Banger’s Ride(168)

“You know, your cousin Eric thinks this asshole is bad news, too. He said this biker’s club may be involved with the killings that have been going on for the last year.”

“I don’t give a damn what Eric or you think of Hawk. His club is not involved with the killings. I don’t want to talk about this. I’m trying to listen,” she said.

“How could you even look at him like you are with me next to you? He’s a lowlife, and I’m a successful attorney and a great catch. What the fuck is your problem?” he hissed.

Ignoring him, Cara watched Hawk as he gripped the podium. I know what those hands can do to my body. Her skin prickled as she remembered their lovemaking—dull, throbbing spasms pulsed deep in her core while she replayed Hawk’s tongue and fingers stroking every part of her. Shifting in her chair, her need for him at that moment was great. If only Luke knew what she was thinking. She smiled wickedly.

“I’m glad to be here tonight, and it’s because of this great charity that I’m able to address all of you. I am a product of Boys Hope. I found myself on the streets when I was thirteen years old, eating out of trashcans, sleeping in doorways, fighting off the creeps who prey on young, homeless kids. Before that, I bounced from relative to relative, and then to some foster homes. I’d had enough, so I took off. If it hadn’t been for Maddie Rendon, who actually gave a shit about me, I’d have wasted away on the streets. I’d be in prison instead of in front of all of you.

“Boys Hope gave me a safe place. It set me straight, got me back in school, and eventually living with a friend of mine and his family. Maddie Rendon stood by me during my journey from homelessness to home. She was the best.

“This is a good charity, so support it. My MC helps by doing charity runs. Our next run is scheduled two weeks from this Saturday. Come out to Cooper’s Peak to give your support.” As Hawk paused and looked at all the faces in the room, he cleared his throat. “Seriously, I’d have been fucked but for this organization.” He turned toward Annabel, handing her the microphone.

A huge round of applause filled the ballroom, and people were getting on their feet. Cara sat speechless in her chair. She had no idea Hawk would ever open a part of him to a room full of strangers, but he did it for Boys Hope. He does have a soft spot, just like I suspected. Hearing him share the hardship of his childhood brought tears to her eyes. Her heart broke when she thought of the thirteen-year-old Hawk sleeping on the streets at night, scrounging to find something to eat, trying to survive when he should have been in school and playing sports. No wonder he was so damn hard. No wonder he didn’t trust anyone.

Hawk left the stage and people, mostly women, reached out to him, trying to hug him or shake his hand. It was like they needed to touch him, feel his muscled arms, and have a piece of him.

Out of the corner of her eye, Cara saw Hawk walking over to her table. Not wanting to engage in conversation with him, she pretended to be absorbed in the table’s discussion as she sipped her wine.

“You were marvelous,” one of the patrons gushed.

“Your story was so inspiring,” another woman squealed while checking out his crotch.

Nodding at them, Hawk gave a tight smile. Gripping Cara’s arm, he leaned down, his hot breath scorching her ear as he whispered, “We gotta talk.”

Gulping the rest of her wine, she stood up, pushing her chair back. “Excuse me, I’ll be right back.”

“Where are you going?” Luke asked. “I’m coming with you.”

Hawk threw him a menacing look and Luke sat back down, watching Hawk take his date through the crowd.

Hawk dragged Cara through the throng of people, and she barely kept up with him in her high heels. He didn’t stop until they entered a small room down the hall from the ballroom.

“What is your prob—”

Hawk silenced her as he sucked her lips, licked her teeth, and swirled his tongue inside her welcoming mouth. Drawing her close to him until she melded into his strong chest, his cock grew hard against her. “Fuck, you smell good,” he rasped as her vanilla and baby powder scent wrapped around him.

As Cara circled her arms around his neck and tangled her fingers in his ebony hair, he groaned and ground against her. Feathery brushstrokes from his fingers made her quiver as he moved his mouth down to her neck, kissing it while he licked the sensitive skin below her ear. Cara squirmed and clenched her thighs together, her panties’ dampness cold against her heated sex as a spasm went to her core. Crap, I’m going to come right here with him kissing me. Her brain told her how ridiculous that was but her body betrayed her, gagging her common sense.