“No thanks,” she murmured.
“I know you’re upset, but if you are coming, you will need to listen to me, Seren, or any of the rider’s rules for riding on the back of their bikes. My rule is that you wear this jacket and helmet,” I said holding it out and waited.
She slipped on the jacket, and I lifted the corner of my mouth. Opening the saddlebag, I handed her one of my helmets and pulled out the pillion seat. I turned and let out a chuckle at the look of her in my helmet and leather jacket.
She stiffened next to me.
“You look cute,” I said and climbed on the bike. That earned me a small smile, and I gave one back to her. I helped her on and started up. She still was upset though and tried to sit away from me on the little seat and hold on to my t-shirt.
“You’re gonna have to hold on to me tighter than that, Sprite,” I sung out.
She wrapped her arms around my waist, tight enough to steal my breath. I laughed outright. She was a spitfire. I liked that. I liked her already. And that was the problem.
She loosened her hold and removed her helmet for long enough to tell me where I needed to go to take her home.
We were off, headed downtown and onto the highway. She felt good, molded up against my back. So good, she had me thinking about how good it’d feel to press up against her, off the bike. The thought was making me heat up in the chilly night. And it lasted as long as it took to take the exit to her neighborhood. Or should I say rich man’s paradise. She lived here, but she wanted to slum around the country with us? It didn’t add up. I felt her go rigid behind me as I slowed and parked in front of the huge one at the crest of the hill.
She climbed off and motioned for me to pull up to the side. “It’ll be better if you park here, although my mother and stepfather shouldn’t be home from the party yet,” she said.
I took my helmet back and put them both away. “Is that why you agreed to come back with me?” I said roughly.
“Yes and no. It’s a long story,” she stammered.
I crossed my arms. “I have time.”
She sucked on her bottom lip, and my cock twitched.
“Good. Come inside and I’ll explain.” I followed after her into the house.
“Would you like something to drink?” she asked.
I looked over at the chef kitchen and shook my head. “Nope.”
“Um. Come with me,” she said awkwardly.
I followed her up the stairs and into a large bedroom. I looked around at her suitcase on the floor. I sat on the desk chair while she sat down on the bed.
“This is my stepfather’s house. I go to North University and I live on campus. I was supposed to stay in Los Gatos with my Aunt on her tree farm this summer, but she changed her plans,” she said. She took off my jacket, and I let my eyes rove over the curves she revealed underneath. She was sexy too. She belonged in a place like this.
“This place doesn’t look too bad to stay in for the summer. Why do you want to hang out with us?”
“I’m a journalism major in college.” She sat back down on the bed.
“So, for practice,” I said and grimaced.
“Not just practice. . . .” she said surely.
I heard something tip over on her dresser and looked over. There was a group of photos. One was of an adorable Piper and what had to be her parents on that Knucklehead Harley she told me about. “You weren’t just making up stuff about the bike.”
She got up and held it reverently and propped it up closer to the large oval mirror.
“I should get another frame.” She met my eyes, and it was like electricity shot right to my dick. Damn she was sexy. “That’s my father’s bike. The one I said you could have if you let me come along.”
I shook my head. It was bad luck taking his bike. “If you’re allowed to come, you’ll learn to fix it.”
“Is that what you do?” Her face lit up.
“Yeah. That’s my job on this trip to make sure all the bikes are in shape,” I replied.
Her eyes widened. “Really? You’re a mechanic?” she asked.
“Mainly, but my shops repair and build custom bikes too,” I replied.
“Wheeler, my father, dreamed of building his bikes,” she turned her head away from me. “He went to Vietnam and became a global journalist. My mom said he became fucked up with his activism, and he didn’t want to live at home anymore. She was crazy about him and followed him when he joined an MC. Well, until her midlife, surprise baby changed everything,” She babbled and lowered her head.
I was on my feet before I knew it and moved her back to the bed and sat down next to her.
“What happened to him?” I whispered.
