Page 9 of Rough & Ruthless

“You think?” I ask, encouraging her to continue. I hold my breath, hanging on her every word.

“I think you and I are more than friends. Right? Or… am I reading this all wrong? Sugar sticks,” she mutters under her breath like a swear word. “Sorry, I–”

I cut her off by cupping her cheek and lifting her head so I can kiss her. It’s far too short, but I need her to understand what she means to me.

“Fuckin’ right, we’re more than friends. I have enough friends. What I need is you, my precious girl.”

Her eyebrows lift in surprise as a tiny gasp falls from her lips. “Precious?”

I nod in confirmation. “And mine.”

A smile breaks out across her face, though she’s trying to hide it. Immense relief washes over me, and I take her hand in mine. Feeling her warmth against my palm settles all my worries. Still, I want to erase the last lingering shadow of doubt from her beautiful face.

"Let me make it up to you," I say softly. "Let me take you on an adventure."

Her eyes light up with pure excitement. She agrees instantly, and minutes later, we’re riding down the coastal highway on my bike.

Soraya holds tight to my waist the entire ride, her thighs squeezing my legs as she subtly rocks against me. Fuck, the thought of her getting all hot and bothered while my bike vibrates under her has my dick straining against my jeans.

I take my woman to my private sanctuary, a secluded cliffside overlook framed by ancient trees and mist-covered mountains. The crisp ocean air fills my lungs, and the sound of waves crashing against the jagged rocks below creates a steady, peaceful rhythm.

We climb off my bike, and I guide Soraya to sit down beneath the thick canopy of a massive pine tree. She nestles herself perfectly between my legs, her soft back resting completely against my broad chest. The rustle of pine trees and dried leaves overhead creates a quiet bubble just for us.

She shifts her weight against my chest, and I feel the slight hesitation in her muscles before she finally speaks.

"What kind of business does the club actually do?" she asks softly. Her voice is barely louder than the crashing waves below us.

I wrap my arms tighter around her waist and press a kiss to the top of her head, loving that she smells like my shampoo. "We control logistics and freight for this section of the West Coast. We run legitimate businesses." I pause, choosing my next words with extreme care. "But we operate outside normal boundaries. Sometimes people get greedy. They try to take what belongs to us."

She tilts her head back against my shoulder and looks up into my eyes. "Is that what happened to my store? Why they smashed up the street?"

"Yes." I keep my voice completely steady. "A rival group, we’re not sure who, is trying to disrupt our shipping lines. They started a brawl to send a message."

Her breath hitches slightly. "Are you in danger, Stryker?"

I press a firm, lingering kiss to her temple, deciding how to answer. I don’t want to tell her the brutal, bloody details of the violence I receive and inflict on those who deserve it. I refuse to put that kind of heavy burden on her beautiful soul.

"They can try to bring danger to my door," I rumble against the shell of her ear. I let the absolute certainty of my power bleed into the words. "But I have an entire army at my back. We handle our enemies, Soraya. I will always keep the violence far away from you."

I feel her trust in me growing with every truth I share. My own heavy guard softens completely and I begin stroking her soft shoulders. My calloused thumb glides across her delicate jawline and down to the sensitive skin of her neck.

The heat between us builds fast. She begins squirming and moaning softly as my fingers trace down her collarbone. I let my hand graze the hem of her shirt, and bury my nose in her auburn hair.

“So damn sexy,” I growl as my hands continue to trace the contours of her body.

She shifts her weight, her lush hips rolling back flush against my hard cock. I groan loudly at her boldness. She gasps at the heavy contact, surprised by herself, and then she deliberately does it again.

I’m barely hanging on to control as it is, my lips peppering hot kisses against her neck. Soraya tilts her head to the side, giving me better access. I nip at her sensitive flesh, loving the way she trembles when I cover the sting with a kiss.

Unable to resist her curves a second longer, I reach beneath her shirt and cup her heavy breast, rolling her tight nipple between my fingers. She whimpers so sweetly for me as she arches her back and presses her chest further into my hand.

Soraya is panting and squirming, the built-up tension seeking a release. I slide my hand down her soft stomach and trace the waistband of her leggings. God, I can feel her heat and how desperately she needs to come.

As difficult as it is, I pause, needing her absolute permission. "Can I touch you here?" I ask, my voice rough and strained.

"Please," she begs breathlessly.

I slip my hand into her leggings, my fingers teasing the edge of her panties and then diving inside. Soraya wiggles her hips, trying to get me right where she wants me. I chuckle darkly before dipping my fingers lower, lower, and cupping her bare pussy.