Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
“Slide off, Little girl.”
“Oh, sorry. I was looking at all the helmets.”
“You’ll enjoy meeting the special women who rode in with my brothers.” Blade predicted, throwing his leg over the bike in a practiced move.
“Your brothers,” Sapphire repeated. “Are there more of your gang here?”
“Motorcycle club, Blue Eyes. Not a gang,” he corrected.
Shrugging, Sapphire wondered what the difference was. MC club, gang? They seemed the same to her. Maybe the temperament of the members was the distinguishing factor.
“Come on. Are you hungry? They have amazing trash-can nachos here,” Blade suggested as he took off his helmet.
“Extra jalapeños?”
“If that’s what you would like,” he said, walking forward to unfasten her helmet. “Which helmet do you like the best?”
“I like this blue one you found for me,” Sapphire answered quickly, keeping her gaze away from the one with fuzzy pink decorations.
“I’m glad. You know there are ways to personalize it. Angel wings. Tattoo designs. Even ears.”
Her eyes widened at the mention of that last one. When he smiled, she quickly said, “Oh, it’s fine by itself.”
“So, ears, huh? Do you want fuzzy ones like Elizabeth has? Those are hers over there,” he pointed to the exact embellishments Sapphire had coveted.
“Really, it’s not necessary to decorate my helmet. I won’t ride with you that often.”
“Sure, you will. I enjoyed having you curled around me. Did you enjoy the trip here?” he asked, watching her carefully.
Sapphire couldn’t lie to those big brown eyes that seemed to see so much. “Yes. I loved it.”
“Then we get you some blue, fuzzy ears. Or would you rather have pink?”
“Blue!” she blurted and realized that she’d just admitted she coveted the additions.
“You’ve got them. I’ll order them tomorrow morning. Now, nachos?”
Nodding, she couldn’t help bouncing on her toes in excitement. Those blue ears would be so cute. She held on to his hand when he threaded his fingers with hers and followed him to the back entrance.
Several women flirted with Blade as they walked by. Sapphire glared at them before catching herself. She shouldn’t feel so territorial about a man who she’d just met. It wasn’t like they were a couple or something. He wants to be your Daddy. That’s pretty serious.
She glanced up at Blade to judge his reaction to the women’s interest and found him studying her. “Did I do something wrong?”
“I’m here with you, Little girl. No one else.”
“It’s scary how you know what I’m thinking.”
“What?” he asked, leaning closer like he couldn’t hear over the music.
“It’s scary….” The rest of her repeated statement disappeared as his lips pressed against hers in a quick, hard kiss that left her craving more.
“Ready to go meet everyone?” he asked as she tried to recover.
Sapphire would have agreed with anything he asked at that moment. When he tugged her hand gently, she followed him to a back corner of the large bar and grill. She hesitated, seeing a couple dancing on the floor that put everyone to shame. Blade stopped and watched with her.
“That’s Talon and Elizabeth.”
“He’s a Shadowridge Guardian?” she asked, glancing back at Blade.
“He is. Come on. You can meet them when this song ends.”
As they approached, Sapphire saw a dozen men in the MC’s cut. They had claimed several tables in a partially secluded area. A number of women mingled with them. Sapphire noted a difference between the flirtatious ones trying to pick up a biker and those she guessed were already attached to a Shadowridge Guardian.
“Blade,” called a blonde dressed in a short bubble skirt and lacy socks. The woman’s eyes dropped to their intertwined hands and then she scanned Sapphire.
As everyone turned to look at them, Sapphire stood proudly with her shoulders back, waiting to see the group’s reaction to her blue hair and tattoos. She’d always been artistic and liked things a bit out there—more colorful and her own relaxed style. From this group of bikers, she didn’t expect the dismissive or scornful backlash she got from the general public. To her relief, they all seemed pleased to see them. Even the tall grumpy-looking guy who’d helped her with the box.
Sapphire was amazed when the blonde who’d greeted them rushed forward to hug her. Shocked, she allowed the contact, not knowing what else to do. She glanced over the woman’s shoulder at Blade.
“Sapphire, this hugging machine is Harper. Harper, this is Sapphire.” Blade introduced the two.
“What a perfect name! Your eyes are gorgeous. You’re with Blade?” Harper asked.
“Thanks. Umm, yes?” Sapphire offered hesitantly.
“She’s mine,” Blade answered in a much more definitive tone. “We’re getting some food. Are you hungry, Harper?”
“For nachos,” the woman answered, batting her eyelashes at Blade.
Sapphire couldn’t help but laugh. There was no real flirtation happening. She was playing Blade hard.
“I’m familiar with your vampy ways, Harper. I’m going to order nachos for Sapphire to try. Want to check with the other… others if they want to join us?” Blade asked. “Oh, and ask Doc if you can have some to eat.”