“Killed in a fight or suicide. They weren’t sure.” Her chin trembled.
I caught it in my hands. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m fine,” she said and moved closer to me.
She was staring hard at me, and her pink tongue darted across those lips and wiped away my control. I captured her face in my hands and sucked that bottom lip between mine. Fuck. They were as soft and sweet as they looked. Her lips were intoxicating. And I wasn’t stopping until I got my fill. Hell, she wasn’t holding back either. Her hands were all in my hair, holding so tight like she was afraid I would stop. I couldn’t stop kissing her right now if I tried. I swept my tongue along her bottom lip, and she opened up, letting me inside her mouth. I kissed her thoroughly, leaving my mark. She let out a moan and slid her tongue against mine. I was trying to be a good boy, but this kiss was bringing out the bad. My cock stretched hard, aching in my jeans. I fought, but her tugs on my neck to move us back onto the bed were winning. We were out of breath and were forced apart to get air back into our lungs. It didn’t take long before the rise and fall of her chest steadied and her eyes flicked back to my lips. She was ready to go again. Damn girl. I knew I shouldn’t. But hell, I wanted too bad and left my sense behind by recapturing her face to kiss her again. The sound of a car pulling in the driveway had her up on her feet. “Piper?”
Her eyes doubled in size and her mouth dropped open. “My mother hates bikers. Please hide for a minute in the closet while I explain to them. Just a minute please.”
I was about to protest, but the way she was shaking had me doing as she asked. I crossed and went over to stand inside the closet. The word ‘chump’ stamped on my face; hiding who I was for another rich girl.
“SORRY. I’LL ONLY BE a few minutes. Please,” I pleaded to Brody.
The icy expression he was giving made me blanch, but I tossed his leather jacket at him and softly closed the door in his face. I quickly went into the bathroom and turned on the shower hoping that would stop Royce and Mom from stopping by my room while I thought of a plan.
I leaned against the sink as my heartbeat pounded hard in my ribcage. My mind replaying the amazing kiss Brody gave me. It was easily the best kiss I’d ever had, and oh, how I wanted a repeat, but after shoving him in a closet I was pretty sure that wasn’t going to happen. Although I was an adult and had pretty liberal parents growing up, I never did the make out in my bedroom with my parents gone. I wasn’t one for spontaneity. Everything I did was planned, until tonight. Until Brody. I traced my fingers over my lips. This night was filling up with firsts, but I didn’t have time to reflect, I had to do something. The sound of a door opening had me moving over to the bathroom door. Did Brody leave? I slowly opened it and discovered it was Royce in my bedroom. He had his back to me but was busy by the dresser. I pushed the door wider, but he didn’t turn around. He was absorbed in whatever he was doing. So I walked further in and saw he had pulled the top drawer of my dresser open and was rooting around inside of it. For what? My heartbeat filled my ears as I watched him, temporarily frozen in space as I sought the answer though my gut said it wouldn’t be good. Sure enough, he pulled out a pair of my panties! He lifted them to his nose and inhaled; rubbing the fabric across his face. He then placed them in his pocket. My insides cringed, and my jaw unhinged. This
couldn’t be happening. My anger rose and called me to action. I swung the door wide. “What the hell are you doing?”
Royce glanced back at me; his facial expression, nonchalant. “You in the shower?” His question was random, but I went back and turned it off, and returned quickly.
“I asked what you were doing in my drawer. Touching my things,” My voice, elevated.
“It’s my house. I don’t need to explain myself,” he said though he slowly put the drawer back in place.
My face flushed. I spared a glance over at the closet mentally hoping Brody would remain there. “But. . . . but nothing of yours is in that dresser, just my stuff.” I stammered unable to bring myself to say that he’d been sniffing my underwear. Gross! With his sweaty palms all over them, I sure as hell didn’t want them back.
“It was my dresser first. Your mother may have left something of mine in here,” he replied.
I pressed my lips together. Yeah, right. “You’re back early; I thought you went to the party. Where’s Mom?”
