Dark Temptation (Dark Saints MC Book 2)(53)

I didn’t know what was happening between us, but I felt a connection. I felt a desperate need to put my hand in his and then run. I should go back. I should marry David Wexler. I should do all those things to keep everyone around me safe.

What I should do and what I needed to do were two different things. I wanted to be away from Devil’s Hawks. Something had put Ryder in my path to help me do it. Daddy expected me to tow the line. But I couldn’t. I wouldn’t.

“I’m huge trouble. I can’t let anyone else get hurt on my account.”

“Do I look hurt?” he said, and I looked at him. He was leather, muscle, and handsome hero topped with swagger and a Mohawk.

And no. He didn’t look hurt. Three men had come at him, and he didn’t so much as have a scratch on him.

I put my hand in his, and he gently tugged to help me to my feet.

“Are you okay?” He asked me in a different tone than the one he’d used on Boone just seconds ago.

“I think so.” We were close. He put another hand out so I could stand straight. I couldn’t but notice it was the same stance, hands in hands, that I was supposed to be in with David Wexler right now. A sacrifice at some altar at a church I couldn’t name. Instead, both my hands were in Ryder’s and my heart was beating a mile a minute.

“Good.” Then Ryder leaned in and put his lips on mine. It was as savage as the punches I’d seen him deliver. It was unexpected. And it sent a shock through my body from lips to toes. I yielded to his lips and felt a gasp escape mine.

Then he pulled back.

“Let’s go.” Ryder scooped me up, giant dress and all, and sat me on his bike.

“What about that, uh, mess?” I didn’t know how else to refer to the three men my Daddy had sent who were now in various states of consciousness.

“Good news is it’s their mess to clean up. They’ll be busy with it for a while. So we need to go. That one’s waking up.” He pointed to Boone, and he revved the engine.

“Did you touch Boone’s gun?” I suddenly worried that Ryder would be wanted by the cops because of me.

“Nope, fucker shot himself. Now hold on Princess.” I did, the bike surged forward, and I held on.

I didn’t look back. Daddy had tried to stop me, but he failed.

I knew it was because of Ryder. Luck or fate had put him in my path. Where that path was leading now, I had no idea. And it might be lucky for me, but I feared it was unlucky for him. But there was no turning back now, my ride out of town was Ryder.