Page 15

Dani

My mind was blown.

Our plates were clean, and I was reeling from the story Smoke had just told me. It was like something straight out of a book—crooked politicians, crazy exes, shootings, explosions.

It was a lot.

“All done?” The waitress’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I blinked and looked up at her. “Uh, yeah.”

“Could I interest you guys in some dessert? The banana cream pie is amazing,” she suggested.

Smoke looked at me, and his dark eyes were filled with something I couldn’t quite place. “Are we having dessert here, angel?”

I knew what he was asking. I hadn’t told him I made the banana split torte this morning, and honestly, I didn’t know if I was going to. I needed to make a choice.

Even after everything he’d just shared, I wasn’t scared. Not of him and not of the life he led. Even sitting in this crowded restaurant, not knowing what could happen in the next second, I felt safe with him.

“I made banana split torte this morning,” I said with a little teasing smile playing on my lips.

A sexy grin spread across Smoke’s face. “We’ll skip dessert and just take the check.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, and handed the waitress a handful of bills without even glancing at the total. “Let’s go, angel.”

I slid out of the booth, but before I could get far, Smoke was at my side with his warm hand closing around mine. He tugged me gently and led me through the restaurant and out into the cool night air. My heart pounded, and I wasn’t sure if it was from the story he had told me or the way his touch made me feel.

At his bike, he grabbed my helmet and placed it on my head. He snapped the buckle under my chin with a smirk.

“I didn’t think we were going to leave that quickly when I said I made banana split torte,” I laughed and adjusted the helmet slightly.

Smoke leaned down and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to my lips. “We’ve still got a long ride in front of us, angel, and I’m ready for dessert right now.”

I felt a blush creep up my neck. “How about you have a taste of a different kind of dessert?” I teased and let my fingers trail down the front of his leather cut.

His eyes darkened, and his voice dropped to a low, husky murmur. “And you say I’m the smooth one, angel.”

Before I could respond, his lips crashed against mine in a kiss that was anything but soft. It was hot, urgent, and sent a fire coursing through me. My fingers gripped his cut, pulled him closer, and felt the hard lines of his body pressed against mine. His hands roamed down my back and gripped my waist as he deepened the kiss.

I melted into him and savored the taste of him. He claimed me with just his mouth. My heart raced, and my knees felt weak as his tongue slid against mine. He took his time and tasted me like I was his favorite meal.

We finally pulled apart, and we were both breathless. I bit my lower lip and tried to steady myself.

“Whoa,” Smoke gasped and ran his thumb over his bottom lip. “I think that beats banana split torte any day.”

I laughed and felt dizzy under his spell. “I think we should head back to my place, and we can compare the two.”

He pressed one last short kiss to my lips that was packed with promise. “Hop on, angel.”

Without hesitation, I climbed onto the back of his bike and wrapped my arms around his waist. The rumble of the engine vibrated through me as I pressed closer to him. I felt his strength as he maneuvered us out of the parking lot onto the road.

The night air whipped around us as we sped down the road, but all I could think about was the man in front of me and what was waiting for us when we got back to my place. The roar of the engine vibrated through my chest, and I pressed myself closer to Smoke. The dark countryside stretched out around us, and the moonlight cast a soft glow over the open road.

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the ride consume me. The cool breeze, the rhythmic rumble of the bike, and the intoxicating scent of leather mixed with Smoke’s cologne—it was perfection. I had never felt so free and so safe at the same time.

As we neared town, the streetlights flickered to life and cast golden pools of light on the pavement. Smoke maneuvered the bike through the familiar streets with ease, and soon enough, we pulled into my driveway. The bike rumbled to a stop, and he killed the engine. The sudden silence settled around us like a blanket.

I reached up, unbuckled my helmet, and slid it off before I handed it to Smoke. I slid off from behind him and shook out my hair. I caught him watching me with a slow smile, tugging at his lips.

“What are you looking at?” I asked and felt suddenly self-conscious under his gaze.

“Just taking in how beautiful you are,” he said. His voice was low and sincere.

I rolled my eyes with a laugh. “There’s Casanova.”

Smoke chuckled and hung the helmet on the handlebars. “Just saying the truth, angel.”

