CHAPTER SEVEN

Noah

My mind races over what Rhyan said to me as I stand back, watching her hand in the gift cards for today's session. Your moans were really fucking hot. How the hell am I supposed to function after she says shit like that?

My thoughts are going to places they most certainly should not, and my cock is starting to have thoughts of his own. I need to rein that shit in now before I can't control the very real reaction that's going to happen beneath my zipper.

Rhyan spins, smiling at me wide, completely oblivious to the chaotic turmoil she has sent me into as she gestures for me to follow her. "You ready?"

Clearing my throat, I raise my shoulders. "Yeah. Let's go."

She glances up at me, furrowing her brows. "You okay?"

Shaking off the thoughts of me taking her back into that massage room and fucking her senseless, surrounded by candles, sweet-smelling fragrances, and fucking rainforest sounds, I let out a small nervous laugh. "You hungry?" I ask, not wanting this outing to be over just yet.

Rhyan links her arm with mine. "I could go for something sweet."

Nodding, I take a centering breath, pushing all sexual thoughts and tension from my mind. "All right, let's go get you some ice cream."

Her eyes widen as she bounces on her toes. "Lord, yes!"

Chuckling, we leave the spa and stroll down the sidewalk. "Hey, ah… how much did it cost for this session today?"

Rhyan clearly sees where I am going with this, and she smiles. "I got them on sale, so it's totally fine."

"Rhy, please let me pay for my half. It's only fair."

"Think of it as my treat for coming with me. If it weren't for you stepping in, I wouldn't have been able to come at all. I won't budge on this, Noah."

Letting out a small chuckle, I huff. "Fine, but I am paying for the ice cream. No arguments."

Rhyan dips her head in agreement but says nothing more.

When we get to the ice creamery, I step out, holding the door open, and she walks inside. I don't miss the young mother pulling her child closer to her when she spots me—the leather cut tends to have that effect on people—but I ignore her as I lead Rhyan up to the counter. The cashier looks at me like he's terrified I'm about to rob the place. Inhaling a deep breath, I glance down at the huge amount of ice cream in the freezers below us and gesture to them. "You pick whatever you want, Rhy."

She shifts her gaze from the ice cream to the menu behind the cashier, eyes wandering up and down the boards. "Okay, do you like chocolate and Biscoff?" she asks me.

Raising my brow, I let out a small laugh. "Doesn't everyone?"

Rhyan turns back to the pimply-faced cashier. "We'll have the Biscoff Bliss for two, thank you. And I'll have a chocolate shake." She turns to me, raising her brow in question, and I nod in response to her unanswered question. "Make that two shakes, please."

"You got it. Did you want to add extra Biscoff sauce for an additional dollar?"

Rhyan glances at me, and I let out a small mocking laugh. "Absolutely, yes."

Rhyan chuckles. "Go hard on the extra sauce."

The cashier slides us a number and then begins ringing up the till. But before he can tell me how much it costs, I slide a fifty-dollar bill his way. "Keep the change," I tell him.

Rhyan widens her eyes as I place my hand on her lower back and lead her away.

"Thanks, man," the cashier calls out.

Rhyan giggles beside me, carrying the number for our table with her.

"That was really fucking nice, Noah," she says as I pull out the chair for her, and she slides into it.

Moving around to sit opposite her, I take my seat, shrugging it off. "My mom used to work in a diner, and she used to tell me how important the tips were. She was saving them up to get me and her away from my dad…" I pause, that night flashing back into my mind. The cops dragging my mom, all bloodied and bruised, out of the house while I screamed for her.

"Hey, you all right?" Rhyan asks, her hand gently sliding out and resting on top of mine.

I clear my throat. "Yeah. We don't need to talk about that shit. Let's talk about what's happening with you."

She narrows her eyes on me, tightening her grip on my hand. "I don't know much about you, Noah. But I would really like to. So if you want to talk to me about your past, I would be honored to listen."

Rolling my now less tense shoulders, I look into her beautiful brown eyes, full of hope, so innocent and pure. How can I tarnish such perfection with all the shit of my past? I don't want her to hear about all that and for it to dim that sparkle in her eyes.

