Doll
Don’t get used to this, I remind myself. This is a ride. Tripp has promised me nothing. Eventually, I will return to the coast and Tripp back to his home. Whatever it is we’re doing here, it won’t last. My chest tightens at the thought of not having Tripp with me. How will all of this play out?
We get up, dress, and head out. The road time is beginning to wear on all of us. No one is overly talkative this morning as we go through the motions and get back on the road.
We cross into Nevada. After a brief stop for breakfast, we’re on the road again. Wondering where we are heading, I can’t contain my wild desire to venture away from the plan. Stopping at a gas station, I can’t help myself. Climbing off the bike, I try for innocence when asking.
“Tripp, can we have one night in Vegas?”
Smiling at me, Tripp asks as he’s getting off the bike and stretching. “Did you just bat your eyelashes at me?”
“Depends. Did it work?” I laugh. “I promise not to get you drunk and take you off to the little white chapel. And no marriages by an Elvis impersonator either.” I joke as I watch a serious expression cross his face at my words.
“Drunk or sober, this is one man that won’t be getting married anywhere, Vegas or not.”
“I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m sorry. It was a joke in poor taste obviously.” I say barely above whisper, feeling deflated. “It was a dumb idea, forget I mentioned it.” And with that I walk away, going to the safety of the restroom.
Does he ever let loose? The only time Tripp seems to relax is when we’re fucking or he’s in bed holding me. How does he relax? All work and no play isn’t the way to live life. Even my dad knows how to unwind.
Going back outside, I silently get back on the bike. We pull away off to who knows where, since Tripp obviously didn’t take my request seriously. The day is winding down as we reach our destination. Pulling into the hotel, I’m stunned. In the distance I can see the lights of sin city. It’s so close, yet so far.
Getting off the bike, I gather my things quietly, refusing to hide my disappointment. He could take us a little farther in and I would be there. We check in and take the elevator to our rooms. Tripp pulls Rex aside as I go in the room. Annoyed with Tripp, I go straight to the shower. When I finish, I come out to see Tripp laying clothes out on the bed, my clothes specifically.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Crossing my arms over my towel covered chest.
“We’re going out. Wear this.” He states, walking past me. He tugs at my towel, leaving me naked. He smacks my ass playfully before heading to the shower himself.
Going out? Where is he taking me tonight? Adrenaline rushes through me, as I dress in the short halter topped number with the matching red lace bra and thong Tripp picked out. Smiling as I think I’m glad I packed this.
Tripp exits the shower. His hair is down and his ink glistening as his skin is drying. Walking over to him, I reach up to touch him. He quickly stops me.
“You wanted to see Vegas. We’re gonna see the lights and have a night in sin city. You start something now and we won’t leave this room.”
Tripp easily gets ready, pulling on his jeans, a t-shirt, boots, and his cut. Sass and Rex meet us in the hallway, ready to go out. As we approach the strip, the lights illuminate everything around us making it feel larger than life. I see why it’s called sin city. The atmosphere sucks you in. I feel wild, reckless, and on fire to be as big as the buildings surrounding me.
Parking, we get off and make our way through the crowds. Tripp is tense beside me, his arm wrapped securely around my waist. Entering a nightclub, I’m ready to drink, dance, and let loose. Going to the bar first, Sass and I throw back a shot quickly. Lining up the next round, we are getting ready to let the fun begin. Tripp and Rex realize we plan to enjoy the evening for a while and order a beer each. We take our third shots, as a woman is already hanging on Rex.
Hello, do they not see that he’s here with us? I get it, he’s hot. Well, they’re both hot because he and Tripp could easily pass for brothers, their family resemblance is striking. Rex has long hair like Tripp’s but lighter in color. Where Tripp has golden flaked hazel eyes and no visible piercings, Rex has green eyes and a tongue ring that peeks out when he talks. Do women typically throw themselves at Tripp like this? I’m sure they do. Hell, I tried in my own subtle way the first time we met.