I watched as he swung his leg over the bike and stood to his full height. The streetlights cast shadows that highlighted the sharp angles of his face. He was so damn good-looking it should be illegal. The way his jeans hugged his hips, and the way his T-shirt clung to his chest—it was a sight I could appreciate all night.

He reached his hand out to me, and his fingers were warm as they curled around mine. “Ready for dessert?” he asked. His tone suggested he wasn’t just talking about the banana split torte waiting inside.

My stomach flipped. “Let’s go find out,” I said and led him toward the front door.

I unlocked the door, pushed it open, and stepped inside. I flipped on the living room light and didn’t pause. I led Smoke straight to the kitchen, where I opened the fridge and pulled out the banana split torte. I set it on the counter like a proud mom showing off her kid.

Smoke came over and leaned in to inspect it. “That looks damn good, angel.”

I smiled and reached for a knife from the drawer. “It tastes even better than it looks,” I promised.

I grabbed two plates from the cabinet and sliced one generous piece. Just as I went to cut another, Smoke’s hand gently covered mine and stopped me.

“You and I can share, angel,” he said as his eyes locked onto mine. They were full of something dark and delicious.

I swallowed hard and felt the heat of his gaze. “Share, huh?”

Smoke grinned and slid the plate closer. “Yeah. I like the idea of feeding you.”

A nervous laugh escaped me, but I nodded and grabbed a fork. I handed it to him. “Alright, let’s see what you think, Casanova.”

He took the fork, scooped up a bite, and held it out to me. “You first, angel.”

I parted my lips and let him slide the fork into my mouth. The rich, creamy dessert melted on my tongue, and I moaned softly. “Mmm, told you it was good.”

Smoke’s eyes darkened as he watched me. “Damn, angel. Watching you enjoy that might be better than eating it myself.”

I felt a blush creep up my neck. “Your turn,” I said, grabbed the fork, and scooped up another bite. I held it to his lips, and he smirked before taking it in.

His eyes fluttered shut as he savored it. “You weren’t lying. This is incredible.”

We continued taking turns. I wiped a smudge of cream from his lip, and his eyes watched me as I sucked my finger into my mouth.

Smoke set the fork down and leaned in till his face was just inches from mine. “You know, angel, I think I might like your kind of dessert better than anything I’ve ever had.”

I swallowed, and my heart raced. “I did say it was the best.”

“You weren’t wrong,” he murmured, and his lips brushed against mine.

My fork clattered to the floor as I melted into him. My hands gripped the counter behind me as his arms caged me in. The kiss was slow and teasing while his lips tasted of the sweetness we had just shared. I sighed into him, and his body pressed closer.

When we finally pulled apart, I was breathless, and my eyes locked onto his. “Wow.”

Smoke’s gaze darkened, and his lips curved into that signature smirk that always sent shivers down my spine. “Wow is right, angel,” he murmured, his eyes dropping to my lips. “Now, how about we take this dessert somewhere more comfortable?”

I nodded with my heart hammering against my ribs as he reached for the half-eaten plate of banana split torte. Without another word, he took my hand and led me through the house. His confident stride made my knees weak. The warmth of his fingers wrapped around mine, and I followed him willingly.

The moment we stepped into my bedroom, he set the plate down on the bedside table and turned to me. His hands found my waist and pulled me flush against him. My breath caught in my throat as his lips descended on mine. My arms wrapped around his neck, and my fingers tangled in his hair as I melted into him.

His hands roamed up my back and slipped beneath my shirt, and the roughness of his palms sent sparks across my skin. In one smooth motion, he pulled the fabric over my head and tossed it aside. I felt the cool air whisper against my bare skin, but it was nothing compared to the heat radiating from him.

I reached for his shirt in return and slid it over his head to reveal the hard planes of muscle I had dreamed about. His boots thudded against the floor as he kicked them off, and his hands worked the button on my jeans and panties. I shimmied out of them and stood in front of him naked.

“You’re so damn beautiful,” he whispered. His voice was husky and sent a delicious shiver down my spine.

He nudged me gently onto the bed, and his strong frame hovered over me. He grabbed the plate of dessert with a wicked glint in his eyes. He scooped up a bit of the whipped cream with his finger, and he traced it across my collarbone. His touch was feather-light, and I gasped at the cold cream.

