Chapter Eleven

IVY

Four Days Later

Void’s stronger than I give him credit for. He took one day to recover from his accident, but since then, he’s been up and about. Sure, he grimaces, his face contorted in pain, but he gets shit done.

Like cleaning the bikes… a lot.

I assume the brothers are making them extra dirty as punishment. I have to admit, standing back, watching him with his shirt off as he scrubs the shining chrome—his body lean, muscled, and covered in still-healing bruises—it does something for me.

While we’ve shared a few passionate kisses here and there over the last four days since our earth-shattering first kiss, he hasn’t laid a single finger on me. Not in any way to move this along, at least. It’s like he’s scared, and I’m on the verge of losing my damn mind. All I want is for him to rip my clothes off and ravish me.

But he won’t.

With a sigh, I sink further into my seat as I stare at his toned ass. He’s standing at the bar talking to Nycto and my sister. I gnaw on my bottom lip, just thinking.

Pepper slides in beside me, sporting a giant smirk. “If you stare any harder, your eyes will fall out.”

I giggle, blushing as I look away. “But he’s so nice to look at.”

Pepper turns, glancing at Void with a shrug. “True. But if you want things to progress, then maybe you need to make the first move. Void has certain… tastes… and if he’s scared to go there with you, the only way is to make him. If you’re ready to go there, that is.”

“The thing is, everyone keeps telling me about how he needs to take it slow… even Void. How he needs to be gentle with me. But no one will tell me why. What the hell is he so into that should have me running scared?”

“Running scared? Maybe not. But preparing yourself? Yeah, probably.”

With my brow furrowed, I turn to her, studying the longing expression in her eyes. “Have you and Void…”

Pepper snaps her head back to me, regret showing in her features. “Well… I mean, I’m a club girl. It’s what I’m here for, besides all the cooking, cleaning, and morale, but I haven’t for a while. Not since you’ve been here.” She pauses for a beat. “I don’t imagine Trixie or Stacey have either.”

“Great. So both of us have a chastity belt on right now.” I sink into my seat a little further.

Pepper chuckles. “He’s not doing it to punish you, Ivy. He’s doing it because he cares.”

“Well, unless he’s into killing girls and fucking their corpse, he needs to lighten the hell up. I mean, honestly. What could he possibly be into that’s so dark?”

Pepper bursts out laughing, making Void turn our way. “Shit, you’re funny. I didn’t know that about you. And obviously, I’m still alive, so there’s no necrophilia involved when it comes to Void.” She lets out a laugh. “You’re safe. Your body is, at least.”

Void heads our way as I exhale a sexually frustrated huff. “Maybe I should knock him out and feed him a Viagra, then I could have my way and my first time over with.”

Pepper shakes her head. “Uh… that would be illegal. Plus, he’d likely be so freaking mad at you th—”

“Who would be mad?” Void asks, stepping in front of us.

Pepper swallows hard, but I shrug. “You would be if I mounted you in your sleep.”

Void rolls his eyes. “Not this a-fucking-gain. Now you’re talking about us to other people?”

I huff. “Wouldn’t have to if you just gave me your di—”

Reaching down, he grabs my arm and hoists me up, effectively cutting me off. “Okay, c’mon. Time to go.”

Pepper gives me two thumbs up as Void drags me with him through the clubhouse toward the hall. My stomach flutters in excitement.

Is he taking me to his bedroom?

“Where are we going?” I whisper, my voice coming out all breathy.

Void’s lips turn up at the corner. “Jesus, you sound sexy when you’re worked up like this. We have someplace we need to be.”

My brows scrunch as we walk past the entry to the hall, heading for the exit of the clubhouse. “We’re not going to your room?”

“Keep up, sweet thing. C’mon, let’s go.”

Disappointment flows through me, but the massive grin on Void’s face, which causes the dimple on his left cheek to pop, soon makes my frustration disappear. We rush outside to where Ominous is waiting for us in a cage, and I smile. “We’re going somewhere?”

“Now you’re catching on.” Void helps me into the rear of the cage, then walks to the front passenger side next to Ominous. He awkwardly stumbles in as I close my door.

He’s still sore, the poor guy.

Ominous starts the car, and we’re off—to where, I have no idea.

“Ominous, where are we going?”

He side-eyes Void.

Void nods, obviously giving the okay to tell me.

“To get my VP a new ride.”

My eyes widen. “We’re going bike shopping?”