Tugging on my arm pulls me out of my musings. Sass is guiding me away from the bar and to the dance floor. Tripp grabs me, halting my forward progress. Pulling me up against him, he growls in my ear.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“To dance,” I answer crossing my arms over my chest.
“No.”
“No! You don’t fucking own me Tripp. I’m going to dance with my best friend. We’re in sin city. Drop the control. Let loose for one night. Quit taming the wild inside of you and let everything go. For tonight, be in the moment. Be here with me, Tripp.” I go from anger to pleading. Truth is, I don’t want to dance with anyone but Tripp.
Before I can finish my ramblings his mouth crashes onto mine in another one of those kisses that I get lost in. He consumes me with every touch, every kiss, and every word. I groan against him, liquid courage coursing through me as the earlier shots hit my system. Pulling Tripp to the dance floor with me, I grind against him as he kisses and sucks all over my neck. He’s not really moving as much as he’s keeping his hands and mouth all over me, as I keep the rhythm of the songs going with my hips. He allows me four songs before taking me back over to the bar. Leaning over, he gives Rex some sort of information, then Rex gives a slight nod before smiling at me. I blush as Tripp is now eagerly guiding me by the hand out of the club. He doesn’t say anything. Have I pissed him off? Was someone there watching me? Are we in danger?
Tripp
Unable to take one more second of her grinding her ass against me, knowing that skimpy red thong is begging to be removed, I decide we should leave. Rather than give her an opportunity to stay longer I pull her out with me giving no explanation.
As soon as I get the door shut and locked to our room, I scoop her up and back her into the wall as she wraps her legs around me. Pushing the scrap of fabric of her dress up over her ass, I pull hard on the small side thread of her thong, ripping it off. Rubbing my finger between her folds, she’s drenched and ready for me. I bite into the skin of her shoulder as I undo my jeans, releasing my hard cock.
“Take me Talon. Now.” She rocks against me. Without another word, I sink into her. She trembles at the contact, crying out in satisfaction. Pounding into her with no restraint, her head falls back banging hard into the wall. I brace my hand behind her head, pushing her ass into the wall hard with every thrust.
“Harder, Talon.” My name coming off her lips is the sound of pure bliss.
No longer able to hold back, I crush my lips to her mouth. Her nails are digging harshly into my shoulders even through my shirt. Taking my hand from her head, I take both her thighs and push her into the wall as I pull almost completely out and slam back into her. Thrust after thrust she’s taking everything I’m giving her and demanding more. The buildup in both of our bodies is climbing higher and higher than anything I’ve ever felt before. She’s squeezing my cock like no one has before. My piercing hits the spot. She’s shaking so hard she’s unable to hold herself onto me anymore. Wrapping one arm under her ass, the other to her back, I cradle her to me, as she milks my dick with her aftershocks. My balls tighten, my release closing in.
“Talon, you’re worth everything.” She whispers sending me over the edge, spilling my seed deep inside her. I’ve not been anything to anyone since my grandparents died. Gently, I pull out. Setting her legs on the ground, I make sure she’s stable before I remove her dress.
Leaning down, I kiss her before guiding us over to the bed as I remove my clothing. Laying her down, I stroke my thumb over her cheek. Having her naked under me, her words on repeat in my head, she’s my angel. She’s a hea
ven sent treasure, the light in the darkness, the calm in the chaos, and she’s damn sure everything to me. We may have nothing beyond this ride, this night, but this is a moment that will forever be ours and one I will never forget.
Kissing her slowly, I run my hand down her side lightly, just grazing her skin. At her thigh, I work my way back up, she raises up seeking more contact. I kiss her neck, running my teeth gently against her shoulder, as I continue feathering her skin with soft touches. My cock quickly becomes hard again. Her hands are pulling at my hair as she’s begging for more. I lick around her nipple, then blow, causing it to come to life further. Taking it in my mouth I suck hard.
“Talon, please,” she whimpers.
Settling myself between her thighs, I enter her slowly. She’s everything, this is everything. Gliding in and out of her, I take in every inch of her body. She’s reaching up, trying to speed up seeking friction and release.
