This is why she didn’t tell him what had happened all those years ago.
“We can handle it,” Phoenix said.
“No, I don’t think we can.”
She ran fingers through her hair and tried to take a breath. Her parents would be so upset with her for not telling them. Ashley had never kept a secret from them, and this was a big one.
Phoenix captured her arms, pulling her in close. The moment his lips touched hers, all doubts and worries faded from her mind.
“Stop.”
“But—”
“Stop. You don’t need to panic or worry. You and I are here together.”
She closed her eyes. “I’m stressing.”
“You know what I think?”
“What?” she asked.
“I think it’s time I take you for a ride on my bike.”
This made her pause. Opening her eyes, she looked up at him. “What?”
“You heard me. You and me, I think we should take a ride on my bike.”
Was this because he was missing the open road? Did he hate being the alpha? Phoenix hadn’t asked for the role. The pack had granted it to him. He’d earned it by killing their previous alpha. She didn’t blame him. Ashley knew Phoenix was a much better alpha. He did care, in his own way, even if he had a hard time showing it.
“Why?”
“Because I want to take you for a ride, that’s why.” He took her hand.
“I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
“You’ve got to have a little faith in me, baby,” he said. “Come on.”
“My parents are expecting us.”
“I’ve already told them I’m taking you out. I want you to relax and the only way I’m going to do that is getting you away for a while.”
She wanted to tell him no, that she didn’t need to leave town. But the moment she looked at his bike, she couldn’t deny the fascination or the temptation.
“Are you sure it’s safe?” she asked.
“Of course it is. I wouldn’t do anything to put your life at risk.” He pulled her in close, running his hands all over her body. “I want to share this with you, Ashley.”
She wanted to share everything with him as well. Licking her suddenly dry lips, she nodded her head.
“I did get you this,” he said, holding up a helmet.
She shook her head and held up her hands. “Hell, no. I’m not wearing that thing. You are not taking me out on the open road for me to be locked up in a helmet.”
“Safety first.”
She smirked. “You said I was safe at your back, so I’m holding you to it.” She winked at him. “Do you think you can handle it?”
“Oh, baby, you have no idea exactly what I can handle.” He winked at her, climbing on his bike.