Chapter 11

11

HALO

I wake up with a start. I don't know what I was dreaming about, but I'm quickly snapped back into the reality of my bedroom.

I'm in my bed, lying on my back, completely naked.

I never sleep naked, it just doesn't feel right. Then again, I've never had a gorgeous man at my side, devouring every inch of my body for most of the night. The way he woke me up to give me one of the best orgasms of my life will remain a clear favorite in the fuck yeah column.

I glance to my left and his side of the bed is empty. His side of the bed. Am I already that deranged that I've given him a side already?

Movement at the door has my eyes snapping up. Riot walks in, no shirt, his jeans pulled on but not buttoned up and he's barefoot. He's also holding two mugs of coffee and looks like he just spent all night long on his back. Oh wait, he did.

I smile to myself as I prop myself up against the pillows, bringing the comforter up under my armpits. "Well good morning." I smile. "Coffee in bed? I could get used to this."

He gives me a lopsided grin as he hands me my mug. "It's the least I can do after keepin' you awake for most of the night."

My cheeks flush red as I remember some of the words we exchanged. I never in a million years thought I'd enjoy him calling me his dirty little club whore, but as I press my thighs together under the comforter, I know I want more of that talk.

"Don't see me complaining."

He sits on my side, lifting his mug to his lips and taking a sip. "You have good coffee."

"I'm glad you know how to use a machine."

"Hey, I'm not totally useless." He takes another sip. "I got a text from Nina."

My heart rate kicks up ten thousand notches as I almost spill my coffee. "What? When? Is it Cookie? Is he okay?"

"Calm down, babe. Cookie is fine, he slept through the night and we might be able to collect him later this afternoon if you're still okay with that?"

I bite my lip. Was Cookie really okay overnight, or was he scared and confused about where he was?

Guilt wraps around me when I think about being in Riot's arms all night while we had fun, not giving Cookie one more thought before I fell asleep.

"So we're allowed to just take him?"

"Yeah. Nina said he wasn't chipped and in any case, he was dumped, babe. Trust me, when I find out who did this to him, there ain't no hole he can hide in where I won't find him."

A shiver runs over my spine at his words. "But what if we grow too attached, and then someone comes looking for him?"

He rests his mug on my side table and turns to cup my face. "You're adorable." He kisses my nose, then my lips. "But he's yours if you want him. Nobody is gonna take him away from you, I promise."

I look up at him like he has all the answers. "Okay. I always knew I'd get another dog someday, but I never imagined it would be under these circumstances."

"It was meant to be. Nina said he's been really sweet, and he's eaten some food, he's drinking water. It's all good here."

I smile even wider. "Thank you, Riot. For being here and getting him to a vet."

"Don't have to thank me. I'd have done it no matter what."

He really is the sweetest creature on the planet. It doesn't matter that he looks rough around the edges or lives and breathes the NOLA Rebels; he's all heart.

"I know you would have. I know you have a good heart, that you cared enough to help him."

"What kind of monster would I be if I didn't?"

I stroke his cheek. Man, he's so gorgeous, even thoroughly fucked first thing in the morning. I dread to think what I look like. It's only then that I realize I should've run to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my hair.

"You're not a monster." I reach forward and brush my lips with his. Something about my words have his lips stilling against mine. He doesn't kiss me back. "Riot?"

My forehead touches his.

"Yeah?"

"Is everything okay?"

He brushes his lips against mine. "Everythin's fine." I know from his tone it's not. It's when I told him he wasn't a monster. Something about it made him freeze up.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive." He nips my chin. "Hungry?" I give him a wicked smile and he rolls his eyes. "I meant for actual food, not dick. Do you have a one-track mind?"

"Around you I seem to."

I know he's back when he kisses me for longer. "You sore?"

I bite my lip, then nod. "Yes, a little." This only makes him grin wider. I tut. "Why does that seem to please you?"

"Because every time you move today, you're gonna be reminded of where I've been and who you belong to."

My heart thumps in my chest. "Do I belong to you, Riot?"

"What if I wanted to claim you?"

My eyes are as round as saucers. Claim me? It's the term that bikers use when you're their official ol' lady and off limits to anyone else in the club. It's as high a ranking as being their wife. I know this because Star told me all about it. I also realize that it's kinda ridiculous that men in the MC have these slightly archaic rules, but when I think about belonging to Riot, I wouldn't mind that one little bit.

