Prologue
He watched her from his place acrossthe street, his nostrils flaring with anger. Somehow his girl had forgotten thatshe belonged to him. Clearly she just needed to be reminded, forcefully ifnecessary. Her place was by his side, and he’d see to it that she returnedthere before long. He continued to watch with his heart thudding in his chestas he studied her beautiful red hair that tumbled down her back, and the shysmile that lit up her face as she passed an older couple on the street. Evenafter all this time she was still the most beautiful girl, now woman that he’dever seen. His eyes trailed down her curvaceous body with an insatiable feelingof possession. She was headed to work at the brewery onthird. He’dbeen watching her for weeks and was familiar with her schedule. It wasn’tdifficult. She pretty much just worked and hung out with that littleraven-haired roommate of hers. There was no other man to get in his way, not thatthat would stop him. She’d been gone over eight years and he’d come to claimwhat was rightfully his. Her time was almost up--he was done waiting.
Chapter One
“Sorry sweetheart, like I said thepart’s notgonnabe here until Friday,” the bored lookingmechanic told me yet again. He didn’t even bother looking up from his computerscreen as I tried to keep my anger in check.
“First of all, don’t call mesweetheart,” I replied impatiently while straightening my shoulders.
That at least earned me some eyecontact.
“And second of all, you’ve had my carfor over four days now, two more days longer than we agreed,” I pointed out asa drill started up in the distance. “I know for a fact that over three supplyshops within twenty miles carry the part you need, so why don’t you explain tome why it’s taking so goddamn long to fix my car?” I demanded, hearing a lowchuckle behind me that I ignored. The mechanic’s brows shot up in surprise atmy unexpected knowledge.
“What, girls can’t do research?” I askedtartly.
“I’ll make a call,” he mumbled after amoment.
“You do that,” I replied, crossing myarms over my chest gesturing that I’d wait while he did it right then.
I might have taken it a little easieron the guy except for the fact that I took the bus to the shop expecting toleave with my car. The thought of another bus ride in the 90-degree weather wasfar from appealing. Plus, getting around without my wheels was a serious painin the ass. I narrowed my eyes and tapped my toe as the mechanic stared at mychest instead of picking up the phone. Nope, on second thought, wouldn’t havetaken it easier on him regardless of the heat. He mumbled something incoherentbefore finally picking the phone up to dial.
“Shit, sure as hell wouldn’t want toget on your bad side,” a voice muttered, while a low chuckle sounded againbehind me.
I turned around to see who was soamused with my situation only to feel my heart stop and then restart inside mychest. He was tall, well over six feet with dirty blond, unruly hair and thebrightest blue eyes I’d ever seen. His lips were full and were currentlyquirked into an amused sexy-as-all-hell smile. His tight, black T-shirt clungto his muscular chest and slim waist in a way that made my mouth dry. Hescreamed confidence and testosterone right down to his motorcycle boots –somethingI was far too familiar with from my youth. Of course he had to be a biker, theone type of guy I’d sworn off for life and had done everything in my power todistance myself from. His blue eyes looked intensely down into mine in a waythat felt much too intimate, and I steeled myself against the butterflies in mystomach.
“Yeah, well you try being without acar for the better part of a week and see how it affects your mood,” I repliedcoolly.
“Fair enough,” he grinned. “Though I’dgo easy on poor Manny, I think you’re making him nervous,” he whispered whileleaning toward me. I could almost feel the heat coming off of him and I chastisedmyself for having such a physical reaction to a complete stranger.
I rolled my eyes forcing myself not toreturn his smile. I was sure that smile got him whatever he wanted the majorityof the time, and I was far too practiced with his type to let it phase me.
I heardMannyhang up the phone and I turned back to him expectantly.
“Okay, I can get the part before theend of the day and your car will be ready tomorrow,” he told me gruffly.
“It’s a miracle,” I grumbledsarcastically.
He huffed, clearly irritated, allwhile continuing to allow his eyes to wander below eye level.
I rolled my eyes. “Fine, I’ll be backtomorrow to pick it up,” I sighed, not at all excited about hoofing it back tothe bus stop instead of being able to drive off in my car.
“Sorry for the hassle,” he threw inhalf-heartedly.
“Yeah, you seem real torn up,” Isnorted, throwing my purse over my shoulder. I forced myself not to spareanother glance at the gorgeous man behind me, and I strode out into the hotsun.
I could feel his eyes boring holesinto my back. I had to admit that I was pleased as all hell that I’d worn mycute jean shorts that showed off my toned legs, cowboy boots, and a formfitting tank top that displayed just a hint of cleavage. I’d always been wellendowed, but when I was younger my chest had made me self-conscious. As I’dgotten older, I’d become more confident about my body. I didn’t try to cover up,but I didn’t flaunt my assets either.I tossed my long, slightly wild hair overmy shoulder and took a deep breath before facing the inevitable and crossingthe street toward my stop.
“Wait up a second,” I heard thebiker’s deep voice call behind me in a commanding tone. I turned to face him,surprised to see him following me.
“I’ll give you a ride,” he informed me, his blue eyes covered by a pair ofwayfarers. He looked down at me as a small smile quirked at the edges of hisbeautiful mouth.
I looked at him in surprise beforeshaking my head. “Thanks, but no. I’ll catch the bus,” I declined.
He tilted his head to the side,seeming to study me for a moment. “It’s going to take you twice as long to takethe bus and I can tell you’re not thrilled at the prospect.” He was grinningnow, clearly enjoying himself.
“Who would be?” I replied. Despite thewarnings in my head I couldn’t help but let out a short laugh at his teasing grin.“But I don’t know you, and I wouldn’t be comfortable getting in a car with youor having you know where I live,” I bluntly stated.
“What if it’s on a bike and you tellme to drop you a few blocks from home?” he bargained with a slow smile.