Not now, anyway.

"The thing is, Rhy, my past is messed up. And while I have no issue telling you about it, I don't want it to ruin our day. So, can you tell me what's happening with you instead?" I ask gently.

A genuine smile pulls on her lips, and she nods while slowly pulling her hand from mine to get comfortable in her chair. "Well, as you know, I'm studying to become a forensic trauma cleaner."

I still can't believe she chose that career from everything she could have. But growing up in the club hardens you to that kind of thing. So, in a way, it makes sense.

I simply nod before she continues, "There are mainly guys in my course. I find it hilarious when we're doing a case study, and they are all joking about how me being one of the only two girls in the class, that I won't be able to handle the images of the bodies. But then when they show them on screen, it's the guys who are running out of the room or puking their guts up all over the floor."

Chuckling to myself, I tip my head to her. "And you don't get affected by the images?"

Rhyan shrugs. "Club life."

"Club life, indeed. So, you know, forensic trauma cleaning can come in super handy for the club."

Rhyan waggles her brows. "Oh, I know. My life is Defiance. Everything I do is for the club. Even choosing a career."

The corner of my lips turns up at how badass this woman really is. "For someone who is not scared of anything club-related, you sure do seem shy and reserved most of the time. Except for today. Today you're… braver."

Her eyes drop from me in a move that reminds me more of the Rhyan I am used to. The nervous girl I know. "I-I guess… I just figured you're always so carefree and reckless that I need to try to match that level of energy."

This time, I reach out for her hand on the table, taking it in mine. "You don't have to change a thing about yourself to try to impress me, Rhy. You caught my attention all on your own way before today."

Her eyes slowly lift, her teeth clenching her bottom lip in that adorable way she does as she stares into my eyes. The energy between us sparks and explodes all around us. I lean in a little closer. Rhyan takes the hint. She begins to lean toward me just as the pimply cashier steps up, sliding the giant Biscoff sundae onto the table between us, completely disregarding the tension surrounding Rhyan and me.

We both pull back while he looks from Rhyan to me, widens his eyes, and then grimaces. "Ah… I'll just grab your shakes. I'll be right back."

"Great timing, dude," I murmur, and he hurries off.

Rhyan giggles and picks up a spoon, not hesitating to dig into this giant ice cream feast before us. "There's no way we're going to be able to eat all this," she says.

Picking up my spoon, I raise it in the air with a smirk. "Then you obviously don't know who you're messing with because I never waste a drop of ice cream."

She raises a brow, dunking her spoon into the gooey treat. "So, ice cream is your favorite dessert?"

"Ice cream is my favorite everything."

"Everything, hey? Even better than Sven and his climactic hands?" she asks.

Scowling at her while she giggles, I dip my spoon into the ice cream, the Biscoff sauce dripping off the metal as I lift it toward my lips, then plunge the melting gooey goodness into my mouth. The flavor bomb hits my senses, the icy cold temperature sending a shudder down my spine as I look Rhyan directly in the eyes and let out a deep, carnal moan. Her eyes widen as she watches me with bated breath. Her breathing increases as the pimple guy slowly slides the milkshakes onto the table, glances at me, and nods his head like he's somehow approving my moves. He grins, then races off.

Rhyan clears her throat. "There's children present, Noah."

I glance over my shoulder at the mother who's packing up her things and gathering her child to leave. Smirking, I turn back to Rhyan, dipping my spoon into the ice cream again. "I'm just enjoying my ice cream. I don't know what children being present has to do with that?"

She leans in closer and whispers, "You know what you're doing, sir."

"Don't know what you're talking about," I reply, shoveling in another mouthful, followed by a deep, guttural groan. Rhyan ducks down as I slam my fist on the table. "Goddamn! That's some sensational ice cream," I call out loudly, and the guy behind the counter chuckles at my display.

Rhyan slowly slides her milkshake toward her and takes a sip. "I'm going to kill you for this," she murmurs.

