“You were sleeping.”
“No, I was resting my eyes.” She pulled her blanket up to her chin with a huff. “So, if you don’t mind, I’d like to finish watching my movie.”
“Suit yourself.”
It was clear that she was pissed about earlier, and I couldn’t really blame her. I kissed her, then stormed out without any explanation. I could’ve taken the time to sort things out with her, but instead, I simply turned on the TV and sat down in the recliner. Neither of us said a word as we stared blankly at the television screen, pretending to listen to the rumbling of the characters in the movie. I didn’t care what they were saying. I had other things on my mind.
I should’ve been thinking about the conversation I’d had earlier with Viper, and how he and my brothers were planning to end this shit-storm we had going with the Punishers, but there was only one thing consuming my thoughts–the woman lying across from me on the sofa.
I was at a loss. I didn’t know what the hell to do about her. A part of me wanted to grab her up and carry her to my room, devour her, claim her body as my own. I wanted to show her how she’d been driving me wild, but I couldn’t move. Doubts were creeping into the crevices of my mind, making me wonder how I was going to survive this thing with her. I looked at her and all I saw was good. She was just so very fucking good, strong and determined with no idea just how fucked up I really was. Anyone could see that she deserved someone who could take care of her, love her, and treat her as the incredible woman she was. I knew deep down I couldn’t be the man she needed me to be, and yet I hadn’t gotten up and left the room. I was still sitting there just so I could be close to her. Damn.
Several long minutes went by before Remington finally lifted her head and turned to look back at me. “Have you seen this movie before?”
“Can’t say that I have.”
“Me neither.” She rested her head back down on the sofa cushion. “I’m a little lost. I think I might’ve missed something.”
“Probably when you were sleeping.”
“I wasn’t sleeping, jack-nut. I was just—”
“I know.” I chuckled. “You were resting your eyes.”
“Exactly. Regardless, I still missed something.” She sat up on the sofa, and I knew the second I saw that mischievous look in her eye that she was up to no good. “Is there a back way out of here?”
“Not sure what you mean.”
“Is there a way for us to leave without anyone seeing us?”
“Yeah.” Curious to know what she was thinking, I asked, “Why?”
“When I was outside earlier, I saw your motorcycle. I’ve never ridden before, and I...I thought you might take me for a quick ride.”
“It’s not a good idea.”
“Why?”
“It’s too dangerous.”
“But it’s dark out, and I’d be wearing a helmet. It’s not like anyone would see me.” She studied me for a moment, and when she saw that she was getting to me, she pushed a little harder. “Come on, Noah. I’ve been couped up for days, and I just want to get out of here for a little while. It’d really mean a lot to me.”
I’d always ridden solo, and for good reason. In my world, it meant something to have someone on the back of your bike, and I hadn’t had anyone I cared enough about to even consider putting on the back of my bike—until now.
Remington
I had no idea what was going through my head when I asked Noah to take me on a motorcycle ride. He’d been a complete asshole; first, when Rafe was here and then again, after he kissed me, but apparently, I wasn’t thinking about that. Instead, I was wanting to spend time with him doing something that he liked, and I couldn’t think of anything he cared more about than his brothers and riding. I was waiting on pins and needles for his answer, hoping that he wouldn’t turn me down, and I couldn’t have been more pleased when he finally sighed and answered, “Fine. I’ll take you out for a ride, but first, you’re gonna have to tell me where you came up with jack-nut.”
“I don’t know.” I shrugged with a smirk. “I guess you could consider it a term of endearment.”
“Umm, somehow I find that hard to believe.”
“Well, it just so happens that I call Madeline ‘hooker,’ and she’s my best friend, so there ya go.”
“Hooker?” He smiled, and my heart literally skipped a beat. “Some friend you are.”
“I’ll have you know that I’m a great friend, and Madeline knows I love her.” I tossed the covers back and stood. “So, are we going or what?”