AX (Forsaken Riders MC Romance Book 10) Page 9

  When their lips parted, she found herself panting. She was so turned on she could feel the heat from deep inside of her fizzling underneath the surface of her skin. Ax still held onto her neck and let his lips skim hers again as he looked deep into her eyes.

  “I’ve wanted to do that since the moment I first saw you,” he growled. “And a hell of a lot more.”

  Jill’s pussy pulsed. She could only imagine what he could do to her if she gave him half the chance. She realized she was grinning.

  “You’re so naughty but nice, Jill,” he whispered. “And I like it.”

  He sat back and reached for another cigarette. Jill’s mouth was still agape, wanting to go back for more, but she was still in shock and awe from their first kiss. She leaned back too and ran her hands through her hair.

  Ax lit his smoke and inhaled on it deeply. Jill was aware of a few eyes on them again, even though they were in a dark quiet corner. She could feel the jealous stares of some of the women who were loitering around. Maybe they had been hopeful that they would catch Ax’s eye. Jill couldn’t help but rejoice in her small victory.

  “Tell me more about you,” Ax said as he let his free hand rest on her knee. “I want to know everything there is to know about Jill…”

  She shrugged and took a sip of her drink before she smiled and looked deep into his eyes.

  “There’s not a whole lot to know,” she admitted. “I was born and raised here in this town. I’ve always been quiet, until I started working at the club tending bar. Then I don’t know what the hell happened. Something inside of me just woke up and I’ve never looked back since.”

  “And what about relationships? I can’t believe someone as beautiful as you is single…” he smiled.

  “There was one guy… but he was no good. And I got rid of him. To be honest, I’ve never really met anyone else who has stood out enough to grab my attention.”

  “Until now,” he said with a grin.

  “That’s right,” Jill traced her fingers over his knuckle again. “Until now…”

  Ax couldn’t keep his eyes off her, it was as if he was completely in a trance with her.

  “And I’m glad you’re at the club,” Jill said genuinely. “Not just because it led us to meet, but because I reckon those security guards may back off a little on how much they’re pretending to pass over to you guys.”

  The smile dropped slightly from Ax’s face.

  “They what?” he asked as he exhaled a plume of smoke out between them.

  Jill looked at him and shrugged.

  “The security. They take a cut of our earnings from when we dance up on stage. They make it look like they’re cleaning up and then they swipe a ton of it and pass it onto you guys…?” It was half statement and half question. She waited for him to respond, but he didn’t.

  “Go on,” he said.

  “Well, I mean, I know you get some of it… But I mean, it’s gone up so much lately, I was pretty sure they must be skimming something… Oh god, I shouldn’t have said anything, I didn’t mean it like that… I…”

  Ax grabbed her hand and held it tightly and tilted her chin up so they were looking at each other directly in the eye.

  “You should have said something. Much, much earlier,” he said sternly. “I’ll look into it.”

  He nodded his head and then leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips. She could taste the smoke and the whiskey and it was making her want to rip his clothes off right then and there. But then he sat back and looked off into the distance as if he had something on his mind.

  “I’m sorry,” she repeated. “I feel terrible. I just, I don’t know.”

  “No one authorized that as far as I know,” he said, his mind still wandering. “No one gave those orders.”

  Jill wasn’t sure if he meant for the security to take a cut of their own, or a cut at all. And now she felt even more nervous.

  “Come on,” he said. “Let’s get out of here.”

  He downed the rest of his drink and got to his feet, holding out his hand for her to slip hers into. When she did, he wrapped his fingers up in hers and pulled her through the crowd.

  His demeanor had changed, and she felt entirely responsible. If she had just said something she shouldn’t have, she felt awful for causing trouble. But maybe it was the right thing to do in the long run.

  “Ax?” she called to him over the heavy noise of the music. But he couldn’t hear her, and if he did, he didn’t reply.

  Outside, he lifted her up at the waist and set her down gently on the back of his bike before he climbed on in front of her. Men and women were loitering outside The Bleeding Bullet, drinking and smoking, kissing and panting as they wrapped themselves up in each other. Some of the other bikers nodded to Ax in solidarity and recognition, and some of the women made pussy cat like meows.

  Jill scowled at the women and wrapped her arms tightly around Ax’s waist. As he started the ignition and revved the engine, she felt the tremble of power and steel between her legs and it made her ache even more for him.

  “Come on, babe,” he said over his shoulder. “I better get you home.”

  She nuzzled into his shoulders as he pulled around in a circle and headed back out of the street and back toward town. She was disappointed their date was ending so abruptly, but when she looked down at the watch on her wrist she realized it was well after midnight and they had been talking for hours and hours.

  She had never had an experience like it. She had met him and clicked with him instantly, and now she could sit and talk with him as if she had known him for years. There was no awkwardness, and no times when she had been wishing she was somewhere else. It was almost too good to be true.

  After they rode through a deserted Main Street and approached the turning for Jill’s street, she held onto him a little tighter and wished the night didn’t have to end.

