Page 4

Ezra

E zra watched, amused, as Dana continued to admire the new shoes on her feet. Dana was completely besotted with them, which tickled him. The radiant smile she offered made it worth the two thousand bucks he’d just dropped on a pair of damn shoes. And Ezra understood too well how expensive shoes could be. His sister Lindsey drove Lowrider insane to the point Lowrider had put a limit on how much Lindsey could spend a month.

Looking at Dana’s smitten face, Ezra guessed Dana had a weakness for expensive shoes. Ezra already had most of Dana’s background. He knew she’d been left millions, but it sat in a bank account, and Dana rarely touched it. Instead, Dana seemed to be one of those rare women who believed in working. Dana didn’t have much to pay for apart from utilities. Her home had been bought outright, as had her three-year-old car. Dana spent her money on bills, food, and the odd treat. Her yearly vacations were limited to just two.

She even had a very nice nest egg building up from money she was saving from her wages from Hawthorne’s, who paid her very generously.

Dana’s estrangement from her family had been known to Ezra for two years, yet the cause remained a mystery. He knew now, and it disgusted him.

Family meant everything to Ezra. He’d sacrificed Lindsey to what he thought would be a better life for her and discovered Rage. When Lindsey had erupted back into Ezra’s life, he’d been shocked and horrified. With Drake at his side, Ezra had destroyed his aunt and uncle for what they’d done to his baby sister. When Lindsey arrived on Rage, barely alive with the babies, Ezra had wanted to tear the world apart. But cooler heads than his had prevailed, and Ezra had waited for revenge.

He’d met Dana on and off over the last few years, and, at first, he’d watched her melt into the background. He wasn’t usually attracted to wallflowers, but something about Dana caught Ezra’s attention.

He now understood why—for six months two years ago—she’d disappeared completely from the social scene. The poor girl had been licking her wounds. Shit, Ezra wondered if any of the old ladies had even realised Dana had been engaged. He certainly hadn’t.

Ezra had been aware of Dana following and saving Irish. Something he was very grateful for because Slick would have lost his mind had he lost one of his women. While he’d been part of the group teasing Slick for being so greedy for having two ladies, Ezra saw that both women were desperately needed by Slick.

Irish remained stand-offish, with only Summer and Slick being close. Ezra had watched, worried someone might get hurt, but Summer and Irish were good friends. He never pried into how their relationship worked, but Ezra did know it was an unusual arrangement. However, Summer was blossoming. Irish was her protective shadow, and the old ladies went out of their way to make them both welcome. Summer did drift towards Irish more than any other old lady, but Ezra assumed that was natural.

Irish made Summer smile with her actions. She looked out for Summer constantly. He’d never want to upset Summer because it was clear anyone who did would pay a steep price. Summer blossomed under the care of Irish and the love Slick heaped on her. For a strait-laced woman, Ezra was shocked to understand that Summer was perfectly happy with her living arrangements.

The one thing Ezra did like about Summer was the home she’d built for the three of them. They were living together in her house while they hunted for the house they wanted, and Slick was a very content man. Hell, Summer even made Slick lunch every day.

Ezra’s brother was as happy as a pig in shit.

Summer glowed whenever Slick looked at her, and Irish had softened a little. Whatever they were doing worked, and that’s all that mattered.

Ezra’s eyes roamed to Dana, who was lifting her besotted gaze towards him. Could he finally make his move on the shy woman?

Dana

I was in love, totally and completely in love with the shoes. I planned to never take them off. Well, at least not for the next half an hour.

Ezra had shocked me when he handed me the bag, and I wondered why he’d bought them. Nobody spent two thousand dollars on random heels for a woman they barely knew, so why had Ezra?

And now he was staring right at me with heat on his face.

Then it hit me; Ezra was in my house, leaning against my door jamb, looking all sexy and hot! I swallowed hard as Ezra’s eyes watched me carefully, and he caught my action. A half smile crossed his lips, and I licked mine in response. Damn, Ezra really knew how to push my buttons.

“Why are you here?” I finally asked and gulped. That had come across as rude.

“Wanted to see you and bring you them. Dana, I never say anything I don’t mean,” Ezra answered, nodding at the shoes.

“But I didn’t expect you to buy them.”

“Nope, so that’s why I did. Plus, did you think my woman would go without something she wants?” Ezra leaned against the doorframe.

“Your woman?” I whispered.

“Mine,” Ezra confirmed.

“Damn, I must be dreaming; can someone pinch me?”

Ezra chuckled and moved into the living room.

