Bree

The next morning, I secure Ragnar on his lead line with enough water and shade, then I shower and shave my legs. I’m in a light cotton robe and my hair is still damp when Flint knocks and the butterflies that have taken up residence in my stomach go into overdrive.

He takes one look at me as I open the door and his greeting dies on his lips. I close the door behind him and taking his hand, I lead him to my bedroom.

“What are we doing here, Bree?”

“Kick your boots off, Flint; I’m sure you can figure it out from there.” I crawl onto the bed, telling myself it doesn’t mean anything over and over.

To say that Flint is watching me like a hawk is the understatement of the year. He’s studying my every move, looking for something in my face. When I take the chance to make eye contact, I can see that his eyes have shut down and he looks furious again.

“You don’t seem to understand what it is I want from you, Bree.” He reaches down, drawing a finger across my shin. “Think you’re going to take me for another test drive, then I’ll let you kick me out again?”

Huh. Well, yes, that was actually the plan. I’m caught, so drawing my legs into my chest I continue to stare up at him. Eventually, he turns to go and my disappointment overwhelms me. I roll over, knowing that Ragnar will be fine outside for a while longer; I give in to my self-imposed loneliness.

Before long, Ragnar is jumping into bed with me and making me laugh as he licks away my tears. I belatedly realize someone let him in and I have a good idea of whom. Padding to the front room, I quickly throw the lock; a hand clamps down on my shoulder causing me to scream bloody murder. My darling dog walks in to investigate but upon seeing Flint, he decides to take over the sofa rather than defend me.

“You should pay closer attention, living here by yourself, Bree.” Flint’s low voice makes my body hum all over again. “You could have locked yourself in here with anyone.”

My robe has come undone, treating Flint to another look at me as I turn in his arms to slug him. He ignores that and reaches his hand down along my side, holding my robe open and staring down at my naked body as I half-heartedly try to cover myself.  With one hand securing me in his arms, he reaches a finger down to trace along the five-inch scar from my hysterectomy.

“I know what this is,” I shiver as he moves his finger higher up, touching other scars. “And this was, what? Gallbladder?” I nod, too aroused to move. My nipples have hardened into nearly painful points crying out for his touch.

“It’s this one that I’ve been curious about, though,” The fingers on the hand holding me in place trace the ridge of the scar in question. “I saw it the first time I was here. If I had to guess, it was a knife wound. A woman like you though, Bree. Why would you have gone for super glue over stitches in an emergency room?”

I open my mouth, but the look in his eyes is already discounting the lie I’ve practiced. “It’s newer than your other scars also, isn’t it?”

“Get your hands off me, Flint,” I say, belatedly realizing I’m holding onto both of his arms for support.

“Aw, Doll, how about that offer you just made me?” He’s smirking at me but before I can say anything, his mouth closes over mine again. All thoughts flee; all I can think about is how much I want this man. His touch makes my heart go into overdrive and his mouth bends me to his will. His shifts a finger up to gently caress my nipple and my knees buckle.

I moan and shift my head to the side as he kisses his way down my neck. “Please, Flint?”

Moving his mouth back up my neck, he nibbles my earlobe. “Go get your clothes on, Bree. I’m gonna give you that ride now.”

Setting me away from him so I’m facing my bedroom, he pats my fanny to get me moving. I do so without thinking.

Flint

The only thing I want to do right now is sink myself into Bree and stay there. I can’t even watch her walk to her bedroom because I know I’ll follow.

She is the perfect combination of soft in some areas and firm in others, and I want to memorize all of it. With the exception of my ex-wife, I’ve never been so pissed with any of the women I was with as I am with Bree. Before now, I was always upfront that I wasn’t looking for anything; if they understood that, well then, we’d have some fun. Now Bree’s asking to have some fun, but all I want is to take her home and keep her.

Fucking knew the minute that Bree crawled into her bed that she wanted to control the sex then kick me out again. Have me give in, just long enough to get her to her release; to what we both want, with an exit strategy all worked out. I was livid and seriously considered fucking her without letting her come.

