Page 262 of Sincerely, Butterfly

“Both,” I tell her. “I have plans for the ride, then I’m taking you somewhere.”

“Okay,” she laughs again. “Like, a date?” Her eyes light up, and fuck me if I don’t want to give this girl the whole fucking world.

“I guess you could call it that.”

Grinning, she slides her helmet on, strapping it in place. “Let’s go,” she says excitedly, moving to get on the back of the bike, but I grab her arm, pulling her forward.

“You’re sitting in the front.”

“The front?” she asks. “Are you going to be able to drive like that?

I chuckle, grinning as I slide my own helmet on. “I’ll be just fine.”

“Okay,” she agrees.

“Your front to my front,” I instruct her.

“Like, my body wrapped around yours?”

I nod my head, sliding back a bit, giving her room to climb on.

“Are you sure you’re going to be able to drive like this?” she asks again, leaning back to look up at me. “And how is this going to work? Do I put my feet down next to yours, or?” She kicks her feet out to the side, making me chuckle. “This is stupid. I’m going to sit behind you like normal.”

“Stay.” I let out a low growl when she goes to move. She pauses and lets out a huff.

“This can’t be safe, Jasper.”

“Wrap your legs around me,” I tell her. “And your arms around my neck.”

“What?” she gasps. “Jasper, how the hell are you going to see?”

“Lotus Flower, I’m a big man, you're a tiny pixie. Even with the helmet, you don’t take up much room.”

Not giving her enough time to argue anymore, I start the bike up and take off through the parking lot.

She lets out a squeal, wrapping her legs around my waist and locking her arms around my neck.

“You are suicidal sometimes, Jasper Park, I swear!”

My chest shakes with laughter. She’s so cute when she’s pissed.

“Did you have a brain swap or something?” she asks, shouting over the sound of the bike.

“Why?” I shout back.

“Because you’re laughing. You really are turning into a softie, aren't you?” I can hear the smile in her voice.

I roll my eyes. Of course, she’s gotta be a brat about it.

Weaving my way through traffic, I head for the highway. I plan on taking the long way to where I’m taking her, giving me a chance to have enough time for what I have planned.

She clings to me, her body tight against mine. Having her this close settles something inside me. I hate when we’re apart, but unlike Sylas, I’m not going to smother her.

Stalk her and track her, yes. I need to know where my Lotus Flower is at all times, and if I can’t be there with her, I want to know she’s safe.

But Nola is her own person. She has school, work, family, friends. They’re a big part of her life, and I’d never come between that.

“Nola,” I shout loud enough for her to hear me.