“Dana, I wanted to get to know you a few years ago, but you weren’t open to anything then. You disappeared for six months. I didn’t know you were engaged, but it explains a lot. You stayed faithful while the asshole banged your sister. Even though I don’t think you were in love with him, their actions and your motherfuckin’ parents destroyed you.

“Since then, I’ve been trying to get to know you, but you run like a scared rabbit. Well, I’m a hound dog, and we’re used to hunting down what we want. So, I decided to shower you with pretty shit and thought I might get under your skin like you’re under mine.”

Ezra sat and grinned. It was a boyish grin and suited him.

“Dana, I sense you like me; well, I more than like you, Dana. And I ain’t messing around. This is what I want, and I am gonna be straight. We are going to date, have fun, fall in love, have wild, crazy sex, and then we’re going to look to the future. Don’t wanna scare you, baby, but we’re going to get married. I like what I’ve seen of your house, so we can live here. You can’t move in with me because I live in the clubhouse, never needed anywhere else. And then I’m going to knock you up once every year for ten years,” Ezra stated, holding my eyes.

Shock blasted through me at Ezra’s little speech, and I bit my lip. Despite Ezra’s confident words, his body language was tense, and I guessed he expected rejection. Hell, the way he’d spoken should lead to a refusal. Ezra had assumed I’d go along with his plans.

Well, there was an obstacle.

“Um, you—you will not get me pregnant once a year, every year. Four are the most children I want,” I stammered out. I wasn’t sure how Ezra would take me answering him back.

Ezra threw his head back and laughed. “You’ve got hidden spunk, Dana. I love that. We can work with four, I suppose.”

My lady parts clenched. Four kids with Ezra. That would mean a lot of sex. That wouldn’t be a hardship.

“Is this because you feel sorry for me after that scene?”

Ezra scowled, and I regretted the words instantly.

“Fuck no. That scene gave me an in. Do you think you can pretend to feel the heat there was between us? That was real, baby. I’ve been craving you for two years. I want everything, and I’m going to make you realise you’re my soulmate. Damn, I’ve already got powerful feelings, and they’re growing every day. But you’re fuckin’ good at hiding, and I didn’t want to frighten you. Now I don’t care; you’re mine, and if you run, I’ll give chase,” Ezra warned.

“I’m at a loss for words, Ezra.”

“Say yes to getting to know me and some make-out sessions,” Ezra added in a playful tone.

My lady parts perked up again. Make-out sessions? That sounded just fine! In fact, they were demanding I make-out with Ezra right now.

“Okay, I agree,” I said boldly.

“Seal it with a kiss?” Ezra teased and was out of his chair and pulling me into his arms before I could blink.

Ezra’s body was hard against mine, and he smelt divine. I barely came to under his chin, but he tipped my head backwards and claimed my mouth in a gentle but searing hot kiss. It seemed to last forever as I curled my fingers into his tee and pushed closer.

Ezra’s cock was soon hard against my stomach, and I responded in kind. Patrick had never aroused me like Ezra did, and my pussy was standing up and applauding Ezra on his length, thickness, and his skill at kissing.

“Oh Christ, when you look like that, all I want to do is strip you naked and feast on you. But I won’t rush this, not going to ruin what’s the most beautiful thing in my life,” Ezra murmured against my lips.

Slowly, I opened my eyes, and Ezra’s beautiful eyes held me captive. They were warm, soft, and heated.

“So how about we go for a ride, and then we’ll eat your dinner?” Ezra asked.

I hesitated.

“What?” Ezra demanded.

“I’ve never been on a bike.”

“Only Lindsey has ever been on mine. No woman rides behind me unless she’s my old lady,” Ezra replied.

“It’s a bit soon to say that,” I demurred, ducking my head.

Ezra tilted my chin up and held my gaze. “No, it ain’t.”

“Okay,” I said happily, and Ezra smiled. Damn, he did look like Robert Downey Junior, just taller and broader.

“Change to some thicker jeans, baby. Those are too thin if we take a tumble. Put a long-sleeved top, and keep your hair tied back. The wind will make it a snarled mess,” Ezra ordered, running fingers through my long brown hair.

I didn’t hesitate and dashed upstairs to my bedroom, where I ripped my clothes off and dressed as Ezra had instructed. I hated taking the shoes off but put on some cute ankle boots I’d bought.

When I came back downstairs, Ezra was lounging on the couch, looking very comfortable. His eyes wandered up and down my body, and his mouth opened and closed.

“Never seen you in jeans, baby. Holy shit,” Ezra murmured. “Turn around.”