“She’s still at the party. Chad’s bringing her home soon.” He smirked as he tugged off his tie and unbuttoned the top button on his navy suit.
I didn’t have time to deal with him. I needed him to leave. “I’m going to bed so. . . .” I said.
He walked over to the bed and sat down. “I’m glad you’re home. Come and sit down.”
“I’m tired. I’d rather talk in the morning,” I replied.
“Come over here and sit. I’ll leave in a minute,” he said authoritatively and patted the space on the bed next to him.
I narrowed my gaze and sat down on the edge of the bed. This close, I could smell the Scotch coming off him in waves. Did he drive? Did he see the bike? I got lost in my thoughts, but his hand on my arm brought me back. I moved away.
“Wake up,” he said and snickered. “I have some good news for you. I got a meeting tomorrow for you, with the editor The Boston Globe.”
My lips parted. “Thank you, but I’ve found something else to do for the summer.”
“Since when? You don’t have to lie or refuse. I want to help you. I told you; I want us to be friends,” He reached his hand over and smoothed down the length of my hair. “It’s as soft as it looks,” he purred.
I flinched and tugged my hair over my shoulder. “Don’t touch me,” I hissed.
“Why not? We’re not biologically related,” he snaked his hand around my waist. “You’re beautiful. If I’d seen you first . . . I’d do anything for you. I’d give you anything and everything. Do you want a new car, apartment, money? It’s yours.”
I batted his hand away as bile rose in my throat. “Stop it. Now!” I yelled.
I was suddenly on my back pressed down on the bed. “Stop overreacting. I’m not going to do anything. I just want to see you. You’re so beautiful.”
I pushed him but found he was too heavy. He leaned over quick and gave a wet kiss that trailed across my forehead. The sound of the closet door crashing against the wall filled the space as Brody tore out of there and stalked over to Royce.
“Get the fuck off her,” Brody yelled and flipped Royce off of me.
“What the fuck is going on here, Piper?” Royce’s face was turning beet red.
“You—trying to fuck around with your wife’s daughter,” Brody answered for me.
“What the hell is a boy doing in my bedroom with you?” Royce got to his feet and pushed Brody.
“Leave him alone,” I yelled.
Brody took a step back and clenched his fist.
“I invited him in, and so what if I have a man up here? I’m an adult—” I spat out.
“It’s not your house. It’s mine. You won’t be whoring here. Playing all innocent. I knew it was an act,” he snarled.
“Don’t you talk to her like that,” Brody gritted and pushed him. Royce’s large frame stumbled a little, but he recovered enough to push him back. This was getting worse by the minute.
I moved between the two of them. “Stop, please.”
“Get him out of here now before I call the cops,” Royce said.
Brody stepped in front of me. “I’ll leave, but I’m not leaving her here with you.”
“Piper isn’t going anywhere. If she does, I’ll have you arrested for assault,” he said pompously.
“Do it,” Brody shrugged. “It’ll be your word against ours.”
Royce glared at me. “Be smart. Your mother is on her way home. You wouldn’t want to upset her. We’ll deal with this as a family, but he’d best be out of here now, or he will be in jail. You know I mean it.”
I glowered at him but tugged on Brody’s arm. “I’ll be all right. You should go.”
“I’m not going without you. You can come with us if you want to,” he said quietly.
“He leaves now, Piper,” Royce growled.
“He’s leaving,” I said. Brody tugged my hands, and I let him lead me out into the hall. “You should leave. I’ll . . . I’ll be okay.”
He lifted my chin. “There is no way in hell I’m leaving you with him.”
Brody followed me back into the bedroom where I picked up his leather jacket from the closet floor and handed it to him. “He’s leaving. I’m walking him out.”
Brody placed his arms around my waist protectively, and Royce cursed.
“Get him the hell out,” Royce yelled.
Brody moved slowly through the door, and I followed all the way out of the house and to his bike where he was parked in front of the garage.