"You don't think it's too soon?"

He pulls back. "You don't feel what I'm feelin'?"

I set my cup down on the side table next to his and wrap my arms around his neck. "I feel it, but how do we know if we're not just loved up because the sex is so good? We're not even in the honeymoon period yet."

"I've never felt this way about a woman before, and I know that if you wanna be my girl then this is what has to be done."

"Because of the club and you don't want any other man talking to me, or because you really want it?"

His eyes are so blue this morning. They're troubled, though, and I don't know why. I'm reminded once more that I really don't know a lot about this man, but I also know how I feel.

"Would I be sayin' it if I didn't really want it? Never said it to a woman in my life. Never felt this pull before."

"It isn't just sex?"

"The sex is fantastic, but I fell for you a long while back. I just didn't do anythin' about it."

My heart beats wildly at how fast this is all coming together. We're officially an item already?

"I know this is kinda sudden," he goes on. "But I feel like we're connected."

"Insta-love." I smile. "That's what they call it."

He brushes my lips once more. "Just think we could've been doin' this for months."

"Doing what, exactly?" I arch a brow.

He grins again. "I could've been poundin' this pussy and makin' you scream my name this entire time. Looks like we've got some makin' up to do."

I love you.

My throat goes dry. Woah, where did that come from?

Maybe it was when I first saw him at the bar that night with Star. He was so sexy. Smart and funny. In Mississippi he was all business; protective and strong. Then when we got home, he gave me my space to help my best friend and her sister. He gave me space. Looking back, I realize I should've made it clearer, but he has two feet and a heartbeat. I'm down with being chased by the right man. The man I want.

"Maybe you have." I hold back my smile, but barely. I can't keep a straight face.

He kisses me again, and this feels so intimate. Like nothing I've ever encountered.

Riot is all about me. I've never had that kind of devotion before. I've never had a man give two hoots about me, much less worship the ground I walk on. I want to explore this. I want to see where it takes.

"So, your place or mine?"

I blink. "Huh?"

"Cookie. Are we sharin' him?"

My heart warms at his words. "We could take turns. One week at yours, one week at mine? I don't want to confuse him, though."

"I'm sure he'll settle in once he knows he's safe."

"Poor baby." I look down at the bed and he tips my chin back up with his fingers.

"He's not gonna be poor for long. I thought we could take a trip to PetSmart this mornin', pick up some stuff for him."

I think I just died and went to heaven. "Oh, Riot!" I jump into his arms and he chuckles as I almost knock him over. "We can really do that?"

He wraps his arms around my waist. "Of course we can. He's gonna need doggie shit, right? And food, a bowl, toys…"

"I love you." The words slip out before I can stop them. Shiiiiiiit. "I mean, I love you for being so sweet about this. For taking care of Cookie and stuff…"

He stares at me, his face almost ashen and I think I've said the wrong thing. In fact, I know I have.

When he doesn't speak, I try to wriggle out of his arms, the color rising in my cheeks.

"Say it again."

I swallow hard. "No. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it…"

"You didn't?"

I glance up and he looks crestfallen. "Not in that way."

"What way?" He tightens his grip on my hips. "Tell the truth."

I can't. I can't tell him that I'm falling in love with him and have been for months. That being in his arms is my safe place. I'm putting so much on him that I'm afraid he'll get scared and run away.

"We can tell each other anythin'," he reminds me. "No matter what."

I glance back up. "I… I'm having feelings for you, yes." Why is this so hard? "But I don't want to scare you away. I don't want to come on too strong."

"Too strong?" He laughs. " Too strong? Babe. I would climb the highest goddamn mountain just to see you smile. There's no way you could ever come off like that. If anythin', I didn't wanna make you run because I'm fallin' head over heels…"

"In love?" I finish. "Are you in love with me, honey?"

I know he loved it when I called him that last night. His bright, blue eyes meet mine. He pushes my hair back off my face and kisses me gently. "I'm in love with you and have been since that night at the Whiskey Straight."

My breath catches in my chest. "What?"

"I pestered Nevada about you non-stop, but he was too busy tryin' to get into Star's pants to bother about helpin' a brother out. So I waited."

"Did you know where I live because you followed me?"

