They take off into the fading light, the Harley’s headlights cutting through the descending darkness. Kassie’s hair whips out behind her, helmet forgone, as they speed along. It’s hard for her to believe that there was a time when riding on the back of Declan’s bike was terrifying. But now, it feels like her place in the world.
Off through the rolling hills they soar, chasing the sunset. This is how they were meant to be. Two people in love, despite themselves, alone together beneath the crush of the sky and the rise of the Earth. Declan guides the bike down deserted roads, dusty trails, out beyond the reach of anyone and anything. Out here, as ever, they are perfectly alone. And as much as they love their club family, a little bit of shared solitude always does their souls—and bodies—good.
They round the corner of a rock outcropping and roll to a stop. Kassie gasps as she takes in the view. Far below, the neon oasis of Las Vegas glimmers and sparks. It’s like a pool of light and color, shape and shadow. From here, it’s easy to forget the fear and danger that’s she faced within that lively tangle of energy. But for all that, she’s still glad to call it home. So long as Declan is there with her.
He offers his hand to her now, offering to help her down off the bike. She humors his chivalrous gesture, and they laugh together as they play the lady and gentleman. The last time they ventured up this far into the hills, Declan was being torn apart by guilt and responsibility. The difference in him between then and now is staggering. His features are settled, sure, confident. You can still tell just by looking at him that this is a man who has lived through tragedy and trial, but he’s more composed and in-control than ever. It’s as though his dangerous, rippling energy is hardening, concentrating. What used to be crude coal in him shines with the beauty of so many diamonds.
“Well, Mr. Tiberi,” Kassie says, leaning back against the bike, “Now that my internship is over, I guess we should talk about my future here.”
“Right,” Declan laughs, lighting himself a smoke. “I’m sure you know how happy I’ve been with your performance.”
“Oh, I’m sure,” Kassie grins, holding her hand out for a drag of his cigarette.
“I think you deserve a promotion,” Declan goes on, taking a step toward her.
“What sort of promotion do you have in mind?” she asks, letting the smoke trail off into the warm September breeze.
“Full partnership,” Declan says, placing a firm hand on her slender waist.
“I see,” Kassie breathes, the closeness of him making her dizzy with want, “And what...would a full partnership with you entail?”
“I wouldn’t know,” he chuckles, tracing his grasp down her side, “I’ve never had a partner before.”
“Me either,” she smiles, placing his cigarette back between his lips.
“I think we should let the terms of our...arrangement...reveal themselves,” he says, taking one last drag and flicking the smoke away.
“You mean we can figure out the specifics as we go along?” Kassie asks, lacing her fingers behind his neck.
“Exactly,” he says, grabbing her up by the hips and hoisting her onto the seat of the Harley, “You get as much say in this as I do, Kassenia.”
“That sounds good,” she says, spreading her long legs before him, “Because I have some pretty immediate demands that I’m going to need met.”
“Is that so?” Declan asks, placing his hands on her thighs, “Maybe I can anticipate some of your more pressing needs...”
“Oh, I’m sure you can,” she breathes, closing her eyes as Declan runs his fingers across her denim-clad skin.
He lowers his lips to the delicate line of her collarbone, brushing his lips against her chest. She struggles to keep her breath even as he unties her white halter, bringing his mouth to her breasts as they strain against her lacy red bra. He pops open the clasp with a flick of his wrist, letting her bra and shirt fall as they will. Kassie gasps as he takes her hard nipple between his lips. She rakes her nails along the back of his cut as he bites, just hard enough.
Her hands fly to his belt buckle, ripping it open and tugging down his jeans. She slides her hands into his briefs as he licks and sucks at her nipples, wrapping her fingers around the stiff length of him. Declan kisses her neck, deeply and slowly, groaning as she works her hands along his thick shaft. His fingers trail along the waist of her jean shorts, teasing her.
Kassie tightens her grip ever-so-slightly as Declan tugs her shorts away. His fingers brush against her throbbing slit, a thin panel of cotton is all that separates her from his cock. She cries out as he slips his fingers around her panties, up into her wanting body. His strong fingers flex against that spongy spot, and a deep pulse of warmth radiates through her.
“Come here,” she growls, letting her knees fall further apart.
Declan slides her panties down her lean thighs, and Kassie pulls him toward her, guiding his rock hard dick toward her slick slit. She braces herself against the seat of the Harley as he holds himself there, against her opening. As he lingers there, Declan’s fingers find the hard button of her clit, rubbing and rolling it just the way she likes. Bliss blossoms inside of her as he kneads and flicks her.
Just as she’s about to tumble over the edge, Declan presses into her body, filling her up in one deep stroke. Kassie wraps her legs around him, pulling him in further, faster. They buck and writhe together, their moans and cried entwined in the twilight. Kassie clutches onto his leather cut as he pounds into her, satisfying her insatiable need for him. They race toward the precipice together, moving with feverish intensity. Declan’s eyes close in rigorous anticipation, and Kassie can feel him getting harder by the second. With one powerful, shattering thrust, they’re done for. They come hard together, toppling into incalculable ecstasy. Sensation erupts inside of them as Declan fills every inch of Kassie, rocking into her one last time. They’re wrapped in each other’s arms, still connected in that most intimate of ways as they come down from their heights of bliss. Breathing hard, sated and hopeful, they look at each other in the light of the Nevada stars. Without a word, they bring their lips together, sealing their unspoken promise with as searing a kiss as they’ve ever shared.
Their lives have not been perfect, Declan and Kassie. The roads they’ve traveled have been paved with hardship, loss, and tragedy. But now that their paths have crossed, now that they’ve found each other, the journey forward no longer scares them. What’s to fear when you’ve found your perfect travel companion at last?