Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
We dance together, the alcohol fueling us. For a little while, I forget why I’m here. I forget who I am and just live.
We bellow the lyrics to every song, leaving my throat raw. Kitty’s magnetic aura draws everyone around her closer. A sheen of sweat coats my skin, my throat aches from singing, and there’s happiness in my smile. For once, I don’t have to fake it.
Slipping away, I head for the restroom, finding it tucked down a long corridor. After finishing my business, I check my flushed face in the mirror while washing my hands. The small amount of makeup I applied earlier today is nonexistent now. I wipe smudges from the remnants of my mascara away from my wide, green eyes. My small nose and big lips gifted from my mother are tinged pink from the alcohol. Damp with sweat, my long hair lay in a tangled mess across my back. As I dry my hands, I hear a growl from my stomach, demanding food. I’m exhausted and hungry.
I’ve made good progress befriending Kitty, but a twinge of guilt chews away at me. I genuinely like her, but I’m not here to make friends. This is for Harley.
“You got this,” I tell my reflection, splashing cold water over my face and straightening my shirt. I nudge the door with my shoulder, and a gasp flees my lungs as I crash into a solid wall.
Callan’s domineering frame blocks my exit. “Where do you think you’re going?”
Fuck.
CHAPTER 7
LUST, THE INFERNAL FIRE
“What the fuck are you doing back here?” His tone is low, menacing. Stalking toward me, he grabs my wrist and pulls me out of the doorway.
Pointing to the bathroom, I state, “Peeing. That’s allowed, right?” My voice is full of sass. He wants to intimidate me by acting aggressive, but all he’s doing is turning me on. I am not afraid to shed a little blood.
Closing in, he pins me against the door with his body. “This is private. The facilities for guests are back that way.” He points to where I just came from, but I can’t think with every part of my body nearly touching his.
“Why’d you come here tonight?” He holds both hands beside my head, caging me in. His breath is minty fresh, like he just brushed his teeth or spit out gum.
“I was invited.” A waver in my voice makes him smirk. Checkmate. Dammit. He will be my undoing. It’s terrifying to feel such an intense pull toward someone who has the potential to destroy you.
Guilt and lust fight for dominance within me.
“You want to fuck a big bad biker, is that it?” He licks his lips and drops his gaze to the crook of my neck. Arrogant prick.
I snort, looking up at him. “Why, have you seen one?”
He pushes his body farther into mine, and I fight to not reach up and grab the lapels of his cut to keep me steady. Lust douses every part of me.
“Why’d you come here tonight?” he repeats, resting his forehead against mine. It’s an intimate move, confusing me.
“To have a good time.” My voice is barely a whisper.
“You want me to show you a good time?” It’s an offer any woman would tear their right arm off to have, but I can’t go there.
“No,” I croak, an ache throbbing between my legs.
“No?” He appears taken aback, his face contorting in confusion.
“I’m not going to fuck you. It’s not who I am.”
“Then who are you?”
It takes me a second to think, his intoxicating presence is muddling my thoughts. “Just a girl trying to forget for a while.”
“You’re a woman, not a girl.” He inhales my scent, a predator about to feast on his prey. “What are you running from? A job, parents, a man?” The last word comes out like a cuss word.
“Life.” I shrug, biting my lip. I can’t think. I can’t think. I can’t think.
“You can’t outrun life, sweetheart. It’s pulsing in your veins.”
“What about you?” I ask, trying to keep myself talking. I’m seconds away from giving in and letting him make me too sore to walk tomorrow.
“What about me?” His voice is hoarse. His dark eyes penetrate mine. Kitty’s words play back in my head. “I’ve never seen Callan act like that with a woman before.”
“What are you hiding from back here in the shadows with a woman you don’t know?”
His panty-dropping, heart-stopping smirk is delicious. Being shown a private viewing of it up close and personal is special.
“Shadows are where I thrive, not where I hide.”
He spins me around, planting my front against the cold pane of the door. His large frame shrouds me. Strong hands snake around my waist to the buttons of my jeans, tugging them open.
“Wait.” I gasp, my mind whirling as it tries to battle the need pulsing through me. My hands tighten around his. His movements still, waiting for permission. I remove my hands and place them on the door to steady myself. Permission granted.