by Joanna Blake
It had forced him to slow down his breakneck pace considerably, and riding fast and loose was in his blood. The cops riding him was cramping his style, big time. But nothing was going to ruin today.
Today he was going to help Kaylie celebrate her graduation and introduce her to the club and their old ladies.
It was time to make things official.
Sure it was fast, but he'd been laying the groundwork for years. He'd made his decision. And it was obvious to him that Kaylie was on board with it.
He grinned, imagining her wearing his jacket- and nothing else. Her hot little body had felt so good pressed against him last night- all warmth and sweet innocence.
Well, not for long. He wasn't a man used to denying himself. Definitely not when it came to women.
This wasn't going to be easy.
Then again, nothing worth doing ever was.
He pulled up to her house and parked his bike. Before he could even climb out she was coming out the door looking like sunshine and promises. He felt an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach as she came toward him in a pair of cut off jean shorts and a pretty floral blouse. When she got closer he saw the strap of a bikini top peeking out from around her neck. It was yellow and white gingham.
Damn but she looked fine!
He had the sudden feeling that he might be the one who was out of his depth, not the innocent 18 year old virgin walking toward him. She moved so gracefully, her sweet little body swaying in an unconsciously seductive way.
He swallowed, his mouth suddenly feeling dry.
She stared up at him trustingly with her big brown eyes while he fitted her helmet over her soft brown waves. He couldn't help but brush his hand over the softness of her cheek before helping her onto the bike and climbing on in front of her. He lifted his hand, waving to the woman watching them from the stoop.
It was a good thing he'd been working on Mrs. Thomas for a few years now. He'd made sure the woman hadn't lifted a bag of groceries from the first day he'd noticed her daughter.
She was a smart woman. She knew it wasn't a bad thing to be connected to the club in this town. She'd never have to deal with a flat tire, or a bothersome neighbor. They'd take care of everything for her.
He grinned to himself as he pulled away from the curb. Kaylie’s arms snaked around toward his stomach sending a jolt of arousal straight through him. It wasn't a bad exchange at all.
He was definitely the one who got the better side of the bargain.
Chapter 9
Kaylie
Well, this was an adventure.
Devlin hadn't told her where they were going and she hadn't asked. It only occurred to her how odd that was after they'd been riding for a half hour. She'd been too absorbed by the sensation of the bike, the scenery, and him.
She decided that it didn't really matter anyway. If he wanted to surprise her, she'd let him. Even if she wanted to ask him, it would have to wait until he pulled over. There was no way he would hear her over the rumble of the bike.
It was the sort of thing that should make her hate traveling this way. Clinging to him, with zero control over where they were going, how far or how fast. But she didn't hate it at all.
She loved it.
It surprised her how much she loved it. The speed, the smell, the incredible thrill of it all. Riding was dangerous. As dangerous as the man her arms were wrapped around right now.
But most of all, she loved that she wasn't riding alone. They were together. Fused into one. She trusted him implicitly. She was going on pure instinct alone.
Maybe it was foolish, but it was true.
They'd left town far behind already and were heading through endless fields of corn and other crops. She felt her curiosity rise again. There was nothing out this way, unless he planned on taking her over the state line.
What on Earth was he up to?
It was another ten minutes or so before she realized where they were going. It all clicked into place. The only place people went during the summer.
The lake.
People went out here to swim all summer, but right now there was an even bigger draw.
The county fair was on. It had been years since she'd been. It was an hour away and her mother didn't have the time or money to travel for frivolous reasons.
But Kaylie remembered it well. As a child, she had always loved the little day trips they'd taken as a family. Back when her father was still alive. It had been a yearly event for them.
Afterwards though, the trips had stopped. A lot of things had stopped.
She didn't blame her mom though. Raising a child alone was difficult, and she didn't have an extended family to help out. They'd had fun in other ways. But her mother wasn't the sort to kick up her heels or laugh at something just for the fun of it.
That had been Kaylie's dad. The joker, the prankster, the life of the party.
She missed him each and every day. Her mom did too. He'd been the one who came up with the fun ideas of things to do. He always had a plan or a game to play. But he could be serious too, like about Kaylie knowing that she had self worth.
He'd instilled that in her early.
'Don't be a pushover Kaylie. Stand up for yourself.'
She'd listened to him when he said that. She'd heard. He’d told her that people expected pretty little girls to do what they were told. But he taught her that being right was more important than being nice.
She had a crazy feeling he’d approve of Devlin, despite his bad boy reputation.
She was still thinking about her father when they pulled up to the camp grounds next to the fair. Devlin parked the bike near a row of Harley's. A bunch of people waved at him but he just nodded and helped her with her helmet.
"Are you hungry?"
She shook her head.
"Thirsty?"
She shook her head again.
"Do you need to use the facilities?"
She blushed and shook her head.
"No. Thank you for asking.”
He grinned as if that were the cutest thing he had ever heard. For some reason, it annoyed her that this big tough man was treating her like a puppy. A desirable puppy, but a pet all the same.
