Chapter 32

Thirty-Two

Regan

I t was the next night when Rook decided to take me out. He pulled the bike into a parking spot and helped me off, not saying a word as he wrapped his hand in mine, leading me down the street.

"You really have this all planned?"

"Yes. Is that too surprising?"

"Honestly, yeah. You don't exactly come off like the ‘plans out a date' type."

"Well, I'm not. This is my first, so don't judge me too harshly."

Soft light spilled out from the shops that were still open, and I could smell the food from nearby restaurants. I leaned into him, enjoying every peaceful second of the night.

He slowed at the next intersection, taking a right down the next street, and I pulled him to a stop.

"What are you doing?" I asked, looking down the creepy road I knew all to well.

"Taking you to where we first met," he said, waving a hand towards the creepy road. "Obviously."

I laughed, pulling him to a stop. "While that is a very good start to a date, normally, we really don't have to go get killed or robbed."

"Nothing would happen to you."

"I guess that's true. No one's bothering me when my robber is with me already."

He grinned, looking back down the street. "I still want to make it clear that I never robbed you, or tried."

"But you are trying to take something from me now?" I asked. The words he told me when he was drunk had still been on my mind, but I hadn't found out what they meant.

He straightened up, looking into my eyes, and I froze. "Yes, I am." He pulled something out of his pocket, making me glance down. "But I have so much I am willing to give in return."

"You think gifts make up for you taking things from me?"

"No, but I thought it might help."

He opened the small box in his hand. A light pink heart shaped pendant hung off a chain that he lifted out.

"You bought that for me?" I asked, surprised at how perfect it was. "I love it."

"Then turn around."

I did, waiting as he slipped the necklace around my neck and clasped it. I spun, wrapping my arms around his neck to pull him in for a kiss.

He groaned, kissing me hard. "I have something else to give you, but we have to go first."

"Oh, so the creepy road we met on isn't the date night?"

"No, it's not. Although, if you want it to be, I'm happy to take a walk. I have my knife."

"No gun?"

"I was trying to be a gentleman tonight."

"Oh, perfect, no blood splatter on me, then, just you."

He grinned, pulling me into his side as he started walking down the main road again. "You are getting so good at all of this, Rebel."

I smiled at the compliment, knowing it was strange. "I'm glad you think I'm handling you being a killer better. That's what every girl dreams of growing up. Are you going to tell me what we are doing?"

He shook his head, making another turn until we were in front of the art gallery. Rook pulled the door open, waving for me to go in.

"Here?"

"That's why I'm standing here with the door open."

"Yes, but you are also the man that said he would rather be shot than have to walk around a new art exhibit. I believe that's a quote."

"And I still will say that's my preference between the two, but now I have a girl who likes this, so I go."

"I don't need to go with someone who is going to complain the entire time."

"Then I guess you should be happy I'm here. I've dealt with so many worse things and not said a word."

I couldn't help but look down where I knew his skin was ruined. I still wished he would tell me more about it, but past that it happened, he didn't share anything.

"So you really want to go in and watch me look at paintings and that's it? You stay quiet and I enjoy myself?"

"I will be enjoying you. That's enough for me."

He was dressed nicer tonight, at least for him. The dark jeans and black button up were cut perfectly on his body. The one button undone was showing off just enough of his chest tattoos that I wasn't doing well at looking at anything else.

I knew what he could do, what he was capable of, and yet he was standing here all dressed up to take me to an art exhibit.

He pulled me inside, heading to the first line of paintings. He didn't say a word, just held my hand as I looked over the first painting. Then, he did the same for the second and third, and by the time we made it to the next row of paintings, I was focusing less on the art and more on the man who was quiet next to me.

"Are you enjoying yourself, or are you counting down the minutes until we leave?"

"I'm enjoying myself," he said, his hand sliding lower down my back.

"Really?"

