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Mamba surprised himself by talking about anything past twenty-four hours, considering his life hadn’t included much long-term or even short-term planning. His lifestyle centered around bobbing and weaving while doing what felt good, which could’ve explained why he’d done time and never had much of a future.
Mandy’s natural optimism sparked hope in him and made him believe it too. Although her willingness to keep them a secret gnawed at Mamba, she might’ve been right. Why start a shitstorm when they weren’t sure how orifthey’d even work out?
He gathered Mandy closer, her body heat calming him and driving away the negative thoughts of them not working out, which left an empty pit in his gut.
* * *
“You worry too much,” Mandy whispered into her phone as Mamba slept across the room.
“And you’re not worried about Ajax finding out where you are?” Mitzi’s question hung between them. Deep down, she was worried, but not for the reasons Mitzi expected. Her angst came from Ajax doing anything to ruin what she had with Mamba or having to explain to him for the hundredth time that she was a grown woman capable of making her own decisions.
“He thinks I’m in Laughlin visiting a high school friend, and I don’t have work until Tuesday. So, no worries.” Mandy’s light tone belied her fear of Ajax interfering before she had a chance to see if it would even work.
“You know that’s not what I’m talking about.”
“I love you for worrying about me, but I have to do this one on my own.” Many times Mitzi used being two years older as a way to instill sage knowledge, but she couldn’t control her crush on Ajax even though he never paid her any attention.
“Your secret’s safe with me, even if I don’t agree with you and think you’re setting yourself up for heartache and a shit-ton of trouble.”
“You’re the best.”
“One last question. Did you and the hot biker get down and dirty?”
Mandy stifled a laugh. “You are so bad.”
“Well, did you?”
“Yes, and it was …” Mandy’s gaze wandered back to Mamba splayed across the bed on his stomach. Her mind flashed to his tatted, chiseled arms cradling her body and how his tongue teased and tempted her until she gripped the sheets in exquisite desire. He captured her body in a gentle yet possessive way, commanding attention while his rough features mirrored ecstasy, and cuddled her afterward, letting her know he felt the same sensations. Mamba shifted in the bed, and the sheet slipped away, showcasing his incredible back as his muscles contracted with each breath. “Amazing.”
“Oh god, you’re screwed.” Mitzi didn’t know how true her words were because what Mandy experienced scared her and exhilarated her all at once.
“I know.”
“Please, be careful. I don’t mean because of Ajax finding out about Mamba, I mean with your heart. You’re not someone who flits from one guy to another, and bikers, well, they have a rep with women. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Mandy gripped the phone tighter. “I won’t.”
“See you in a few days. And be careful.”
“I will.” Mandy swiped away the call, appreciating Mitzi’s concern. She’d assured her friend, but in reality, the same doubt lived within Mandy too. Starting something with Mamba was unchartered territory. An older man with rough edges who’d live a lot of life was her total opposite, but Mandy’s heart wouldn’t allow her to turn back.
Mamba rolled over in the bed, and her pulse kicked up from merely the sight of him. Mitzi was right; she was screwed big time.
He stretched, and yeah, that was also a beautiful sight, then held out his hand. “What’re you doin’ way over there? Get back in here with me.”
Mandy crossed the room wearing his oversized t-shirt that hit her mid-knee and stood by the side of the bed.
“You look way too serious for a Sunday morning.” He tugged on the t-shirt’s hem, then snuck his hand up her thigh. Her insides quivered, sending a shiver up her spine.
In one smooth move, he jack-knifed to a sitting position, circled his arm around her waist, and dragged her back into bed. She landed on top of him and smiled. “You have a way of getting what you want, don’t you?”
“Damn straight, especially when what I want is a beautiful woman with a perfect smile.”
Mandy realized she was smiling down at him. “Woman, huh?”
“That’s right,my woman.” His low, serious tone brought back Mitzi’s comment. Bikers were notorious for the number of women they bedded. Sometimes more than one at a time—like the two women Mamba would’ve shared the night with if he hadn’t found her in his room. Was she fooling herself with his choice of words? Maybe she was making more out of what he probably said to every woman he’d ever screwed and projecting her feelings on him.
He gripped Mandy’s waist in his calloused palms. “Now you look scary serious.”
