Chapter Fourteen
Hands trembling, Tiffany reached into a cabinet and pulled out a wine glass. Drinking before a date was never wise. In fact, it was just plain stupid especially on a first date, but her nerves had gotten the best of her already, so she made an exception.
She did her best to assuage them by keeping busy. After Thomas left, she called the hospital to speak to Allie. Allie had been asleep, but Tiff spoke to Trig, who told her Allie was better and would be discharged later that day. He thanked her for calling and told her he’d tell Allie when she woke. Her worry for Allie subsiding, she cleaned her apartment, did two loads of laundry, and made herself lunch while wondering which dress to wear for her date. After barely eating, she strode into her room, rummaged through her closet, and decided she had nothing to wear. She did what any other woman would’ve—headed to the mall and spent two hours looking for the perfect dress. When she finally found it, she spent too much money on it. By the time she arrived home, nowhere near time for her date, she went for a long run, showered, washed her hair as well, and then spent too much time blow drying it and curling the ends. She spent even longer on her make-up. Since her hands shook, she had to redo her eyeliner three times. Finally, she dressed, wearing a tight, black, knee-length, open back dress.
After all that, Tiffany was still on edge. So she would have a drink no matter how unwise it was to drink before a date. Unless Thomas changed his mind about them, he’d knock on her door any moment, and by that time, she needed to be relaxed and calm or at least appear to be.
She poured a healthy glass of wine. After a few sips, the tension in her slowly began to dissolve. All it took for those nerves to resurface, a knock at her door. She jolted, almost dropping her wine glass.
Pulse pounding rapidly at the base of her neck, she took a deep breath, headed for her door, and parted it.
Thomas, wearing a black, long-sleeved shirt and jeans, stood at the other side. The shirt fit him perfectly, muscles lining his shoulders, arms, and chest visible. The jeans, a dark wash color, tight around his muscled thighs. Freshly shaved, smelling of man and musk, his midnight black hair combed back.
At the sight of him, she lost her breath. It happened often except it wasn’t him that did it this time. Well, it was, but it was also what he held in his hand—two dozen, long-stemmed, red roses.
Her lips parted.
First, biker Thomas dressed to the nines, looking preppy, the long shirt covering his tattoos. Second and most importantly, biker Thomas bought her flowers.
“Gonna let me in?”
Her gaze snapped away from the roses and met his sapphire eyes. She stepped back as he strode toward her and snaked an arm around her waist. Pressing her body tightly against his, he claimed her lips.
When he drew away just an inch, he smiled. “Missed me, baby girl?”
Holding her breath with her hands flat on his chest, she nodded. The God’s honest truth and after that soft, sweet kiss, she didn’t have it in her to lie.
He grinned then pressed his lips against her forehead. “Missed you, too, Tiff. Always miss you too much.”
Her heart clenched. She leaned her cheek against his chest and shut her eyes tightly relishing what he said, the way he said it, and not wanting the moment to end.
“Wanna put these in water before we go?”
She nodded, grabbed the flowers, and headed into her kitchen. Under the sink, she grabbed a vase, filled it with water, and settled the roses in them. She turned with vase in hand.
Thomas, his hip against the counter, his eyes cast downward on her ass. She cleared her throat. His gaze swung to hers. He smiled.
“Were you checking me out?”
His smile got bigger. “Not the first time.”
Lifting a brow teasingly, she pointed out, “The first time I caught you.”
Crossing his arms over his chest, he smirked. “You caught me ’cause I wanted you to. We’re official means I don’t gotta hide it anymore.”
Not knowing what to say, she bit the side of her lip and looked away. She had a feeling it would happen a lot tonight. Things between them were changing, and she didn’t know how to act.
“That a new dress?”
She placed the vase in the middle of the counter and nodded.
He cocked his head to the side. “You bought it for me?”
She nodded then realized her mistake. A woman should never admit how hard she tried, especially on the first date.
“Wanted to make me fight off the masses, again?”
Her brows quirked. “W-what?”
“You, in that dress, gonna have to fight off the masses, Tiff.”
A warmth settled in her chest. She smiled.
His eyes glimmered. “And fight getting hard, a lot.”
Her smile widened.
He leaned into her. “Didn’t have to buy a new dress but glad you did. You look beautiful, baby girl.”
Eyes soft and warm, he scanned her face. “Then again, you always look beautiful, so nothing’s changed.”
Her chest further warmed, that warmth spread through her.
He was too. Those eyes, that face. He knew what to say, too, not that he had need for it. The biker who could get a woman to spread her legs with one look. “You’ve always been handsome, Thomas, but you don’t need me to tell you. All it takes is one look.”
