I was only half joking, and she knew it. But she still giggled.
My hands tightened involuntarily on Poppy’s hips, heat streaking through my veins as I struggled not to picture her stretched out naked beneath me instead of sitting on this damn yoga mat. She shifted subtly, pressing herself more firmly into the cradle of my body, and I gritted my teeth against a low groan threatening to escape.
Drawing a deep breath, I reluctantly followed the instructor’s gentle command and slowly pressed firm pressure against Poppy’s hips, feeling her muscles relax beneath my touch. She leaned back into me, her hair brushing across my chest and filling my senses with the scent of coconut shampoo. The gesture was innocent enough, but my body reacted immediately, and my jeans grew uncomfortably tight.
She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling mischievously, clearly aware of the effect she was having on me.
“You good?” she asked, her voice pitched for my ears alone.
“You’re playing with fire, baby,” I warned under my breath, squeezing her hips gently in emphasis. My fingers flexed against her soft skin, making it clear exactly what kind of trouble she was causing.
Poppy’s lips curled into a teasing little smile, her eyes dancing with amusement. “Am I?”
“Keep it up, and I’ll drag you to the nearest empty room and show you.” I leaned down so my lips brushed the sensitive skin just behind her ear. She shivered lightly in response, a quiet gasp slipping from her lips.
From across the room, the instructor called out more directions in an almost musical tone, guiding couples through positions that seemed far too intimate for a public setting. Poppy shifted again, brushing the curve of her ass more firmly against my already straining erection.
“Fuck,” I hissed softly, my voice strained with the effort it took to stay in control. “You’re killing me here.”
Her laughter made my heart thump harder as she turned her head slightly to whisper, “Is it wrong I’m enjoying this so much?”
“Just remember, payback’s a bitch.” My tone was a low, heated promise. “Keep teasing me like this, and I won’t be responsible for what happens when we get home.”
She smiled sweetly, her cheeks flushed with color as she leaned her head back to rest against my shoulder. Her hand found mine where it rested on her hip, fingers entwining with mine, giving a gentle squeeze. The tender gesture nearly broke the last shreds of my control.
The instructor’s soothing voice brought me sharply back to reality as she guided everyone to relax again, murmuring about breathing patterns and positions to ease discomfort. I forced my attention back to the class, mentally counting to ten and thinking about anything other than how perfect it would feel tolift Poppy into my arms, carry her from this place, and show her exactly how much I wanted her.
After another eternity, the instructor finally wrapped up the session, her cheerful voice cutting through the room. Couples began to rise slowly, stretching and talking quietly among themselves. I helped Poppy to her feet, my hands lingering possessively at her waist, and guided her toward the exit without another glance at the others.
She shot me a teasing look over her shoulder, laughter in her eyes. “You sure got quiet there at the end.”
“Trying not to embarrass us both by throwing you over my shoulder in front of all these people.” My voice was a rough rasp as we stepped outside into the evening air.
She laughed, turning in my arms to wrap her hands around the back of my neck. “Maybe I wouldn’t have minded.”
My gaze dropped to her lips, then back to her eyes, burning with heat and promise.
“Good to know,” I growled, bending to brush a firm kiss against her mouth. “Because we’re sure as fuck not gonna make it home.”
She smiled against my lips, her voice barely more than a breath. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
EPILOGUE
POPPY
I’d had my engagement ring for a long time, but my gaze still always drifted to it when the green sapphire caught the overhead lights while my fingers moved across the keyboard. Which it often did since Colter put a lamp on the corner of the desk he’d added to his office at the club for me to use.
Almost being framed five years ago had opened me to an unexpected job opportunity—keeping the books for some of the club’s legal businesses. My hours were super flexible, and my boss paid me in orgasms most of the time. It was great.
Plus, it freed Colter up to dabble in investments even more. Which had fattened everyone’s bank accounts to a ridiculous amount. Including ours. Not that it had needed it. I’d known Ace was good with money, but I’d nearly swallowed my tongue when I saw the amount sitting in his bank accounts back when he added me to them.
I didn’t need to work, but I loved that I was still able to put my bachelor’s degree to good use. It might’ve only taken me two years to earn it since I graduated from high school with my associate’s already, but I still wanted to keep those skills sharp.
“Hey, baby.” Colter leaned in the doorway, watching me with that satisfied smirk that continued to make my stomach flip after all this time. “How’s it going?”
I tapped a few more keys before turning toward him. “Everything’s good with The Open Road, but there’s an outstanding account payable for Inferno Cycles and Customs that’s more than thirty days past due.”
“Good job, baby.” He pushed off the frame and crossed the room, stopping behind my chair. “I’ll let Cross know. He’ll get it paid.”
