“I know, kitten.”
Sighing softly, I couldn’t hold back the worry that surfaced as soon as we walked toward the door. “She wouldn’t talk to me last time.” Admitting that was painful. “I don’t think I can take it if she pushes me away again.”
He grasped my shoulders and turned my body so that I faced him. “You keep trying, Nylah. You just keep trying. Don’t give up. She needs you.”
“I know. That’s not the issue. I just,” I faltered, leaning against his chest. “I don’t know how to bridge that gap.”
“You’ll figure it out.” He squeezed once and released me, taking my hand and pulling me out of the house.
I locked the door and tossed the keys in my purse, slinging the bag across my chest.
“You ever ride a motorcycle?”
“Uh, no.”
“Damn, I get to bust that cherry then.”
Rolling my eyes, I ignored Grim’s snicker.
“Here. Take this helmet. You always wear one. Always.”
“I know.”
“Put your feet here and watch out. Don’t want to burn through your boots. Hold on tight to my waist. Lean into the turns with me. It’s not that hard.”
Right.
He straddled the bike and I sat behind him, wondering how close I should scoot. Rael solved the problem for me when he yanked my body closer and gripped my thighs. “Your pussy against my ass and those luscious tits against my back. Slide your arms around my waist.”
Blushing, I tried not to look in Grim’s direction. His low chuckle was humiliating. Once my arms were around Rael’s waist, he nodded his approval.
“Good. Hold on, kitten. This is only the first of many rides.”
Yeah, the sexual inuendo wasn’t lost on me or Grim.
As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about. The ride was exhilarating. I lifted my head from Rael’s back and enjoyed the way the cool wind whipped around our bodies. There was a power and freedom that I never knew existed before this moment. The Harley was an impressive piece of machinery. He’d probably laugh if I told him that, but Rael would agree. The bike rumbled as it soared down the road and I had to fight the urge to let go and lean back, spreading my arms wide.
We arrived too quickly to the Crossroads and I was mildly disappointed. Both men parked in a long row of bikes as I slowly stood, smiling as Rael chuckled and lifted the helmet from my head.
“You’re addicted, aren’t you?”
I couldn’t deny it. “Yes. I want to ride again soon.”
“You will,” he promised, sliding his fingers through mine as he squeezed.
Grim led the way indoors and I was struck by the silence. The last time I was here there was a wild party. The place was deserted now. Not a soul in sight.
“The Crossroads is home to the Royal Bastards MC. You don’t usually find it so empty but tonight is an exception.” Rael led me toward his room. I remembered the hall and the rows of doors.
He didn’t stop at his own but moved down one, knocking before he twisted the knob. I followed him into the room, relieved to find Naomi on the bed. She was wrapped in a blanket. A tray was next to her with an empty bowl and a chunk of what looked like leftover sandwich.
One of the bikers I had met previously, Patriot if I was right, bolted to his feet.
I had every intention of approaching her calmly but as soon as I saw Naomi, something inside me shattered and I ran to her side, practically tackling her on the bed. I was careful of her arm as I hugged her tightly, trembling with the force of my emotions. To my utter astonishment, she returned the embrace. Tears filled my eyes and overflowed as we remained that way, both of us crying and making up for all of the lost time.
I barely noticed when Rael was speaking to Patriot.
“I won’t move from this doorway. No one disturbs them.”