Page 35 of Freed

He ignores me as he holds up Cherry’s new jacket and shows it to her. She gasps. “Is that for me?”

He nods and she steps toward him, running her hands down the black, red, and blue fabric.

“The red matches your bike,” she says, turning to me.

“And your hair,” Hunter tells her, making her grin. “Turn around.” She gives him her back and he puts the jacket on her. We watch as she admires it.

“I love it, thank you!”

“And we got you a matching helmet,” Hunter tells her as he grabs it and shows it to her.

“Thank you,” she says with a wide smile. Then her face turns quizative as she turns to Hunter. “Where’s your bike?”

“Right there.” He points to where it’s sitting behind mine. She spins around to take a look, and then she glances at mine then her helmet. A shy smile pulls at her face, then she nods.

“Can we go now?”

“What were you just thinking?” I ask, wanting to know what just went through her mind.

She glances at Hunter’s bike as her cheeks turn pink. “His bike is blue.”

“It is,” I say, trying not to smirk.

“You gave me a jacket and helmet that will match both of you.”

“We did,” I confirm as I take the helmet from her and gently pull it down over her head. I lift the visor so I can see her face as I secure the chin strap and ask her, “How does that make you feel?”

“Happy,” she says, making me smile. “Loved. Wanted.”

“You never have to doubt about how much you’re wanted,” I tell her as I lift her hand and kiss her knuckles, as Hunter steps up and does the same with her other hand. “But we’re damn sure always gonna try to show you.”

I push her visor down and turn her to my bike as I explain the basics of riding, where she’ll sit, what she should do with her body and how tightly she should hold onto me.

Two minutes later, we’re heading down our street, Hunter riding in front, leading the way, and Cherry sitting behind me, clinging to my back.

Hunter told me that he texted Alaric, who apparently rides, and he told him about a trail that leads through the protected forest with an amazing spot to stop at for our picnic.

Today is perfect for a ride; it’s pleasantly warm without being too hot. The wind whips past us as we move through the windy forest road. I’d have to thank Alaric for the tip; this trail is awesome for a ride. The tall trees, windy road, and quiet make it absolutely perfect. Not to mention having my mate clinging to my back.

Soon, Hunter starts to slow as one side of the forest opens up, then he pulls to the side of the road and stops. I pull up beside him as he switches his bike off and comes over to lift Cherry from behind me.

He pulls off her helmet as I dismount just in time to see her beaming at him with wide eyes. “That was amazing!”

Relief fills me. I had hoped she would enjoy riding with us. I’d love to take her out all the time.

I grab her hand and lead her in front of our bikes, where we have a clear view of the forest below. We must be over four hundred feet up, giving us a great view.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmurs as Hunter wraps his arm around her shoulder and pulls her into his side.

I watch her face as she stares at the view and can’t help but agree. “Fucking gorgeous.”

Her eyes flick to mine and her cheeks turn pink again. I stroke the back of my finger over the pretty skin. “You’re always blushing around me. Do I make you nervous?”

I’m surprised when she answers instantly, “Yes.”

My stomach pinches in fear as I turn to face her fully. “Do I make you uncomfortable?” She takes a second to think before she shakes her head. “Am I pressuring you to do things you don’t want?” I ask in worry, following it with, “Do you not want me to touch you?”

Her mouth parts but no words come out. Hunter presses his body to her back, slowly wrapping his arms around her as he lowers his mouth close to her ear. I don’t know why he looks so damn calm right now. My heart is beating so loudly I’m afraid it will leap from my damn chest. Does my mate not want me? Has something changed?