He chuckles and steps into my space once more. My body is hyperaware of him. Why do I have to be attracted to the very thing I need to stay away from?

“Let me take you home.”

“That’s okay. I’ll walk.”

I turn around but before I can take a step, his voice, low and commanding, stops me.

“Raven, it’s getting dark and I don’t want you walking alone. I’m taking you home.”

Beyond the arrogance of him asserting his perceived control over me, there’s a level of concern in his tone that affects me. Why would he care? He doesn’t even know me. It’s obvious he’s interested in me, but I’ve made my position quite clear. Is he just looking out for my safety, or is it a tactic to blindside me? I face him once more and he flashes a crooked smile.

“Look, Mr.…?”

“Mr.? How old do you think I am?”

“I don’t know. How old do you think I am?”

His brows knit in concentration and a bit of concern as his gaze rakes over my body.

“How old are you?” he asks.

“Again, none of your business.”

“Fine. Don’t tell me. I’ll still give you a ride.”

“You’re not going to leave me alone, are you?” I huff.

“Nope.”

I sigh and shake my head in resignation. He’s a persistent fucker.

“If I’m going to get on that motorcycle with you, I need to at least know your last name.”

He grins and takes my hand in his huge, rough one.

“Hunter. Gage Hunter.”

“Raven Alvarez.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Alvarez.”

“You, too, Mr. Hunter.”

“Gage…please.”

“Okay, Gage. You may call me Miss Alvarez.”

He chuckles and gives my fingers a squeeze. That’s when I realize he hasn’t let go.

“So, it’s like that?”

I nod, but can’t help my smile. His attitude is infectious.

“Yes, it’s like that.”

“Okay, cool.”

He grabs his helmet off his bike and hands it to me. I don’t see an extra one.

“What about you?” I ask.

“Don’t worry about me. Your safety is all that matters.”

There he goes again. What’s his deal? “And why is my safety so important to you?”

His brows furrow and he blinks at me in confusion. After a few tense seconds, his facial muscles relax and he looks me straight in the eyes. Everything inside me comes alive. With just a look, he’s made me feel safe, cared for, and wanted. It should be illegal for men to look at women like that. Then again, maybe not. It should be mandatory for all men to do it.

“It just is.”

With unsteady fingers, I place the helmet on my head. My reaction to him makes no sense. I just met him, for Christ’s sake. I don’t even like him. After I adjust the chinstrap, he extends his hand to me. I stare down at it with uncertainty. To tell the truth, I am a little scared.

“First time?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Yeah, but I’m honored to pop your cherry. Been a while since I had a virgin.”

“Tsk,” I tut in annoyance. I just want to smack that smirk off his gorgeous lips. He chuckles, but I do not find him amusing.

“Let me give you a hand. Put your foot here.”

He helps me on and I wrap my arms around his waist after he climbs on in front of me. Several scents hit me – leather, motor oil, cologne, and…man. Doesn’t sound like a very good combination, but Lord, it smells heavenly right now. I stare at the logo on the back of his cut – a Grim Reaper dealing the death card from a pack of tarot cards. The name of his club sits on top of the logo, the state at the bottom. Death Dealers Georgia.

“You stayin’ with Lonnie?”

“Yeah. The address is –”

“I know where it is.”

Of course he does. He’s probably been there many times. I don’t even want to think about why he’s been there. He starts the engine and kicks up the stand. The thing sends vibrations through my entire body, but more so between my legs. Not a good combination with this man sitting in front of me. Looking over his shoulder, he gives me a crooked grin as he revs the engine.

“Hold on tight and lean into the turns.”

The bike lurches forward, and I involuntarily tighten my arms around his waist and press my thighs to his. Does he have to go so fast? Why did I agree to get on this death machine? I squeeze my eyes shut and visualize myself getting home – safely. We come to a stop and I tentatively open my eyes. It’s just a stoplight. A few people on the sidewalk stop in their tracks to gawk at us. Great. Just what I need. I turn away from their penetrating stares only to encounter the same thing on the opposite side of the street.  What’s the big deal? Hopefully no one can see my face clearly. I say a silent thank you as we start to move again. Resting my cheek to his back, I close my eyes, and try to concentrate on the one good thing about this ordeal – the smell of him. Well, maybe two. His body feels good, too.

“We’re here, baby doll.”

I open my eyes and blink in disorientation. We’re in my driveway. Shit. I was so lost in him I didn’t even realize we’d stopped moving. I release him and reach up to remove my helmet. He puts the stand down and climbs off, extending his hand to me. As I reach for it, he pulls away.

“You know, you look good sittin’ there on the back of my bike.”

“I bet you tell all the girls that.”

He chuckles and shakes his head.

“You, beautiful Raven, are the first woman who’s ever ridden on any of my bikes.”

Any of his bikes? Just how many does he own?

“Yeah, right.”

“I’m serious. Didn’t you see all those people staring at you?”

“I did. What’s up with that?”

“That’s why. They’ve never seen me ride with a woman.”

“Well, I hope they got their fill, ‘cause it’s the first and last time I’ll be on this thing.”

He extends his hand again and I place mine in his. He squeezes my fingers gently.

“It’s the first but definitely not the last, baby doll.”

I scoff at him and swing my leg over the bike. It’s dark, but I need to get inside before anyone else sees me. My feet touch the ground and my knees buckle. I fall forward but two strong arms catch me and pull me against a hard chest. Instantly, my breathing accelerates. I keep my head down because I fear what he’ll see in my eyes if I look up at him.

“Don’t worry. You’ll be fine in a minute.”

Suddenly, I’m swept off my feet and carried toward the house.

“What are you doing?” I exclaim.

“I’m not putting you down until I know you can stand on your own.”

“I’m fine now. Put me down.”

Even before my objection is past my lips, my arms curl around his neck. He ignores me and takes me all the way to the front door before carefully placing me back on my feet. Whether consciously or not, my hands slide down over his shoulders and sternum. Ripping my hands away, I catch myself right before I squeeze his hard pecs. I avoid his gaze as I reach into my pocket for my keys. That is, until a curious finger trails down my stomach. I pull my tank top down and narrow my eyes at him, ignoring the fire starting in my belly.

“I did not give you permission to touch me.”

“How about a kiss then?”

I can’t even answer because his lips are stealing my words. I’m so surprised that I swallow my gum. He didn’t wait for an answer, just took what he wanted. Though my mind resists, my body melts into his. My fingers curl into his white T-shirt and a moan escapes me. His lips move hungrily over mine, taking and giving pleasure. There is only complete surrender when his tongue seeks entrance. His taste is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I can’t quite put my finger on what it is, but it’s frickin’ awesome and I want more. This kiss is like a good book I’d get lost in and stay up all night reading. It’s that captivating

While my hands move up to slide through his hair, his travel down to grab my ass. He squeezes my cheeks and pulls me into him, letting his desire be explicitly known. He’s hard. For me. And it excites the hell out of me. I feel like climbing up on him like he’s a big, man-tree that I need to get to the top of. I hear myself whimper as his hands slide up my sides. His thumbs brush at the undersides of my breasts, and this time, he moans. He breaks away suddenly, his breathing heavy. I gape at him, trying to catch my own breath.