Leather and Sand (Riding the Line Series) (7 page)

Reluctantly, Rhee nodded. “Fine.”

While he was busy texting, presumably about transporting his bike, Rhee slid into her car and climbed over the hand brake before Dax could insist on helping her in. