Beautiful Moves: A Motorcycle Club, Shifter, Romance (Shifting Steel Book 3)

by Stephanie West

  That’s probably for the best. I don’t think I can hold onto you and hold it together.

  Wolf pointed toward a shiny truck. “You got a driver’s license?”

  “Of course. I can even work a stick.”

  Ella realized what she’d said the moment Wolf’s eyebrows rose. Ella’s cheeks flamed. She hadn’t meant it to sound dirty, but it came out that way.

  Why are you constantly embarrassing yourself in front of this man?

  “Can you now?” He winked then tossed her a set of keys.

  “Zip it, buster.”

  “But you’re such an easy mark.”

  “I know. Thanks for pointing it out. So, you want me to drive?” she asked slightly confused.

  “Yep.”

  “Alright.”

  Ella jumped up into the Chevy cab. It took no time at all to get to the clubhouse. Ella parked and handed Wolf the keys.

  “Nope, keep those.”

  “Huh?”

  “I got the truck to haul things, but I also figure you can drive it. I was serious when I said I didn’t want you walking around after dark. Hell, I don’t like you walking around in daylight.”

  “Um, Wolf.” Ella didn’t know what to say.

  “Come on. Stop thinking so hard. It’s not like I’m giving it to you.” Wolf led her into the clubhouse.

  “Thank you, but it’s still not necessary.”

  Wolf waved her off. Ella shook her head in disbelief.

  “You guys spend a ton of time here, don’t you?” Ella asked as she saw another car in the lot.

  “Yeah, we’re a rather social pack. My grandfather built the building to so everyone would have a place to get together.”

  “It’s a nice location.”

  The clubhouse was far enough from anyone else, who might complain about the biker’s rowdy behavior.

  “Yeah. He liked the woods beyond,” Wolf pointed to the stand of mature trees, as they headed inside.

  “Hey, Char.” Ella waved when she entered the main room of the clubhouse.

  Ella found Char more personable than she expected. She was a woman you wouldn’t mess with, but she was kind.

  “How’s it going, Cotton Tail?”

  “Seriously, Sis, that’s not nice,” Wolf admonished.

  “No, no, no. I earned the nickname fair and square. I’m gonna own it,” Ella insisted.

  “Well, whatever floats your boat, Princess.” Wolf shook his head. “So, Char, where’s the brain trust with dinner? My cousins are still on my shit list, since this happened on their watch,” Wolf said as he pointed to the wrecked wall.

  “I’m sure they’ll be along any time now.”

  “Let me show you what I have.” Ella approached the island.

  She was excited to see Wolf’s reaction to her designs. With Char there, it would only add to the fun. Ella pulled the binder out of her bag, and started laying pages on the counter. Wolf was quiet as he stared at the paint and fabric swatches. Char sidled up to Wolf and glanced down at the inspiration images. His sister started to smile a broad, rotten grin.

  “Shhh,” Ella mouthed silently to her co-conspirator.

  Ella spent almost as much time working on her little joke, as she had the real design. The fake design wasn’t overtly feminine, but it also wasn’t uber masculine either.

  “This color is called Amaretto.” Ella pointed to the dark cherry paint swatch. “I was thinking we’d apply it in a suede texture.” Ella swept her hand toward the walls. “Oh, and these tufted leather armchairs should be easy to clean. In black, they’ll look nice with the burgundy tone on the wall.”

  Wolf looked at her with one brow raised ever so slightly. Ella was having a hard time not laughing. She didn’t know how much longer she’d be able to string him along.

  “Since you liked my mural, I sketched this,” Ella continued.

  Wolf

  There was something off about Ella. Her scent was different, lighter somehow. Wolf didn’t know her well enough, to know what it meant… yet. However, Char was fidgeting the way she usually did when she was up to mischief.

  Ella’s design wasn’t awful. It was actually very good, just not for the clubhouse. The deep sultry red she picked out, was better suited for a high-end strip club. Wolf imagined sitting back in the leather chair with a cocktail, as Little-Miss-Straight-Laced treated him to a private dance, wearing those thigh-high stockings and not much else.