  He slowed as he pulled up at the end of her driveway and turned off the roaring engine. Her arms were goose pimpled with the cold and her hair was windswept and wild. She had never felt so alive, and as he helped her off and pulled her close to him again, she knew she had found something important. He was important to her already. Even though she had tried so hard to deny their instant chemistry.

  “Thank you,” she smiled. “For tonight.”

  “No,” he whispered as he traced the tip of his index finger down the side of her face to her chin. “Thank you.”

  “I think I’d like you to order me around again soon,” she giggled.

  “Oh, you can count on it,” he winked.

  He leaned forward and kissed her deeply. As she reached up and ran her fingers through his hair, she could feel his desire growing. He was strong and hungry for her, and she wanted him so badly it was driving her wild. She wanted more than anything to invite him in, but she knew she couldn’t. It was their first date and even though she was ready to give him all of her, she also wanted to let the anticipation build even more.

  If they were this hot for each other now… who knew where it could lead…

  “I’ve got your number,” he said as he kissed her softly on the cheek. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” she smiled as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to his chest.

  His body heat was intense and enveloping. The nighttime chill was completely extinguished by his power.

  “Thanks again,” she smiled as she looked up at him once more and he planted a solitary kiss on her forehead.

  She began to walk away and he held onto her hand a little longer, smiling at her through the dark.

  “Good night, Ax,” she whispered.

  His eyes were glinting and penetrating, and she knew he felt it too. He didn’t want to leave her, but a lady couldn’t be rushed.

  She closed the door behind her and closed her eyes as she leaned against it and exhaled. His bike roared back to life and her whole body surged with lust, she could still feel him between her legs and the wind whi
pping through her hair.

  It had been one of the best nights of her life. But it was just the beginning. She could already sense that she and Ax were going to go far.

  11.

  Ax: Good morning beautiful… Last night was fun… I can’t wait to see you again… x

  J: Morning handsome, it sure was. Thank you for a great time.

   Excited to hear what you have in store for me next… x

  Ax: I’m not sure you’re going to be able to handle it ;)

  J: Sounds interesting….

  Ax: You could say that ;)

  J: *blush*

  Ax: I’m sure it takes much more than that to make you blush… Call you later babe xxx

  Jill put her cell phone down and rolled onto her side with the biggest grin on her face. She had been lying in bed all morning, wondering when he would get in touch with her and she was delighted that it hadn’t even reached 10 a.m. before her cell phone had beeped and his cheeky messages had appeared.

  She felt warm inside and not the slightest bit hungover. She was wide awake and ready to take on the world. She jumped up and stretched high up to the sky before running into her bathroom and turning on the shower. The smell of smoke was still lingering in her hair, as was the tang of whiskey. She had laid awake for hours when Ax had dropped her at home, wishing he was there with her and thinking about what those big, rough hands of his would be capable of.

  She dried her hair, put on her make-up and dressed quickly. As she opened her closet doors, she already knew what she was going to wear, considering it was one of the hottest days of the year so far. She pulled out her smallest denim cut offs, a baby blue low cut t-shirt and some sparkling flip flops. The color altogether made her look like a golden princess next to her tanned skin, and she smiled at herself from ear to ear as she checked out her reflection. She hadn’t looked so radiant in a long time. And she only had Ax to thank for bringing her back to life.

  She pushed the door open to the diner and saw Star right away sitting in the booth in the corner by the windows, already sipping on a milkshake and twirling her hair around her long, manicured fingers. She heard the bell ting on the door and her eyes shot up to meet Jill’s instantly and her own smile spread wide.

  “Oh my God,” she mouthed as Jill walked quickly toward her. “You actually went out with him, didn’t you? I can tell just by the ecstatic look on your face!”

  Jill hushed her with a giggle and slid down into the booth opposite her.

  “I’m going to need something stronger than this shake to listen to this, aren’t I?” Star laughed as she leaned forward and drummed her fingernails on the table top in anticipation. “Come on, don’t keep me in suspense.”

  Jill felt herself go all mushy inside and she knew she had a dozy smile spread across her face. She felt warm and full of affection. And she desperately wanted to tell Star that, but she knew it would only make her want to hurl.

  “I did,” Jill admitted finally. “Last night.”

  “And, and, and?” Star slapped her palms on the table excitedly.

  “And… I like him… I really like him,” Jill said it as if she was confessing some terrible sin.

  “Ahh!” Star clapped her hands like a school girl and then reached out and took hold of Jill’s. “And when are you seeing him again?” she asked.

  “I don’t know,” Jill said. “But we’ve been texting this morning, and he says he has something planned for me…” she trailed off and let her mind wander. She only hoped it was as dirty as he had made it sound.

  “This is awesome!” Star said as she leaned back and looked across at Jill with a proud smile on her face. “Completely awesome. I’m so glad you’re finally getting back in the game.”

  “Me too actually,” Jill nodded. “I’ve actually surprised myself at how much I enjoyed it. And how I feel so strongly, so soon.”