“I need to be back in a few hours,” She says from behind me. “To take care of Ragnar.”

“Rusty is downstairs, we’ll ask him to handle your dog on the way out.” I get the door, nodding in approval when I see her dressed. “I have a helmet for you downstairs.”

“I haven’t been on a bike in years, Flint. If I remember correctly, I just hang on and lean when you do?” I nod, tapping down my annoyance that she’s been on someone else’s bike before.

Before long, we’re off and as always, the road clears my mind. Been a while since I had a woman on the back of my bike and even longer since it was anyone I cared about. Feeling her uncertainty as to where to hold on to me, I use a moment at an intersection to adjust her arms around my midsection. In no time at all, she is leaning against me with her face to the side. After an hour, we’re near one of my favorite fishing spots, so I pull in to a local café and pick up lunch and beverages for us while giving her a chance to stretch her legs.

A little further up the road, we veer over to a spot where a stream feeds into the lake and I spread out the food. “I got you turkey and brie on sourdough, Doll.”

“Honey mustard?” She grins at me.

“I pay attention.”

“So, you got yourself ham and swiss on rye with yellow mustard?”

“Aw, I knew you cared.” I mock her nightly attempts at ignoring me, as she joins me in the grass.

“Flint…”

“Eat first; you can try to convince me you don’t want this later,” I say, staring out over the water.

“Asshole.” I let her get the last word in, grinning as we eat our sandwiches and potato salad. She tries not to smile when I hand her a couple salt packs for her salad. Like I said, I pay attention.

Reaching out to her after we finish, I pull her into my chest as I lay down. Enjoying the sun on my face and this woman by my side; I delay looking down at her as long as possible.

“I like this,” I say softly. “I like being here with you, like this.” I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised at how quickly she tenses up, but it pisses me off.

“Flint…”

“Give it a chance, Bree?” I turn and whisper against her forehead.

“I can’t Flint, I don’t have anything left.” Her voice is shaky and the last thing I want is to make her cry.

“Will you tell me why?” She shakes her head against my chest but doesn’t pull away.

“I like having sex with you.” She finally whispers back. “Can we just keep it to that?”

Holding her tightly to me for a few moments; I tilt her head to look at her face but her eyes are tightly closed, so I kiss her forehead quickly. “Let’s head back.”

The ride back holds no pleasure for me. The irony isn’t lost on me: I want all of her; not some scrap to scratch an itch she has.

Pulling up to the back of the bar, I let her off near that door and reach up to cup her face as I reach for the helmet she’s pulling off. She quickly reaches for the door and I turn back to my bike, seeing her face fall as she realizes I’m leaving her here.

For the first time in my life, I’m the one playing fucking hard to get.

Bree

He just rode away?! What the absolute fuck?!

Beyond frustrated, I go upstairs and change while Ragnar eats. Taking him over to the local park, I use the time to leave voicemails for my family and friends and return Vice’s call about my bathroom remodel.

He has the materials I selected and is ready to start immediately. I try to get excited over that and push away the feeling of disappointment that Flint will stop coming into the bar on my work nights.

The rest of the day is spent clearing the space that Vice’s team will need for demo and the rebuild; enjoying some cocktails while I work. A few too many if my headache the next morning is any indicator.

I know I’m looking the worse for wear when I wake up and have to rush to get showered before the crew gets here.

I make it downstairs to secure Ragnar, so he doesn’t go ape-shit over the remodel; just as the first of the team pulls up. I know I’ve seen him before, he’s in the MC, but have no idea what his name is.

“Hey Bree, hope you don’t mind me being early.” He approaches me with his hand out and a big smile on his face.

“Hi, I’m sorry, I know you come around here, but I don’t know…” I can’t help but smile back as his huge hand dwarfs mine. I signal him to follow me back upstairs.

“Russian is fine,” He shrugs, looking thrilled when I indicate the fresh brewed coffee and mugs I set out.

“I see that on your cut, I just didn’t know what to call you.”

“That’s as good as anything,” He smirks over at me before nodding his approval of the coffee. “Guys might be dragging today, late night last night.”

