“Will, where are you…” Connor calls out, but I’m about two seconds from punching him in the mouth. “I didn’t mean…” he continues.

  “Shut it, Con…” I walk away and head into the clubhouse where I find my little Melanie talking to Doc’s son. “Your dad’s looking for you, David,” I say. He doesn’t move fast enough for my liking, so I move closer. “Get the fuck out of here,” I grunt with a tilt of my head. As the future president of the Steele Riders, there isn’t a single one of them who doesn’t already take orders from me, which is good because right now I’m feeling wild.

  “Hey, Melanie. How have you been? It’s been a long time,” I say, suddenly feeling a little less confident than I was with David.

  She doesn’t look up at me like she did David, which pisses me off. Her eyes focus on the bar top. Her dainty fingernails tease the edge of the surface, nervously digging into the material. “Yeah, it has, although I don’t think you’ve missed me at all since you’ve been away.” When she finishes, her eyes meet mine and there’s a look of sadness in them.

  I’m surprised by her remark because it’s the furthest thing from the truth. Missing her is all I did, besides beat my dick to death with visions of her on my mind. “Why would you say that?”

  “Girls at school keeping you busy,” she huffs.

  I take her busy hands and put them in mine. “Don’t fucking believe what Connor said. I’ve told you what we are.”

  “You didn’t correct him.” Her eyes fill with unshed tears.

  Damn. I slide her hands into one of mine and then use my other hand to cup her face. “You never gave me a chance to correct him before you stormed off.”

  She pushes herself away from me and then says, “Look, it’s not my business what you do or who you do. Our fathers are friends, and soon I’ll be off to college and dating and we’ll only see each other on these rare occasions. You’ll be the president of the Riders, and I’ll be nothing to you but the occasional visitor. A distant memory.”

  I snag her by the wrist and quickly yank her back to me, sending her chest into mine. The action causes me to lose my breath. Not because it was painful, but having her this close, us touching each other, is more intense than I expected. I quickly release her, giving us the space we both need. Melanie might pretend that she’s unfazed, but her body’s pulse races in my arms, her pupils dilate, and her chest rises and falls with devastated longing.

  After a moment, I found my words. “That’s not true, Melanie. Next year, we’ll be getting ready to start our life together.”

  “What makes you believe that?” she questions.

  “Because we’re obsessed with each other.”

  “What makes you think I feel the same way?” I love that spicy challenge. Her hazel eyes brighten with fire as she dares me.

  I move in closer, my hands on either side of her, pinning her to the bar. “I overheard your conversation with your friend. She dared you to admit that you loved me and wanted to have my babies. You finally said you did, but that it would never happen because there was no way I could see you as anything more than a friend.” She gasps and pales. I don’t let her get away with it because I understand that she’s afraid to admit the truth. “Friendship is the last thing on my mind when I see you, but you’ll understand next year when I graduate and make you mine.”

  “Don’t lie to me, Will.” She waves her hands around. She wants proof, and I’ll give it to her. Fisting her hair, I bring my face close to hers and then trail my nose along her throat while my hips press along hers. “Can you feel what you do to me, my sweet, dark-haired raven? What I want? I want to be buried so deep inside of you that we can’t ever be separated.”

  Her legs hook around my waist, and her hands slide into my hair. I grind a little harder, licking her throat before biting down. I’m so damn close to nutting, but I won’t do that to her.

  “Rett,” she gasps as my lips trail over her pulse. Fuck. She hasn’t called me that in so damn long—since the time I found her at the lake with the other kids and she was in a tiny bikini. I’d been so damn jealous.

  “Lanie, be careful. Calling me that is going to get you fucked right here, right now.” There’s a noise at the metal club door, reminding us that there’s an entire party outside. “Damn it.” I step away from the love of my life, giving us a little space, our breathing labored.

