Page 81 of Claimed

He holds me tighter and I swear relief floods his features.

“I will. For as long as you want me, I’ll be right there with you, doll.”

“I want you.”

He leans down and gently presses his lips to mine. It’s only been a week, but it seems like it’s been decades since I felt his kiss. His lips move slowly over mine, teasing until I grant him entrance. He moans when our tongues meet. I slip my hands under his cut and sink my nails into his lower back.

“Come home, Raven,” he begs, resting his forehead on mine.

“The clubhouse isn’t a home, Gage.”

“You wanna move into the house? We’ll move into the house.”

“Really?”

That caught me off-guard. But at least if I’m not at the clubhouse, I won’t have to deal with those bitches daily. Plus, this move is sure to open their eyes to the fact that I’m not some temporary amusement.

“Yes, really. I meant it when I said I don’t want to wake up without you. I’ve given you enough time. You need to get your ass back in my bed.”

“You’re so romantic,” I say, rolling my eyes.

“You knew that shit before you got with me. So, you coming home or what?”

“Ask me nicely.”

“Raven –”

“Askme.”

He takes a deep breath and expels it through his mouth. His eyes lock on to mine and he cradles my face in his hands.

“Raven, I miss you. I can’t go another day without waking up next to you or coming home to you. I need you, babe. Come home. Please.”

How can a woman say no to that?Not able to find words, I simply nod. He grabs my hand and drags me back toward the house at a pace I have to walk double-time to keep up with.

“Get your stuff. I’ll wait for you here.”

I tell the Contreras’ I’m leaving, thank them for their hospitality, and hurry upstairs to pack. I can’t wait to be in Gage’s arms again. Fuck, I missed him. I shoot off a text to Chrissy then cram my stuff into my backpack. That done, I head to Chris’ room to tell him goodbye but he’s not there. I make my way back downstairs and find Mr. and Mrs. C in the kitchen.

“I’m leaving now, Mrs. C. Thanks again for putting up with me.”

“Anytime,mija. You’re always welcome here,” she says, pulling me in for a hug.

“Thanks. That means a lot to me.”

“No problem. You be careful and call us if you need anything.”

“I will.”

I kiss Mr. C’s cheek and hustle out the door before Gage loses his patience. What I witness outside will surely bring on the apocalypse. Gage. Chris. Shaking hands.Mind.Blown. I watch the events unfold in total shock. They nod to each other in that way men do, that says they have an understanding.

Chris hugs me and whispers in my ear before going back inside. “I’m here if you need me.”

“Thank you.” I walk toward Gage in a daze. “What was that about?”

“Just working stuff out.”

“What stuff?”