Hard Ride, Part 2 by Opal Carew Page A

“broken.”
    He pushed the backpack aside and sat down beside her, tightening his hand around hers. “No, Liv, that’s not true.”
    She gazed at his warm, brown eyes. “It is true. When he did that to me, he broke something inside me.” She dropped her gaze to their hands once more, drawing comfort from the gentle pressure of his fingers. “I didn’t
choose
not to have sex all these years. I was
afraid
to have sex.” She looked up again, meeting his somber gaze. “But I’m not afraid with you. What we did yesterday … and this morning was exciting.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m not trying to put a huge weight on your shoulders or anything, but I really think that you can help me.” She raised their joined hands and stroked his against her cheek. “Please, let me stay and finish what we started.”
    â€œFuck, Liv …”
    Suddenly she was pulled into his arms, his mouth covering hers. She melted against him, her mouth opening to him.
    Need washed through her and all she could think about was being naked in his arms, then opening to him as his big, heavy cock glided inside her. Filling her. Bringing her to heights even greater, and more fulfilling, than last night. If that was even possible.
    â€œLiv, are you sure?”
    She took his hand and slid it over her breast, then pressed his fingers closed around it.
    â€œSo sure.”
    He moaned and deepened the kiss.
    Her heart beat wildly as he pulled her farther onto the bed, then leaned in and claimed her lips again, pressing her onto her back. She could hear his heart pounding in his chest, too. And a roaring in her ears.
    She pressed his hand against her breast again, but the roar grew louder, then became thunderous.
    â€œOh, fuck.” Shock slipped away from her and peered out the window.
    â€œWhat is it?” she asked, just wanting him to come back.
    â€œIt’s Steele and the others. They just arrived.”
    * * *
    As Liv followed Shock downstairs, she tossed her hair over her shoulder nervously. Her cheeks were flushed and she was sure that the newcomers would know exactly what she and Shock had been doing.
    Of course they’d know. That was why Shock had brought her here a day early, to give them some time alone together. Shock hadn’t said as much, but it wasn’t hard to figure out.
    What had he told them about her? Did they know Shock had loaned her money? Did they know she was here to fulfill a contract?
    The front door opened and she heard loud male voices and the sound of heavy biker boots on the ceramic tile floor of the entrance.
    â€œHey, Steele. Good ride up?” Shock asked as he and Liv stepped off the stairway and into the large foyer with Liv right behind him. Five large tattooed men in jeans, and two women, dressed similarly to Liv, standing in the entrance.
    A tall man with dark wavy hair and exceptional good looks who Liv hadn’t met yet nodded. “Always.” His blue eyes locked on Liv, sending her heart stuttering. This was the leader of Shock’s group of biker friends. “This is Olivia, I take it.”
    â€œEveryone calls her Liv.”
    Liv held out her hand and Steele shook it. The feel of his big, powerful hand around hers flustered her. When he released it, she drew it back and sent a quick glance to Shock for reassurance.
    â€œLiv, you already met Wild Card, Magic, and Dom.”
    She nodded to them and Wild Card smiled. The other two nodded.
    â€œAnd this is Rip,” Shock said, gesturing to the fifth man.
    Rip’s hair was dark and wavy and his eyes a deep midnight blue. Dense, coarse whiskers shadowed his face, except where a two-inch scar slashed across his cheek, but his warm smile softened his dangerous good looks.
    He took her hand and shook it. “Nice to meet you, Liv.”
    â€œAnd this is Raven and Tempest,” Shock said as the two women stepped toward her.
    Both women had long dark