Scarred Asphalt (22 page)

She couldn’t miss the musky smell of him as she leaned
closer to him, her hand slid into his pants, wrapping around the hard length of
him. Dalton’s hiss in her ear sent a tingle from her fingertips to her toes.
Her grip tightened around him, a slow stroke started against the velvety
feeling flesh.

No words passed between them, their body language enough of
a communication for the two. His hands rose, curling in her hair to pull her
closer to him, his mouth covered hers hungrily. His kiss sent new spirals of
ecstasy through her, causing her to moan softly against his lips as her tongue
danced lazily with his own.

Thorne whimpered against his mouth as she freed his thick
shaft from the confines of his jeans. Planting her feet on his floorboards, she
pushed herself up, crying out in surprise as his hot mouth found the diamond
hard nub of a nipple, his teeth gnashed gently against the pink flesh. Back
arched, her breast forced itself deeper into his mouth as she shifted her
weight against him, guiding her aching delta over the hard head of his shaft.

Her body needed no urging as her slick walls welcomed his
length, slowly lowering herself onto him. Hips shifted against him as she
lifted her legs to wrap around his waist, a gasp slipped past her lips. His
mouth attacked her other breast. Thorne’s fingers tangled in his hair, pressing
him against her chest as her hips ground down against his pelvic bone. The
scrape of his jeans against her sensitive skin sent her into sensory overload.

Dalton released a tormented groan as she rocked her body
against him. Her fingers traced the strong cords of muscle on the back of his
neck. Thorne could feel himself swell and pulse inside of her, his need just as
great as her own.

Thorne watched as he lifted his head, his eyes glazed with
passion as he bit his bottom lip. The flat of his hand pressed gently between
her breasts, pushing her back against the gas tank. Thorne hissed as the cool
metal grazed her hot skin, her hips jerked and her muscles tightened around his
very thickness in response.

Thorne reached back with her lifted arms and grasped the
handle bars, forcing her back to arch and bring her hips down at the perfect
angle to rub her hypersensitive nub against his pelvis. Thorne could feel his
thigh muscles quivering under her ass cheeks as he held up the bike, the muscle
fatigue close as she thrust her slick body harder down on him.

“Start the bike,” Thorne managed to gasp out as she writhed
against him and the tank, the friction of metal and cloth a welcomed
distraction.

Dalton reached up and hit the ignition switch; a cry of
utter pleasure erupted from her as the vibration from the twin valve engine
drove the level of pleasure into new heights. Dalton must have taken that as a
cue, racking the throttle so the pipes shook the bike even harder.

Her heels dug into the bitch seat, which allowed her to pull
back from him, her walls clenched around him as she slid up and off his length,
only to drop back down upon him with a soft movement, her hips rotating as she
arched her back at a more severe angle to get a deeper penetration.

Dalton’s head dipped as she thrust her breasts up, his teeth
ground against the dusky pink nipple that he sucked into his mouth, sending her
closer to that precious edge. Fingers gripped the bars tight as he laid into
the throttle once more.

“God! Dalton!” Thorne cried out as her body convulsed on
him, her walls clenching him, trying to pull him even deeper into her. Stars
exploded across her vision as she spasmed on him, the welcomed heat flooding
her body.

He didn’t let up on the throttle as she came, his own hips
bucked in response, his thighs trembled as she felt him swell inside of her.
She needed him to release, to hit the plateau with her. Her muscles squeezed
around him and her hips never stopped moving against him. Stabs of pleasure
raced through her with each thrust of her body.

The engine’s roar dimmed as he let go of the throttle, his
grunts turned into moans of revelry as his body jerked, stilled, then jerked
once more. His neck cords stood out as he gasped right before he collapsed on
top of her, the bike quickly tilting to the left as it fell to the kickstand.

“Shit!” she cried out as her arms flew around his shoulders
to keep from sliding off and falling to the grass.

“Sorry,” Dalton apologized into her chest, never moving from
his crumpled position, though he placed an arm on either side of her to keep her
from moving.

Thorne couldn’t help it; she broke out into a fit of
giggles.

Dalton lifted his head, raising a brow in silent question.

That only made Thorne laugh more, and then harder as he
jerked from her, his hands trying to still her hips. “Sorry.” She gasped for
air. “I never thought I’d ever do anything so wild.”

“Trust me, I’ll never stop you from doing anything this
wild.” His voice was thick as he lifted himself up from her.