  “Don’t question it,” Star said, holding up her hand. “The second you start to question your feelings or his motives is the second the relationship dies.”

  “I know,” Jill agreed. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to let paranoia get the better of me.”

  “Where did he take you?” Star asked as she waved the waitress over and quickly ordered them both Diet Cokes.

  “Well, you’re going to die…” Jill laughed. “The Bleeding Bullet.”

  “WHAT!?” Star’s grin widened even more. “This is insane! I can’t believe you’ve been there!”

  “I know! This is what I mean, I’m totally surprising myself with everything. Going on dates with a goddamn biker was my ultimate no no rule. I’ve broken that and now I’ve ended up in the fucking Bullet on the first date.” She started laughing out of disbelief and so did Star.

  “Well, I think it’s great,” Star said. “Rules were made to be broken and all that. This is what life is all about. Having fun, not giving a fuck, and meeting hot guys that make you want to release your inner-whore.”

  “Oh, she’s clawing at the surface all right,” Jill laughed. “She’s been trying to burst free since the second I laid eyes on him.”

  “Do it,” Star said. “You deserve it, trust me.”

  Jill bit her bottom lip and shrugged.

  “We’ll see,” she giggled.

  “When are you in work next?” Star asked.

  “I’m off tonight, back in tomorrow evening,” Jill replied, just as the waitress came over with their drinks and placed them down on the table.

  “Well that sucks,” Star said. “I’m in tomorrow too, but I think we need an excuse to head on over there right now and keep you fresh in his mind!”

  “Are you kidding?” Jill almost choked on her Diet Coke. “What would I even say?”

  “You don’t have to say anything,” Star laughed wide eyed. “We practically live there, anyway. He’s the new kid on the block when it comes to Tanner’s, not you.”

  Jill knew Star was right, but she didn’t want to appear too keen.

  “Come on,” Star said as she jumped to her feet. “We can go in and go straight to the changing rooms, I’ll make some noise and he’ll come and see what’s going on and we can just say I left something in my locker and wanted to come back for it. How does that sound?”

  “It sounds like I’ve gone over there to see him and we’re thinking of any old excuse,” Jill scowled.

  “But do you care?” Star raised her eyebrows.

  “Not really,” Jill laughed. “Fuck it, let’s go.”

  The girls jumped to their feet and Jill made her way to the counter.

  “These are on me today,” she smiled as she handed some cash to the waitress and then threw the change in the tip tray.

  “Wow,” Star laughed. “Long may this good mood continue.”

  “Ha… Ha… very funny.” Jill scowled.

  When they arrived at Tanner’s, Jill’s heart was already racing. She pulled into the parking lot out the back and she could instantly see the swarm of big, chunky motorcycles all lined up and ditched near the rear door. For a daytime, Jill instantly felt as if there were much more than usual, and she could tell Star was thinking the same thing, her face contorted in confusion.

  “Oh man,” Jill said. “What if they’re having some kind of important meeting and we burst into the middle of it?”

  “What, you think they’re going to be having a meeting in the dancer’s dressing room?” Star snorted.

  Jill rolled her eyes, but at the same time, she got her point.

  “Come on,” Star said. “We’re just going straight into our turf and we can chill in there until we figure out if anything important is happening. We’ve got every right to be here, and the club is open, after all.”

  “Is it?” Jill said with doubt as she looked around.

  Apart from her car and all of the bikes, there were no other vehicles parked, and she hadn’t noticed any out the front either. The usual line of resting trucks had been missing and there were no other cars.

  “This place never close
s,” Star said confidently. “Why would they do it today?”

  Jill didn’t have an answer for her, but she did know that something didn’t feel right. It was so strange, though, it was making her even more curious as to what could be happening.

  “You’re right,” she said finally. “It never closes. Come on.”

  Jill strode forward and Star caught up with her as they approached the back door. She reached up for the handle and it opened effortlessly, just as it did every day.

  “See, not locked. That’s a good sign,” Star sighed with relief.

  The girls crept in the back door and into the darkened hallway. Everything looked the same, and there was nothing out of place. The only noticeable difference was the silence. And the complete absence of music. Star looked at Jill and Jill felt her nerves mounting. Something definitely wasn’t right.

  They moved quickly to the changing room and opened the door, slipped inside and closed it quietly behind them.

  “What the fuck?” Star asked. “This is so weird, it’s like the twilight zone. Now you’ve got me nervous about being here.”

  “I’m sure there’s got to be an explanation,” Jill said hopefully. “I mean, maybe whoever was dancing just didn’t show up today. Maybe there’s no customers here and they just decided to keep the music low?”

  “Yeah,” Star nodded with a small sense of relief. “I’m sure that’s it.”

  But neither of them were fully convinced and looked at each other with doubt.

  “Okay,” Star said. “Let’s go and check it out.”

  “Really?” Jill whispered. “Do you not just think we should slip quietly out the back and drive away, you know, pretend we were never here?”

  “I’m going to act as if you never said that,” Star flashed her a dirty look. “What if something terrible has happened?”