“That was me beginning to show you how I feel about that dress babe. I’ll show my full appreciation later, but for now I want to know what the fuck Crawford was doing with his hands on you.” His voice raised to near a yell at the end.
“I’m assuming Crawford is Luke and you’re doing the usual ridiculous macho man thing by calling him by his last name,” I retorted.
Cade roughly drew me closer, but I didn’t feel afraid of him, which was crazy. I mean, I was attacked by bikers and here I was literally in a dark alley with one and the only thing I was feeling was irritation and arousal — a lot of arousal.
“Don’t get fucking smart with me baby, answer the goddamn question,” he growled.
“I wasn’t aware there was a question Cade. I’m afraid I am not fluent in cave man,” I said sweetly, continuing to bait him. Surprisingly, he didn’t find me funny. He pounded his fist against the brick beside my head. I flinched, wow that’s got to hurt.
“I come in to see you, to carry on our conversation from the other night, to fucking apologize for coming on so strong when I obviously have to handle you with care baby, and trust me, I will from now on.”
His stare made my insides flutter.
“I see you in that fucking dress, looking so good it should be illegal and laughing with that prick, his hands all over you. Baby, it took everything I had not to pound my fist into his face. You are mine. I know you don’t understand nor like it at the moment but you will because what is between us is real and I know you feel it and you’re scared,” Cade accused.
I let out a breath, floored, a bit because I have never heard the rough biker talk so much but mostly because of what he said. I didn’t like some of it, like, really didn’t like the ‘you are mine’ part, reminding me too much of what Jimmy thought of me, but unlike Jimmy, I don’t think he meant like a possession, I think he meant something else. But the other stuff he said was kind of sweet, and I didn’t know what to do with the caring side of the rough round the edges man.
“Cade, this is too much to process at the moment.” I attempted to sound calm. “I don’t understand what’s going on, why you felt the need to make a scene at my store opening and drag me onto the street, then lay that on me.” My voice was raised, but I couldn’t help it, I was pissed off. “I need to get back inside, but we obviously need to talk.” Yeah right we needed to talk, talk about how for some reason he thought we were some kind of item after only a couple of encounters and one mind blowing orgasm.
“You’re overthinking baby.” Cade stroked my face. “But you’re right, we’ll get back in, you have your night and at the end of it you’re on the back of my bike. No escaping this time,” he told me firmly.
“Okay,” I huffed, surprising myself. “But have fun trying to get me on a bike in this dress.”
Cade raised his eyebrows, obviously expecting a fight, then his eyes darkened, “Don’t worry Gwen, you’ll get on my bike.” He glanced at my legs. “That fucking dress.” He plastered my body to his and kissed me fiercely once more. The kiss was intense, I felt like something had seriously changed. Shit’s just got real.
Cade stopped, resting his forehead against mine. “Go back now baby, or I won’t be able to stop myself,” he grunted.
“Okay,” I breathed as he stepped back, sporting a serious hard on. I tried to ignore that and got to straightening my dress, which had ridden up, like, a lot. I finished righting myself to find Cade watching me through hooded eyes.
“You better hope this thing finishes early babe, I’ve got plans for you,” he declared roughly, adjusting himself.
I shivered and before I could reply, Cade snatched my hand, walking me back towards the store. During the short walk I panicked. What had got into me? Why did I suddenly give in? I told myself I was never going to be with a bad boy again, but this was different, this attraction was crazy. Maybe I just needed to get it out of my system. Who was I kidding? He just wanted a high class fuck and would throw me aside once he got it. I needed to get laid and I could do much much worse, so I’d just enjoy the ride. Excuse the pun.
We emerged back in my store, the bell unfortunately alerting everyone of our presence. Damn it I was so taking that thing down. I felt almost every set of eyes in the place on us, particularly a hard glare from Luke who watched intently from the bar. Amy had a shit-eating grin on her face as did Rosie and the girls.
Cade, still holding my hand, leaned in. “Seems like we’re popular, babe.”
I turned and glared at him, he smiled back. Man, what a smile. I didn’t think he could be any hotter.
“I’ll just chill with the boys.” He glanced to a small group of bikers from last night, most of whom I recognized, including the scary Bull, and Lucky.
“Gwen!” Lucky yelled. “Fuck I thought this thing would be boring as shit, but you got booze and your brownies and a first class amount of tail. This is fucking aces.” He took a pull of his beer, looking pretty happy.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” I couldn’t help but smile back at him, his mood infectious.
“Yo, Gwen,” Bull grunted. My heart rate went up a bit, the big man looking far too scary for my liking. Cade somehow noticed my slight panic and squeezed my hand.
“Bull.” I nodded and did an awkward little wave at the other attractive men. “Boys.” I got a few chin lifts back. “Well, I better get back to mingling and whatnot.” I stuttered. Shit did I seriously just say the word ‘whatnot’ in front of some serious bad asses? Mortification commence. I started to turn away in embarrassment, but Cade still had hold of my hand. He jerked me back to him, kissing me quickly but fiercely.