He looks away from me, as if gathering his composure, then says, “You didn’t even take the new room key.”
“I knew you would,” I admit, getting myself under control. After a few moments, I intertwine his hand in mine, still feeling the heat between us but knowing that waiting until later will make it even more amazing. “Now, Ardan, where exactly are we going?”
SIX
“WELL, this wasn’t what I was expecting,” I say, smiling up at him. “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?”
He smiles and holds on to the wall. “I’ve never been before, so I wanted to try it. It’s fuckin’ slippery, though. How the fuck is anyone meant to do this?”
I arch my brows. “It’s ice. What did you expect it to be like?”
He scowls and shuffles his skates along the ice at a snail’s pace.
“If only your MC buddies could see you now,” I tease, pulling out my phone. “I need a photo of this. Fuck, you look so cute.” I giggle, making him narrow his eyes and stop moving.
“Come on, show me what you have, then, darlin’.”
I skate in a circle around him. “I can’t do anything fancy, but I went ice-skating a few times when I was a kid.”
“And it’s like riding a bicycle?” he asks dryly, letting go of the barricades and pushing forward.
I hook my arm through his and slow down, helping him along. “You’ll get the hang of it soon enough.”
“Fuckin’ better,” he grumbles, glancing around. “There are kids skating circles around me right now.”
“Well, your ego does need to be taken down a notch,” I say with a straight face. “I love how they play music in the rink. Makes me want to dance.”
I put my free arm above my head and twirl it around.
Ardan grins. “Humiliating myself is worth it to see you having a good time. I wasn’t sure if you’d enjoy yourself.” He pauses. “I can’t remember the last time I took a woman on a date, so fuck if I wasn’t unsure about the whole thing.”
“I am having a good time,” I say, looking over at him. He can’t remember the last time he had a date? Well, neither can I. I’m glad he took me somewhere a little different—it shows that he put some thought into it, which I definitely can appreciate. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
He pulls me to a stop and places his hands on my hips, drawing me closer.
“What do you want?” I ask playfully as he lowers his lips to mine.
“Just a taste,” he says, eyes on my mouth.
“A taste of what’s to come?”
He smiles.
Cupping the back of my neck with one hand, he kisses me deeply, his tongue tasting mine. He moans—or was that me? This kiss is unlike any I’ve ever experienced. It’s more than just possessive; it’s hungry. I can actually feel the want radiating from him. The need. I can taste it in his kiss, in the way he holds me.
When he pulls away, I’m left weak in the knees. I have to cling to him for support.
It’s in this moment that I decide without a doubt I want to be with this man, to see where it leads us. I don’t want to let Darren stop me. My past shouldn’t have control over my future.
“Now that’s a kiss,” I breathe, licking my lips. “Can we go home now?”
He chuckles. “After I learn how to fuckin’ ice-skate.”
“We’ll be here all night, then,” I grumble, but I can’t wipe the smile off my face.
“Don’t worry,” he says, moving along the ice with my hand in his. “I’m a fast learner.”
We leave in two hours.
He kisses along my jawline, and then down my neck.
“You know you don’t have to do this if you’re not ready,” he murmurs, biting down gently on my earlobe.
“Why do I think that’s the first time you’ve ever said that to a woman?” I tease, closing my eyes and enjoying his lips against my skin.
“Because it is,” he says, and I feel him smile against my neck.
“I want you,” I whisper. “Now’s not the time to be a gentleman, Ardan.”
He lifts his head at that, then kisses my mouth while pushing down the straps of my tank top, along with my bra straps. I sit up enough so I can reach behind me to undo my bra. He pulls it off for me, throwing it aside, then pulls down my top to my waist, baring my breasts and stomach to him.
“Fuck,” he grits out, cupping my breasts with his hands and squeezing gently. “You’re beautiful everywhere.”
I look down at my boobs, which are currently completely covered by his hands, because there isn’t much there in the first place.
“You haven’t even seen everywhere,” I say, undoing my jeans and struggling out of them. Ardan helps, then studies my red lace panties before taking those off too.
“Perfect,” he murmurs, spreading my thighs and flashing me a playful look before kissing my inner thighs, one and then the other. “You smell so good.”
I lie back on the pillow but keep my gaze locked on him as he slowly explores my body. He slides one finger inside me, then drags it to my clit, gently rubbing there. It feels amazing, as if he already knows just how I like it, as if we’ve done this a million times before. It feels that right.
He then removes his finger and puts his mouth on me, his tongue expertly licking me.
I’m not going to last long.
He reaches his hand up to play with one of my nipples while his mouth works its magic, now concentrating on my clit in soft, slow circles.
“Ardan,” I say in a sigh, arching my back a little as I get closer.
He ignores me.
I run my fingers over his scalp, gently tugging on his hair.
“I’m going to come,” I warn.
He starts licking faster.
I fall apart.
“Oh my god, don’t stop!” I plead as it hits, waves sweeping over me. My thighs tremble, and I grip his hair harder than I mean to, the pleasure too much yet not enough at the same time. When he’s wrung every last spasm out of me, he lifts his head, licking his lips and looking smug.
