Page 28 of Devil Within

“Fine? That’s what you’re going with?”

She licked her lips, and Jade’s gaze centered on them. Suddenly, all those tingly feelings were back. Shiloh wanted his kiss, but didn’t know how to ask for it. Struggling with words that should’ve been easy. Maybe she should just jump in with both feet. What would he do if she took the initiative and just kissed the hell out of him?

The touch of others had frightened her for so long it was hard to cross that bridge, but she had to. One step was all it would take. One tiny fucking step. Before she comprehended what was happening, his head swooped down, and his mouth captured hers. The kiss was gentle at first, just a brushing of lips. Then he traced her bottom lip with his tongue, and she opened for him.

Jade surged in, exploring every nook and cranny in her mouth as his tongue danced with hers. Shiloh quickly realized the kisses she’d had in the past paled in comparison to the onslaught of his kiss. Magnetic. Powerful. Soul-consuming.

When he pulled back, she couldn’t help but stare up at him. Jade gave a small noise that sounded suspiciously like half a moan and half a laugh merged together. Somewhere during that mind-blowing kiss, her arms had crept around his neck. His dark eyes glowed like hot emeralds.

Pressed up against him, his heart rate raced along with hers. Maybe she affected him, as well. That thought made her feel better.

****

The Inkpot closed early for the barbecue, and when the workday was over, they all left to head over to the clubhouse. Shiloh had no idea what to expect because when she’d Googled MC club life, she’d seen a slew of different types. She’d even seen what other Sons of Sin chapters looked like. Who knew it was a franchise?

The house was big, all one level, with a wall around the property. Music blared, and several fire pits were lit, with people smoking and drinking around them. The men wore their leather cuts, and many women had clothing designating them as “property” of a member.

Jade plopped their helmets on the handlebars, then took her hand and led her forward. People greeted them, waving and whistling. Shiloh felt curious gazes on her, which made her heart race. She’d never been that social to begin with, but she tried to smile. The last thing she wanted to do was piss off someone important to Jade.

“Shiloh!”

She glanced over to where the twins were grilling over several barbecue pits, and saw Kira hurrying toward her. When she caught up, Kira hugged her and at first Shiloh froze, then she remembered this was her friend and hugged her back.

“I’m so happy to see you,” Kira said, beaming. “Come on, let me introduce you around.”

Shiloh threw a panicky look to Jade, but he only smiled and waved. For the next hundred years, which realistically was only about thirty minutes, she met a bevy of people whose names she had no hope of remembering. But the one thing that put her at ease was how nice she was greeted. They included her, making her feel welcome. The complete opposite of what she expected.

Before she knew it, she relaxed and started to enjoy herself. This wasn’t the terrifying party she expected. She was making friends. In time, Jade brought her a plate of food, and he sat next to her and ate. When it grew late, she and Jade said their good-byes, and she made promises to come back.

They rolled quickly through the city, heading north, until he turned into an older section of the city. Unlike newer construction, where houses sat on postage-size lots and were practically crammed together, these houses had larger backyards. Loud music could be played, and the neighbors would be hard-pressed to hear it. He pulled into the driveway of a brick rancher with an attached garage and what looked to be an added room above it.

“It’s not much,” he said once he shut off the engine.

“Are you kidding?” she asked after she dismounted. “It’s really, really nice, Jade.”

“Yeah?” He tilted his head, as if measuring her words.

“Yeah,” she agreed, smiling at him.

“Come on, I’ll give you a quick tour that ends in my bedroom.”

She chuckled. “Perfect.”

Jade took her hand and used his hand to point at every room. Since the light was off, however, she couldn’t see anything. Kitchen. Den. Living room. Bedroom one. Bathroom one.

True to his word, they ended up in the master.

This was it. It wasn’t until her toes halted at the door that she realized she had no intention of stopping. Still, even with her mind made up, every nerve in her body jumped to life.

At the foot of the king-sized bed, he paused and brought her around. He laid his hands on her shoulder and searched her face.

“You want this, Shiloh?” he asked her.

“Yes,” she replied, a bit breathlessly.

His fingertips traced over the patch of skin at the base of her throat. “You are so beautiful.”

Jade reached for the hemline on her shirt, but she caught his wrist, halting him from removing her t-shirt. He studied her face and let go.