Patriot (Hades Abyss MC 6) - Harley Wylde Page 0,5

My heart took off at a gallop and a weird feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. He took his time getting to the house, the motorcycle prowling the street at a near crawl. I wasn’t sure if he was worried I’d been drinking and would fall off, or something was on his mind. Maybe he wasn’t ready to go back home?

He pulled into the driveway and up under the carport. I got off the bike and backed up. When he shut off the engine, I felt like I should say something. He’d clearly had plans tonight, even if they hadn’t included the party at the clubhouse. Didn’t mean he hadn’t been on a date. Oh, God. Was he seeing someone? Pain pierced me at the thought.

“You don’t have to stay,” I said. “I won’t leave again.”

At least, not until I’d packed and figured out where I was going. It was clear I was cramping his style and he needed some space. I backed up another step and kept going until I hit the side door. Patriot watched me, his gaze intent. I reached behind me for the knob and twisted it, letting myself into the house.

I’d no sooner shut the door than it flew open again. I whirled, my hand at my throat and pulse racing as I stared at him. Was he mad at me? Would he hurt me? He never had before, but I knew even the nicest looking man could have evil inside him.

“We need to have a talk, Little Bit,” he said.

A small, gray puff ball raced into the room. Patriot hadn’t named the little thing yet, but he’d rescued the kitten three weeks ago and now it seldom left his side. I’d noticed he had a tendency to bring home strays. Like me.

“If you needed your space, all you had to do was say so. I’ll figure something out,” I said.

He stalked forward, slamming the door shut behind him with a violent shove. I trembled, my feet rooted to the floor. It felt like my heart might pound out of my chest. He kept coming until his body pressed against mine. I took a step back, then another. He followed, matching my pace, until he’d backed me to the kitchen counter. He braced his arms on either side of me, leaning in close.

“Why the fuck do you think I want you out of this house?” he asked, his tone low and even with a hint of steel. “What have I ever done to make you think you’re not welcome here?”

I licked my suddenly dry lips and forced myself to hold his gaze. “You needed time away from the house. Away from me. You shouldn’t have to leave your home for some peace and quiet.”

He closed his eyes, his nostrils flaring as he exhaled harshly. “Fuck.”

The little kitten pawed at my feet and ankles before bounding around Patriot and then running from the room. I heard a bark and knew another of his strays hadn’t liked being disturbed. For such a tough guy, he had a gentle touch when it came to injured animals. And people.

“I need a few days and I’ll find a place to stay.”

His eyes opened and he leaned in closer until his nose brushed against mine. My eyes nearly crossed, trying to hold his gaze. Before I knew what he was doing, his lips slammed against mine, his hand going to my hair. He grabbed a handful and held me still as he ravaged my mouth. I gripped the sides of his cut, holding on in case my legs gave out. It was my first real kiss, and it felt like I was floating, and burning at the same time.

He drew back, chest heaving, as he stared at me. My cheeks felt like they were on fire and my lips tingled. With anyone else, I’d have been terrified. But this was Patriot, the man who’d saved me, given me a place to live, taken care of me. And he’d kissed me.

“Fuck,” he muttered again. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

He started to pull away, but I gripped him tighter and held on. My brain was foggy, and I wasn’t sure I could speak yet. But I knew I didn’t want him to go. I wasn’t upset he’d kissed me. It was wonderful. He was wonderful.

“MaryAnne, I’m sorry. After everything you’ve been through, you don’t need me taking advantage. Christ! I’m twelve years older than you.” He ran a hand down his