Virgin (The Henchmen MC 16)

Soft, oldies R&B hummed from the speakers.

And, apparently, the combination of the music, the heat, the gentle glide of the car down the streets was downright hypnotic.

Because it wasn't until I felt a giant hand close around the area just above my knee and give it a gentle squeeze that I realized I had fallen asleep.

"Home," he murmured when my eyes fluttered open, finding warm eyes and a matching smile only about a foot from my face.

"I never fall asleep that fast," I admitted honestly. I was a toss and turner since going away, since I learned that sleep meant vulnerability and that some people like to use that vulnerability against you.

"I'd claim it was because you're comfortable with me, but the seats are like butter and the butt warmers are like Ambien," he told me with a smirk. "I'll go grab your bike," he told me, leaving the car on so I could bask in the cozy comfort for another few minutes before I saw him standing outside the passenger side door, reaching to pull it open. Suppressing a grumble, I climbed out of the warm car, fishing in my bag for my bike lock for the front rack because I simply wasn't in the mood to try to wrestle it into the elevator and hang it up in the apartment. Thad claimed the building was safe enough to leave it outside without a lock. I was just going to trust him. And my padlock. "Still on for tomorrow night?" Virgin asked after I secured my bike and stood back up to face him.

"Yeah. I promise I won't be so snippy."

"I promise I can take it even if you are," he told me with a lip twitch.

"Thanks for driving me home," I told him on the top step, turning to unlock the door.

My hand barely got a chance to raise before the wrist got snagged, yanked higher as his body pressed me against the brick wall, pinning my arm above my head as his lips crashed down on mine.

The brick scraped at the skin of my forearm. His stubble scratched the sensitive skin on my face. His body heat moved through his shirt and into mine, making a shiver move through me as my lips parted, demanded more. My free arm rose, grabbing the back of his neck, holding him as though he showed any intention of pulling away.

His free hand slid down my thigh, sinking in behind my knee, yanking it upward, curling it around his waist as his hips pressed in. His hardness pressed against the aching need, making a moan escape me, only mildly muffled by his lips on mine.

The sound of someone clearing their throat made my face rip away, my leg dropping to the ground heavily even as Virgin's grip slowly loosened on my wrist, his head dipping down to place a kiss at my throat.

"Sorry to break up the necking session, you two, but it was getting a bit steamy for the apartment entryway," Thad informed us, and I didn't have to look to see the amused smile he had on his face. "Your brother called to let me know some dangerous criminal was driving you home," he added as Virgin let out an airy chuckle against my neck before straightening, slowly pulling away and turning.

"Hey Thad."

"Hey you handsome thing, you."

My gaze went to my brother, finding him standing there in his kimono in his furry No, Officer, I didn't kill my rich husband slippers, a sleep mask sitting on his forehead, gold strips under his eyes that he claimed worked wonders on dark circles.

"You knew who it was. You didn't have to come down here to walk me in."

"Walk you in, no. Spy on you? Yes, I sure did. You two kids have fun?"

"Oh, God. Stop," I grumbled, moving away from Virgin, almost sure that when his hand brushed mine that it was on purpose. "Thanks for driving me home. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, baby."

"Oh, goodnight to you too, baby," Thad called, giving him a wiggly finger wave as he turned to walk away.

"Could you be more embarrassing?"

"We both know I could," he told me, curling an arm around my hips. "Your lady bits need some ice?"

"There's not enough ice left on this ever-heating planet," I grumbled, closing my eyes, taking a deep breath.

"Well then, we're lucky you have a date tomorrow so you can finally seal the deal. Don't think I didn't see the empty battery package in the trash, you horny bitch."

"It's a first date. We aren't sealing the deal."

"Oh, psh. You'll be lucky if you make it to the restaurant from what I just witnessed. Don't be close-minded for the sake of some antiquated idea about when it is appropriate to fuck. The only appropriate time to fuck is when you want to. Now let's get us back upstairs. Colson interrupted my REM cycle, and we both know I am bitchy when I am sleepy."