Void turns back to me, wincing with the pain in his ribs, but gives me the brightest grin I’ve ever seen from him. “Yeah, and you’re helping me choose.”

I emit an audible gasp. “I am?”

“You are!”

Ho… ly… shit!

“I thought this is a sacred thing, a man choosing his bike?”

“It is, but you’re part of my life, Ivy, and I want you to be in it for a long time. So, you’re going to help me choose my next bike, seeing as you’ll be spending a lot of time on the back of it.”

Wow!

Here’s me complaining about not getting any, then he tells me something like that.

I lean forward, reaching out to caress the side of his face. “It would be my honor.” I move forward to plant a firm kiss on his lips, a tingle shooting through my soul.

“Ivy, you’re gonna need to sit back, I can’t see out the side of the cage,” Ominous grunts out like we’re annoying the shit of out him.

I giggle, regrettably pulling my lips from Void’s, and sit back in my seat while assessing Ominous. His light blond, short-back-and-sides hair makes him look like he’s just come out of the military. The trimmed beard gives him a masculine appearance. Ominous is hot, there’s no denying it, but there’s something mysterious about him as well. “Hey, Ominous, why aren’t you on the gate anymore?” I ask, throwing my legs up on the seat and getting comfortable.

“Now we gotta talk too?” Ominous grunts to Void. “I thought you said all I gotta do was drop you off?”

“Can’t stop her from asking questions,” Void replies.

I sit forward, placing my arms on each of their seats, my head popping through into the middle section. “That’s right, so you may as well talk to me, or I can get reaaally annoying.”

Ominous mumbles something under his breath. “Fine… fuck! Since Spark took off for California, I’m needed more inside, so West is manning the gate. We rotate it between the brothers.”

“Mmm… and you’re happy with not being on the gate?”

Ominous turns to look at me for the briefest of seconds before his eyes go back to the road, his body alert. “Why you so interested in my life all of a sudden?”

Void snorts. “C’mon, man, she’s not conspiring to take you out.”

“That’s what everyone thinks before they get a fucking bullet to the brain,” Ominous grunts out.

“Wow! You’re tense. I get why they call you Ominous now. It’s ’cause you’re so freaking foreboding.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” he says through gritted teeth, keeping his eyes focused firmly on the road.

“It wasn’t one,” I chime.

“I’ll take it anyway,” he snaps.

“You’re my kinda guy, Ominous. A no-holds-barred, take-no-shit, take-no-prisoners type deal.” I smirk. “Why haven’t we talked before now?”

He groans. “Because we haven’t been locked in a cage together.”

“See, you’re just like me… a twisted sense of humor. I like you, Ominous. We’re gonna get along just fine.”

Void huffs. “While this is very enlightening, seeing a brother and my girl getting along…” Oh, holy hell, Void just called me his girl. “I need you to drive, and Ivy? You have to come up with a name.”

“A name?” I jerk my head in confusion.

“For my ride.”

“Oh, no way! I can’t name your bike till I see it. That shit has to come naturally. It can’t be premeditated, or it won’t fit properly.”

Ominous scoffs. “Shit, you are club material.”

I smile. “I am, aren’t I?”

“Jesus Christ!” Void groans. “You two having any sort of friendship is gonna cause me all kinds of fucking drama.”

Ominous and I both smirk as we share a look in the rearview mirror.

“Sooo much drama,” I reply.

“Fuck’s sake!” Void mumbles under his breath, and Ominous and I both laugh.

A short while later, Ominous arrives at the Harley Davidson dealership. Excitement bubbles up inside of me as we pull into the parking lot. Ominous turns off the engine and faces Void. “Need me to come in and wait?”

“Nah, brother, I’ll be riding home.”

My smile is as wide as it can be, while my insides clench in desire. The last time I rode with Void, I felt such an adrenaline rush I nearly passed out. This time, I’ll be riding knowing I helped him choose his bike.

I reach for the door handle but turn back. “Thanks for the ride, Ominous.”

He dips his chin but says nothing. I’d expect nothing less.

Jumping out of the car, Void is by my side in an instant. He reaches out for my hand, taking it in his. Gnawing on my lip, I peek through the giant front window at all the shiny bikes on display. “Is it frowned upon to squeal in here? I don’t know how I’ll contain myself.”

Void tilts his head toward the door. “Then let’s go in and see how you do.”

