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“Atlas isn’t very comfortable about being around women. It’s not my story to tell, but I can tell you, that if he didn’t want you to touch him, he wouldn’t have allowed it.”
Nodding, I seriously hope he’s right. Stepping forward slightly, I carefully lift the full-face helmet, trying not to touch or smear Atlas’ beautiful artwork, and try it on.
Kai smirks at me as he adjusts the straps before buckling them. Then he reaches around to the back and pulls up on the helmet. I look at him, confused as to why he did that.
“Gotta make sure the helmet doesn’t come off if something happens, Lil’ Bit. It needs to stay snug on your head to properly protect you.”
Once he’s satisfied it’s adjusted correctly and it fits, he unbuckles it. I take it off, running my hand through my hair to make sure it isn’t sticking up all over. Next, I try on the skull cap helmet and Kai repeats the process.
“You must have been doing this a long time to be able to pick the right size for me and be confident enough that it’ll fit to deck them out in my name.” My voice is quiet as my emotions threaten to boil over, but he hears me anyway judging by his smile.
I blink back tears, still not fully believing this is now my life. That I have two brothers, a sister, aunts, a cousin, and a nephew. Not to mention two more cousins on the way.
Timber’s arm wraps around my waist again and he lifts my chin so I’m looking up at him.
“Best believe it, baby. It’s all real. Punisher and Axe. They’re real. Mama Astrid and Odin. They’re real. Susie and Jordan. They’re real. Your aunts, uncles, and cousin. They’re real. I’m real, and I’m not going anywhere. None of us are, Sunshine.”
My cheeks heat, not realizing I’d said that aloud, but also because of Timber’s declaration.
Nodding, I lean forward and rest my head on his chest, breathing deep. His scent of leather and sandalwood that’s tinged slightly with smells of motor oil and sawdust surrounds me, calming me. He kisses the top of my head and I look up at him.
“How about you ride with me to the store and then to the clubhouse, Sunshine? A little wind therapy may do you good.”
That perks me up and I nod enthusiastically, which has both Timber and Kai laughing. Being on a bike looks so freeing that I’ve been looking forward to riding since Timber mentioned it the other day.
Kai rummages through the bag and pulls out my jacket. I take it and remove the tags before sliding it on. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Mama Astrid and Ragnar approach.
“Let me take care of your hair, dear. With your long, thick hair, you’ll be combing out tangles for hours if you don’t.”
Nodding, I make sure all of my hair is out from under my jacket and pass her a hair tie I always keep on my wrist.
Her fingers make deft work of braiding my hair and she squeezes my shoulder when she’s done. Smiling, I hug her in thanks and pick up the skull cap. Timber had said before that they usually only use the full-face helmets on long rides or when they think they’ll need to use Bluetooth. Though, he said you can use Bluetooth with a skull cap, it’s just a bit harder.
Timber grabs my bags and I turn back to Kai, noting that he’s still behind the counter and I can see a door behind him with a ‘manager’ nameplate on it.
“Kai, do you have to stay and work, or are you coming with us as well?”
He shakes his head. “I need to get some things done in the office for a bit, and then I’ll be back at the clubhouse.”
“So, if we plan to have supper at 6 pm, is that enough time for you?”
He grins and nods.
Timber snags my hand, tugging me toward the door and a giggle escapes as I follow him. Looking over my shoulder, I wave bye to Kai, which he returns.
Once outside, Timber stows the bags in the SUV and pulls me over to his bike. Another giggle escapes at his eagerness. He grins at me, and I bite my lip at his heated gaze.
“Been wanting you on the back of my bike since I first saw you the other day.” He leans down and gives me a quick kiss.
He flips down two pegs that he tells me is where I will put my feet when riding and to always make sure they are flipped down before I even think of getting on the bike. Putting on his own helmet, he gets on the bike.
“Okay, Sunshine. I’ll always let you know when I’m ready for you to get on, don’t just hop on behind me. First, you’re gonna put your left foot on the peg, take my hand, and then swing your leg over. Keep your leg and boots away from the exhaust pipes. They get fucking hot, and I don’t want you getting burned, Sunshine.”
He holds out his hand and I take it, put my foot on the peg, and throw my leg over as I try not to jostle the bike too much. Once seated, I wrap my arms around his waist and he chuckles.
Reaching back, he grabs my hips and scoots me forward even more.
“You’re gonna have to hang on tight to me, Sunshine. If you’re all the way back there and not hanging on well, you’ll go flying off the back, ya hear?”
