when they land on me instead of Blade.
“You okay?” he asks, low enough only I hear it.
My heart does this dumb swoop thing because even when he’s glaring daggers at Blade, Switch cares. Always has.
“Yeah,” I say. “Good. Really good.”
His gaze flicks past me toward Blade. Blade’s already watching. Switch’s jaw ticks like he’s trying to decide between murder and acceptance.
He settles on a curt nod. “Alright then. If you need anything, you come get me.”
Blade calls out over his shoulder, “She’s good, brother.” Like the conversation is already decided.
Switch shoots him a look that sayswe’re talking later,then steps aside so I can slip past.
I head into the office, my heartbeat doing full choreography like it’s auditioning for a music video while Blade’s voice echoes in my head, calling me baby, telling me I belong right here, his. It’s a brand-new day at Iron Reapers Customs, and every single person out there knows exactly who I rode in with.
Ten minutes. That’s all I get of peace before my phone turns into a flashing panic beacon.
Bella: Switch said Blade brought you to work this morning
Bella: With SEX HAIR
Brooke: WHAT IS HAPPENING
Bella: He KISSED YOU in front of the guys
Brooke: BLADE CALLAWAY? KISSED? YOU?
Bella: He’s too old for you Bri
Brooke: Way too old
Bella: He’s not right for you