She frowned at him.
"What is it?"
"So polite. It's adorable."
Her cheeks got warm as he leaned down to kiss her. It was only the second time he’d kissed her. This was different. This time it was in broad daylight.
She sighed as his lips pressed into hers. His arms slid around her waist to her lower back. His hands were warm and-
"Dev! I hope you're hungry! We're grilling already man!"
Devlin lifted his head with an exaggerated sigh. Kaylie giggled at the despondent look on his face. He winked at her and smiled. It was like she knew exactly what he was thinking, and he knew that she got him.
She’d never had that before, except maybe with family or her very best friend. But this was different. This was knowing someone, but on steroids.
He threw his arm over her shoulder and walked toward the group of bikers. One of them, a biker with flaming red hair, let out a low whistle at the sight of Kaylie.
"Is she new?"
One of the other bikers, the one with curly hair who often trailed her, elbowed him in the side. Hard. It looked like it hurt. In fact, the carrot top let out a low hiss of pain.
Devlin walked past them, ignoring them completely.
"Ow man, what the fuck? I was just saying I'd be down for sloppy seconds."
"Not this one. Just shut up."
Kaylie wasn't sure what she'd just overheard. Were they talking about her? The dark haired biker was the one who usually tailed her, so she knew he was looking out for her. He nodded at her questioning look but that was all.
Devlin didn't seem too concerned as they walked down a short slope to a flat bar-b-q area near the lake with about twenty picnic tables. It was meant for families but it was completely over run with bikers. Then again, Kaylie saw a few kids
running around there too.
Bikers had families too.
She grinned a little bit at the incongruous sight of a huge tattooed man in leather lifting a little girl in a tutu and fairy costume onto his shoulders. As soon as the man saw her with Devlin, he walked over and welcomed them.
In fact, it seemed like everyone started to come over. They were swarmed in minutes as people approached to give Devlin their respects. It was more than obvious that he was well loved and in charge, even of bikers twice his age.
"This must be Kaylie. I'm Bob and this is Sally. Congrats on graduating, honey."
The big man held out a beefy hand. Kaylie shook it shyly before reaching up and shaking the adorable little girls hand, making her giggle.
“Nice to meet you, Kay-lee.”
Kaylie blinked in surprise. The little girl on his shoulders even knew who Kaylie was. She even said it right, doing her best to slowly pronounce the name.
He'd told them about her. When?
People waited politely to meet her and to bring Devlin and her drinks and food. She sipped a cold beer as she watched the bikers pull glass beer bottles from a row of stocked coolers. Right underneath a sign that said 'no glass containers.'
She had to laugh. The MC certainly did not follow the park’s rules. But they were extremely polite as they came up and introduced themselves, one by one.
It was almost an hour later when she finally met the biker with long curly hair, Jack. He was Devlin's second in command. Then there was Donahue, AKA Donnie, who was alway trailing Jack.
She met Mike, one of the young prospects who she recognized from high school and too many other names to remember. She hoped she'd get the hang of it eventually.
In the midst of the introductions Kaylie noticed that at least a few people were less than enthusiastic about Devlin's arrival with her.
Two women stood off to the side. Both were blond and attractive. One of the women was in her mid 30's but the other one looked only a couple of years older than Kaylie. Long blond hair, peachy skin, and a body that looked like she could moonlight as a swimsuit model. She would have been stunning if not for the pinched look on her face.
The realization hit her like a ton of bricks.
Oh. She was jealous.
Kaylie wondered if the girl had been Devlin's girlfriend before her. Maybe he ran through girls like tissue paper. He could have any girl who laid eyes on him, never mind girls who liked the thrill of danger.
There was a very good chance Kaylie was being taken advantage of. The thought washed over her, making her feel small and stupid. As reassuring as Devlin’s arm around her was, she couldn’t stop her mind from working in overdrive.
She felt herself getting quiet, letting the conversations around her wash over her like water.
"Let's take a walk."
She looked up and shrugged. She didn’t know how to explain her feelings to him. He would probably think she was foolish. But she had no reason to protest as Devlin pulled her out of the crowd to a path that circled the lake.
"Okay, what's bothering you?"
He didn't sound mad, she realized thankfully. But he was throwing her off balance. He really did not beat around the bush did he?
Well, she didn't either.
"I'm not sure what I'm doing here."
"You're going for a walk. After that you are going to a barbecue and after that, you are going to a carnival."
She stopped walking and gave him an exasperated look. He just grinned at her. The man was far too pleased with himself.
"Yes, but why?"
"Because you graduated."
"But why am I here with you?"
He gave her a knowing look and leaned back against a tree, crossing his arms. Her breath caught at the warm look in his eyes.
"Don't tell me you don't know."
"I'm not being coy, Devlin. I know you like me. I just don't know how many other girls get the royal treatment. There was a blond back there giving me evil looks. I don't want to step on someone else's territory."
He laughed.