“Give me this, Doll. If tonight is everything, give it to me slow, baby. Take in every second and every breath with me, darlin’.” And with that, I kiss her with everything I have in me.
There’s nothing left of me that she doesn’t own whether she knows it or not. No matter what the future holds, Doll will always have me in a way I will never be able to give to anyone else.
After treasuring her body for a few hours, we clean up in the shower and go to bed. How will I sleep without her when we return home? She belongs in my bed, in my arms, and with me. She deserves better than me, but I can’t let go. She’s gonna walk away at the end of this ride and I’m going to be forever lost, as she takes pieces of me with her.
Chapter Twenty Eight
I Could Get Used To This
Doll
Since Vegas, our ride has been one of ease and comfort, for the most part. Long days, back to back, on a bike are not comfortable and leave you stiff and sore. We’ve passed through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. Tripp and I have since shared five nights of passion. He’s even adjusted some of the accommodations to ensure we have our own private room. I can’t get enough of this man.
The more I get to know him, the more I crave everything about him. I find myself looking forward to our evenings alone. He’s taken my body through highs I’ve never felt before. It’s more than sex though. We talk every night as he holds me close.
He shares little pieces of himself with me each day. He’s told me how my dad made him get serious. My dad taught him not only how to run a club but to run a business.
The love he has for his grandparents. His mom took off the first time when he was only days old. His grandparents stepped in and took care of him. When his mom came back months later, they tried to give her the space to be his mom. According to his Aunt, his mom was young and she didn’t have the patience to raise a rambunctious little boy and would take out her frustrations on him. He was just a toddler. His grandparents made the hard decision to put his safety first and kicked her out to save him further abuse after she broke his arm when he was two years old. There are so many pieces to the puzzle that make up Talon Ward Crews. Every little detail adds to the depth of my feelings for this man.
Stopping at a truck stop for dinner, Sass and I head in first to use the restroom and get a table. Just like every other truck stop in America, it has a gas station, open area for kiosks to sell a multitude of items from cell phones to truck accessories. There are showers inside the restroom, an internet café, and a full restaurant serving everything from Chinese, to Mexican, to Pizza. We settle ourselves into a booth while we wait for the guys to finish pumping gas.
“Okay girl, I love seeing you happy, but damn I miss our girl time.” A sad expression is in her eyes.
“I know Sass. I can’t help it. You know when we get back home this is all over for me.” I say fighting to keep my tears at bay.
“Doll, are you prepared to let him go?”
“What choice do I have? Prepared for it, hell no. I’ll deal with it when the time comes. There is no other option but to let him go.” I reply, looking across the table at her trying to reassure myself that I can walk away from Tripp at the end of this ride.
“You love him, don’t you?” Pausing, I’m unsure if I’m ready to answer this question.
“Yes.” I whisper. My admission settles on my chest like a pallet of bricks. How does someone prepare to say goodbye to the first person to make them feel truly alive? When the time comes I’ll have no choice but to say goodbye. Tripp’s life is in Catawba, not at the coast. I may be accepting of his lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean I actually fit into his life.
Someone touching my hair, tucking it behind my ear, brings me out of my musings. Looking up, I’m met with crystal blue eyes. The man before me is handsome enough and his confidence makes him all the more attractive. He’s tall with broad shoulders, and the build of a working man. His blonde hair is not long but definitely shaggy. Any other time, I’d be ready to turn on the charm.
“Hello, beautiful.” He speaks breaking into a grin that shows his perfectly straight teeth.
Before I can respond, he’s being yanked backwards away from me. I watch as Tripp lets the stranger loose.
“She’s taken fucker.” Tripp shoves the guy.
“No ring on her finger, she didn’t tell me to leave.” The men are eyeing each other.
“I’m telling you she’s fuckin’ taken. Walk away while you can still manage to walk.” Something in Tripp’s tone let me and the man know this isn’t an idle threat.
With one last look over his shoulder at me, the stranger walks away. Tripp slides in beside me, draping his arm around my shoulders like nothing happened.