My lips kick up on one side. “Yeah, you did well.”
“Just getting started, darlin’,” he says, sitting up on his knees and undoing his belt.
“Let me do that,” I say, rising and taking it off, then unbuttoning his jeans and lowering the zipper. He does the rest of the work, standing up and peeling off everything. I peruse his body slowly, from head to toe and back again.
“Biker with no tats?” I tease, my eyes on his perfectly muscled body.
He grins wolfishly and turns around.
“Fuck,” I mutter, taking in the giant dragon on his back. And that isn’t the only tattoo he has—no, his entire back is covered from top to bottom, stopping just above his very attractive ass.
“You’re so sexy,” I blurt out, watching as he turns back around and stalks toward me, his eyes darker than ever. Unable to help myself, I glance down at his huge cock, hard and jutting out, more than ready for me.
“Well, hello there,” I mutter, glancing up at him to see amusement flashing in his eyes.
I lie back as he moves on top of me, not putting his weight on me, but his proximity is intoxicating even so.
“Are you on the pill?” he asks, burying his face in my neck and kissing me.
“Y-yes,” I say, moaning as he sucks on my neck.
“Normally I never sleep with women without condoms,” he says, lifting his head to look me in the eye. “If you want me to wear one, I will, but I’m clean, and, to be honest, I’d love to be inside you bareback.”
“Okay,” I say, trusting him. “I want you inside me, now.”
“Demanding little thing, aren’t you?” He grins, before slamming his lips down on mine in a deep, hungry kiss that has my head reeling.
I reach dow
n between us and stroke his cock, bringing him against me, wanting him to push inside. He brings his hips forward, gently entering me in one smooth thrust. Feeling deliciously full with him inside me, I lift my hips, pushing back against him. His strokes become harder and he grabs my wrists, raising them above my head and pressing them into the mattress, pinning me there so I can’t move them.
His mouth still on me, his tongue masterfully tangling with mine, he fucks me better than I’ve ever been fucked before, with a need and intensity I could get addicted to. His mouth leaves mine, only to pay attention to my nipples, biting down on them gently, sending a zing of pleasure straight to my core.
“Beautiful,” he murmurs, kissing back up my neck and letting go of my wrists.
“So good, Ardan,” I groan, threading my fingers through his hair. He lowers his mouth again, kissing his way down.
“Love being inside of you,” he grits out, then continues to lick, suck, and bite my nipples. My second orgasm of the night creeps up on me quickly, hitting me hard as noises come out of my mouth I don’t think I’ve ever made before. He comes soon after me, his movements turning fast and hard, but his eyes turning softer than I’ve ever seen them.
“Fuck,” he rumbles, never looking away as he finishes inside me, then rests his forehead on mine. He places a kiss on my jawline, then lies on the bed next to me, bringing me into his arms.
“Can we do that again?” I ask, making him chuckle.
“Fuck yeah we can,” he says, kissing my shoulder. “I want you to ride me next time.”
“I think I can manage that,” I say, shutting my eyes and smiling. “I think maybe we should have a small nap first.”
We both fall asleep.
SEVEN
I WAKE up wrapped in his arms, and sneak away to use the bathroom, have a quick shower, and brush my teeth. He’s still sleeping when I’m done, so I decide to make some breakfast. I’m frying some bacon when he walks into the kitchen butt naked, as if he does it every day.
“’Morning,” he says, voice husky from sleep.
“’Morning,” I reply, smiling. “How did you sleep?”
“Like a fuckin’ baby,” he says, glancing into the pan. “You making me breakfast?”
I nod. “I am. So step away from the frying pan, because you’re going to get burned.”
He smirks but does as I ask, sitting down at the table. “We didn’t get to our third round.”
I shake my head at him. He woke me up in the middle of the night, his hand between my legs and his mouth on my neck, and I rode him until we both came. I feel a little sore this morning, but in a delicious way. At the mention of more sex, however, I still find myself interested, my body already responding. I turn off the stove and walk over to him. He reaches out and puts his hands on my hips, lifting me onto the table and sliding me right in front of him. He then pushes my legs apart, peeks up at me and grins. He lifts my skirt and slides his finger underneath my panties, touching my center gently.
“Are you sore?” he asks, not looking up at me.
“I’m fine,” I reply, lying a little, because I didn’t want him to stop what he was about to do.
“Liar,” he says, moving his hand and placing a soft kiss over my panties.
“Can you not study me there so closely?” I grumble, trying to squeeze my legs shut.
“I’ve seen all of you, Valentina.” He smirks, running his hand down my inner thigh in a soothing motion. “You don’t have work today?”
I shake my head. “No, we alternate Saturdays.”
I told him all about my job last night, just how much I’m enjoying it, and that I was also pretty damn good at it.
“What do you have going on today?” I ask him, cupping his face with my hands. “Biker stuff?”
He turns his face and kisses my hand. “I’ve got some biker stuff tonight, but I’m yours until then.”
I tilt my head to the side and study him. “You never talk about the club.”
He kisses my knee, stands up, and heads to the counter, grabbing a plate and serving himself. “I know. I only talk about the club with the club.”
