Page 35 of Sly (Dragon Riders MC 5)
His forehead pressed against mine. “He wanted me to let you know that he’s getting washed up before heading into the office. Turns out, being burned comes with a lot of paperwork.”
I blushed. “Did he seem upset?”
He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “More like relieved that you were safe and all right. He was worried they were coming after you next.”
I grinned. “You’d never let that happen, though. Right?”
He gripped my chin. “They’d have to kill me to get to you.”
He pulled my lips to his one last time and it felt as if time itself had stopped. I loved kissing this man, but my body wanted more. The warmth between my thighs kept growing and my heart started fluttering so wildly with every stroke of his tongue I thought I might actually take off and fly into the clouds. Sly did something to me, and I didn't want to stop exploring him until I understood why I felt this way with him.
Why he shook loose something within me that no other man ever had.
“I should call him,” I murmured against his lips.
Sly sucked on my lower lip. “Sounds like a plan.”
I groaned. “Fuck.”
He chuckled. “First, call. Then, fun.”
I wiggled my eyebrows. “Can’t wait, handsome.”
Reluctantly, I pulled away from Sly’s grasp. But that didn’t mean he stopped staring. I pulled my phone out of my pocket as his eyes danced along my body, and I let him have his fill. Because if things went my way tonight? I’d have him the way I had wanted him this entire time.
All to my fucking self.
I dialed Ben’s number and the phone rang in my ear. I paced around the porch, hoping and praying he’d pick up his phone. And after four very long, existential rings, he finally picked up.
“Thank fuck,” I said breathlessly, “Ben, can you hear me?”
He chuckled. “I can hear you just fine, Tara.”
I wiped at my tears. “Please tell me you’re okay. That you’re safe and at your office.”
“I’m just pulling into the parking lot. Are you okay, Tara? Tell me Sly found you.”
“Yeah, yeah, of course. The girls and I are just over at Joanna and Link’s place.”
“The hell are you doing there?”
I shrugged. “Hanging out. Having a girl’s night.”
He chuckled. “Right, right.”
I leaned against the porch railing. “Are you really okay, Ben? I mean, I don’t know the details, but--.”
“I promise, I’m okay. I’m still worried, though. I need you to keep an eye out and take care of yourself since I can’t watch you anymore, okay?”
I furrowed my brow. “What’s going on?”
His voice lowered. “I’m almost certain my kidnapping was a distraction from something else. And I know the guys share my worry. Especially Sly. Now, under normal circumstances, I wouldn't ever say this. But, I want you to stick by those guys as much as you can. Don’t get out of their sight, if it’s not necessary. And when you're not with them? You’re with me. Okay?”
I blinked. “A distraction? From what?”
“Why do you think I’m headed into the office in the middle of the night?”
I paused. “Good point.”
“Listen, I’ve already talked with Sly and arranged for you to stay with him tonight.”
My eyes bulged. “I’m sorry, but you did what?”
He chuckled. “I know, I know. But, according to the guys? Sly was the one heading all of this up tonight. My rescue. Your safety. And all because of his gut. He’s the safest person for you to be with right now, and even I can admit that.”
I smiled softly. “Sounds like you're coming around to him.”
“Don’t push it.”
I giggled. “Duly noted.”
I wiped away my last tear before I cleared my throat.
“I’m really sorry for revealing who you were,” I said.
He snickered. “Bah. You kept my secret as long as you could. I didn’t expect much more than that from someone who isn’t trained to do this kind of a job. I’m proud of you, Tara.”
My smile grew. “So, does this mean you and the guys are going to be working together to try and stop this guy and his crew?”
“Well, you know I can’t divulge details of the investigation.”
“But…?”
He chuckled. “But, just take some comfort in the fact that I can talk to that man now without wanting to punch him in the throat for sinking his claws into my sister.”
“Funny that you think he’s the one with claws.”
“Aaaand, that’s my cue! Stay with Sly, Tara. Promise me.”
I turned to face him. “You have my word, Ben.”
“Good. I’ll call you sometime tomorrow. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
I hung up the phone and slid it back into my pocket. Then, I felt someone slide their arm around my shoulders. I looked to my right and saw Joanna standing there, her smile practically overtaking her face. She smiled so big at me that her eyes almost closed, and her smile made me smile.