Grinning from ear to ear, I eat another scoop, throwing my head back. "That's going down real nice. Such a creamy texture, so smooth, a little salt—"

Rhyan bursts out laughing, waving her hands through the air to stop me. "Okay, okay! I'm sorry I teased you about Sven. I promise it's the last time. Can we eat this ice cream like civilized people ? Please?"

Licking my lips, I sit up taller. "Anything you want. But you haven't tried the ice cream properly yet. I think you will see my reactions are totally on point."

She rolls her eyes, grabs her spoon, digs into the dessert, and then slides it past her beautiful, subtle lips. Her eyes widen when she tastes the flavors, a slow moan escaping her lips, and I can't help but laugh at her. Though the sound does something to my cock, growing uncomfortably against my zipper. She immediately retreats into herself while shaking her head. "No! That was an accident. I didn't mean to do that."

I can't help but chuckle at her reaction. "You're cute when you're defensive, you know that?"

She tries to hide her smile, dropping her spoon back into the ice cream. "Shut up and eat your damn dessert."

"Yes, ma'am," I reply.

We sit back, eat our sundae, and drink our milkshakes, comfortably chatting about day-to-day life.

A hint of a shadow at the window gains my attention. I glimpse out the glass at a silhouette—

someone is standing behind the cars on the street. Their face is covered by a hoody, but their stance is as if they're looking right at us.

Furrowing my brows as I continue to listen to Rhyan talk to me about how she's made friends with the only other girl in her class, Autumn. She thinks she is pretty badass, and I nod, joining in the conversation, trying not to appear like I am keeping my eyes focused on whoever this is outside the damn window.

Clearly a man, his attention focused right back on me.

Watching.

Waiting?

My breath hitches when he steps forward, his face coming into view, and a slow smirk rises on his lips. He knows he's just set my heart rate sky rocketing. My instinct, instantly, is to grab Rhyan and get the fuck out of here. But I have no clue who he might have waiting outside.

Our best bet is to stay here until I can further assess the threat—if there is even one.

Rhyan follows my line of sight, finally noticing that I'm clearly distracted. She hums under her breath. "Friend of yours?" she asks, clearly unperturbed seeing a stranger outside watching us.

"Absolutely not," I sneer.

She continues to eat as if this is just another day. "Do we need to call for backup?"

My breathing hitches faster when Atlas dips his head, grins cockily, then slides into a car beside him. A few moments later, he pulls off into the traffic and is gone from sight. Seems all he wanted to do was to unsettle my nerves.

Well, he did a real good job of that—asshole.

With a relieved breath, I crane my neck to the side, focusing back on Rhyan. "Looks like he just wanted me to know he was there. Simply making a threat without saying anything."

"Seems like a douche to me," Rhyan states, shoving another mouthful of ice cream into her gorgeous mouth.

"The biggest," I reply. "I think we're good. But we should head back home once we're done here. Just in case."

Rhyan smiles wide. "We can finish our sundae, though . Right?"

I dip my spoon into the gooey mess. "Abso-fuckin-lutely!"

We are making really good progress on this huge sundae, though the thing is melting pretty damn quickly. Rhyan lifts another spoonful to her mouth, but a drip of Biscoff drizzle drips down the corner of her mouth without her noticing.

I let out a small chuckle, gesturing to her lip. "You got a little…"

Her eyes widen, and she grabs the napkin, swatting at the wrong side of her mouth. She looks at me like she is mortified, then exhales. "Did I get it?" Her tone's almost desperate.

I don't want her to feel any more embarrassed than she already is, so I slide out from my chair, her eyes widening as she follows my movements. I lean down, towering over her, reaching for the napkin. My fingers brush hers as I take it, sending an electrical surge through me. Ignoring it, I squat down to be face-to-face with her, then holding the napkin, I use the thumb of my other hand to gently wipe along the edge of her bottom lip, removing the offending liquid. The air around us seems to disappear as our eyes lock, both our breathing rushed and frantic before my thumb darts out, running along her bottom lip. Her breathing hitches when I pull my thumb back from her and slide it into my mouth, sucking off the Biscoff drizzle.

She stutters out an uncontrolled breath, her tongue darting out and licking her bottom lip to taste any remaining drizzle as I grin. "Wouldn't want to waste any, now, would we?"