“I don’t care if he calls the police. I don’t want to leave you here,” Brody said.
I smiled weakly. He was being my warrior again, but I wasn’t leaving home with only Royce’s explanation to my mother for my absence. Everything was happening faster than I could keep up with. But with Royce’s actions, with or without a plan, I couldn’t remain here.
“I’ll go over to Jorge’s dorm.”
He lowered his brows.
“We’re best friends. I’ll be safe there . . . I need to pack, email some of my friends from school, and get things together to go with you and Seren tomorrow.” I could see the doubt in his eyes. “I’ll be at Gillette Stadium,” I affirmed. I touched his hand, and his closed around mine, and a spark flared at the contact.
We stared at each other for what felt like forever; he exhaled long. “Tell him I’m down the street and will be here until your mother returns. I’ll give you my number; please give me your phone.”
I let his hand go and fished it out of my pocket, and he put in his number.
“Tell him if I don’t see a text from you, I’m calling 911. I’ll be around until I see you get in a cab and out of here.”
I nodded quickly, and he tucked my hair behind my ears. My bottom lip quivered. He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me.
“Are you sure it’s okay? You can back out if you need to,” I whispered.
“Yes, it is okay. I want you to come. Be there tomorrow.” His hand rubbed over my back, soothingly. I took in a shallow breath at the warmth of his lips against my skin. I could have remained there in his arms longer, but my mother was on her way home, and he needed to go.
I tensed, and he reluctantly let me go, but not before he pressed his lips against my forehead. The touch was tender and contrasted with his striking presence. He gave me a smile that didn’t match his eyes that were as cloudy as the night.
“See you tomorrow,” I said softly. I watched him get on his bike and drive down to the end of the street.
“You’re not going anywhere,” Royce said as he stepped out of the garage.
I folded my arms. “I most certainly am. And you heard what he said. He’ll dial 911.”
“I’m a big donator to the police department. It’ll be my word against yours. Who will your mother believe? We both know how much she loves being here, with me. You could too if you weren’t wasting yourself on a thug.”
“He’s not a thug, and you can’t make me stay. I’ll tell M
om what you did . . . what you tried to do to me. You filthy, disgusting asshole,” I spluttered.
“Do you honestly believe she would take your word over mine? Be smart. I’m her doting husband, and you’re her bratty daughter. Her words,” he mused.
Would Mom believe me? A pang went through my chest right where the seed of doubt sprouted. I wasn’t sure, but I wasn’t giving up either. “I’ll go and stay at Jorge’s.”
“You think I didn’t hear your plan to go and slut around with that biker? I heard it all,” he said tilting his head.
“I won’t make you stay. In fact, go,” he replied with a toothy grin. “You’re desperate to make the same mistakes your mother made, even though it will upset her. So you go.”
I ground my teeth and moved to rush past him, but he clasped my arm.
“My silence doesn’t come for free. If you want me not to tell your mom about you running off with a biker; you will owe me. I won’t collect now, but I will one day, and when I do, you’ll be friendlier than you were tonight.” He let go and paused, waiting for me to say something to him, but I had no words, only hatred.
“There’s my good girl,” he purred, patting his pocket.
“You’re disgusting,” I hissed.
“No. I’m not. I’m a man that thinks you’re beautiful and sensual,” he replied and strolled back inside the house.
My stomach churned as I stood staring at the side door, which Royce had disappeared through, as my mind raced over all of the events that had happened tonight. I’d never felt comfortable with Royce since my mother had met him. Never had I allowed myself to spend more than a short car ride alone in his presence. But tonight, he had not only crossed the line, but he also made it so clear I wasn’t going to be able to ignore it, not with Brody as a witness. Royce wanted me.
His good girl. The thought made me want to throw up. My mind clouded with images of him fondling my underwear and trying to touch me.
Piper Dreams: Dream it, Seize it, Live it. (Dreams Series Book 1) Page 7