I bounce on my toes in excitement. As we walk inside the giant showroom, my eyes don’t know where to look. I want to learn how to ride a bike so I can come pick my own one day.

I wonder if Void will teach me?

“Will you show me… how to ride? So, I can get my own bike one day?”

“Ivy, you’re tiny. I’m not sure you’ll be able to handle a Harley.”

I fold my arms over my chest. “You’re constantly underestimating me. I may be small, but I can handle a lot more than you think.”

Void narrows his eyes. “Are we still talking about bikes here?”

“I’m just saying, give me a chance. I might surprise you.”

Void goes to say something, but a store employee steps over. “Anything I can help you with today?”

I look at his name tag. “Hi, Paul. I’d like to buy a bike.”

Void groans. “No, she doesn’t. I’d like to buy one. I called earlier, said I’d be in to check out the bikes on the floor. Defiance crew.”

Paul smiles hesitantly, obviously unsure how to take the tension between Void and me. Still, without question, he swings his arm through the air, gesturing to a different section. “Yes. Cade, wasn’t it?”

I jerk my head back in disbelief, knowing I’ve never asked Void about his real name. I guess I’ve been so entrenched in the biker lifestyle, I took the guys’ road names as their actual names.

Void side-eyes me, but then nods. “Yes, that’s me.”

“Right. Come this way.” Paul starts to walk, but I reach out for Void’s arm.

He peers at me, and I lean in and whisper, “Cade?”

He raises a brow. “Yes, Ivy?”

A slow smile creeps over my face. “What’s your last name?”

Void’s eyes soften as he tightens his hold on me. “Nixon. Cade Nixon.”

Warmth floods through me when he tells me his name. It’s smooth like honey, but also like bathing in a sea of whiskey—soothing, calming, overwhelmingly sweet to the ear. I don’t know what’s happening to my insides, but they’re like mush.

“Cade Nixon,” I whisper.

Void brings his hand up, brushing a stray strand of hair away from my face. “Ivy Pérez…” His voice is low and husky, like he’s in the moment with me. Like he knows he’s just shared something special with me. I lean up on my toes, pressing my lips to his in the middle of the showroom. My hand caresses the back of his head as Void’s slides around my waist, pulling my body in alignment with his. Our tongues dance together, my body tingling and sparking with such a rush I become lightheaded.

“Ahem.”

Pulling back from Void, I turn to see Paul looking at us knowingly.

Void clears his throat, letting me go. “Sorry, man. You know how it is.”

Paul chuckles. “Young love? Yeah, I get it. Been married for twenty-eight years. Me and Daphne were like you guys when we first started dating. Now, it’s spending time with our kids and grandkids, just being a family. Eventually, you realize family is all that matters.”

Void exhales. “Yeah, man… blood, or the family you choose.”

“Exactly. Anyway, I have a few ladies for you to check over. You ready?”

“Yes! So much yes!” I bounce on my toes.

Void takes my hand as we walk through to the adjoining showroom. Bikes sit on the display room floor, all shiny and new, pristine and perfect.

I want to test every single one.

But that would be stupid.

“Let me know if there’s one that catches your eye, or any type in particular you’re after?” Paul asks.

Void and I both notice one right in the corner. It’s designed sleek, black, with industrial gray finishes. It’s shiny without being in your face, just like Void. They’re both complex characters without being over the top. It’s appealing, rugged, but smooth at the same time, and completely addictive. I can’t wait to get a taste.

As I walk to it, my senses heighten. I run my hand over the gray gas tank, and the cold metal beneath my fingers sends an electrifying chill down my spine.

Void stands back, watching me look over the bike. “You look fucking good next to that bike, sweet thing.”

“I bet you’d look even better on it.” I tilt my head toward the seat. “See how she feels.”

Void inhales sharply as he moves toward me, throws his leg over, then takes a seat. Oh my God, hot doesn’t cover it. His strong hands grip the handlebars, his vast shoulders looking even more imposing as he takes up his rightful position, and I gnaw on my bottom lip, hoping Paul doesn’t notice my blush, or suspect where my thoughts are going.

My skin warms as I picture Void bending me over the seat, ramming into me from behind, but Paul’s voice interrupts me from my sexy illusions.

“Softail Breakout, 1868cc engine, 155Nm torque, a custom slasher exhaust. She’s custom-made, a job that fell through last minute, so ape hangers were added. It’s why she’s on the floor for immediate sale. She’s a real beauty. Only one like her.”

