I decide to turn in early, but I am just laying here thinking about what Lil said. I am determined to at least try to make this my home. I’ll feel better when I am in my apartment and working, but Lil makes me wants this. Shine makes me want it more. This may be the best Christmas in a long time. I am just trying to nod off when I hear a light tap at my door.

“Come in.” I hope I am loud enough for whoever it is to hear me.

“Hey, babe. I thought we might talk if you’re up to it.” Shine opens the door and walks in and comes to the end of the bed.

“I would like that, Shine.” I sit up on the bed, but keep the covers gathered around me.

“Do you mind if I get up there beside you? I swear it is just to talk. You can trust me, Katie.” I’m nervous but as I look in Shine’s face I know he is telling me the truth.

“Sure, if you want.” I don’t know what else to say. He takes off his boots and climbs up beside me, but he stays on top of the covers, so we have blankets between us.

“Thanks, babe. How was your evening with Lil? You two are in bed early.” It’s not early for me. I look at the clock beside the bed and it is ten.

“This is my normal bedtime, but I am used to getting up around five a.m. I work a little before school. I did sleep most of the day. I guess maybe the wreck took a lot out of me.” I never sleep so much.

“You must need it, babe. Take all the time to get well you need. We have you now. You’re not alone anymore.” I hope that is true.

“Do you mean that, Shine?” I think about my question. “What is your real name and why does everyone have nicknames?”

“My name is Gage Lawson. Only you can call me that. When you get your cut and become a brother you get a road name. Cap gave Con and me ours. It’s what we are known as from then on and what matters. You can call me Gage. I would like that.” I like that name Gage. I’ve never known a Gage.

“How did you get the name Shine?” He is smiling. He is so sexy when he smiles.

“My favorite drink. Cap said I was always full of Shine. It stuck.” He looks like he is thinking. “Con’s real name is Billy Lee. Well, William Lee, but was always called Billy. His story is a true for sure. You see, he is what Cap calls a lady’s man. Cap said he could con any woman out of her panties in less than an hour. Con stuck. Do not repeat that and don’t call him Billy. He said he rightfully earned the name Con.” Shine is almost laughing. Con is hot, but he can’t compete with Shine.

“Lil said you were warning the club girls to stay away from me. They are not going to like me much. It’s okay. I may be shy, but I can take care of myself. I have been doing it a long time.” I don’t want Shine, well, Gage, to think I can’t stand on my own.

“I did, but that doesn’t mean they will listen. DaVine is the main one. I promise you, I never made promises to her or any woman. I’ve never had feelings for any woman. I am drawn to you and I am claiming you in front of the club. I did that tonight. I know you need to get used to the idea, but you are mine. I will also be sleeping next to you every night. We’ll take it further when you are ready, but I will be here from now on. I also will be kissing you before we go to sleep tonight. Just a kiss. Can you deal with that? Because I can say you don’t have much of a choice. I’m not going anywhere except next to you.” I know I should be offended Gage is talking to me but I’m not. In fact, I am looking forward to that kiss. I want it. I’ve never been kissed by a man before.

“Are you sure Gage? What if I’m not what you want? I have no experience with men. I’ve never been on a date or even been kissed. I may not be able to give you what you want.” Gage looks surprised and a little shocked.

“You are twenty years old, right?” I don’t know what my age has to do with it.

“Yes, but I never had time for fun. I’ve worked since I can remember and there was no time.” Gage has a look on his face I can’t make out.

“I don’t date, but we can do things together. Just be together. Katie, will you be mine? It’s not like you have a choice, but I want you to want it. I want you to want it as much as I do. I don’t have a family except Lil and my brothers, but I want to have one with you.” Gage is speaking from his heart and I want exactly what he is offering.

“Yes, Gage. I want that as much as you do. I can’t promise you won’t have to help me along the way, but I want it so bad. I’ve been alone for so long and I want what your offering. I want what Lil is offering. I want this big crazy family.”

I move closer to Gage and I turn and take his face in my hands and kiss his cheek softly. Before I know it, Gage has me turned on my back and his body is half way over me and his mouth descends on mine.

At first it is an innocent soft kiss on the lips, but when he licks across my mouth and I open for him and his tongue enters my mouth, he deepens the kiss. He has a minty taste mixed with wintergreen. Our tongues tangle and he dominates me while he is enslaving me with his loving caresses. My palms are beginning to sweat, but I move them to his leather vest and pull him to me. I feel butterflies in my stomach and I know my panties are wet from this one kiss.

I hear him groan and I horrified. Did I do something wrong? I try to push him away. His mouth leaves mine and I am breathless. “Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt you? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I told you I didn’t know what I was doing.”

“Babe, you did everything right. Those weren’t groans of pain, only want and need. You taste so damn good. I’m going to undress and get under those covers with you, so we can sleep. Is that good with you? No more kissing for tonight. I am already rock hard for you and I can only be so good.” Gage sounds breathless and that is good because that is exactly what I am. I want more. I want something. Sleep is not what I want.

“That sounds good. My heart needs to slow down. You taste good yourself, and that kiss was so good. I want more, but I know you’re right.” Gage has gotten up and he is undressing. When he gets down to his jeans he hesitates.

“Just so you know. I don’t wear underwear, so you are going to see my cock and it is hard. I just wanted to warn you before I drop my jeans.” Dear baby Jesus. This man is going to kill me.

I turn over the other way and I feel him dip the bed down as he gets in bed. I hear him laugh and then I feel him behind me as he pulls me into his arms. I feel his big cock poking me. I move away a little, but I turn into his arms and he pulls me close. We get sorted out and comfortable as we can be, and it feels natural. It feels like I have always belonged here. “Goodnight, Gage.”

“Goodnight, babe. Get some sleep before my cock decides to not be good tonight.” He half turns and turns the night lamp off. How did I get so lucky? I am so comfortable, and I feel completely safe for the first time in a long time.