He doesn’t say it in a harsh way, but still, it stings. It makes me question everything, like why did I sleep with him so soon? How can I have such a connection with a man I haven’t known that long, a man who obviously has his own secrets?
What am I doing here right now?
I’m lost in my own thoughts when his face appears in front of mine. He kisses my lips and then says against them, “I want you to get to know me before you get to know the club, all right? I want to earn your trust, and I want you to earn mine.”
Every time I’m unsure about what exactly is going on here, I look into his eyes, and I see the sincerity in them. I listen to his words and hear the truth in them. Either I’m completely blinded by him, or he’s the real deal, a man I could trust, one who would have my back and make me feel safe. My past can’t haunt me with Ardan here, because he is bigger and scarier than everything else. He hasn’t shown me that side, but I know it; I feel it. He isn’t one to be messed with. But to me he is kinder and more thoughtful than any other man I’ve been around or know. Although, considering my ex, I guess that isn’t hard to beat.
I expel a sigh, then kiss him back. “Let’s eat.”
“And then?”
“And then, we’ll spend the day in bed, watching movies, spooning, and fucking,” I say bluntly, watching his expression.
“What do you want to watch?” he asks, looking amused for some reason.
I shrug my shoulders and jump down from the table. “I don’t know. I’m sure there’s something on Netflix.”
Ardan chuckles and raises his eyebrow at me.
“What’s so funny?”
“This is my first ever Netflix and chill,” he says, making me groan and cover my face with my hands.
“You’re way too old to even know that saying.”
He chuckles some more and finishes fixing his plate. When he hands it to me, I look at him, surprised. He served me first?
“Sit down,” he says, grabbing another plate. “I’ll bring you something to drink.”
I sit down and wait for him to join me, thinking how crazy it is that things can change so drastically in such a short period of time. The tables are always turning, and I just hope I get to stay in this happy period for as long as possible.
I think I deserve it.
Two weeks later
“What do you think?” I ask Sally, running my fingers through her now short blond hair.
“I love it!” she squeals, turning her head from side to side. “I think the short cut suits me.”
“So do I,” I say, framing her face with the longer ends at the front. “It looks stunning on you.”
Sally stands up and looks at me. “Thank you, Tina. I really love it.”
“You’re welcome,” I reply, beaming. I watch as she walks to reception, where Lin is waiting to take her payment.
“I’m going on my break, Jess,” I call out, since I don’t have any clients booked for the next hour anyway.
“No problem,” Jess replies. “Can you get me a coffee while you’re out?”
“Sure,” I tell her, grabbing my bag and leaving the salon. I cross the road and walk to the café, ordering two coffees and a muffin. While I wait, I send Ardan a quick message, telling him I can’t wait to see him after work. He replies back instantly, saying that he can’t wait either. I smile like a lovesick schoolgirl who hasn’t yet been burned by the world, then send another message, this time to Lacey, asking how she’s been and saying that I hope she’s doing all right. Then, coffees and muffin in my hands, I return to the salon and pass Jess her coffee.
“Thanks, doll,” she says, eyeing it eagerly. “I don’t know how I’d make it through the day without coffee.”
<
br /> I’m about to reply when a tall, bulky-looking man walks into the salon. Looking extremely out of place, the man comes straight for Jess and smacks a kiss on her lips. I’m pretty sure he grabs her ass too.
“Trace, this is Tina,” Jess introduces. “Tina, this is my husband, Trace.”
He studies me in a way that has me shifting on my feet. “Nice to meet you, Tina.”
“You too,” I say, smiling at him.
He doesn’t smile back, instead looking at Jess. “Any way you can leave here early? We got something going on tonight.”
“Sure,” Jess says, turning and glancing at the schedules. “I can leave in an hour. I love the rare occasions when you drop by here, babe.” She steps closer to him and wraps her arms around his waist.
Trace whispers something in her ear while I slowly back away to eat my muffin in peace in our staff room. I’m halfway through it when Lacey sends me a reply, and her words make all the happiness around me disappear.
I’m good, honey. How are you? No one has seen Darren around here for a week. I hope he’s not searching for you, but be careful.
Just because no one has seen him doesn’t necessarily mean he’s out looking to make my life miserable. However, Lacey is right to warn me. I need to keep my eyes open and my guard up. If Darren really wants to find me, he can. He has the resources, and he isn’t above using them.
I send her a quick reply, then throw the rest of my muffin in the garbage, suddenly not hungry. I do finish my coffee, though, thinking about what exactly I would do if Darren found me. I don’t want to leave. I love it here, and I can’t hide from him forever. Something has to give. When is he going to leave me alone? I close my eyes and cover my face with my hands. It’s so unfair that after everything I’ve gone through, the past is still following me and he’s still trying to control my life. He doesn’t care about me, never did—he just sees me as a possession to fuck with. I don’t know how I ever loved someone like that; I don’t know what I ever saw in him. How could I be so wrong about a person? I just hope that I’ve learned my lesson and that I’m not wrong about Ardan. Isn’t the saying second time’s the charm? No, wait, that’s third. Dammit.
Dirty Ride Page 4