  Ella unrolled a large drawing and Wolf just stared at it with a mix of amusement and awe. Ella was screwing with him. She sketched the royal coat of arms from England, but instead of the lion, she substituted a wolf opposite the unicorn.

  “Oh my god, Cotton Tail, I can’t hold it in anymore,” Char burst. “You seriously broke out the unicorn. And I think I have lipstick that color,” she snickered as she pointed at the paint.

  “I couldn’t help myself after our conversation,” Ella giggled.

  Wolf loved the sound. He took a deep breath, savoring the sweet scent Ella exuded.

  Wolf looked back down at the drawing. For a joke, it was damn impressive. The way the wolf reared on its haunches, claws out, and fangs bared, it looked ready to attack. Even the unicorn wasn’t bad. But it was the motorcycle engine she’d drawn in place of the shield, that floored him.

  “Ella, is that a Harley knucklehead engine in the middle?” he asked.

  “I thought the engine with those two barrels on top had nice symmetry.” Ella traced the design with her delicate manicured finger.

  It may have been a prank, but she put a lot of thought into it. She created a real work of art. Wolf couldn’t believe Ella did all this, just to tease him. Something about that got him hard, not that he needed much help where Ella was concerned. Wolf shifted to adjust himself, his jeans tighter than comfortable.

  “I like it,” Wolf finally said with all seriousness. He couldn’t resist turning the tables on her.

  “Wait huh?” Ella’s eyes flew to Wolf’s. “Wolf, this isn’t the real plan. I’ve got something else I think you might like better. You can’t seriously want a unicorn painted bigger than life on the wall. The leather chairs are nice and sturdy, but not enough to withstand a pack of bikers, who did that to a wall.” Her hands fluttered as she spoke.

  God, she’s so damn sexy all flustered. Wolf let Ella dangle. He liked the way she blushed and squirmed when he pinned her with his gaze.

  “I didn’t say I like it for the clubhouse. I was thinking about my bedroom.”

  Wolf stepped closer to Ella, invading her personal space. Her mouth hung open, and the flush on her cheeks moved to her chest. Was she imagining his bedroom?

  I hope she is.

  “Can you frame this drawing?”

  “Well… yeah, I guess I can frame it.” Ella looked damn cute when she scrunched up her nose, as she tilted her head, and scowled. “This didn’t go exactly the way I planned.”

  “Char you’ve been slacking in the practical joke department. Ella here, has turned it into an art form,” Wolf chuckled.

  “My pranks are more spur of the moment. I don’t think I have the staying power to pull off something like this.”

  “I like the shirts.” Ella nudged Char.

  “Don’t encourage her,” Wolf admonished. “So, you said you have something else to show me.”

  After seeing what Ella considered a joke, Wolf couldn’t wait to see what she planned for real. Ella pulled out another binder and laid it open on the counter. Her demeanor changed, and she took on a professional stance as she pointed to the first picture.

  “I kept things simple. We’ll pull up the old chipped linoleum floor, and finish the bare concrete. We’ll do the counter and bar in concrete as well.”

  “Nice. Is that wood paneling?” Wolf pointed at a magazine clip.

  Ella nodded.

  “The reclaimed wood, installed horizontally on the walls, will take a ton of abuse. I don’t know if it can withstand a motorcycle, but what can. If something happens
, you can easily replace it.” Ella pulled out some pictures printed off the internet. “I found this awesome furniture.” She looked excited, as she pointed out a rugged wood-frame couch. “This sofa is constructed so the wood pieces can be replaced if an arm or leg is broken. The cushions can be replaced too.”

  “That’s rather ingenious. We are hard on furniture.”

  “Yeah, I can tell. This will stave off that college frat house look. I hope you like the stain I chose.”

  “It’s a nice deep color,” Wolf commented.

  “It’s used motor oil.”

  “Huh?” Char interjected.

  Wolf was also curious.

  “Hear me out. All the wood is replaceable. But what happens when you can’t find what stain was used. The replaced piece would look weird. This way, the color is repeatable, and I’m sure you guys have more than enough motor oil.”

  “True.” Wolf smiled at Ella’s zeal. The design was simple but had a natural yet modern feel. “I like it. I really do. I think we can maintain this.”