“What the fuck was that?” I ask, pissed off at his macho display of ownership.
“He had no business over here. It’s been handled. Moving on,” Tripp says looking at me with what I see to be a mix of possessiveness and pride.
“I’m capable of sending someone away, Tripp.” Knowing I’m playing with fire, but too irritated to care, I add, “or giving him my phone number.”
Leaning in, Tripp whispers, “Last night, was my cock not the one filling your pussy so deep you could feel it from your head to your toes? Is it not my name you call out as you come? You think he’s man enough to give you what you need? Darlin’, do you think that fucker could handle having your nails rake his skin to the point you draw blood? All because you’re so lost in the sensation, you can’t stop yourself. Then, by all means, go give him your number.”
My expression is one of heated desire and surprise as he moves out of the booth waving a gesture of come on. Thinking about the waterfall scratches down Tripp’s back, I begin to realize Tripp causes me to get lost in him every time we’re together. I’ve never been so consumed in passion that I’ve scratched someone hard enough to mark their skin.
He’s challenging me. In case he hasn’t figured it out, this bitch doesn’t back down, fucker. Time to learn that real quick. Sliding out of the booth, I’m standing up. I take two steps before Tripp reaches out to grab me.
“Think about what you’re doing. I don’t play fuckin’ games. You want him, go get him. I don’t share, Doll. You go after him, we’re done.” He releases me. His stare is one of loss and a new distance between us.
Once again, Tripp has me on a rollercoaster of emotions. On one hand, it’s nice that he says I’m taken. On the other, we’ve made no commitments to one another. I’m perfectly capable to send someone away on my own, that was my point. I never intended for it to be such a serious matter.
Sitting back down, I say nothing further. I’ve messed things up. Know your place, Doll. Damn it, I know how bikers are. Some people may find it degrading, but it’s not like that. To stake a claim that I’m taken means I’m his. He will take care of me, protect me, and be there for me.
Our waitress comes over, smiling at Rex as she takes our orders. Sitting here, I watch as Sass is fidgeting nervously. What’s going on with her? Is she upset about what transpired between Tripp and
me? I don’t know what I think of what’s going on between us much less understand what it looks like to everyone around us. I’m sure she’s homesick because I feel it too. I don’t have to wonder long as she looks over at Tripp and asks.
“Have you heard from Tank by chance?” That is what’s on her mind, what she’s left behind. The longing on her face as she asks shows she is desperate for even a crumb of acknowledgement from Tank.
There is a flash of sadness that blinks across Tripp’s face as he shares a knowing glance with Rex. He stiffens beside me as he responds.
“No, Sass. I haven’t talked to Tank.” She seems to sense they are hiding something.
“Look guys, I’ll be honest. I’ve been texting and calling Tank on the burner phones. Usually I can reach him at least once a day. It’s a simple reassurance he’s okay and for him to know we’re okay. I haven’t been able to speak to him or get a response from a text back in more than a week. Do you know something?” Her concern is genuine.
“Sorry, Sass, I don’t know anything.” The somberness of his tone has me on alert. There is definitely more to this. Tripp won’t lie, he’s said that many times over. What is he leaving out?
The saddened expression on my best friends face hurts my heart. She has deep feelings for Tank, on what level I don’t know. His safety is important to her. His friendship has always been one she’s kept close. Regardless of their hookup and subsequent fighting, she still needs that connection with him.
The rest of our meal passes in strained but casual conversation. Tripp doesn’t touch me once. The weight of what’s gone wrong weighs heavily on my heart. Getting back on the bikes, we leave to find our place for the evening while here in Arkansas.
Tripp
Tension rolls off me. The situation with Doll today reminds me soon enough this will be done. Only a fool would get comfortable and make something out of this. She wants to fuck around, fine, moving on. She didn’t go to him though. Wait and see how things play out between us has been my recent thoughts, but this has been a good reality check to remember there’s no real future between us.
A Ride or Die Kind of Love Page 14