His lips followed, warm and soft, and he licked away the sweetness. His tongue trailed lower and left a heated path in its wake. I arched into him, and my hands fisted in the sheets as he pressed open-mouthed kisses down my chest.

“Smoke,” I breathed out. My voice trembled with need. “Please.”

He chuckled as he placed the plate back on the nightstand. In one fluid motion, he stood and shucked off his jeans and boxers, but his gaze never left mine. My pulse quickened, and heat pooled low in my belly as he reached for my legs. He gently pulled me to the edge of the bed.

I spread my legs and opened myself to him. My body hummed with anticipation. He knelt before me, and his hands slid up my thighs to part them further. His lips brushed against the sensitive skin of my inner thigh with a slow, torturous tease that left me breathless.

I tangled my fingers in his hair and urged him closer. My body ached for him. “Smoke,” I murmured. It was a plea wrapped in desire.

He looked up at me. His eyes were dark and filled with something deeper than lust. “I’ve got you, angel,” he promised before he lowered his mouth to me.

The moment his tongue touched me, I gasped. My back arched off the bed and a shudder wracked my body as he licked me. His mouth was hot and eager, but there was something more to it—something tender. It wasn’t just about pleasure; it was about worship and about him wanting to show me exactly how much he wanted me.

Needed me.

His hands gripped my thighs and held me in place as his tongue flicked and teased. Each flick sent waves of bliss through my entire body.

“Smoke...” I breathed as my fingers threaded through his dark hair and held on as if I might levitate off the bed. I felt myself teetering on the edge faster than I’d ever thought possible.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured against me. His voice was thick and husky before he dove back in, and his tongue delved deep. His lips sucked and teased until the pleasure built into something overwhelming.

I came apart with a cry. My entire body trembled as I rode out the waves of pleasure rolling through me. He stayed there and worked me through it. Drank me in like I was the sweetest thing he’d ever tasted. When he finally pulled away, he wiped his mouth with the back of his arm, and his eyes locked onto mine.

Satisfied and smug.

I was completely undone.

No one had ever made me feel like this. Like I was the most treasured thing in their world. With Smoke, it wasn’t just about physical need; it was about connection, about being wanted in a way I’d never experienced before.

He stood, and his strong arms pulled me toward the center of the bed as he hovered over me. Our lips met, and I could taste myself on him. A mix of sweetness and heat that only made me want him more. My hands roamed over his chest and traced every scar and tattoo.

His body was warm and solid against mine, and when I reached between us, I wrapped my fingers around his thick, hard length. He groaned against my mouth.

“Careful with that, angel,” he warned, and his voice was strained.

I smiled and stroked him slowly. “Or what?”

His dark eyes burned into mine. “Or you’re going to get a handful.”

I bit my lip and felt a thrill rush through me. “Maybe that’s exactly what I want.”

Smoke let out a low growl and kissed me deeply. His hands gripped my hips before he positioned himself between my legs. The anticipation was electric, and every nerve in my body was on fire as I felt the blunt head of him pressing against me. Slowly, and inch by inch, he filled me. Stretched me in the most delicious way.

“Dani,” he groaned, and his forehead rested against mine as he buried himself to the hilt. “You feel so damn good.”

I gasped and clung to him as he began to move. Slow and deep at first. Each thrust sent shivers of pleasure racing through me. My hands roamed over his back and dug into his shoulders as he picked up the pace. Our bodies moving together in perfect sync.

“Smoke,” I moaned as my nails raked down his back. The sound of our bodies moving together filled the room with gasps, groans, and whispered pleas.

He kissed me fiercely as his tongue tangled with mine. His hands were everywhere at once.

My waist.

My thighs.

My breasts.

Each touch set me ablaze and pushed me closer and closer to the edge once more.

“Come again for me,” he urged. His voice was rough and commanding. “Come for me, angel.”

And I did.

My body shattered around him as waves of ecstasy crashed over me. Smoke followed right after. His groans vibrated against my skin as he drove into me one last time and spilled himself deep inside me.

He collapsed on top of me. I wrapped my arms around him and held him close. I felt the steady beat of his heart against my chest.

“Wow,” I whispered, and my lips brushed against his temple.

Smoke let out a low chuckle, and his breath was warm against my neck. “Wow is right, angel.”