  “So, do you want to hear the price tag?” Ella asked.

  “I’m not worried.”

  “You won’t need a permit, and I’m more than capable of supervising the contractors. I’m pretty hands on. That should help keep costs down.”

  “Ella, money is not a problem. You’ve got the truck along with several guys at your disposal.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Anything you need it’s yours.”

  “Wow, okay, great. I’m glad you like it.” Ella’s smile was stunning.

  Wolf nearly clutched his chest.

  Ella

  Ella nibbled on a piece of pizza crust as everyone chatted and joked. The bikers were a rough and tumble group, but they were close knit. It reminded her of her relationship with Sabine. Some people might have been nervous around Wolf’s crew, but Ella was more comfortable in this group, than she had been in a long time.

  “So, Cotton Tail, are you up for a drinking game?” Jericho asked.

  She recalled he was the trouble maker. Though all the guys and girls she’d met so far seemed to have a sense of humor and a rotten streak.

  “Jericho, you’re just pissed you didn’t get a chance to see her drunk, the other night,” Char retorted.

  “Don’t fall for it, Ella,” Wolf warned.

  “I know I’m small, but I can hold my booze pretty well.”

  “Yeah you can,” Kayla interjected. “How many jello shots did you do the other night?”

  “I don’t know. You want to play a game. Sure, why not.” Ella shrugged.

  An hour later, Ella was ready to eat her words as they played the game Cards Against Humanity. It was a fast-paced game that was so raunchy, Ella spent half the time blushing. Anyone who’s card wasn’t picked had to drink. It was seriously testing the boundaries of her metabolism.

  “Ella, are you doing alright?” Wolf asked with a concerned look on his face.

  Ella looked closely at Wolf. His dark wavy hair was in disarray, but it looked totally natural on him. He shaved the stubble off his chin, and Ella wanted to feel his cheek, to see how smooth it was. Her fingers itched to rub away the crease in his brow.

  “Princess, are you doing okay?” he repeated.

  “Uh, yeah.” Ella shook her head emphatically. “I’m good. Just all warm and yummy feeling.”

  “Yummy huh?” Wolf smiled. His firm lips looked delicious. “I think you’re good for the night. I don’t want you getting sick.”

  “I’ve never puked.” Ella hiccupped and covered her mouth.

  “I’m shocked she kept up,” Tony spoke up, looking impressed.

  “Sadly, I’ve practiced more than I should’ve.”

  “We all have. Do you want me to take you home?” Wolf asked.

  Ella was tipsy, but she was having fun. Her quirky gift was behaving, so there was no reason to call it a night.

  “The night is young. I’m good, I promise.”

  “I believe you. What do you want to do?”

  Ella got a silly idea. It went right along with the rowdy card game they just played.

  “How about we play truth or dare.” Ella grinned.

  She wanted to learn more about Wolf. This would be her chance.

  “I like it,” Char clapped.

  “I get to go first,” Ella insisted. “Wolf, truth or dare.”

  Wolf shook his head. He was obviously humoring her juvenile whim.

  “Dare.”

  Ella frowned. She hadn’t been prepared for that one. Now she had to come up with a dare.

  “Well since your name is Wolf, act like a dog.”

  “It’s not an act, Princess. I am a dog. Now do you want a big dog or a little one, like that killer of yours?”

  “Both,” Ella giggled.

  Wolf slid off the sofa, onto his hands and knees. He snarled convincingly at all the men, his shoulders stiff, as he strutted about, like a bulldog. The guys started laughing when he lifted his leg and pretended to piss on Vick.

  “Bad dog,” Vick growled in amusement as he shoved Wolf away.

  Wolf crawled toward Ella and she went quiet. Seeing him on his hands and knees in front of her, had her thinking things she had no business dwelling on. He sat back on his knees, with his hands up, and yipped, then panted with his tongue sticking out.

  “You gonna hump her leg?” Jericho asked, making everyone laugh some more.

  “Okay, that’s enough,” Ella snorted.

  “I’ve seen all sorts of wild shit in this clubhouse, but I’m pretty sure that’s a first,” Mark laughed. “Why didn’t someone break out their camera?”