"Yes," he says. "It was only to keep you safe. I couldn't bear the thought of you gettin' hurt. After Mississippi, everythin' was so raw. I was scared that somethin' might happen to you, so I checked in on you without you knowin'."

My eyes are like saucers as I study him. He's so earnest in his explanation. The idea he's followed me and probably has for some time should alarm me, but it doesn't.

"Holy shit."

"Do you love me, Halo?" His words are barely audible.

I don't even think. " Yes ." I close my eyes, squeezing them shut. "I've never said that to anybody. I meant it before, I just… I was afraid you'd think I was a nut job and you'd leave."

"Tell me you love me."

I love how needy he is, it's so fricking hot. It's like he needs the confirmation, and I'm here for it morning, noon and night. "I love you."

He closes his eyes, his warm hands massaging my ass cheeks. I want him to say it back. I want to be all that he needs too, that he loves me and I'm everything to him.

"I love you," I whisper again. "I want you, just as you are."

He groans and I know he's hard. "I love you, too, Kitten."

A tear escapes my eye. This moment — I never expected it. We've spent one night together and we're already declaring our love for one another.

"How?"

"We're connected," he murmurs. "It's never happened to me before."

"Have you ever said that to anyone?"

"Never. The only person who ever told me was my moth—"He stops, shaking his head.

"Are you close to her?"

He stiffens under my touch and I know right away this is a sore spot. "She died."

My heart breaks. The sad look on his face tells me all I need to know, and I have to tread lightly. "I'm so sorry."

"She was an angel. My sister is all I have left, and the man who raised us, Charles. You'll meet him soon."

I don't dare ask about his father, because that panic button inside tells me to keep my trap shut. "I'd like that. Your sister seems nice."

"She's a handful, but she's got a good head on her shoulders."

"So have you."

Okay, so this isn't as scary as I thought it was going to be. We both told each other we love one another, and now we're getting to know each other.

The tug in my brain that tells me I always fall for the wrong kind of guy can't torment me here. I'm in my happy place. Maybe we are jumping the gun, but if we both feel the same, then how can that be wrong?

He smiles softly, then shocks me by saying, "You made me hard."

I bite my bottom lip. "I know." I move a hand between us to squeeze his cock, straining against the fabric of his jeans. "I'm starting to wonder if this thing ever goes down."

He smirks. "Not around you."

"I need to pee."

"So romantic."

I laugh. "Yeah, one thing you'll learn about me is I never say the right thing at the right time. It's a habit I never grew out of."

He lets me free. "I'll go rummage around for something to eat."

"I have bagels and cream cheese."

"A woman after my own heart."

I reluctantly climb off him and go deal with my current hair situation. I groan when I look at myself, and after trying to brush my matted hair out, I give up and tie it in a small ponytail. My hair is a little longer than chin length, so I don't have much. I also pull on Riot's t-shirt, then my fluffy robe and wrap it around myself. There's something about wearing a man's clothes that turns me on. Well, his clothes. If he wants it back, he's going to have to peel it off me.

I wander out into the kitchen and sure enough, he's hovering over the expansive counter, slathering cream cheese over two toasted bagels.

A man in the kitchen — it's so sexy. Especially when that man is shirtless and looks like he just stepped out of a men's fragrance commercial.

"Has anyone ever told you that you could be a model?" I blurt out.

He looks up at me, his brows knitting together as he shakes his head. "Uh, no, funnily enough."

I sit at one of the stools as he takes my mug out of my hand. I watch as he turns to refill it. "Do you like being in the kitchen?"

He moves around like he's a pro, and I'm impressed. "Charles taught me the value of learning how to cook, and to keep things neat and tidy. So yeah, I have a few moves." He turns over his shoulder and winks at me.

I feel the flush again when I think about all we did last night and I bite my lip, pressing my legs together. I've never felt such a wanton need for a man before. It's thrilling and scary and beautiful all rolled into one.

"I can see that."

"Yeah, bet you can feel it too." He turns and passes my coffee over, then leans over to kiss me. It's like we've been doing this forever, not just one night.

"You know, I expect this kind of service from now on," I joke. "Though, it would be a whole lot more entertaining if you were naked."

He smirks. "Keep talkin' like that and I'll fuck you over this bench top."

My pussy throbs at his words. You would think the dirty slut in me would've had her fill by now, but no. Not even close. I feel that thrill of excitement of what we've done, how we've told each other how we feel and we want more. It makes me want him all over again.