Second mistake of the night.
His jaw hardened, his brows drew together.
She offended him though what she said she meant as a compliment. Maybe he didn’t like she knew he had a reputation. She waited for his retort.
Instead after several moments, the hard lines of his face relaxed. He cupped her cheeks. “Means something when it comes from you.”
Thomas drove up to the valet of The Bridge, the fanciest and most expensive steakhouse within a hundred-mile radius. She knew this since she’d been there with her parents often, and once, with Mark. Dinner for two would cost more than three hundred dollars. Not Thomas’s scene, not the boy she knew long ago, not biker Thomas either.
She shifted in her seat. “Why are we here?”
He faced her. “First date with my girl gonna treat her to a nice dinner.”
“But…we can go somewhere else. We can…”
He clenched his jaw. Eyes hard, voice tight when he said, “I got money, Tiff. I ain’t a millionaire like your folks, but I live well. I can afford this place.”
Third mistake. Like the last, she hadn’t meant it as an insult. She simply wanted him to know she didn’t needed fancy dinners. She just needed him, anyway she could get him.
She cleared her throat. Her hand went to his, resting on the gear stick of his Mustang, and squeezed. “I know what my dad paid the club, Thomas. I know it’s how you make your money. I know if my dad paid that much, the rest do too, so I know you can afford this place. I just wanted you to know that just because my parents are rich doesn’t mean you need to spend your money on me. I’d be just as happy at home, making you lasagna, and watching that car show you like so much.”
His eyes softened. He cupped her cheek then pressed his lips against hers and kissed her deep, his tongue parting her lips, diving into her mouth, and entwining with hers.
Suddenly, he drew away, leaving her panting. His eyes shot behind her then met hers. Finally, he released her and slid out of the car. Only then, she turned and realized a valet attendant held open the passenger side door. The man’s hand extended to help her out. Before she could place her hand in his, Thomas appeared, grabbed her hand, pulled her out, and led her inside, one hand holding hers, the other resting on her bare lower back.
Inside, a hostess led them to a booth. They ordered drinks. Thomas asked about her day. They began talking back and forth about anything and everything like they always did. That nervous energy melted away. In between their conversation, they ordered appetizers and dinner and ate.
As she grabbed her clutch, ready to leave, the nerves resurfaced. She tried to hide her shaking hands by holding her purse tightly. The closer they came to her apartment, the more they trembled, the harder she found it to breathe, the steak she ate rising to the back of her throat.
She knew what she wanted to happen, but she was terrified of the outcome. Kissing was one thing. Having sex was another. Nothing between them would ever go back to the way it was. She knew this, so she was scared.
She’d loved Thomas for a long time and wanted to take their relationship to the next level but knew there was no going back. If after one night he grew bored, if he changed his mind, she’d lose him altogether. She didn’t think she could handle that.
Her chest squeezed. She took a breath and ignored her reservations. She was all in now. Better trying than never knowing.
The car door swung open. Thomas held out his palm. Her hand went to his. His gaze drifted to her shaky hand then met her stare. He helped her out of the car and rested his other hand on her bare back.
“You nervous?”
Her cheeks heated. She looked away and nodded.
He lifted her chin with his finger. “You told me once I was your best friend. That still true?”
She nodded.
He smiled. “Nothing to be nervous about then, Tiff.”
Her hand in his, they climbed the stairs and into her apartment. Immediately, he headed into the kitchen and walked out moments later with a glass of wine for her and a beer for himself. He led her toward the living room, sat on her couch kicking off his shoes, and tapped the spot next to him. She took a seat, sipped her wine, and set it on the coffee table.
He grabbed the remote, slung one arm around her shoulders then angled his face her way. “What you wanna watch?”
“Whatever you want.”
“It’s my girl’s night tonight. We watch what you wanna watch.”
She breathed deep, some of the nervous energy leaving her. “I want to watch that car show you like.”
He smiled big then feathered a soft kiss on her lips, staying close when he whispered, “My girl’s too good to me.”
“Thank you for the flowers and dinner.”
He grinned then flipped on the show. She watched the first half before the anxiousness she’d struggled with all day caught up to her, and she fell fast asleep.
****
Tiffany snuggled against the heat that kept her warm all night. Breathing deep, she smelled it—him.
Her eyes snapped open landing on his bare chest. She lay on her side, her chest facing his, her hands between them, head resting on his arm. She couldn’t see his face but knew his chin rested on her head.
Damn. What happened? Did they have sex? Her mind scrambled.
His arm, wrapped around her lower back, tightened. “It’s okay. It’s me,” he mumbled sleepily.