"You are definitely not coy. Yes, I like you, if you want to call it that. No, there aren't any other girls. And no one has ever gotten the royal treatment before you. Ever."
She narrowed her eyes at him, undecided.
"Come here, Kaylie."
She stayed where she was, lifting her chin. He laughed again and was on her in a second, lifting her up and over his shoulder like she weighed less than a doll. She let out a squeal but that didn’t deter him.
He carried her back to the tree and leaned her against the rough bark. Then he leaned over her, boxing her in with his arms.
Her breath was coming fast and shallow as he leaned forward with a heavy lidded look in his eyes. She looked away, suddenly nervous. He lifted her chin with one hand, forcing her to meet his eyes.
What she saw there took her breath away. He wanted her. Even more than she realized. It was written all over his face.
"I know what I want and I go after it. I don't lie and I don't cheat. I'll take care of you if you let me, Kaylie."
Her mouth opened slightly at his proclamation.
"Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?"
He just grinned and leaned forward, his mouth less than an inch from her ear. His breath fanned her sensitive skin, making her break out in goosebumps all over.
"I'm asking for a little more than that. I play for keeps."
"Oh."
Her whole body was tingling from his nearness. She was trembling a little bit she realized. She hoped he didn't notice. He kissed her ear and below it, nuzzling her neck deliciously with his soft lips.
"So?"
"What?"
Her voice sounded breathy, a ridiculous caricature of an easy woman to her ears. He kept kissing her neck, working back up to her ear.
"Is the answer yes?"
She could barely think but she managed to get out a shaky nod and a whispered yes. He lifted his head and smiled. He was staring down at her with a triumphant look on his face.
"Good. Because I wouldn't have left you alone anyway."
She should have been annoyed at that but she wasn't. He was heavy handed and bossy, but his fingers were so gentle as they stroked her cheek. She didn’t take offense at his words. Instead it sounded like a proclamation of something.
Something deep and true.
They both moaned as he finally kissed her, their breath commingling as they grasped each other desperately. He lifted her slightly, pushing her back into the tree trunk and pressing his body against hers. He wedged his narrow hips between her thighs. She gasped at the feeling of his hardness pressing into her belly.
Oh god, he wanted to…
She let out a loud squeak and froze up. He was laughing again as he pulled away, stroking her hair gently.
"No Kaylie I'm not going to try to do that in a public park."
"I knew that."
His stunning green eyes were warm and tender and knowing all at once.
"Did you?"
She just stared at him, hoping her breath would return to normal, hoping she'd get used to the whirlwind of emotions he created in her so easily. It was annoying, how easy it was for him to turn her upside down. She decided it was important that he didn't know the extent of the control he had over her body and senses.
She had to play it cool. It wouldn’t be easy, but she had to try. Otherwise he’d run away with her heart and she’d be left without it.
She had to try and trick the Devil.
Chapter 10
Devlin
Devlin stared down at Kaylie. Her gorgeous breasts were heaving with excitement. Her innocence did something strange to him.
It made him feel like this was all new.
He wanted to toss her over his shoulder and carry her into the woods and have his way with her. He could imagine her writhing beneath him as he took her for the first time. She would be sweet and shy as he had his way with her six ways from Sunday.<
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In fact, he was sorely tempted to find a place- any place as long as it was nearby- to spend the rest of the day taking her. But he knew it wouldn't do. Kaylie was not the sort of girl you screwed in the woods or a parking lot.
Plus she still looked concerned about something, even though he'd kissed her senseless less than a minute before.
"Any other questions for me sweetheart?"
"Yes. I mean, just one."
"Go ahead."
"Why me? It can't just be my-"
He grinned and raised an eyebrow.
"Your charms?"
She nodded sheepishly and he almost laughed. Kaylie might be shy about the way she looked or the effect she had on men, but he was not.
“You must know you are gorgeous.”
She shrugged and he knew instantly that she might have a hint, but she definitely did not know. Not about the way she made a man feel when he thought about having her, or even just looking at her.
Not a thing.
Her ‘charms’ were exceptional and certainly part of the reason he'd been drawn to her. She was way beyond pretty, with her big eyes and sweetheart lips. And her luscious body would put any celebrity to shame. Her long dark hair and silky skin made his hands itch to touch her.
He’d never had a type before but if he had, she would be it.
But that wasn't how he'd first noticed her. He’d had a much more important reason. In fact, he had started going to the diner because of Johnny.
"That's part of it. You are incredibly beautiful, Kaylie."
She looked doubtful at that. He tried not to laugh again. His girl was sheer perfection. Beautiful but not vain, naturally sexy without any artifice or vulgarity. She deserved an answer though, not flattery. He took a deep breath, hoping she wouldn't take this the wrong way.
"It started with Johnny."
"Johnny? The little boy who-"
He nodded. Johnny was mentally disabled. Sweet kid, industrious, even had a paper route. But he was special, and he'd had a hard time of it with the other kids making fun of him around the neighborhood.