"Yes." He wrapped an arm around my waist from behind, his lips at my ear. "If looking at this art makes you feel an ounce of what I feel when I look at you, then we can both understand why I wouldn't be bored. I could never be bored with you, Regan. I don't have to like anything else in the room. If you are there, I have my own personal form of art to look at."

"But you live for adrenaline, for excitement and danger. How could this be any fun for you?"

"None of it compares to you, Rebel. None of it, and it never will. I like your quiet life, and I am happy to be a part of it. You tell me when we leave, and please stop worrying about me."

I moved to the next row of paintings, liking the way he followed after me without a word. And how he asked about every painting and if I liked it.

We got to the last aisle, but I pulled him towards the door.

"What are you doing, Rebel?" he asked, letting me pull him towards the door. He grabbed our jackets and continued on.

"I can't take looking at you anymore," I said, dragging him outside.

"Ouch, what a way to break up with a man. I appreciate the honesty, though."

We made it another block, and I stopped to wrap my arms around him before jumping into his arms.

"You're ridiculous," I said, laughing. "I meant, I can't stand just looking at you. I want more."

I kissed him hard, and he spun, pressing me up against the brick wall of the building

My hands moved down his back, loving every muscle that flexed underneath my fingers.

"Can we go? I need clothes off," I said before kissing him again.

"Come on." He was already carrying me to the bike. "I have one more thing to give you before we go."

"At your bike? Or preferably on your bike so we can get home?"

"While I'm happy you are so eager, hold on," he said, digging into the bag strapped to his bike.

"The necklace wasn't enough?"

He grabbed the little heart that hung around my neck, pulling it. Metal slid against metal until the chain tightened around my neck. My mouth dropped open, not realizing what the necklace was designed to do. "Did you put me in a collar?" I nearly yelled.

"I did, and it's so beautiful you didn't even know." He grinned. "But there was one more piece of jewelry I thought you would like." He pulled out a small black bag, handing it to me. My eyes narrowed as I took it. It was heavier than any bracelet or necklace. I opened it, pulling out a pink gemstone heart first before I saw what it was attached to.

"Oh my god, this isn't what I think it is. Is it?"

"Oh, it is. I thought you would like a matching set. Bend over, Rebel. You have a new piece of jewelry to wear home."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. Bend over or I will make you."

"You wouldn't. Here, Rook? People could see us."

"Good. They can see how much you like being mine. Over the bike, Rebel. Spread your legs."

I listened, my heart hammering in my chest as he lifted my skirt. "Good girl, always doing what you're told." His fingers moved through my wetness, making me arch into him. "And already soaked? You're so excited to be fucked. You would let me do it right here, wouldn't you?"

"Yes," I said, moaning as his fingers found my clit.

"Good answer." Cool metal moved through my wetness until the head of the plug pressed against my ass.

"Rook, wait. Is this going to hurt?"

"Not much, baby. It will feel good after a second."

I could feel the metal slide into me. The fullness where I had never had it before made me stay motionless over the bike.

"Breathe, Rebel. Just breathe." I listened, taking one deep breath before pushing myself up more.

"That isn't so bad," I said, my body adjusting. "I can handle this."

"Good, because that's the smallest one," he said, grinning. "We have plenty of others to move up to."

My mouth dropped open as he pushed me over the bike a little further, pressing the small gemstone.

I gasped, the sensation making my body clench as a thrill ran up my spine.

"Ready to go home now?"

I nodded, taking another deep breath. "Are you taking this out, then?"

He leaned down over my back, his lips at my ear as he laughed.

"There's not a chance in hell I am taking this out now," he said, bending me over further as he pushed my skirt up more. The cool night air swept over my bare ass.

I could hear people talking as they headed down the sidewalks and knew they would see me if they looked down the side alley we were parked in.

"Rook, can we go? People are going to see us."

"That's okay. They can see how filthy you are for me." He ran his hands along my exposed skin, sending shivers down my spine.In one swift movement, he spun me, finding my lips in the dark. "Come on, get on. I need to get you home."

