Chapter 4

Rachel came around the bend and locked eyes with Jaxon, surprised he actually came to check on her. She wasn’t used to having people around her that cared.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I told you I was coming. Found this on the ground. Important for work, I believe.”

She took the ID badge from him and put it in her pocket. “Thanks.”

“What do you say we stop and get you something to eat and then take you home?”

Rachel hesitated because she didn’t know much about this man, but without a car, her only other option was a taxi. “Sure.”

She followed him outside to his motorcycle.

A flicker of relief crossed Jaxon’s face as he helped her onto the bike. “You’re in good hands now,” he said, and as the engine roared to life, Rachel found herself hoping with all her heart that he was telling the truth.

The powerful rumble of Jaxon’s motorcycle vibrated through Rachel’s entire body as they sped down the dark, twisting road. Her heart pounded in time with the beat of the motor, a chaotic staccato rhythm fueled by equal parts pain, fear and adrenaline.

She didn’t know this man or where he was taking her. For all she knew, she was being kidnapped. But her knee throbbed mercilessly with every bump in the road, a stark reminder that she was in no condition to escape. She had no choice but to put her faith in a stranger.

Rachel gritted her teeth against the agony, clinging to Jaxon as he whipped around a corner. The motion sent a spike of pain shooting up her leg and she couldn’t stifle a gasp.

“You okay back there?” Jaxon’s voice was gruff.

“Hurts,” she managed through clenched teeth.

The motorcycle slowed. “Hang in there. We’re almost at the diner.”

They rolled to a stop outside a weathered building with neon signs flickering in the windows. A handful of motorcycles were parked outside, and through the glass Rachel could make out a few men in leather cuts drinking coffee at a counter.

Her heart stuttered. A biker diner. She was in a sea of strangers, vulnerable and injured, surrounded by the roar of engines and aura of danger.

Rachel swallowed hard, steeling herself as Jaxon killed the engine and turned to face her. “Still with me?”

She managed a jerky nod, breath coming fast. Jaxon seemed to understand her fear, giving her arm a gentle squeeze.

“You’re safe here, darlin’,” he said. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

His steady blue eyes anchored her, a lifeline in the chaos, and Rachel slowly felt her panic recede. She didn’t know why she believed him, but she did.

Nodding shakily, she let Jaxon help her off the bike and into the warmth of the diner, where a woman with kind eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor bustled over to fuss over Rachel’s injury.

Jaxon guided Rachel to a booth, settling her in with a menu and strict orders to choose whatever she wanted. It was clear he was a regular here, on friendly terms with the staff. Rachel looked around at the worn wood and chrome decor, bikers lounging at the counter and in booths. It felt like a world apart from her own.

When their food was ready, Jaxon took the bags, helping Rachel back onto his bike for the ride to her place. The rumble of the engine and the solid warmth of his back against hers was oddly soothing.

Jaxon turned his head to murmur over his shoulder. “Doing okay back there?”

The timbre of his voice reverberated through her, as dangerously potent as the rumble of the motorcycle between her legs. Rachel swallowed hard, glad for the concealing visor of her helmet.

“I’m fine,” she said, hoping he couldn’t hear the breathlessness in her tone.

“Good.” His hand squeezed hers where it rested on his abdomen, then returned to the handlebar. “Not much farther to go.”

Too soon, the familiar apartment complex came into view. Rachel was disappointed, not yet ready for this ride to end.

Jaxon brought the motorcycle to a stop in front, the engine sputtering and dying into silence. He swung off and turned to help her dismount, hands clasping her waist to lift her down.

Rachel found herself reluctant to meet his eyes, afraid of what he might read in her own. But his fingers remained curled around her arm, compelling her gaze upwards.

“Thank you,” she said while grabbing her food, “for bringing me home.”

Jaxon walked her to the door, hesitating on the threshold. “You gonna be alright now?”

Rachel nodded. “Thank you for everything. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

A smile tugged at his lips. “My pleasure, darlin’.” He ran a hand through his hair, suddenly looking uncharacteristically nervous. “I was wondering if you’d like to get dinner again. Without the car crash this time.”

Her heart skipped a beat at the invitation. She should say no, knew he was dangerous in a way she couldn’t quite define. But those blue eyes were hard to resist, and the memory of his strength and kindness stayed with her.

Rachel took a deep breath, throwing caution to the wind. “I’d like that.”

Jaxon’s smile lit up his face, making her pulse jump. He squeezed her hand, a spark of heat and promise in his gaze. “It’s a date then. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 7.”

With a wave he was gone, the engine rumbling into the night. Rachel leaned against the door, wondering what she’d gotten herself into—and why she was already looking forward to it.

It wasn’t even two hours later, when she was curled up on the couch watching TV, when her phone buzzed with a text.

Unknown number: Hey, it’s Jaxon. Just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing.

Rachel’s heart skipped, and she quickly added his number to her contacts before replying.

Rachel: I’m doing okay. Thanks to you. It was very kind of you to check on me.

Jaxon: My pleasure. I meant what I said earlier—if there’s anything you need, just let me know.

Rachel smiled, warmth flooding her veins. He seemed genuine in his concern for her well-being, and she found herself regretting her initial distrust of him. Maybe he wasn’t like the men from her past, after all.

Rachel: I appreciate that.

Jaxon: I should let you rest. Sweet dreams.

Rachel: Goodnight, Jaxon. Thank you again.

She set down her phone, a giddy feeling bubbling up inside. Her orderly world had been upended by this leather-clad stranger, and for once, she didn’t mind the disruption. There was something about Jaxon that made her want to throw caution to the wind and see where this unexpected connection might lead.

Rachel went to bed that night with a smile on her face, already anticipating his next message.

The next morning, Rachel woke to a text from Jaxon.

Jaxon: Morning sunshine ?? Hope you’re feeling better today.

Rachel: Good morning! I’m doing great, thanks to you. How are you?

Jaxon: Can’t complain. Had an early meeting at the clubhouse. Ready for our date tonight?

Rachel: Just working a shift at the hospital. Nothing too exciting. And yes, I am =)

Jaxon: A woman who saves lives for a living… very sexy.

Rachel: I work in the emergency room so never know if I will be saving a life or dealing with an overdose.

Jaxon: Bet you’ve seen it all in an ER.

Rachel: Unfortunately, yes, but it’s rewarding to help people during what is often the worst day of their lives.

Jaxon: I can understand that. We may run in very different circles, but helping others in need is something we have in common.

Rachel: I have to admit, you’ve surprised me. I made some unfair assumptions about you based on your appearance and affiliations. I see now that there’s more to you.

Jaxon: Likewise. You’re not what I expected either, and in the best possible way. I’m glad we were able to move past first impressions.

Rachel: As am I.

Jaxon: See you at 7.