  “I’ve seen some of the sweet butts do a similar impression,” Vick commented.

  “My turn. Kayla truth or dare?” Mark turned toward the blonde.

  “Truth.”

  “Tell us about your first kiss.” Mark clearly had a thing for Kayla.

  “Aw crap. It was embarrassing,” Kayla groaned “I was fourteen, and had this huge crush on a guy who rode my bus. One day I went over to his house after school. I didn’t know how to act. I was all excited and nervous. I just knew something was going to happen. He sat down on the couch, and as I approached him I tripped. My hand landed right between his legs, near his crotch. I was so embarrassed. He leaned in and kissed me. I was too stunned to do anything back except kneel there, like an idiot. I ran all the way home afterwards.”

  Ella could sympathize. Something a bit more extreme had happened to her. Unfortunately, she was so nervous, she launched her poor boyfriend across the room, when he tried to lock lips with her. When he woke up, she told him he slipped and passed out, then never talked to him again.

  “Ella, truth or dare?” Char asked.

  “Truth.”

  “When did you see your first cock?”

  Ella choked, not expecting that question.

  “Yes, tell us.” Wolf smiled a wicked grin.

  “Well do you want to know about the first penis or the testicles?” Ella blushed just saying the words out loud.

  “Very clinical. How about both,” Char teased.

  “Okay. I can’t believe I’m telling people this.” Ella shook her head. “I was eleven, and a girlfriend and I were riding our bikes to the pool in our neighborhood. There was this old guy working on his car. He was laying underneath it, wearing these outdated short shorts. Not a good look on a man. Anyway, there was something hanging out of his shorts. I stopped and stared at it, trying to figure out what the heck I was looking at.”

  “Which was it?” Kayla leaned forward.

  “My girlfriend and I rode on, then circled back around again. We couldn’t figure it out, and had to get a better look.” Ella couldn’t repress her snort. “It looked like ground up hamburger meat, or a really big wad of chewing gum,” Ella broke down in laughter.

  “Fucking hell! You were staring at some dirty old man’s balls,” Wolf roared in amusement.

  “I know that now.” Ella’s chee
ks heated.

  “Okay, I have to hear the rest.” Char wiped the tears from her eyes.

  Ella tried to calm herself. She couldn’t get too riled up or things might get more interesting than they currently were. She took several deep breaths before starting her next story.

  “When I was twelve, my mom took me to a park. She was trying to be healthy, so were going to go for a little hike. I think she felt guilty I spent a lot of time home alone. We were only on the trail for a minute. You could still see the entrance to the woods, so it’s not like we were at some remote location. We came across a guy sitting on a log. My mom quickly started to push me past the guy, but it wasn’t fast enough. I noticed the guy was stroking a fleshy sausage. I wasn’t ignorant, so I knew what I was looking at. I just never expected it to look like a pink turtle.”

  “Shut-up. You’re killing me.” Jericho slapped his thigh.

  “It gets worse. My mom pushed me in front of her. I’m sure she wanted to be between me and the pervert behind us. I don’t think I walked more than fifty yards, when we came to a small clearing. There were two guys laid out on their backs, really enjoying nature in their birthday suits. We got the heck out of the park, and my mother declared nature was overrated.”

  “I am never going to be able to look at turtles the same way again. I think we’re done. I can’t handle anymore.” Wolf shook his head trying not to laugh.

  He rose from the couch and reached a hand out to help Ella up.

  “Are we heading back?” she asked.

  When Ella took his hand the heat from his touch spread up her arm, causing goosebumps to rise on her skin. Oh, she shivered, attempting to tamp down the rising surge.

  “All that talk about walking through the woods, got me thinking some fresh air sounded good,” Wolf said as he led her out a side door, toward the trees behind the clubhouse.

  “You sure you want to come out here? I don’t have a good track record walking in the woods,” Ella joked.

  “I heard.” Wolf grinned and squeezed her hand. “Do you think they put an ad on Craig’s list? All perverts meet at the park, Tuesday at six.”

  “I think it was Tinder. They were in the woods, get it, Tinder,” Ella giggled at her own pathetic pun.

  “Yes, I got it, funny girl. I think it’s a good thing we cut you off.”