“Do you live in town?” I ask, attempting to get to know him better.

“What? Oh, no. Don’t have an Ol’ Lady or anything, I just stay at the clubhouse. This coffee is amazing, you been holding out on us downstairs, Bree.” He laughs again.

“It’s called CAF, there’s more in the cabinet over the coffee pot, if y’all need to brew more. I’m going to get out of here while y’all work but feel free to help yourselves to that and anything in the fridge.”

“Gunner said you were cool.” Something flashes in his eyes and I wonder what else he’s heard.

“How long have you worked for Vice?” I ask, trying to change the subject.

“I don’t.” Now his eyes flash dark. “Just pick up work with him time to time. I mostly work security over at one of the lodges.” He adds after a moment.

“I can see how that would fit you,” I smile, trying to ignore the hostility that rolled off of him when I brought up Vice. He’s not as big as Gunner, but still about twice Vice’s size. Vice is a pretty boy, the type you’d picture more easily at a golf club than a motorcycle club; but with Russian, there don’t seem to be any soft edges – other than his easy smile.

We stand around talking until the others arrive then after reconfirming everything with Vice, I head down to stock the bar for tonight and handle inventory.

They’ve made a lot of progress by the time they’re leaving and as its opening time at the bar; they all take a seat.

The sound of the door causes me to look over; Flint is back. Vice sees him and slides over so Flint can take his regular seat. I’m anything but pleased at how red I turn, and quickly move to start a pot of coffee for him.

“Not used to company this early,” He announces, looking over at Vice, Russian, and the third man who has barely spoken to me.

“Don’t mean to cramp your style, Boss,” Vice says overly loud. “We started in on her new bathroom today, so will be spending the better part of the next two weeks with our lovely barmaid here.”

“What are you doing for a shower, Bree?” Flint asks while glaring at Vice. Vice smirks at the man next to him, Jake? Maybe that’s his name? Jake obviously has a stronger sense of self-preservation as he stares blankly back at him, staying out of the conversation altogether.

“Don’t worry, I’ve made arrangements. Don’t want y’all calling health services on me.” I answer, smiling at the group, avoiding looking at Flint directly.

“What arrangements, Bree?” Flint persists. I sigh, of course, he won’t let this drop.

“Hey, Flint,” Vice interjects, trying a little too hard to look innocent. “Your house is just down the way, maybe Bree can shower there?”

“Russian, Jake, want to go grab a table with Vice, so the adults can talk?” Russian laughs but quickly slides off his stool, Jake in his wake. Vice finishes his drink, tosses some money on the bar and heads out. Flint doesn’t break eye contact with me during this suggestion and we stand staring at each other until they’re out of ear shot.

“I stay at the clubhouse most nights, Bree. You’ll stay at my place until they’re done.” Flint decrees.

“On what planet do you think it’s appropriate to give me that order, Flint?” This is truly ridiculous.

 “I’m trying to help you here; there’s no reason not to accept the offer.” Flint’s voice is low and harsh.

“No. I’m showering at a friend’s, I’m fine here.” I insist, trying to keep my voice low.

“The fuck? You think I’m gonna let you shower at Rusty’s house the next two weeks when my place is empty? There’s a fenced in yard for Ragnar even. No need to be stubborn about this.” He growls back at me.

Luckily, a steady stream of customers starts coming in; stopping us from putting on a show for Vice and Jake. The next several hours keep my bar back, Randy and I constantly running.

Thankfully Gunner has stopped by and after dropping off a bag of sandwiches with Flint. Gunner catches my eye and gives me a nod before he heads towards the stairs; indicating he’ll take Ragnar out.

I leave the dinner Flint had delivered off to the side, as I’m too busy and frustrated with him to eat.

Closing time has me pointing Flint to the door. I’m a little surprised when he leaves with no further arguments; I hurry to set the bar to rights before heading up to my place.

Heading straight to the bedroom, I come running back to check the sofa. Ragnar isn’t here; in my panic, I almost miss the note on the table.

Those fucking assholes stole my dog.