Right, well, she knew. Not why she was freaking out. A shirtless Thomas in bed with her for the second morning in a row, and she couldn’t remember what happened the night before.
Finally, her sleep-hazed mind recalled falling asleep on the couch. She glanced down, still wearing the dress she purchased for their date. She remembered, too, what they hadn’t done.
Lowering her gaze, she bit the side of her lip. A jumble of questions rushed her.
Why hadn’t he made a move? Didn’t he want her? He told her they’d be good together, told her he’d take their relationship to the next level. A change of heart now? Maybe it was what she’d always thought. He wasn’t physically attracted to her. Perhaps, he wanted companionship. Someone to keep him company, someone who cooked and cleaned, someone he confided in.
Damn. If true, it sucked. An ache filling her heart, her eyes watered.
He tilted his head down. A smile in his voice when he said, “Mornin’, baby girl.”
Forcing her eyes to dry, she slanted her head and met his sapphire stare. His hair a beautiful mess, and he needed a shave. Why was he so handsome? Why did she love him so much?
Brows furrowed, he cleared his throat. “What’s wrong?”
“I…” She shook her head.
He released her lower back. His fingers came up to brush against her cheek. Then he laced them through her hair. “Look beautiful in the morning.”
Heart clenching, she held her breath.
“Taking my girl for a ride today.”
His girl. She couldn’t help the flutter of nerves rumbling in her stomach. “I’d like that.”
He chuckled then suddenly gripped the back of her neck and flipped her onto her back. The air whooshed out of her at the suddenness. Lying over her, his legs spread hers apart hiking up her dress, nestling himself in between, his body pressing down on hers. The length of him at her core; liquid pooled there. A shiver snaked through her body even as her eyes widened.
He chuckled again, the deep sound resonating around her room. Before she could say a word, his mouth came to hers for a quick, open-mouth kiss.
He drew away, so his gaze met hers but stayed close to her mouth. “Love your lips. Love your kisses, too.” He smiled, and then, he was gone, off her and out of her bedroom door. Over his shoulder, he said, “Gonna make coffee.”
One kiss, and he left her speechless, motionless, and breathless.
Needless to say, it was amazing.
****
Beautiful.
She thought it the moment she took her first glimpse at the view.
After she made breakfast, she showered and dressed for their ride. Since Thomas didn’t have clothes at her place, they stopped by the compound, so he could shower and dress. Then he drove her out of town and west. She didn’t know where he planned to take her. Though she asked twice, he refused to say. When he drove up a steep, rocky mountainside, she got a pretty good idea. Still, she hadn’t been prepared for what greeted her at the very top. Trees and brush surrounding them, he drove at least forty stories up the rocky terrain until they reached a small clearing about twenty feet in diameter, a rock set in the middle. He parked, hopped off, helped her off, and led her toward the edge. Five feet away, he stopped and wrapped an arm around her waist from behind. She could see miles and miles of deep blue ocean, a gorgeous view, a stunning sight.
“Wow.”
He lowered his head and pressed a kiss on her shoulder. “Yeah.”
“I can’t believe I never knew about this place.”
“That’s ’cause it’s a secret,” he said with a smile in his voice.
She angled her head and met his gaze. “It’s beautiful, Thomas. Thank you.”
His gaze softened a moment before he pressed his lips to hers.
He took her hand, sat on the ground then tugged her, settling her between his legs, facing the view. With her back leaning against his chest, his face to her right, close enough she felt his breaths, he circled his arms around her mid-section. She placed her hands over his. They stayed that way for a long while looking out at the view. Every now and then, he spoke or she did, but it wasn’t forced, wasn’t needed. She knew it in her bones, and she thought he did too because he didn’t do anything but hold her and say no more than a few words.
They stayed there for quite some time, past lunch. He helped her up, promising her he’d bring her again soon, and he drove her to a burger joint outside of Wadden. Nothing fancy, a trailer with windows where the orders were placed and food was served. Beside it, a series of tables with umbrellas. They sat and dug in immediately.
A roar of several motorcycles sounded. Her gaze shot up, eyes to the road. Three bikers headed their way. The men riding, she couldn’t see clearly, but they wore cuts.
Intent on asking Thomas, she turned to face him. His back shot ramrod straight, his face a mask of feral anger, terrifying in that way only he could get. Glaring, a vein in his neck pulsing. He plucked his phone out of his pocket, dialed, and brought it to his ear. “With Tiff at the burger trailer. Got trouble. Chained.” He hung up.
Just then, the three men parked their bikes, hopped off, and strode toward them. It began making sense when she could make out their features.
