We stay like that as the aftershocks fade. Her nails trace slow paths down my back as our breathing slows.
“Best self-defense lesson ever,” she murmurs.
I huff out a laugh. “You’re a terrible student.”
“You’re a worse teacher. I learned nothing about escaping a bear hug.”
“You escaped, didn’t you?”
She grins up at me.
“Go change,” I tell her, pulling out and helping her stand. “Put on jeans.”
She holds up her ruined leggings with a raised eyebrow.
“I’ll buy you more.”
“You’re very destructive.”
“Only with things I want to get into.”
She laughs, shaking her head as she heads for the stairs. “Why jeans?”
“I have a surprise. Just do it.”
She grumbles about me being bossy as she heads upstairs. I clean up, change, and head to the garage. Check everything one more time. Make sure it’s ready.
When Sierra appears in the doorway, I step aside so she can see.
The red Harley sits next to my bike. Polished and waiting.
She goes still in the doorway, eyes locked on the bike.
“It’s yours,” I say.
“You bought this for me?” Her voice comes out strange. Almost hushed.
I nod. “Sportster. Good for your height.”
Her smile is the biggest I’ve ever seen. She walks to the bike like it might disappear if she moves too fast, runs her fingers over the gas tank, the seat. It’s not new, but it’s solid. I replaced the tires myself. New seat. Checked every inch of the engine.
“She’s ready to ride if you want your first lesson now.”
Sierra doesn’t say anything for a moment. Just stands there with her hand on the bike, and I watch something move across her face. Wonder, maybe. Or the look of someone who isn’t used to people paying attention.
Then she turns and throws herself at me, arms wrapping tight around my neck.
“Thank you.” Her voice is muffled against my shoulder. “I can’t—thank you.”
I hold her. Let myself feel it. The warmth of her pressed against me. The way she trembles.
There’s a lot I’m starting to realize I’d do for her.
“Here.” I hand her the white jacket when she finally lets go. “Padded at the elbows, shoulders, chest, back. You wear it every time you ride.”
She takes it, nearly dropping the thing from the weight. “It’s heavy.”
“It’ll keep you safe.” I hold her eyes until she gets that I’m serious. “Promise me.”
