Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 46130 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46130 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Peeking back over, she saw him lean over and search through one of the leather bags attached to each side of his bike. Molly immediately looked down at her feet after noticing his—assets. Scuffing her shoes in the gravel, she waited for the men to finish her car so she could thank them, without hugs, and go hide in her apartment.
A dark brown teddy bear appeared in front of her. Automatically, she reached out to touch it. “It’s so cute. I love his expression.”
“This is for you,” Faust said, handing her the stuffie.
“Oh. I can’t take this. I’ve already made a fool of myself.”
“Every Little girl needs a friend.”
“Little girl?” she repeated as she took the bear. Molly studied the biker’s face as she hugged the bear to her chest.
“Think of it as an exchange. A bear for a hug.”
“Thank you.” She knew she looked sappy with tears in her eyes, but she couldn’t believe he wanted to give her something. This time she didn’t even try to wipe them away. It was okay if he knew.
“The guys are almost finished. Your spare is a donut. It won’t go fast, and it won’t go far. Get your tire replaced soon. Do you know how to buy tires?”
“I can ask the minister. There’s probably someone in the congregation who can help me.”
“If not, come to the Shadowridge Guardians’ shop. We’ll help you,” Faust told her.
“Oh, that’s very kind of you.” Molly stopped herself from hugging him. Really?
“We’re all done, miss,” the man with the beautiful hair told her as he cleaned his hands on a rag.
“Tell me your name, please,” Molly asked, daring to smile at him.
“Blade.”
She nodded like the dangerous name was perfectly normal. “And you?”
“Storm.”
“Thank you, gentlemen.”
The men both looked at her sharply at her use of that term. Faust spoke up. “You can be gentlemen for five minutes without spontaneously combusting.”
Storm studied Faust’s defensive posture in front of Molly and nodded. “You’re welcome, miss.”
“Drive home safely,” another biker called as they all headed back to their rides.
“Thank you all!” she called loudly and winced as her voice resounded in the quiet evening air.
“Go get in your car, Molly,” Faust urged. “I’ll make sure you get to town.”
“Oh! Yes. I need to get home. Thanks again. And sorry!”
Chapter
Two
Faust watched the young woman walk back to her car. She got in and leaned to the right to do something in the passenger seat. Was she buckling the teddy bear in? Definitely. That’s what she was up to. With that task done, he heard her start the engine before waiting. As if he could read her mind, he knew what she was thinking.
“Clubhouse,” he called to his brothers.
She was so nervous about being around them. The last thing they needed was to have her ram into someone when she hit the gas instead of the brakes. He watched Molly turn to see all the motorcycles pass her but one.
Molly waited to see if he would take off, but Faust simply flashed his headlights at her. She lurched to a start and Faust knew he had rattled her. He was used to making people nervous. He’d rather people avoided him. It was easier. Faust didn’t allow himself to wonder why he felt bad about scaring her.
That hug ricocheted into his mind as he followed her down the road. Who’d hug a biker on the side of the road after dark? Someone who saw the best in people. She’d said he looked like he needed a hug.
Molly.
The car ahead drove slowly on the spare. When they reached the outskirts of town, he flashed his lights at her again and peeled off for the clubhouse. He tried to keep himself from tracking her in his side mirror. That didn’t work.
When she’d disappeared from view, he revved the engine and sped off. He’d never see her again. That bothered him.
Pulling into the Shadowridge Guardians’ compound, he drove to the parking lot and backed into a space. He could hear the music going and knew Talon had to be teaching the Littles how to dance again.
There’d always been old ladies at the clubhouse. There still were a couple, but the motorcycle club’s refuge had taken a new tone lately. Faust would never admit it, but he envied them. Not that he’d ever find a Little who’d want to hook up with him. He was sure that Blade with his bad boy good looks would be much more appealing.
Pissed at that thought, he swung his leg over his bike and jerked free the strap of his helmet. Slamming it down on his seat, he stalked into the clubhouse.
“Want to come dance with us, Faust?” Ivy asked.
“No.”
“Oh, okay,” Ivy said, looking hurt by his snapping tone.
Faust could see Steele tense and push away from the wall. Shaking his head, Faust apologized, “Sorry, Ivy. It’s been a long day.”