Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 92397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
He gripped her tightly by her shoulders, as if trying to resist pulling her closer, and she tucked a hand between the flaps of his cut and placed it on his chest. Oh, yes, his heart was racing under her palm and his chest was pumping.
The kiss had affected him, too.
“Ashton,” she breathed, wanting to know what this kiss meant for him. Where did they go from there, if anywhere?
He shook his head and his deep voice, now even huskier, was as addictive as his kiss. “This ain’t smart, baby.”
Of course reality was setting in. However, she was not ready for that reality. Instead, she imagined him hovering his weight over her and whispering in her ear before sliding between her thighs and taking her to new heights, giving her an experience of a lifetime.
She’d been waiting for that experience.
For her first time.
She had waited because she didn’t want to lose her virginity to just anyone. She wanted it to be special.
Worthwhile.
With no regrets.
And most of all, she wanted it to be with a man she had a connection with, not some random guy.
“For fuck’s sake, this ain’t smart but nobody ever said I’m fuckin’ smart.”
Her mouth parted and her breath hitched when he stared at her lips and dropped his head again.
But before their lips could make contact once more, a light knock at the door caused her heart to skip a beat.
“Hey, Crow’s here.” If she had to guess, it sounded like Lucky. He had patched into the club only a couple of years ago and was one of the few members that didn’t come from DAMC blood.
Unlike her and Ash.
“Fuck,” Ash muttered, only a hairsbreadth away from her lips.
Fuck was right. She had been looking forward to that second kiss.
“Gonna be out in a second,” Ash growled.
“Doubt he’s gonna wait that long, brother,” came the low warning. “He wants to know where Lyric is.”
With regret weighing like lead in her stomach and burning like lava between her thighs, she released him and stepped back, putting space between them so they could gather themselves.
Her father never needed to yell when he was angry. He could simply use his calm, well-thought-out words to effectively cut someone off at the knees and put them in their place.
Some might even consider him a sage since everyone went to him when they needed advice.
However, she had no idea how he’d react to her and Ash hiding away in the meeting room, locking lips.
She’d rather not find out.
If Ash was truly interested in her, she didn’t want Crow discouraging him in any way.
“Guess we should go out there.” Ash attempted to hide his disappointment, but she recognized it as a reflection of her own.
She nodded. “I really don’t want to play twenty questions with my father.”
“You ain’t the only one.” He tipped his head toward the door.
She cleared her throat and pressed hands to her cheeks, hoping she wasn’t flushed. Hoping she didn’t look guilty.
Ash opened the door, then placed a hand to her lower back to escort her through, but the second they were back out in the common area, he dropped it immediately and went in the opposite direction.
Like nothing had happened.
To her, it was hardly nothing.
It was everything.
And she couldn’t wait to do it again.
Avery rushed up to her, her lips pressed together, most likely to avoid peppering her with questions about what she and Ash had been up to behind the closed door. Even so, Lyric knew the inquisition would be forthcoming once they were away from big ears.
Avery slightly bounced on her toes and her eyes sparkled like emeralds. “Since we’re all here, we’re throwing you a birthday party. Sophie’s stopping at the bakery to grab some baked goods, including a big sheet cake. Prospects are starting a bonfire and running out to get more food since they don’t want the kitchen to be short for The Iron Horse tonight.”
“They don’t have to do that.” She didn’t want her birthday to cause more problems than it already had.
“When have the guys not looked for any excuse to party?” Avery leaned closer and whispered, “Indie managed to distract Crow so he wouldn’t see you and Rage coming out of the room together.” She wiggled her eyebrows.
“Thanks.”
Lyric glanced around for her father and Indie, but couldn’t see them. Most likely because the common area was even more packed now than when she had first walked in the door with her club sisters.
However, the mood had definitely changed. It was no longer tense and on edge. Instead, she could hear the clack of the pool balls, bouts of laughter and ball-busting mixed with the rock music filling the large space.
“Someone get the birthday girl a drink!” Avery yelled as she grabbed Lyric’s hand and dragged her over to the bar.
All in all, it turned out to be a fun night and a great way to celebrate her birthday, but it would’ve been better if Ash hadn’t disappeared for the rest of the night.