  She pales and stares at the door, refusing to meet my gaze again. “I’ve got to go. I promised Penny that I’d work at the bakery today. It was good to see you, so maybe we’ll see each other sometime soon. If not, best of luck in college.” She moves right past me and out of my sight before I can think of a reason to stop her. Damn, she’s fucking fast. I know she runs track at school, but hell, I never expected her to dash away from me like that.

  I polish off another beer before I step back out to the yard where everyone is gathered, and Beast has his eyes on me. Right now, I don’t give a fuck because I’m pissed, horny, and frustrated.

  He pulls me aside and says, “We need to talk.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Beast runs his hand through his thick hair angrily. “When I asked you about girls, you conveniently left out my daughter.”

  “What was I supposed to say? It’s not like we’re a couple yet. She’s not eighteen, and I have one more year in school before I come home.”

  “How long has this been going on?”

  “My feelings have always been there, but I’ve never crossed the line.” Okay, that’s a bit of a lie.

  “Not from what I saw.” My eyes widen.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Who the fuck do you think knocked on the door when I found my daughter wrapped up in your arms? I gave her a chance to untangle herself before I came barging in.”

  “It wasn’t what you think. I was the one who…”

  “I know what I saw. My baby had her legs wrapped around you while you had your hands elsewhere. Luckily I could see those fuckers too, or we’d have a problem.”

  “Look—I just wanted to explain to her that my plans were to eventually make her my wife.”

  “You know she’s my little girl.”

  “Any woman I marry will be someone’s little girl. I want Melanie and only Melanie.”

  “Until it’s time, give her the space she needs to grow, and if she wants you, then I won’t interfere. But, if she chooses otherwise, I’ll stand by my daughter. Do you understand me, Will?” He gives me a stern glare, warning me that he won’t be intimidated.

  “Yes, but she feels the same way I do. I know it, and obviously you do too.” I’m pressing my luck when he stands straighter, nostrils flaring.

  “I’m not saying you’re wrong, but you’re both stubborn and it’s not time for this debate. She still has a lot of growing up to do.”

  “Fine. I have a lot to do, anyway.” My plan is to keep her well-guarded while I’m gone. Who can I put on her? I consider my options and the person that comes to mind. He is close in age but has a girlfriend that he’s obsessed with, so he’ll do just fine. After taking a deep breath, I lock myself in my father’s office to make the call and square away my business. Finally, I calm down and return to the party.

  In one more year, little Melanie Brandon will be mine and everyone will know it.

  Chapter Two

  Melanie

  Dashing out of the clubhouse might not have been the brightest idea because I hadn’t bothered to check my appearance and who might be around. Looking down to see if my tits are showing, I slam right into my father. “Dad,” I gasp, as his hands wrap around my biceps.

  “Princess.” He looks me over and adds, “Please tell me I don’t have to kill him.”

  “No, of course not,” I answer, grateful that my boobs are perfectly covered.

  “He didn’t hurt you, break your heart…. take things where you didn’t want,” he adds, brushing my hair back behind my ears.

  “How…what?” I ask, stammering and taking a step back. How the hell did he know what we were doing?

  “I walked in there looking for your mother when I saw you two.”

  “Oh God. Nothing happened. I swear, Daddy. It’s just maybe a too friendly hug.”

  He grumbles under his breath. Too friendly hug, my ass. He clears his throat and stares at me with a raised brow, crossing his arms. “If you didn’t see me, why did you run out?”

  “Because I’m confused about his intentions. Look, I have to go help at the bakery. I have to go. Can we not talk about this later?”

  He drops his tough stance, giving me that sigh, telling me I’ve won for now. “You can talk about this with your mother tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Thank you, Daddy.” I kiss his cheek.

  “Good. I love you, Princess.”

  “I love you too. I even love Will.” I leave him with that so he doesn’t end up fighting him. As close as they are, I’d hate for my father to act after what he saw. God, my father saw me climbing Will like a tree.