"Does it look like I'm protesting?"

He slides a plate over to me and then he dips his eyes to my chest. "Do you have my shirt on?"

I almost choke on my bagel as I glance down. Sure enough, his t-shirt is peeking out.

"Uh, I didn't think you'd mind… it smelled delicious, like you?—"

"Babe," he groans, and I watch as he adjusts himself. Wait. Am I making him hard all over again because I'm wearing his stuff?

"Wait until you see me in my sexy secretary outfit and my reading glasses."

He points at me. "You ever wear that around me and we won't be leavin' anyone's apartment for a week."

"Ooh, I always fancied a staycation." I wiggle my eyebrows. I know I shouldn't be encouraging him because we have to go to PetSmart and get Cookie's things, but I'm basking in the afterglow of him. I want it to last forever.

"Yeah, fancy one permanently on my dick?"

I glance down at his body, giving him my best smoldering look. "I definitely won't say no to that."

I take another bite and his eyes dip to my mouth. I turn him on. I turn him on bad and it's something I'm only just realizing.

I shove my robe off my shoulders and let it slide to the ground. "It's getting hot in here."

His eyes dip lower to my pebbled nipples and I spread my legs on the stool. Even though he can't see below my waist, he knows what I'm doing.

"What you got on under my t-shirt, Kitten?"

"Skin."

"Your pussy still beggin' for my cock, babe?"

"Is it ever not begging for it?"

I blink and he's already stalking around to my side of the bench and I jump in surprise.

His eyes travel the length of me. "Turn and spread those legs for me."

I take my time, holding my bagel in one hand as I lick cream cheese off my finger and suck on the tip, spreading my legs as I turn to him.

His eyes darken as he watches me. I go one more step and lift the hem of his shirt, lifting it to my waist as his eyes dip lower. I'm so unashamed around him that it's ridiculous.

I went from covering my body last night in the shower to parading around half naked this morning and not giving two shits. He likes what he sees and he wants more of it.

I lift the shirt higher, dropping my half eaten bagel as I swipe some cream cheese and wipe it on one nipple. A low growl leaves his throat.

"Whoops."

He licks his lips, one hand at his dick as he adjusts it again. I love it when he does that.

"Whoops?" His eyes flick to mine.

"Wanna lick that off, big boy?"

He doesn't waste two seconds before he's on me. I shriek, then laugh out loud as he engulfs me and his mouth is sucking on my nipple hard and fast. I love to watch him feasting on my tits. It's the hottest thing ever, so much so, I swipe some more cream cheese and spread it on the other side. He moves over, licking, sucking, nipping as I dig my hands into his hair, tugging gently. One hand reaches between my legs and he growls even harder when he feels how wet I am. He rubs my clit once, twice, and I'm screaming his name when he flicks it a third time. Holy shit.

He stands back, sucks on the end of his finger, then his hands are fumbling at his waist as he tugs his jeans down — commando — and he reaches for his shirt and rips it over my head. "Hands on the bench, Kitten."

I glance down at his monster cock and groan. I want it in my mouth again but I know that we need to get off, and fast.

I do as he says and he lines up behind and pushes in. We both groan and he kisses the top of my shoulder, a shiver running down my spine as I stick my ass out further toward him.

"You feel so good," I groan. I might be sore, but it's worth it to feel him again.

And knowing what he needs, I add , "I love you."

He makes a strangled noise as he starts to pound in and out of me, his hands all over my body. They start grabbing my ass cheeks, then one reaches around to grip my throat — totally freaking hot — before both hands cup my tits. I've never, ever had sex like this before, standing, and over my kitchen bench. The way he slides in and out, hitting every nerve inside me, so deep at this angle as I struggle to hold onto my sanity.

"Say it again."

"I love you, Myles. I love all of you, this big, juicy cock filling me so full. Harder, honey, I need it harder."

"Dirty slut," he mutters in my ear. He tugs on my nipple and I cry out. "Fuckin' love your dirty mouth, Kitten. Gonna keep you locked up in here so I can fuck the dirty words out of your mouth."

"This is my apartment."

"And we're gonna fuck on every inch of it."

Oh, my.

And in two seconds, I'm coming again. He follows closely behind, roaring my name as he stills and shoots his load inside me for what feels like the hundredth time.