He nodded mischievously. "If you get on my bike I'll do anything."
I pondered his proposal for a minute before glaring back at the death-machine. It looked frighteningly fast and dangerous. "Will you go fast?"
"Only as fast as usual."
I pulled my bottom lip into my mouth and chewed nervously. Dace sighed, his thumb plucking my lip from between my teeth before resting against my chin. "What's the verdict, Angel?"
My heart was a raging mess in my chest as I nodded. "I'll do it." I pulled in a deep breath and the chilly air burned my lungs. "But you should know you'll regret wagering with me."
His eyes danced as he pushed me gently closer to the bike. He scooped a helmet from the seat before holding it out over my head. I groaned. "You're wearing a helmet."
"It's going to mess up my hair." I pouted as he plopped it over my head.
"Don't worry about it. You're beautiful regardless."
"Yeah," I snorted. "Thanks a lot."
Dace laughed as he pulled his helmet over his head. He swung a leg over the bike and settled on the seat. "Get on behind me."
"So bossy."
"You know you like it." He teased.
I ignored his comment as I settled myself behind him. "Shouldn't this thing be parked for the winter?"
"As soon as it snows."
"This is dangerous." I shivered at the thought of laying it down. "And it's cold."
"You'll forget about he cold as soon as we start driving." He promised. "There's nothing like it, Angel. It's freedom."
"I'm sure it feels like freedom rather than walking the faint line between this world and the next." I spoke with bitter sarcasm and my heart jumped right into my throat when he shifted positions and the bike roared to life. It was loud and I instantly clutched at the front of his jacket, suddenly more than uncomfortable with the idea of driving at regular road speeds without the protective encasement I usually had in a car.
Dace covered his hands with mine, moving them lower to the base of his jacket. I wanted to ask what he was doing, but with our helmets on and the roar of the bike's engine, I knew he wouldn't hear me. I didn't fight him as he pushed my hands beneath the material of his leather jacket, pressing them against the hot muscled skin of his lower stomach. He patted my hands and I knew he was telling me to leave them where he'd put them. The only explanation I had for his actions was that it was cold out and he didn't want my fingers to freeze. The thought warmed my heart and made my throat feel tight with emotion. I was certain there was so much more to Dace than what the rest of the world knew and believed about him. Through his hard exterior, I'd seen rays of kindness break through. I'd heard humor through cutting words and I'd seen the fierce need to protect through his anger. Despite the words the world spoke of him, I wanted to know more. I wanted to discard the rumors and shred his bad boy reputation so I could uncover the Dace I'd seen glimpses of.
My thoughts were interrupted as Dace backed out of the parking space and I tightened my legs around him, determined to get myself as close as I possibly could - because that was where I felt the safest.
Chapter 8
I cuddled as close as I possibly could to Dace as he weaved in and out of traffic. So far, his was the only bike I'd seen on the road. I knew without doubt people in the warm safety of their cars were looking at us as though we were insane. But Dace had been right. This was worth it. Riding without the boxed in feel of a car was breathtaking. It was peaceful. I didn't want to admit it to Dace, but I loved it. I wouldn't turn down the chance to ride again. However amazing as it was, I wasn't anywhere close to resenting my Mazzy.
When Dace pulled into the back parking lot of Impact, I was almost disappointed. He killed the engine and I scooted back away from him before lifting myself from the bike, pulling the helmet from my head. I looked at Dace, shocked that he'd already pulled his helmet off. "What did you think?"
His eyes were so animated, I couldn't have pretended it was anything less than it was. "It was amazing! I might have to save my pennies and buy one for myself."
The light in his eyes dimmed instantly and I stuttered. "You're not driving one of these."
I raised a brow. "Oh, I'm not?" I didn't like being told what I was and wasn't doing. He wasn't my father. He wasn't even my boyfriend! He had no right and I knew there was a challenging light in my eyes as I stared at him.
He stood, taking a step closer to me. He towered over me and I knew he meant for me to be intimidated, but I wasn't in the least. Dace didn't scare me. "If you want to ride, you call me."
I cocked my head. "So when I want to go for a ride at 2 am on a hot summer night,"