She pouted and moaned in protest as she rolled off the bike,
sticking her tongue out at him. She was hoping to revel in the aftermath, but
well, they were in public after all. She quickly pulled her clothes on and was
buttoning her pants when a squad car pulled up, placing its spotlight on them.

“This area is closed. Move on.” A voice echoed through the
vehicle PA system.

“No problem officer.” Dalton waved, firing up the bike once
more, pulling on his helmet.

Thorne snickered as she hopped on behind Dalton, her chin
strap snapped closed as he rolled off the grass and headed back toward
Guadalupe.

What were the chances? Thorne laughed out loud, music to her
own ears as she wrapped her arms around his waist, the delicious feeling of
freedom becoming more addicting with each passing day.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The week had flown by quicker than Apollo could imagine. He
and Thorne had been inseparable since the night of the dinner. If they weren’t
at work, they were in the gym. If they weren’t in the gym, they were doing
something with the club.

Thorne had come out of her shell in drastic measures. She
didn’t hide her face from view. She radiated happiness and her laughter filled
the once-silent house. The women had taken her into their fold, in which she
was becoming fast friends with Tigerlily. It was amazing to watch her interact
with the Painted Lady, never hesitating to ask whatever was on her mind, and
Tiger ate that shit up.

Everything had been quiet with the TG, the brothers walking
on pins and needles, waiting for the other shoe to drop. All of the women had
been notified that they were not allowed to wear their cuts, no support shirts
or any support items, nor were they allowed to wear any colors to represent
their ol’ man. Rebel and Dally were on twenty-four lockdown, the two
best-friends always together, either at the diner, Romeo’s, or Saber’s. Wraith
or Talon stood guard if Zacky-boy wasn’t available.

Amy was getting more pissed by the day, reliving the shadow
experience with Mace all over again. Everywhere she went, he was right there
with her, even at the store with Antonia.

Apollo wanted to protect Thorne, but he knew she could take
care of herself, and while at work, she was side by side with Saber. At least
he didn’t have to worry too much. He highly doubted that the TG would attack an
ambulance again.

At the last church meeting, they discussed possible
retaliation measures from the TG and what to expect.

“I’m shocked they haven’t tried anything yet. Muerte isn’t
going to take Thorne giving his daughter a
Glasgow Smile
lying down.
He’s going to retaliate.” Romeo scratched at his chin with a frown.

Apollo sighed, rolling his thumbs back and forth over and
under one another as he leaned back in his chair. “I’m worried he’ll strike
with a daughter for a daughter.”

Saber moved forward, his arms set to the table, fingers
drumming against the wood. “It could be child for child, though. That leaves
Amy, Dally, and Rebel vulnerable.”

Mace grunted and shook his head. “Do you really think he’d
attack a pregnant woman?”

“I wouldn’t put anything past a pissed-off father.” Wraith
looked at Mace from under his dark brows. “If someone did that to your child,
I’m sure you’d want someone’s head on a platter.”

Apollo looked at the behemoth of a male. Sure, most of the
guys were big, but Wraith was the largest of them all. He was six foot seven
and two hundred and twenty-seven pounds. His pinky ring alone was a size
thirteen. He had played pro-ball for the NFL, but was taken out during a major
game when he was hit too hard, his knee going one way, Wraith the other.

Next to Wolf, Wraith was not someone you wanted to fuck with
or meet in a dark alleyway. The man didn’t feel pain, and he got a bit too much
enjoyment out of kicking someone’s ass.

“I’ve known the family for a while, Muerte does have some
morals. Granted, not a lot, but a few. And I don’t think going after a pregnant
woman is something he’d do.” Apollo frowned as he glanced around the table.

“I’m not going to let my guard down. We need to assume the
worst and protect our family like World War Three is about to start,” Romeo rebutted
with a glance to every member there. “I don’t think that they’ll do anything at
the benefit, but I could be wrong. I still want extra security there. This is a
family event; a lot of outside civilians will be there. We cannot take any
risks. Stone wanted us legit; we’ve become legit behind the scenes. The public
sees us as…” Romeo paused, rubbing the back of his bald head. “They see us
almost as real-life Robin Hoods. Let’s try and keep it that way.”