  My bestie is going to give me a ride, so she should be here any minute. I give her a call and walk toward the exit of the lot. “Hey, Beth. Where are you?”

  “I’m outside the gate, talking to the prospects. Meet me out here, girlie. One of them is really cute.”

  “Whatever. I’m coming.” She knows all I care about is Will. I exit through the door, and she’s there talking to Dusty and a guy I don’t know. “Hey, are you ready?”

  “Sure, but say hi to Damon. Damon, this is Melanie. Isn’t she absolutely gorgeous?” my best friend gushes, grabbing me by the arm and dragging me closer to the prospects. My tits bounce more than I’d care for them to, giving them a better look at my curves. I flush with embarrassment, thinking about how I only dressed this way for Will to see me. Now this man has clearly gotten his an eyeful and likes what he sees.

  “So damn hot,” he says under his breath.

  “She’s Beast’s daughter,” Dusty warns him. I want to add that I’m Will’s woman, but I’m still hesitant to play that card. That would be too much too soon.

  “She’s old enough to date, though,” Beth adds. Damn it, girl. I want to scream at her, but I control myself because I’d just been caught and I’m not old enough to even be intimate with Will yet.

  “Yes, but…” I’m about to answer when my father steps out of the door.

  “You’re still here, Princess. You should be off to work before you’re late.”

  “I’m going. Beth was introducing me to the new prospect.”

  “Oh yeah,” he says with a suspicious tone in his voice as he looks over the new guy. “Well, I’m not sure Will would appreciate it. You’re dating now, so they’ll learn to keep their eyes and hands to themselves. Isn’t that right, fellas?”

  Dusty is quick to answer, “Yes, Sir.” It takes a moment for Damon to follow up with a yes. My father gives him a look that makes me nervous, but I don’t have time to judge. I’m already pushing the time limit.

  “Let’s go, or I’m going to be late and Penny’s not going to make it to the party.”

  I make it there in ten minutes and Penny smiles, leaving me there as she runs out with her husband, who thanks us for taking over. Even though the town is small, the bakery is extremely popular and the only one in town. I get to work and spend the rest of the evening working and doing my best to keep my mind off Will which is pointless because the man lives there rent free with his own mansion and man cave.

  Chapter Three

  Will

  The day has gone from lousy to shitty since I woke up this morning, but I know there’s one thing that will make it better. Tearing the door open, I rush into the steel container and close the door, pacing. I’ve been avoiding this call because my willpower when it comes to her is almost zero, but I need to hear her voice.

  It’s been two days since the barbeque, but I have to give Melanie a call because I can’t wait to speak to her. I gave her some space to let her think about what happened in the clubhouse, but I refuse to allow her time to deny the truth. The phone rings four times and I’m almost afraid she won’t pick up, but then on the last ring she does. “Good afternoon, Melanie.”

  “Hello, Will,” she answers and the sound of my heart in my ears starts to slow down.

  “No ‘Rett’?” I questioned as I relax. Plopping down onto my desk chair, toss my feet on my temporary desk.

  “I thought you warned me about that?” she answers with a bit of sauciness that goes straight to my dick. I groan and regret being in this position.

  “Well, I’d say we’re a safe distance apart.” Although I would say she’s never a safe distance away from me. Hearing her voice is an instant turn on for me.

  “Yes. Well, let’s just say it’s for special occasions.” That’s good because when she calls me Rhett, I picture the way she wrapped around me, aching to come.

  “I can live with that,” I choke out. Clearing my throat, I ask, “How are you doing?”

  “A little tired since I just finished another shift at the bakery.”

  Checking the time on my phone, it’s only one. “Already?”

  “Yes. I opened up at four this morning.”

  I’m on my feet, pacing with annoyance. A growl rips from my throat. She’s working too damn hard. “What the hell? I’m going to have a talk with my aunt and uncle.”