I stepped forward and moaned, the sensation of the plug making my legs nearly shake.

"Fuck, filthy looks so fucking good on you," he growled as his arms wrapped around me, dragging me against his body. "Get on the bike, baby. Let's get you soaked, and I promise to take care of it the second we stop."

I swung onto the bike, nearly whimpering as I slid over and sat down behind him. He eased the bike out, pulling out onto the main street and heading towards my house.

I barely made it five minutes. Between the vibration of the bike and the new piece of jewelry, I was already turned on. I could feel myself getting wetter, my core tightening at the thought of him fucking me at the same time as the plug vibrated.

My hands slid off the tank onto his thighs, trailing up them until I reached his hard cock.

The wave of want washed over me, and I ran over his length once. I couldn't wait any longer and I didn't have time to worry about connecting to explain this to him.

I tapped his leg, pointing to a pull-off on the side of the road.

He listened, parking the bike before ripping off his helmet. "What's wrong?" he asked, but I was already sliding off.

I moved fast, undoing his belt and unzipping his jeans before I bunched my skirt up higher and got on the bike right in front of him.

"Oh, fuck, baby, it's that bad?" he asked, adjusting me in front of him.

"Yes," I said, moving until I could feel him pressed against my entrance. "It's that bad, and I need you now."

I pushed back, trying to take all of him, but he stopped me. He pressed the gemstone, pushing it harder into me as I groaned.

"Okay, baby, I'll take care of it."

He grabbed the handlebar, hitting the throttle as he slammed into me. The vibration and sudden fullness made me yell out. He didn't stop thrusting into me over and over.

I was desperate for release, the need building up inside me until I wanted to scream. Every thrust brought me closer. I could feel my body trembling, my heart racing.

The buildup had already had me on edge and one more hit of the throttle pushed me over.

"Rook," I yelled, reaching for anything to hold on to.

"Come for me, baby," he said, as his movements became more frenzied. "Just a little more and you'll be soaked," he growled into my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "Such a perfect little slut, Rebel. Begging me to pull over and be fucked right here. You are so fucking perfect."

As he thrust into me one more time, I lost control. My body shook violently, the release overwhelming. Wave after wave of pleasure washed over me as I clung to Rook, feeling him pulsate inside of me. Finally, as the last shudder subsided, I let out a ragged sigh, my breaths coming out in short gasps.

Rook's grip on me tightened, holding me close as he slowed.

The engine rumbled as I caught my breath. He pulled me up, getting closer to my ear, and kissed along my neck.

"I'm addicted to every part of you, Rebel. You are mine, and I will be spending every day reminding you of that."

I couldn't find words, my body exhausted as I leaned back against him. He kissed my shoulder, a simple reminder of how gentle he liked to be. We stayed like that for a moment, and I savored every second.

"Come on, Rebel," he whispered, his voice low and rough. "Let's get you home."

I nodded, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. Rook got off, sliding me back onto my seat before getting on in front of me.

The engine roared to life, and I wrapped my arms around his waist, feeling the steady thrum of the bike beneath us. The night air was cool against my skin, but I leaned down, wrapping my arms around him and resting my head on his back as we headed home.

Rook had helped me into bed last night before sliding in next to me. We had talked for a while, but it didn't take long before I had fallen asleep. Now, I woke up alone. I assumed Rook had snuck out until I saw his helmet still on my dresser.

I leaned over the side of the bed. His boots were still sitting there, too.

"Rook?"

He didn't answer, and I couldn't hear anything, which didn't mean much in a house this big.

I crept downstairs, stopping to listen every few steps but still not hearing anything. My heart hammered in my chest, wondering where he was or what he could be doing. None of the options I could come up with were good.

And when I turned the corner into the huge kitchen, I really hadn't been expecting the sight in front of me.