Void raises his chin to Paul. “Bitch seat can be installed?”

“Definitely. I have one in stock. It can be added before you leave.”

Void turns back to me. “Wanna take her for a test drive?”

Jumping on my toes, I voice a small squeal. “Can we?”

“Of course. Let me get the second seat installed, then you can take her for a ride around the block,” Paul states.

Void jumps off the bike, letting Paul do his thing. He kicks out the stand, then wheels it away.

I’m giddy like a freaking schoolgirl as I grab both of Void’s hands. “I had no idea buying a bike could be this exciting!”

Void leans his forehead against mine. “Normally, it isn’t. But with you here, it’s fucking thrilling. Like I’m making plans… never thought I’d be that kind of guy.”

I lean up on my tiptoes to kiss him again, but it’s only a brief peck. Poor Paul doesn’t need to witness us making out any more than he has already had to put up with. Void and I slowly walk around the other bikes, casually strolling, but nothing takes our fancy like the Breakout. I hope it rides well for Void.

Eventually, Paul looks around the corner, motioning for us to follow, and we know the bike’s ready to take for a spin. We head out the back, and it looks even better with the bitch seat attached. Paul hands the keys to Void, who moves over to the ride and throws his leg over the seat again, looking so fucking good on it. Then he holds his hand out for me. “You ready?”

I slide into position behind him, and Paul hands us helmets.

Void mumbles under his breath, but he places the helmet over his head anyway. I pull mine on as he starts the engine. It roars to life, sending a thrill straight through me. Vibrating even more than his old bike, it instantly has my panties wetter than I was anticipating. I cling to Void, my thighs clenching around him as he duck-walks the bike backward. “Hold on, sweet thing.”

I grin so fucking wide as he pulls back on the throttle, the noise near deafening, and we’re off. The wind whips at my hair, the sun shining down on us only making this even more fucking amazing. Void’s handling the bike perfectly. It’s like we’re both in sync with this new machine, and I love every damn second of the ride. I just wish I could have a shot behind those glorious handlebars.

At the corner, we turn, and I catch a flash of a person in white watching us, but then Void takes my attention as he suddenly swerves as if he’s pulling over. I crease my brows as he comes to a halt down an abandoned road. Void cuts power to the engine and taps my leg for me to get off. I have no idea what he wants, so I do as he says and jump off, then stand on the sidewalk as he slides off too.

“Is everything okay?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “I’ve been making a fucking hell of a lot of bad decisions lately.”

I relax my tense muscles, reaching out to grab his arm. “Hey, don’t be too hard on your—”

“No, what I’m saying is… I’m about to make another really fucking stupid decision.”

I drop my hand, fear creeping through me. “Void?”

He clenches his eyes shut like he’s debating something in his mind, then nods his head toward the bike. “Get on.”

“You have to first.”

He exhales. “Not if you’re riding, I don’t.”

“But I don’t have a valid US license…”

He shuffles awkwardly, putting his hands in his pockets. “I know.”

My grin grows. “But we’ll be breaking the law,” I whisper.

He looks at me with an intensity that takes my breath away. The muscle at the side of his jaw works as he clenches his teeth. “I know.”

“You’re still gonna let me ride?” I squeal like some mad woman, my hands flying out in excitement. I’ve ridden a bike before, but it was a much smaller one back in Cuba that belonged to a friend. So, I know a little something about riding, but not much, and certainly not on a powerful bike like this. Void is putting a lot of faith in me.

“There are conditions…” he says, and I nod frantically. “You let me keep my hand on top of yours on the throttle at all times. You don’t go too fucking fast. And if you get scared, or if you think you can’t handle it, you tell me, and we pull over. And finally, if you ever tell anyone I rode bitch…”

I rush forward, wrapping my arms around his waist so fucking tight. “I don’t know why you’re doing this, but I really, really, really want to show you my appreciation.”

Void chuckles, pulling me off him. “I don’t need you talking about sex right now. I’m gonna need to concentrate real fucking hard so we don’t crash a bike I haven’t even bought yet.”

I run my fingers up his chest while gnawing on my bottom lip. “You’re a badass, you know that?”

He groans loudly as he rearranges his crotch. “Stop it or I’ll fucking change my mind.” I laugh, turning to move to the bike. “When you get to the end of this road, I’m gonna need you to pull over so we can swap back. And we’re gonna do this slow.”

“Okay.”

