Shade's Lady

Shade pulled back, panting as he stared down at me. I read all the same things I was feeling in his eyes. Whatever this was between us, it wasn’t one sided and I wasn’t the only one blown away.

“You can’t tell me this isn’t happening,” he said, the words torn harshly from his throat. I wanted to deny it but I couldn’t.

“I’ve never felt anything like it in my life,” I admitted. He growled, all savage satisfaction at my admission. Then his hand twisted hard in my hair, bringing his mouth back down over mine. But kisses—even kisses as good as these—weren’t enough anymore. My fingers dragged down his back, scoring deep as I demanded more. I wanted his mouth on my breasts, his hands between my legs…his cock deep inside. This was crazy and stupid and against everything I’d planned, but it felt so good.

So incredibly good.

Shade groaned as my nails drew blood, rearing back to slide his hands up and under my shirt. Then he cupped my breasts through my bra, fingers teasing the nipples. The intensity of feeling was almost more than I could take. My back arched and I moaned, ready to beg, when the door opened.

“Oh, shit! I had no idea. I’m so sorry!” someone said. Sara. It was Sara. She’d walked in on us, just like anyone could walk in on us because I was halfway to fucking a man I barely knew in a bar on my break.

Holy.

Fucking.

Shit.

Reality crashed down around my ears as I pulled away, mortified. Shade growled, catching me by the waist and jerking me back into his body.

“No.”

“Yes,” he said, eyes narrowed. “You want this. I want this. There’s no fucking reason on earth we should stop.”

“No,” I said again, daring him with my eyes. “You don’t get to decide. I get to decide and I am not doing this at work where anyone can walk in on us.”

Triumph flared in his expression, throwing me off guard. Then I realized what I’d said. Crap. “I meant we aren’t doing this at all. I don’t want a man in my life.”

He shoved a hand down my pants, sliding past my panties to dip a finger into the hot crevice between my legs. I gasped as he rubbed my clit, my back arching as he slid deeper. Then his hand was out again. Holding my gaze steadily, he lifted his fingers to his mouth and slowly licked one.

“Tastes good,” he whispered. “Tastes like you want me. I think you’re lying, princess. You want it and you want it bad.”

My entire body clenched because he was right. I wanted him real bad. So bad it hurt.

“Let me go,” I said, the words causing me physical pain. “You’re sexy. You know that. And maybe I do want it. But I can’t afford any more mistakes. I have responsibilities and a life that you’ll ruin if you touch it. I can’t take the risk.”

There was frustration written all over Shade’s face, but he took a step back, the tiny muscle in his jaw clenching as he fought for control. I pushed myself upright, straightening my shirt as I tried to catch my breath.

“I need to get back to work,” I gasped. “This is all a game for you—it’s about getting laid—but it’s my life. I have to take care of my family and you’re getting in the way of me doing that.”

“Bone won’t fire you for taking a longer break. Not if you’re with me. I’m the fucking president of the Reapers MC—nobody stands in my way.”

“You don’t get it,” I said, closing my eyes. I couldn’t look at him. Not like this. He was too sexy and I’d forget why I was fighting him. “It’s not about what I can get away with. It’s about who I am. I’m a good worker and I don’t slack off. And maybe I was stupid enough to let myself get distracted by Rebel, but that doesn’t mean this is my new reality. I’m getting my life on track again. Right now, I’ve got a job and I’m going to do it the best I can. This is nothing more than a game to you, anyway, so go find someone else to play it with.”

We stared at each other for long seconds. Then Shade turned and stalked out of the room. I flopped back down on the table, lifting my legs to lie on my side in a fetal position.

Fucking hell but I needed a new job.

Fast.

It took me nearly ten minutes to pull myself together and get back to work. By that time the Reapers were gone.

Thank you, sweet baby Jesus.

“You okay?” Sara asked as I grabbed my tray.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I told her, although I felt like I’d gotten hit by a truck. “Shade and I…”

“I know,” she said. “These guys… You can’t control them. They’re like a force of nature.”

“I never asked for this,” I insisted. “I didn’t mean to catch his eye and now I don’t know how to get rid of him.”

“Just keep going,” she said, watching Bone with pain-filled eyes. “He’ll get bored. They always do. All of the fucking men in this place do.”

I glanced toward Bone, who was leaning forward against the bar, flirting with yet another girl. One I hadn’t seen before.

“Why do you stay?” I asked her. Sara gave me a startled look.

“What do you mean?”

“It’s got to hurt, watching him like that.”

“Where am I supposed to go?” she admitted. “There’s no other jobs in this fucking town. Am I supposed to work for Handsy Randy, the friendly town drug dealer down at the gas station? I know you’re related, so no offense.”

“None taken,” I said with a sigh. “But you could leave. It’s not like you’re married or have kids or anything tying you down.”

“My grandma,” she replied quietly. “She raised me. Now I’m the only one she has left. Maybe someday when she’s gone… But for now, this is where I stay. This is my place. And maybe I do have a thing for Bone, but I’ve been there, done that.”

“Really?” I said, startled. “You’ve slept with Bone?”

“Hon, everyone has slept with Bone,” she replied, shrugging. “That’s the problem. And that’s why you can’t let yourself get hung up on Shade. If it was me, I’d just go for it. Have fun while you can and then walk away. It’s easier than fighting.”

I stared at her, stunned. Sara was always full of energy, always smiling, always ready for the next challenge. Or so I thought. In that instant, though…she looked tired. Tired and sad.