That had been an understatement. They had expected most of
the community to come out for the event, but it turned into so much more than
that. It was a good thing they held it at Waller Park. Over four hundred bikes
showed up for the poker run, hundreds of people mingled around the BBQ pits,
children played at the various playgrounds, and a live band rocked out by the
gazebo. The Painted Ladies had several different booths set up, some selling
T-shirts, other’s selling various items that they or the ol’ ladies had made.

Apollo and Thorne arrived on the bike, riding in with Saber
and Hawkeye. He didn’t have to ask Thorne twice, she was ready to ride,
admitting that she enjoyed riding with Apollo. Another milestone they breeched
together.

“Thorne!” Tigerlily waved as she called out to capture
Thorne’s attention.

Apollo gave her hand a squeeze as she waved back to Tiger.
“Go ahead. I’ll be over at the benches with the guys.”

Thorne kissed his cheek, then darted over to the table where
Tiger was sitting selling club key chains and jewelry.

“Holy shit, dude.” Wraith scratched at his beard, the
freakishly tawny eyes following Thorne as she hugged Tiger. “That’s a sight to
see.”

Romeo nudged Apollo with his elbow. “I’m happy to see you
two working your shit out. Seems cupid’s arrow hit its mark.”

Apollo nodded as he joined in, watching Thorne as she helped
Tiger put out more wares to sell. He was in love with her. He wouldn’t deny it
any more or to anyone else. He just prayed she wouldn’t kill his ass over the
surprise he had in store for her.

“She know yet?” Saber quirked a brow as he tied off his
do-rag to keep the hair out of his eyes.

“No, I will unveil it at the end. I’ll be sure to do it
before you head out.”

“Seems cupid didn’t stop at you two.” Wraith kicked out his
long ass legs, lifting his beer bottle, tilting the neck of the bottle toward
Rebel and Dally as they sat on a nearby swing set, chatting away.

Romeo and Saber grunted in unison.

“I’ll fucking kill him.”

“He won’t hurt her.”

The guys burst out laughing as Romeo and Saber glared at one
another, then joined in on the laughter.

Apollo shook his head, his finger lifted to indicate the
chaplain walking toward the bikes. “Bike blessings are about to begin.”

Saber glanced at Apollo. “When was the last time the Sporty
was blessed?”

“Mmm, about a year ago. Right before I prospected. Why?”

“Just want to make sure I am covered. Ride bell?”

Apollo rolled his eyes and clapped his brother on the
shoulder. “Yes, there is a ride bell attached to the bike.”

A ride bell could not be bought by the bike owner, it had to
be purchased as a gift from someone and given to the rider. It warded off evil
road gremlins from harming you as you rode. Many bikers believed in the road
gremlins and made sure their bikes always had one or two bells attached to the
frame of the bike.

Lunch was a huge success, Trouble’s BBQ winning over the
masses. They sold over six hundred plates to bikers alone, not including the
other three hundred to businesses and passersby. There was no item left to be
bid on during the silent auction, the largest item to be auctioned, an original
SOMC belt buckle worn by Stone, ending at five hundred dollars.

Apollo watched Thorne as her face clearly showed a mixture
of amazement and wonder at how the community had come together for those in
need. She never left his side during the auction, her head bouncing back and
forth like she was watching a tennis match as people motioned their bids to
outbid others.

“Is it always like this?” Thorne whispered to him.

“Not always, but your family was a big part of the community.
Plus, you save lives. People eat that shit up.” Apollo winked at her with a
light tap to her nose with his index finger knuckle.

“Uhuh. Remind me not to give you mouth to mouth later.” She
chuckled and leaned into him as Amy took the floor at the gazebo.

Calling for everyone’s attention, she waved the masses
toward the area. “Thorne, please come up here.”

Apollo gave her a little nudge as she groaned. “Go on.
Suffer with the masses and take your medicine.”

* * * *

Thorne was humbled by how the club had helped her in so many
ways. In the past weeks, they had taught her how to live again, to trust and to
love.

Alright, maybe not the club, but Dalton did. Every time she
looked at him, her heart fluttered, her breath caught, and she got a tiny
thrill in the pit of her stomach. Sure, the sex was beyond amazing. He was
opening doors she never knew existed and she loved every bit of it. He was
dominant, but he was gentle. It was exactly what she needed to keep her
stubborn ass in line.

Today was just icing on the cake. So many people showing up
to support not only her, but the club as a whole? Was breathtaking. That wasn’t
something you saw every day. Her world felt like it was back to normal, the way
it should have always been. Perhaps better than it should have been, now that
she had someone to share it with her.