I did, and Ezra made a strangled noise.

“Fuck, no more jeans for you.”

My heart dropped, and I wondered if I looked awful.

“Any single male sees that ass, I’m gonna kill him,” Ezra continued. “Long tops or no jeans. Shapeless sacks would be preferable.”

I laughed, and Ezra stopped muttering and stared.

“Only ever heard you laugh like that once, and it’s better than my memory,” Ezra said, getting to his feet. “I turned dinner off. It looked like it was cooked.”

Ezra’s phone rang with Drake’s ring tone, and he sent a scowl at his pocket as he dragged it out.

My face fell a little. Typical. I bet something was going down.

A little bummed, I walked into the kitchen to ensure everything was turned off and then began draining and placing it into food boxes. It would save until later.

“Yo,” Ezra growled out from behind, looking pissed off. I’d not even realised he’d followed.

I sighed and began planning the rest of my night without Ezra.

“You got to be fuckin’ kidding me…? Why the fuck me…? Sure, I get to deal with the maniac…! Whatever, Drake, I’ll take a ride out there,” Ezra snapped and stared at me.

“Everything okay?” I whispered, trying not to show my disappointment.

“Change of plans. We’re going to Magic’s Bar,” Ezra said and looked grumpy.

Excited, I clapped my hands together. “Really!” I squealed, making Ezra startle.

I’d heard about Magic, but I’d never dared visit on my own. It was the one place in Rapid City that was neutral, and Magic was a legend.

Ezra’s smile returned as my excitement showed.

“You wanna go visit Magic?” he asked gently as he moved towards me and cupped my face.

“Are you for real? Magic is a freaking legend. Of course, I’d never visit on my own. But with you, sure!” I squeaked.

“Then we’re going to see the fuckin’ maniac,” Ezra said with a sigh.

“Come on!” I cried, grabbing Ezra’s hand and pulling him towards the door. I grabbed my keys and shoved them into my jeans pocket as I pushed Ezra out the front door and slammed it shut. Ezra was laughing as I chivvied him down the drive towards the bike.

Only, once I saw the beast, I froze. The Harley was huge. How the hell was I meant to get on with it?

Ezra reached it first and pulled a black leather jacket out and then unstrapped a helmet from the seat.

“These are Lindsey’s old ones, but they should fit you,” he said as I eyed them dubiously. That half smile was back as he helped me into the leather coat, which was really cool. It had buckles and zips and everything. I put the helmet on, and Ezra thumped the top to make sure it was on properly. Worried, I returned to eyeing the beast.

“The bike won’t bite,” Ezra teased as he swung a leg over and straddled it. “Place a foot here, hold on to me, and swing yourself up.”

Ezra pointed to a pedal… stand… heck if I knew what it was called and showed me where to place my foot.

I cautiously did as I was told and ended up seated behind him. Wow, I hadn’t fallen off the other side.

“Hang on tight,” Ezra ordered, yanking me forward.

My pelvis settled against his great backside, and I shunted back a little, thinking I was too close.

Ezra immediately grasped my thighs and yanked me forward so my breasts pushed up against his back.

“Lean into the turns with me and place your feet there. Don’t want you getting burned on the exhaust. You want something, tap my stomach three times, otherwise, baby, wrap yourself around tight. I know you’ve seen Phoe and the others holding their hands in the air, but this is your first time,” Ezra said.

I nodded against his back.

The bike roared to life, and I felt a thrum run through my body. Damn, was the bike vibrating? Ezra walked us backwards off my drive and then started out slowly to give me time to get used to it.

As he sped up, I clutched him stringently, frightened I might rock the motorbike and cause us to crash, but I soon realised that it was safe. I didn’t like the way some cars got close, but Ezra handled the bike beautifully.

As soon as he hit the open road, he opened the bike up, and I screamed in joy. Ezra tapped my hands, and I offered a thumbs-up and a squeeze.

Jesus, why had I never been on a bike before? It was so liberating I could perceive the beauty of riding. No wonder Rage looked happy when I saw them riding in a group. This was a miracle. This was freedom and being at one with the road. Shit, I didn’t have the vocabulary to describe the overwhelming feeling. And add to that the vibrations, which were doing things to my lady parts, and I understood why bikers wanted sex so much. Hell, I’d pull over and jump Ezra’s bones right now.

We rode for ages, heading into the Black Hills, and finally, Ezra pulled up at a bar that I would avoid, even in daylight. The car park had about eight or nine cars in it, but there were at least thirty bikes present.