I slide into position. Void makes it look easy to reach the handlebars, but it’s a stretch for me, yet somehow, I manage. There’s something so fucking powerful when you sit behind the handlebars on a ride like this.

Void moves in behind me, then presses up against me completely. I feel everything, including his huge erection poking me in the back. I wriggle on the seat, pretending to get comfortable, and he grips my hips tightly as he swallows back a groan. Then he rests his hands on top of mine, his mouth lining up with my ear before he leans right in and murmurs, “Okay, sweet thing, start her up. Nice and slow in your movements.”

His heart hammers against my back… or maybe it’s my heart pounding so freaking much I feel it all the way through my body.

The bike revs, and I close my eyes, letting the horsepower flow through me. I want to roll my neck, arch my back, and moan.

“Okay, we’re good to go. Slowly ease into the throttle,” Void yells into my ear.

Opening my eyes, I take in a long, deep breath, then pull back on the throttle. The bike lurches, and I widen my eyes as we take off. We wobble a little, but soon, we move together to correct it. I hold my breath as I pull back a little more, coasting off down the street. I know Void’s doing a lot of the work, flicking gears and shit, even controlling the speed, but I’m riding a fucking powerful bike.

Adrenaline courses through my veins like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.

I get it now.

The high.

The flood of emotion.

The connection to the open road.

I definitely want my own bike, but in the meantime, Void can teach me to ride this one.

“Change gears,” Void yells in my ear.

I beam wide, doing as he says after watching him do the first couple. The transition is smooth as we start to move faster down the long stretch of road. A wave of excitement bubbles away inside of me. “Woo-hoo!” I call out, making Void chuckle behind me.

I open the throttle, going probably about a quarter of the speed Void normally reaches on the road, but to me, I’m fucking loving this. I can’t believe he’s let me ride his bike. Or maybe she’s our bike after this. Perhaps that’s why he brought me, because this bike is going to be a part of us both?

Once I near the end of the road, I drop the gears without Void even having to tell me. He chuckles as I edge the bike over to the side and, pull her to a stop, then turn off the engine. Void slides off, and I follow, yanking off my helmet as I throw myself at him.

My lips crash to his before he can even say anything, our tongues colliding in a flurry of passion. His hands drop to my ass as he hoists me up, my legs wrapping around his waist while he walks me back over to the bike and sits me on it. The erection in his jeans presses against my pussy under my leggings, and I whimper softly into his mouth. My hands run up and under his shirt, then my nails dig into his warm skin. He groans, pressing his cock into me harder, but it’s not enough.

My pussy tingles with need, with desire.

I need him.

Fuck, I wish he would take me right here, right now.

My hands slide down between us to his belt as I kiss him with everything I have. I start undoing it, but he pulls back, breaking our kiss, and I voice a cry of disappointment.

Void shakes his head, letting out a gravelly groan. “Fucking hell, Ivy, you’re gonna be the death of me.” He lets out a long exhale as he takes my hands in his, moving them to his mouth and gently kissing my fingers. Then he lets them go and takes a step back to buckle his belt.

Sitting on the edge of the bike, I try to calm my breathing, but I desperately need him to touch me. “Void, please…” I beg.

His face droops as he moves in, lifting me from the bike and then placing my feet firmly back on solid ground. “We can’t, Ivy. Not here. Not now.”

I’ll plead if I have to. Beg. Fight. I’ll do anything.

“Why?”

“I’m not taking your virginity on the side of the road where anyone can watch us. You’re worth more than that.”

Okay, I guess that’s a good answer. Still, I can’t help but pout.

“Fine. But I’m not happy about it. And this isn’t the last time we discuss this.”

“I’m sure it isn’t… but let’s talk about your riding. You did amazing, sweet thing. I’m so fucking proud of you.”

“I get it now… the rush, the freedom. You have to teach me properly. This bike, Void, she’s perfect.”

“She is. She only needs a name.”

She sparkles in the sun. When I was in charge of her, she made me brighten like I’ve never felt before. She’s a star, a goddess even. “Reva. Her name is Reva.”

Void tilts his head like he’s pondering. “Reva… yeah, I like it.”

“She’s definitely the one,” I gush.

Void looks at me, his eyes meeting mine.

A pulse, a wave of something, flows right through me.

I’m not sure what it is, but I am sure Void feels it too, because his eyes become more intense as he stares at me.

“Yeah… she is.”