Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 30448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 152(@200wpm)___ 122(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 152(@200wpm)___ 122(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
My jaw dropped. It was the second time he’d threatened to spank me. I should’ve been furious over him bossing me that way. Insulted. At the very least, offended.
Instead, a rush of heat rolled down my spine, confusing and overwhelming.
I swallowed hard, my knees wobbling in a way that had nothing to do with the adrenaline still in my veins.
“You’re being ridiculous,” I managed, trying to keep my voice steady. “It’s over. They’re gone.”
“For now.” He released my hair but didn’t move back, his body still crowding mine. “But I need to get you outta here in case they change their minds and come back.”
“We can’t just leave.” Even if I wanted to, the idea of them returning was now cemented in my brain. “You just fired a bunch of bullets with a ton of people around. The cops must be on their way.”
“Your safety comes first,” he insisted, nudging me closer toward his motorcycle. “And the Old Bridge PD isn’t gonna give me shit for gettin’ you behind our gate before calling them. We have too many ties to them for that.”
My brows drew together at the mention of the Iron Rogues compound. “You don’t have to protect me—”
“Yeah, I do,” he cut in, his voice low and final. “We’ve been over this.”
“But…why?”
“Because I take care of what’s mine.”
I froze.
He’d just called me his.
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Beck didn’t waste his golden opportunity to get me on his bike. Wrapping his hand around my arm, he led me over to it as though he hadn’t just flipped my entire world upside down. Even more than almost getting kidnapped had.
I told myself what he’d said was heat-of-the-moment macho crap. It was just the adrenaline. Too much testosterone.
But my heart was pounding as though it didn’t believe me.
6
PHOENIX
We pulled into the compound and around to the back of the clubhouse. I didn’t say a word as I helped Lindsay off my bike, then put my arm around her and walked toward the back door. As we passed a couple of brothers and prospects lounging around the firepit and picnic tables, I gave them a terse nod. They were smart enough not to say a damn thing when they saw the storm cloud on my face and Lindsay practically plastered against my side.
I needed to get her alone before I lost my shit.
The moment we stepped inside, I steered her straight to the stairs and up to my room. I lived full-time at the clubhouse. Came with the territory when you were the club treasurer—and a control freak. Unlike the bunk-style rooms most of the guys used for crashes or overnight visits, those who were here full-time had rooms that were closer to a suite. A small sitting area, king bed, desk, and built-in shelves I had loaded with files and books. As an officer, my space also had an attached bathroom. The clubhouse was home, but this was the one place in this building that was only mine. My brothers didn’t barge in here like they did with my office.
I shut the door behind us and turned the lock, then watched Lindsay silently as she looked around. Eventually, she faced me with wide, watchful eyes. She was trying to appear calm and collected, but she was practically vibrating with tension.
“Sit,” I ordered, voice low, gesturing to the couch. “You need a minute to breathe.”
“I’m fine,” she argued, her chin tilting in that stubborn way that made my cock twitch.
I narrowed my eyes, making it clear that I didn’t believe her. “Humor me.”
It wasn’t a request, and she knew it. She huffed adorably but padded over to the sofa and sat.
I ran my hands through my hair, then dropped my head back to stare up at the ceiling and sighed. Adrenaline was still pumping through me, and it was making it hard to ignore my desire to expend that energy with Lindsay. In bed. Naked.
When I brought my gaze to her once more, there was a pretty blush on her cheeks, and for a moment, my restraint snapped. I crossed the room in a few steps, bent down, bracing my hands on either side of her head, and kissed her.
It wasn’t soft. Or gentle. Or any of the things it probably should have been after what she’d gone through.
It was hard. Consuming. Almost desperate.
I kissed her like I meant it. As though I’d nearly watched her get stolen off the street. Like I needed to taste her just to make sure she was still here. Safe. In my arms.
Her fingers twisted in my shirt, tugging me closer as heat sparked between us. Her breath hitched, her mouth opening under mine, and I inhaled her bewitching scent. I fucking needed her like I needed to breathe.
“Fuck, you taste good.”
She was sweet. Addictive. And with a little encouragement, I had no doubt she would be wild.