A shiver of apprehension ran through me.

Ezra helped me dismount and then swung off himself.

The slight fear I felt didn’t stop me yanking the helmet off and throwing myself in his arms. Happy, I dragged Ezra’s head down for a kiss and plastered myself against his body.

Ezra’s hands cupped my ass as he sank into the kiss, and when he lifted his head, he was smiling.

Ezra

Damn, look at Dana. She was fuckin’ glowing. He’d known it, deep down, that Dana was made to ride a bike, and fuck, Ezra was correct. Dana had fallen in love with riding. Her eyes were alight with joy and also desire, but she was just… fuckin’ glowing. There was no hiding Dana’s beauty now. It poured out of her. And stunned him speechless.

Ezra’s baby girl was made to ride behind him, and they’d ride until they died together. Dana was so reserved and quiet no one would guess this light was in her, but it was, and she was shining. He’d fallen for the right woman, for sure.

They stood together, plastered against each other, just smiling idiotically. But Ezra wanted to drag her back to her house and fuck her stupid so he could see her light up another way.

“Let’s make this quick,” Ezra managed to say.

Dana’s face fell.

“Need to get you alone, baby,” he explained, and Dana lit up again.

Ezra wasn’t certain if it was the idea of another ride or the fact he wanted her to himself. Shit, he was jealous of his bike!

Dana

Ezra grabbed my hand and led me into the bar. At first, my eyes blinked to adjust to the sudden loss of brightness from the sun, and then I saw how many people were there, and I stepped behind Ezra.

“Nobody here will hurt you,” Ezra murmured as he led me forward.

My shyness came back in full force, and I kept my head down.

“Fuck me! Another Rage has fallen!” a voice boomed, and I peeked before staring downwards. That guy was freaking huge! As big as Axel, and I’d never seen anyone as huge as him. Rage old ladies fondly called Axel a walking mountain. Well, this was Axel’s twin!

“Magic,” Ezra greeted as we reached the bar. Ezra helped me onto a stool before standing behind me, one arm wrapping around under my breasts while his other hand cupped my hip.

“Let’s see you, lass,” Magic boomed gently. It was as if he sensed I was frightened.

I peeked up again and saw a huge grin on his face.

“Fuck me. How do you assholes get all the beautiful ones?” Magic demanded as I turned on the stool, seeking Ezra’s body. I hid my blush in his chest as Ezra chuckled.

“Wait a second. Hey, sweetheart, look at me,” Magic said, and Ezra stiffened.

I didn’t want trouble, so I looked back at him, and Magic studied my face. Magic started to chuckle in a big boom and leant closer.

“How good a shot is Hawthorne?” Magic whispered, and I began to laugh.

“Very,” I replied.

“Well, baby girl, let’s hope your man can run fuckin’ fast! Because I wouldn’t be Ezra when Hawthorne and his men find out,” Magic said with a teasing note.

“It’s okay, they won’t piss me off or I’ll screw their lives up,” I murmured.

“Yeah?” Magic demanded, wanting an answer.

“Oh, I’ll hide the good coffee, mess up their appointments, lose their time sheets and their bonuses. They only ever upset me once, and they all learned a very harsh lesson,” I replied, feeling braver.

Ezra was as solid as a rock behind me and clearly enjoying my interaction with Magic.

“What did they do?” Ezra asked curiously.

“Dylan shouted at me, and then they all did when I went after Irish. They paid the price for four weeks. At the end of it, they were nearly in tears, begging me for forgiveness. I hid the sugar and creamer and didn’t buy London’s hazelnut creamer. I scheduled tetanus injections for them and arranged for a nurse to administer them at the office. None of them got paid their bonuses or their fuel expenses, and I lost their timesheets constantly,” I answered.

“Damn,” Ezra said.

“And I booked them all in for two cheating spouse cases each as well. They hate and won’t take them, and I made them sit through two interviews, each with potential clients. Dylan nearly cried. Then I booked them all on the cases, and they had to investigate. They chipped together and bought me a beautiful bouquet and four thousand dollars’ worth of vouchers for Windfell by the time I finished.”

Ezra stared at me in amazement as Magic whistled through his teeth.

“It’s always the quiet ones, my man,” Magic said with sympathy before giving me a huge grin.

“Welcome to my bar, woman. Glad to see you here, even if it is with this asshole,” Magic boomed and leaned forward. “Was that welcoming enough, or do I need to grovel on my knees before you think of payback for me?”

My laughter spilled before I could pull it back as Ezra chuckled.