“Who says?We’ve been dancing around each other since we met,” he answers.I look at him, confused.“I wanted to walk away that first night, and instead, we raced into bed.It was so fucking phenomenal that I wanted more.I freaked out and retreated, going back to slow, but I couldn’t let you go.That slow simmer went out the window when I saw that piece of shit walking into your shop.I want to do right by you and slow down to give you time to think, but babe, that just went out the window too, the second you told me you love me.”His fingers move the hair away from my cheek, and he dips his head and brushes his lips over mine.“You belong with me.”
It’s not “I love you,” but it’s still beautiful.I give him a smile.“Okay, gorgeous.”
I settle into his arms and close my eyes.I feel his breath on the top of my hair.“Love you too, Tessa.”
My heart skips a beat; I cling to him tighter.My throat is clogged with happy tears that threaten to fall, so I decide that staying silent is best.But he knows his words are having an impact as his arm locks me in place against him.
Chapter12
Man on the Inside
Motown
I’ve never seen a more beautiful sight than Tessa naked in my bed, her skin all pink, snuggled up with the sheet draped over her.I sit in the armchair across from the bed in my small bedroom and watch her sleep.I know I should be waking her, but she looks so peaceful, and after the few days we’ve had, she needs calm.
Hawk’s already up and moving.I heard him coming down the hall, talking on the phone.Guard and his Pride brothers are almost here.They must have ridden most of the night.Then again, that’s what Guard does for the people he cares about.Guard has been Hawk’s mentor and friend from the start.It was Guard who encouraged him to start the Redemption Riders, promising to stick by him whenever Hawk needed him.Guard’s never let us down, and today is no exception.
I get up and sit on the edge of the bed.I’ve put off the inevitable as long as I can.“Hey, Tessa.Time to get up, babe.”I shake her shoulder gently.She rolls onto her back, exposing her bare breasts, as she stretches like a lazy kitten, mewling her displeasure.When she blinks her eyes open, her face lights up, smiling huge at me.
Only Tessa can look past the weight of the fucked-up situation we’re in with Bronson Sunderland and give me a grin so bright that the dark clouds disappear.
“What time is it?”she mutters, rubbing her eyes, sitting up, and tugging the sheet up to cover her naked body.
I sigh.“Unfortunately, it’s time to get ready for the day.”
She leaps onto her knees and puts her arms around my neck, nose to nose.“Thank you for being you,” she says in a quiet voice, then presses her lips to mine, giving me the sweetest kiss.
“Woman, I want to ravage you every moment of every day.You’re making it impossible for me to concentrate.Do me a favor, and get your ass into the shower, while I go check out what’s going on downstairs.No more kissing or touching, or I won’t be held responsible for fucking you raw and letting the entire compound hear us.”
She bites her lower lip, lets me go, and wriggles out of my arms.As she walks to the bathroom, my sexy kitten adds a little jiggle to her step.I make a note to spank that ass later.
Hawk is in the kitchen putting on the coffee.First one up is the person responsible for brewing the much-needed java for the day.It seems odd that the others aren’t around, though.
“Where is everyone?”I ask, pulling two mugs out of the cupboard.
“I sent them on a breakfast run.Etain was up late working on the books, and I’m letting her sleep in.Drifter said that Sasha is meeting with her brother today, and he’s on his way to drop her off,” he replies.Simon is Sasha’s brother.He’s a good man, although at first, we had our reservations.It seems that both Sasha and Simon were subjected to parents from hell.Their father was a wealthy man, but nothing was ever enough for him.He ended up in the sex trafficking business with a mobster, but what’s worse was that he had no problem letting his best friend attempt to rape his own daughter, even making excuses for him.If it weren’t for Simon, his friend would have succeeded.There’s no love lost for their father.Unfortunately, Simon and Sasha’s mother is still in rehab.Their mother became an alcoholic, and after meeting her husband, I can see why.Simon is the only one in contact with his mother.Sasha has decided to stop all contact until her mother gets herself sorted out.
“Is that wise?Sasha, out there without protection, I mean.”
“Simon is aware of the situation.He has bodyguards on-site, and they won’t leave the building until Drifter picks her up later this afternoon,” Hawk responds.“How’s Tessa?”
“She’s not happy about Sunderland, but she’s holding up.”I take a sip of the freshly brewed coffee and add, “I told her I love her.”
Hawk grins.“You found her, huh?”he teases.
“Fuck off, bro,” I shoot back.
“Happy for you.”He clasps a hand on my shoulder.“She’s a good woman.Etain and Sasha think she’s the shit.”He laughs.
“I didn’t think she’d fit into our kind of lifestyle.She’s sugar, I’m vinegar.She loves people.I’m not big on small talk.”I shrug.“I don’t think I can let her go.”
“Tessa fell in love with Motown the man, just as you are.And, man, you love her because of the sunshine in her heart.It hasn’t escaped me that you’ve been watching over her.Caring about people is part of who she is, and let’s face it, her shop is more than a store with stuff.It’s a place where people come to chat and spend time with her.Personally, I think she should add a café to the place,” he says.
I chuckle, because it’s something that Tessa’s mentioned.
Decker comes through the door carrying several bags of food and announces, “My man’s here.He’s parking his bike out back.”
“Drop the bags and bring him into my office.I’m expecting Guard any minute.Make sure he meets us there,” Hawk tells him, then turns to me.“You’re with me.”