  She giggles on the other end. “No, you won’t. It’s my job, and I don’t mind. Besides, it’s only for the summer, and since I don’t have anything else to do, it occupies my time. What are you doing with your time?” Her tone shifts, and I read it clear as day. My baby girl is jealous as fuck, but she doesn’t have a reason because she has all of me.

  I smiled, wishing she was in front of me because she’d know damn well that she had nothing to worry about. “I’ve been at work since five. I’m taking a break to call my beautiful woman. I’ve missed you, Lanie.”

  “How come you don’t call me Mel like everyone else?”

  “Because everyone else does.” One time my cousin called her Mel, and I punched him in the gut with a warning that she’s only Mel to me and me alone.

  “Of course. It’s so you,” she answers with another soft giggle, and I fight my arousal, adjusting myself in my jeans. I’m grateful I took the call in the construction trailer instead of outside or in my work truck because I don’t need an audience.

  “What are we?”

  “We’re—” My answer is cut off by a pounding on my trailer door.

  I’m about to answer it when it bursts open. “Boss, we have a problem out in section seven in zone four. We need you,” my foreman says, storming into the office. “One of the beams fell. Two men were injured.”

  “Baby, I have to go.” I ended the call, wishing I could continue talking and reassuring her that everything I do is for her and our future.

  It wasn’t until ten at night when I got home. After the trip to the hospital to make sure my crew members were okay and everything at the site was handled, I hit my apartment to shower. All I can think about is hearing Melanie’s voice, but I can’t go there because I’ll beg her to come here and ease the frustration rushing through my sore bones. Her father may approve of us being together, but not of me fucking her.

  I jump into the shower and wash off the sweat and stress from my body as best as I can. When I finally climb out, I crash onto my bed and fall into a fitful sleep.

  Morning comes too soon, but the first thing I do is send the woman I love is a text message.

  Raven, you’re a dangerous temptation. I’m going to miss you but know that I’m not far away and I’m always watching. Yes, we’re a couple. I’m working non-stop because I lost two men who were injured on a worksite today. I have to keep my distance, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be thinking of you.

  ****

  It’s time to head back to school and I’m actually grateful because I’m fucking exhausted from my long days and grueling work. Despite being back in Steeleville, I didn’t feel like I was home. Maybe it was the fact that I had to avoid the only reason for coming home, my Melanie.

  My parents were glaring at me as I sat at their kitchen table. “What?”

  “You’re not going to say goodbye to her before you go?”

  “No. It’s not a good idea.”

  “Why?” my mother asked, looking so heartbroken. She has no idea what it’s already doing to me. Does she know that I’d lose my will to leave if I saw that similar look on Melanie’s face? The same look I saw on my Raven’s face when I watched her from across the street from the bakery last week. My mind goes right back there and all I can think of is the last time I saw my love for her.

  I had to stop in town to pick up some tools when I drove past the bakery and I’d been a glutton, needing a glimpse of my Melanie. There was a chance she was working, so I looked for her car and there was the dark blue vehicle. Sneaking a peek, I saw her long dark hair up in a bun, strands falling out the sides, adding to her beauty. Growling and groaning like a fool on the side of the road.

  Chrissy from the salon spotted my perusal and I knew it was time to move on before she got any closer. “Don’t come any closer because I’m not sure I won’t snap your neck,” I growl.

  Hopping back in my truck, I drove off to do my job and regret that I still have a long time before we can truly be together.

  “Earth to Will,” my dad says, snapping his fingers in front of my face. I shake my head and blink my eyes several times.

  “Sorry about that.”

  “You were lost in thought?”

  “A memory of Melanie as always. It’s why it took so long to finish some of the projects. Honestly, I have to keep myself focused on work and school because I can’t be near her without wanting to touch her.”

  “Is this all about sex?” my mother asks, frowning with disappointment on her sweet face. My father’s mouth drops and I’m stunned for a moment and a bit ashamed.

  “Mother,” I sigh. I run my hands through my hair.

  “Tigress, that’s not cool.”

 

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