AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You’re doing fine.” He gestured up ahead to the end of the parking lot. “We’re going to turn around in a minute. Don’t tap the gas until we’re coming out of the curve, all right?”
Guiding the bike into a U-turn, I felt Tank shift behind me, his weight leaning left. I leaned with him, nestled into the curve of his body. It was thrilling and addictive and I felt like I could ride for hours this way.
But eventually, Tank patted my hip and I pulled the bike to a stop, pushing the kickstand down.
“You’re a natural,” he said.
“Really?” I asked, delighted.
He nodded. “Keep practicing like that and you’ll have your own bike in no time.”
After Tank had taken up the driver’s seat again, I settled behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist. As tempting as it was to think about having my own motorcycle, I liked this spot, snuggled close and warm while the road flew by beneath us.
Half an hour later, Tank pulled up to the Bubble & Fizz ice cream parlor. Reluctantly, I pulled away and unstrapped my helmet, stretching out the mild aches in my body after sitting still for so long.
Tank chuckled. “Was it worth it?”
I squinted up at him in the sunlight with a smile.
“Absolutely. Living the fantasy is a thousand times better than just daydreaming about it.”
“Oh, you’re definitely hooked for life. I think I’ll keep my keys close at hand from now on or I’ll be watching you speed down the road on my bike without me.”
I grinned as I fell into step beside Tank, feeling as if I was walking on air.
Chapter Three
Tank
After getting our ice cream – strawberries and cream for Jules, rocky road for me – all the tables were full in the shop. So we wandered back to the bike. Jules perched on the back while I leaned against the side, my legs stretched out in front of me, crossed at the ankles. With the heat of the day climbing higher, I unzipped my brown leather jacket, attempting to stay cool.
Jules traced one fingertip over the United States Marine Corp patch on my shoulder. I shifted to grant her better access, silently encouraging her to continue.
“You have so many patches,” she said. “Do they all represent something? Or is it just to look badass?”
I breathed a laugh.
“Some of them have symbolism, yeah. Others are just…” I shrugged. “Picked up on my travels to patch up a few holes. I’ve had this old jacket ever since I got out of the Marines. It’s taken a few hard hits over the years when I crash my bike and the pavement shreds the leather instead of my skin. Can’t bring myself to throw it away and get a new one though.”
Jules winced in sympathy. Her fingertip roamed over my back, tracing a star, an American flag, a skull, a rose. When she made her way to my chest, she found the wolf’s head there and I let her look as long as she wanted to. I liked having her undivided attention. I liked sitting this close to her, watching the concentration on her perfect face, the shadow of her lashes against her cheek, her brown eyes taking in every inch of me.
“What does this one mean?” she asked, tapping the wolf head.
“It belongs to my MC.” At Jules’ questioning look, I clarified. “My motorcycle club: Alpha Riders. I wasn’t in a good place after I left the Marines. Didn’t know what to do with myself. But my brothers got me straightened out.”
She flicked her gaze up, studying my face as I spoke. It took every ounce of concentration not to kiss her in that moment.
“I’d like to meet them one day,” she said.
I chuckled. “You’re fearless. You don’t look like it but you are.”
Jules poked me in the arm. “Hey. Your club sounds important to you. Like family. I know what that’s like.”
I finished off the last of my ice cream and glanced over at her.
“Don’t tell me you’re part of a motorcycle club yourself.”
She rolled her eyes. “Very funny. It’s just…I grew up in a big family. I’d do anything to protect my little brothers and sisters. They drive me insane but at the same time, I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
