Diamond in the Dust (Lost Kings MC 18)

“Maybe. How was the ride?” I change up my movements, sliding one hand to his far hip and pulling it toward me, while pushing the other hand forward. I repeat the twisty stroke up his back until reaching his shoulders.

“Meant what I said,” he mumbles. “Can’t be away from you that long.”

My heart flutters. Should I give him my other gift now, or wait? I’d tucked it into the nightstand earlier when the package arrived. But now, I’m having second thoughts. What if he thinks it’s too much or he doesn’t like it?

I finish the massage by trailing my fingers over his skin with light, feathery motions. He sighs and rolls over, eyes half-closed. “That felt amazing. Come here.” He holds out his arm.

“Logan? I, uh, have something else for you.” Instead of snuggling up to him, I shift away, reaching for the nightstand drawer before I lose my nerve.

His eyes open fully. He rolls to his side, propping his head up on his hand. An amused expression flickers over his face. “Something else see-through?”

“Sort of. I guess.” I sit in the middle of the bed cross-legged facing him and hold the small box out to him.

The teasing expression slides off Rooster’s face. He sits up, shifting close enough that his leg rubs against my thigh. “What’s that, chickadee?”

“I saw it online and thought of you.” I hand him the box and drop my gaze to the bed.

“Hey.” He gently grips my chin and tilts my head up. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I gesture to the box. “Open it.”

My heart beats double-time as he flips the lid and stares at the ring inside. “Oh, shit. This is…really beautiful. Where’d you find it?”

“You like it?”

He pulls it out and studies the carvings on the sides. I scoot closer and run my finger over the cool surface. “This is the highway of life, representing our adventures.” I trace the compass carved into the other side. “To always help us steer clear of trouble on the road. The blue stone is called pietersite. It reminded me of your club’s colors.”

“Shelby,” he breathes out.

“It’s not like a weddin’ ring… or anything. I wanted—”

“Get over here.” He hooks his hand behind my neck and drags me closer. “Why are you so anxious about giving me this?”

“I don’t know. I felt bad about the ring you ditched in Virginia. I wanted to replace it but didn’t want you to think I was getting ahead of myself.”

He presses his palms against my cheeks and his lips against mine. “I love it. And I love you. Get ahead all you want.” He holds the ring between us. “Put it on me.”

“I hope it fits,” I mutter, sliding it on his index finger.

“It’s perfect.” He kisses me again. “Thank you.”

“You really like it?”

“I love it.” His mouth twitches and his gaze strays to his cut and back to me. “Come here.”

“You were awfully busy while I was away.” He kisses the top of my head and smooths his hand over my hair.

“Had to do something so I didn’t miss you too bad.” I tap his chest. “How’s Jiggy? I’m guessing he went back to Deadbranch?”

“Yup. We can go visit when you finish recording if you want.”

“He’s not mad at me, is he?”

“No. Hell no.”

“How’s everything at home? Z’s not mad you came back down here, is he?”

He’s slow to answer. “No, he wasn’t mad. There’s some weird shit going on but they’re on top of it.”

I don’t like the sound of that. How selfish am I if his club needs him but he’s here in Nashville taking me to some dumb awards show? “You don’t have to go with me to this thing, Logan. Really.”

“Hey.” He hugs me to his side. “I said I was taking you, and I keep my word.”

“But—”

“No buts. I shouldn’t have even said anything. Tell me about your dress.”

“The dress is a little different than what I’d usually choose. Very glamorous, I think.”

“I can’t wait to see you in it.”

“We’re supposed to go pick them up tomorrow.”

“Did Dawson really ask Angelina to go with him?”

“He sure did.” I lower my voice. “I swear it was kind of awkward at first because she didn’t seem like she was gonna say yes.”

“Huh. Well, I guess he doesn’t have to worry about her being after his money.”

“Can I tell you something without you laughing at me?”

He traces his finger over my cheek, tucking a stray bit of hair behind my ear. “You can always tell me anything.”

His serious tone almost makes me feel silly for what’s about to come out of my mouth.

“Angelina made this off-hand comment about your hotness and I kinda wanted to strangle her a little bit.”

He ducks his head and the bed jiggles from his laughter.

“I’m serious. I’m not usually that type of girl.” Shoot, maybe I shouldn’t have told him. Angelina’s gorgeous, closer to his age, and having grown up around an MC, probably has more in common with him.