Rook had his back to me, his jeans slung low on his hips as he opened cabinets and pulled out ingredients like he was right at home here. He moved confidently around the kitchen, and then back to the stove to mess with one of the burners. It was all so simple, and surprising. Here was a man whose life was filled with danger and darkness, yet he stood in the kitchen, cooking breakfast for us as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

"What are you doing?" I asked, making him spin back to me. The entire room smelled like coffee and toast, and I took another step inside with a deep breath.

"Making breakfast?"

"But…why?"

He smiled, turning back to the stove. "I was hungry. I thought you would be, too. So breakfast felt like the natural choice."

"And you thought you should come down here to make it?"

"Is there a problem?" he asked.

I moved around the island to him. "Not at all. I'm just surprised."

"That I eat?"

"That you cook," I said with a grin.

"Don't you? Or do rich princesses never have to cook?"

"I have to cook!" I said, knocking his arm. "Do you see a private chef around here?"

"Yeah, why is that? Your dad is one of the richest guys in the city. Why not have a chef?"

I shrugged. "We used to when I was younger. Then he got more paranoid about everything as I got older, until he decided we wouldn't have one at all. I think he has one that brings him meals once a week because I cannot imagine my dad over there in that small kitchen cooking."

"He seriously has his own kitchen?"

"Yeah. There's something about this side of the house that he just seems to hate. Maybe something to do with my mom, I don't know. She passed away when I was younger, so I don't know much about her or them."

Rook's eyebrows furrowed, the frown on his face growing. "I forgot your mom died."

"Yeah, not long after I was born."

"Sorry. It sucks you never got to know her."

"It's kind of strange. I wish I had the chance to, but at the same time, it's hard to miss something you never had. You miss your parents?"

"Yeah," he said, not elaborating more.

He turned, sliding a full plate of food in front of me. Not only was it not burned, it looked amazing.

"You really do know how to cook."

"I took over everything after we got back to town. Cooking included. You experiment enough, you learn the basics of cooking. Poor Evie, though. She won't eat hamburgers anymore because I made them so bad once, she threw up."

I laughed, taking a bite of the pancakes first, moaning at the flavor.

"Rook, these are amazing."

"I'm glad I impressed you with one of the easiest things to make," he said, looking at me over his cup. His blue eyes were bright today, the heavy look of exhaustion not there as much. His dark hair was still a mess, but the soft smile on his face nearly made me melt.

"Well, what else can you cook?" I asked.

"A few things. I'm busy tonight, but want me to make you dinner tomorrow?"

"I can't. I have a dinner party to go to for my dad. Maybe the day after?"

"Wouldn't your dad be home?"

"I thought you could meet him at some point?"

He got up, setting his plate in the sink and heading back over to me. The dark scowl on his face was familiar, the soft, kind part of Rook disappearing at my question. "I don't think so."

"Is it really that big of a problem?"

"It is. What are you doing today?" he asked.

"I have some lunch meeting with my dad, then back here."

His shoulders rolled, the soft smile not coming back. "What type of meeting would you have with your dad?"

"I'm not sure. I have to meet him at Sweet Haven Cafe around noon." His frown deepened, and I laughed. "Is that an issue?" I asked.

"Maybe not if that's where you're going. Can you text me if you have any issues?"

"Issues at a lunch with my dad at Sweet Haven? The cutest coffee shop in town. Do you think something big and bad is going to happen there?" I asked with a smile.

"I don't know, but I have a bad feeling and I don't know about what. So will you just text me today and let me know how it's going?"

"Yeah," I said, more seriously now. "I will do that. You okay?"

"I'm fine. I have to go." He leaned down, kissing me once. "I'm going to grab my stuff and head out."

He disappeared around the corner before I could say anything, but I went after him."What is wrong, Rook?"

"Nothing. I just need to go. I need out of this house."

"Why?" We made it to my room, and he grabbed his things immediately.

"I told you, I have things to do, Rebel."

"And that's it?"

"That's it. Text me."

He left, and it wasn't long before I heard his bike start up and take off. I stood there for a while listening, but I couldn't ignore the nagging thought that whatever bad feeling he had was about to crash into our lives.