She had planned to ask Dalton to permanently move in with
her that night. She felt like a part of her was missing while he was at work or
she was driving the meat wagon. Sure, Saber was her partner and he made her
laugh and kept her busy, but it wasn’t the same. Dalton filled a missing void
that she never realized she had until he was there.

Now, called up onto the makeshift stage, Thorne was trying
her best not to turn fifteen shades of red. She was used to the spotlight, but
that’s exactly what she was, in the spotlight. Not in front of hundreds of
people, some who knew her and others who didn’t.

Amy hugged Thorne as best as she could with her swollen
belly, her whole face lit up in excitement. Lifting her mic, she looked out to
the audience. “Everyone, if you haven’t met her yet, this is Espina Thorne
Lopez, our guest of honor today. We want to thank everyone for coming out to
help support our fundraiser to help Thorne cover what her insurance might not.
I am proud to be a part of this family unit that is our community.” Amy
sniffled as she turned to look at Thorne. “With everyone’s help, we are proud
to present to you a check that will be hitting the bank tomorrow, for eleven
thousand dollars.”

Thorne’s heart stopped.

Yup, this was it.

Goodbye, cruel world.

Nope. Still here.

Her jaw hit the floor. Thorne stammered as her hand flew up
to her chest, the flat of her palm covered the area where her heart would have
been. The roar of the applause was deafening as she tried to grasp the amount
that was raised for her. She had heard of things like this before, but never
dreamed she’d ever be walking in those shoes.

“I—I don’t know what to say.” Thorne blinked her eyes
rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that were flooding her vision. No such
luck. A tear slipped past and slid down her cheek, which she quickly lifted her
hand and wiped away. “Uh, thank you all, so much.”

Amy stuck the mic in her face, whispering to her. “They
can’t hear you.”

Taking the mic, she looked out to the crowd and tried to
smile, a streak of nervousness overriding the euphoric feeling. Clearing her
throat, she found Dalton in the crowd, focusing on him as she spoke. “I can’t
say thank you enough for all of this. I never would have ever expected anyone
to reach out and help those they don’t know. You all have opened my eyes and I
will be forever grateful to every one of you. Thank you.”

Sniffling, she handed the mic back to Amy and was about to
step off the gazebo when Amy stopped her by taking hold of her forearm. “Not
just yet.”

Her brows furrowed together, unsure of why Amy wanted her to
stay up in the gazebo with her. “Why?”

Amy pointed out to the audience with a smile.

Thorne followed her arm, to see where she was pointing; Dalton
was making his way up to the stage. “What the hell?”

Dalton grinned and stepped past the women, grabbed a covered
easel, and pulled it to the front of the gazebo past the band. “You’ll see.”

“Why am I scared?” Thorne looked over the large sheet-covered
stand that looked like it was holding a rather large canvas.

Dalton bounced his brows, the boyish grin formed as his
Icelandic blues lit up with mischief. “You should be.”

Shit.

What had he gone and done?

Taking the microphone from Amy, Dalton tapped the top of it
then spoke. “Hey everyone. Glad you all could make it to the event. The SixGuns
want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for coming out today and
helping us help out our favorite paramedic. And now, it’s my turn.” Dalton
turned to look at Thorne.

Yup, he had done something and he was buttering her up.

Dalton took her hand and gave it a small squeeze before he
started talking again. “I don’t remember what my life was like before you came
along, Thorne. I’m not even sure how we got here. What I do know, is that this
is where we need to be. Together. You made me love you, and I never realized I
had fallen until the day at the beach. The day where you finally opened up and
let your light shine bright. I’m not the only one who has seen your light.”
Dalton let go of her hand and reached out for the sheet. As he pulled it down,
he grinned, looking back to her. “Sports Illustrated saw your light and has
contracted you as their newest Swimsuit Model.”

Was it possible to have two heart attacks in a row?

Thorne was starting to think so.

She watched Dalton unveil the canvas, revealing a mock cover
of the Swimsuit Edition with her bold and brazen on the front. “Oh shit.” Her
words were breathless as she stared in total disbelief at the oversized cover,
tears finally spilling over as she tried to gather the eddy of thoughts that
was like a tornado tearing through her mind.

The second round of applause and cheers was just as loud as
the first, if not more so. It was hard to breathe as she stared at the picture
of her, then back to Dalton, who looked just as nervous as she was in shock.