Page 23 of The Biker’s Guilty Pleasur

He frowned and looked at her. “What?”

“The way I’ve treated you, it’s been appalling. I took everything my parents said to heart and that’s not right, is it? I mean, you’re supposed to listen to your parents, but you still have to have a mind of your own. I’ve been such a horrible person to you. You’re not like my sister’s ex-boyfriend. You’ve never gotten anyone hooked on drugs, or forced them to take it. You didn’t hurt any of the women at the shelter, and I’ve been a complete and total bitch to you. You came when I needed you, and I’m so sorry.” She took a step toward him.

“You haven’t left this room,” he said.

“I’m embarrassed. I don’t ... what if they hate me? I wasn’t exactly welcoming.” She groaned. “I suck at this.”

He laughed. “Stop it.” He closed that distance between them and reached out to cup her cheek. She looked so distraught.

“I’m so grateful for you coming to the tea shop.”

“Bubble tea shop.” He winked.

“And bringing me here when you didn’t have to. Also, for helping those women I’ve seen you bring to the shelter, and being nice to all the kids. You played ball with them and that was so cute, and I really liked it when you kissed me.”

Reaper looked at her and quickly checked to make sure no one had brought her alcohol.

“What is it?” she asked, looking behind her.

“I wondered if you were drunk.”

This made her laugh. She rolled her eyes. “No, I’m not drunk. I can be nice when I want to be.”

He laughed. “That’s good to know.”

There was silence between them, but this time, it didn’t feel awkward. He looked at her luscious lips, and he just wanted to kiss her again. He’d spent a lot of time hoping to kiss her again. Reaper had an extra jolt of energy all day from it. Nothing could bring him down.

“You enjoyed my kiss?” he asked, banding one arm around her back and pulling her in close so that she was flush against his chest.

She fell against him and let out a little giggle. “You heard that part?”

“I heard you apologize to me and tell me how much you liked my kiss.” He smirked. “Why didn’t you go downstairs?”

“I was scared.”

“With Ally, you’ve got nothing to be afraid of,” he said. “The guys are a pain in the ass, but they will protect you.”

“Okay.”

“Do you want to go downstairs now?” he asked.

“No.”

“What would you like?” he asked.

Again, silence, but he watched as she licked her lips, and then she moved up onto her tiptoes. “I’d like it if you would kiss me again,” she said.

Chapter Nine

The clubhouse had gone quiet. The laughter downstairs had faded into muffled voices and the occasional roar and rumble of a motorcycle came from somewhere beyond the windows. In the silence, his room felt unexpectedly gentle.

She stood close, her fingers working the collar of his shirt. Grace suddenly felt shy despite the kiss they’d shared that morning. It had changed everything.

“We don't have to do anything tonight,” he said quietly. “Just because we’re here doesn’t mean you owe me a thing.”

“I’m here because I want to be.”

That wasn’t entirely true, but there wasn’t anywhere else she’d rather be than with him right now. He made her feel safe and wanted. Seen and heard. That was a rarity these days.