She says nothing and simply shakes her head, her eyes locked hard on mine. "Noah?" she whispers, edging closer to me.

"Yeah?" I reply, shifting only a hair's breadth away from her delectable lips. My heart is racing. It feels like the room is spinning, like we're the only two people here, and all this chemistry has been threatening to explode at this very moment.

Her hand slides out, cupping my cheek, then shifts into my hair. The sensation sends a wave of adrenaline through me.

I know she's the forbidden fruit.

I should fight this.

Out of respect for her father.

And even more so because I'm a fucking prospect.

I need to fight this.

But I fucking can't.

A low growl erupts from my chest as my hand shifts up to grab behind her head to pull her lips to mine, but before I get a chance, my goddamn cell rings, making us both jerk apart.

"Jesus fucking Christ," I mumble, dropping my hand from Rhyan.

She pulls back, breathing heavily, her hand on her chest to control her heartbeat.

I glance up at her apologetically. "I'm so fucking sorry."

She smiles, waving me off. "Honestly, it's fine. But you're a prospect, and if you don't answer that phone soon, whoever is on the other end is going to kick your ass."

Groaning, I run my hand through my hair and stand, yanking my cell from my pocket.

Dutch's name flashes on my cell screen.

One hundred percent mood killer.

I side-eye Rhyan, trying not to let her know her father is on the other line, then swipe the call, putting the cell to my ear. "Hey, what's up?"

"You still out with my daughter?" His gruff tone is accusatory.

Apparently his earlier text wasn't enough assurance. "I am. We're having some ice cream, then gonna head back to the clubhouse."

He grumbles under his breath. "I don't need to remind you that young woman is my flesh and blood. My only child, right?"

Craning my neck to the side, I clear my throat. "I remember."

"You're a good kid, Noah. Most of the time. It's when you're not thinking straight that I worry. You have to remember that I have seen shit. Been with you at your worst. Bailed you out of situations that should have landed you in real fucking hot water."

My stomach falls through the floor as I spin my back to Rhyan so she can't see my face. "I know… and I appreciate that more than anything."

"Bring her home, Noah. Now!"

Scratching at my head, I let out a long puff of air. "You got it," I reply, but Dutch says nothing, ending the call.

I stand for a few seconds, trying to gather myself before I have the balls to turn and face Rhyan, but when I do, she is already gathering her things and standing to leave. Widening my eyes, I jerk my head back, but she is the first to talk. "That was my dad on the other end of the call… wasn't it?"

Slumping my shoulders, I scrub at my barely-there beard. "He was just making sure you were oka—"

She lets out a frustrated huff, shoving past me, storming for the door. My eyes widen before I take off after her. "Rhy? Rhyan , wait!"

She yanks the door open and takes off down the street, and I have to run to keep up with her. I finally catch up, but she is clearly fuming, her Converse pounding the pavement so hard they sound more like my biker boots as she stomps. "Rhy, he's just making sure you're okay."

She stops dramatically, turning to face me, her eyes wild like an untamed beast. "No, Noah. He's calling to insert himself into something he should leave his goddamn nose out of. He's always fucking doing this." She lets out a frustrated groan, throwing her hands in the air, then starts walking again.

"Don't be so hard on him. It's me he's worried about, not you."

Rhyan glares at me incredulously. "Which, in turn, means he doesn't trust my judgment. Noah, if I thought you were a loser, you would know it. You're far from it. And if my dad can't see you for who you really are when he is supposed to know you better than I do, then he isn't the person I thought he was either."

Grimacing, I try to keep up with her. "Rhy—"

"Let's just go home. I was having such a wonderful day, and Dad had to go and ruin it for me. Like always."

I'm not sure what to say, so I say nothing, keeping pace with her as we return to my bike. I grab the helmet, easing it over her head, and do up the strap, her eyes locking with mine. I see the hurt in them, but still, she says nothing. So, I turn, sliding onto the bike, and she follows behind me, holding on tight. I kick back the stand, ready to ride us back to the clubhouse.

The problem is, I feel like there's going to be fireworks when we arrive, and I'm not sure I want to stick around to watch them explode.