The three were tall and tatted to the nines. One even had a series of tattoos on his neck. Two of the three ripped. One, blond with a goatee, the other had shoulder-length brown hair loose around his face. The last was lanky with long, black hair tied in a ponytail at the base of his neck. None of them looked familiar, meaning they weren’t part of Hell Ryders, but of another MC. She knew enough from Thomas’s reaction and from his cryptic call to figure his club wasn’t friendly with theirs, and Thomas was outnumbered, three to one.
Thomas stood, snaked his arm around her waist, yanked her off her chair, and pushed her behind him.
Her heart thumping, she gripped Thomas’s arm, poked her head from behind him, and caught sight of the three men again.
The blonde’s gaze sliced to hers. “Pretty little thing. Too bad our clubs ain’t on good terms. Love to share that.”
Thomas’s whole body, tight and stiff, began pulsing. Curving his arm reaching her, he pushed her fully behind him. She lost sight of the men, gripped the back of his cut, and shut her eyes tightly.
“She’s mine.” Thomas’s voice low, thick, and menacing.
“Don’t see a patch on her.”
“I’m telling you she’s my girl, been mine for seven years, and I don’t fuckin’ share.”
“Seven years? Long time. You still ain’t bored of her pussy?” A pause. “Must be sweet then. She could be bored of your dick though. Why don’t we ask her?”
Thomas’s body twitched. His arm, curved behind him, around her waist tightened in a death grip.
Cheeks flaming, she buried her face in his cut and circled her arms around his waist, fruitlessly hoping she could stop him from making a stupid decision—launching himself at the biker.
He meant well. Thomas always meant well. Truth be told, a part of her loved he always defended her, but then and there, she didn’t want him to, prayed he wouldn’t. Thomas outnumbered would end up bloodied and bruised because of her.
“That’s enough, Dick,” another man snapped. “Not here for this shit.”
She expelled a breath but didn’t release her hold of Thomas.
“You know I can’t fuckin’ help myself in front of pretty little things like her.”
She heard the sound of footsteps before the other man threatened, “What I know is you fuck up my chances of finding my cousin, we’re gonna have problems, big ones.”
“Don’t got time for any of this shit.” The deep sound of Thomas’s voice boomed. It vibrated inside him, and she felt it against her cheek. “Tell me what the fuck you want then leave.”
“My apologies for Dick. He just got out of the slammer. Hasn’t been around women for a while, so—”
“Don’t wanna hear your excuses ’cause that wasn’t the first line you crossed. You know you got no business getting in my face. This is Hell Ryders territory.”
“Technically, we’re a quarter mile outta Wadden—”
“Technically, Chained MC ain’t supposed to be within a mile of Wadden. That was your first strike. You rode up here with two of your guys while I’m alone with my girl. Strike two and three ’cause if that ain’t a threat, don’t know what is, and ’cause you know we don’t talk business in front of women. Strike four through ten, the way your brother’s running his mouth about my girl, my old lady. Don’t matter she’s wearing her patch. She’s riding on the back of my bike. Said she’s been mine for seven years. Means your boy crossed a line that should never be crossed.”
His girl. His old lady. She was scared, terrified, but hearing that, her heart swelled.
She held her breath, her fingers gripping the skin on Thomas’s stomach, silently begging him to stop talking. He’d only succeed in infuriating one or the lot of them. They were bikers, and the bikers she knew didn’t back down. Thomas would end up hurt. Because of her.
The roar of several bikes blared. Her heart stopped beating. She poked her head from behind Thomas. Eight bikes riding in a cluster and an SUV.
As the bikes neared, she caught sight of Blaze, Trig, Army, Mellow, Hash, Bud, Ripper, and Prez. One by one, they shut off their bikes, the silence deafening. Each hopped off then Beef, the prospect, strode out of the black SUV. Only then did she release a loaded breath. The next moment, Hell Ryders surrounded them.
Thomas shifted to her. She released his waist, so he could. The lines of his face set in stone, he clipped, “Go.”
Safe now, more so than before, he had his brothers, but she didn’t want to leave him. She began to argue. “But—”
His eyes hardened to slits. Clenching his jaw, he leaned into her. “Fuckin’ go. Now.” The rage making his body pulse seeped into his voice.
It hurt. She’d seen him livid, seen him beyond it, but never had he taken it out on her, never in a million years had she thought he’d speak to her that way.
As much as it hurt and surprised her, her primary concern was still him. With trembling hands, she did what he asked, turning and striding toward Beef. Tears threatening, blurring her vision, she spared a glance at Blaze, standing beside Beef, and whispered, “Take care of him. Please.”
She didn’t wait for him to respond, didn’t wait for him to even acknowledge he heard. Without looking back, she followed Beef to the SUV, praying and hoping Thomas would be safe.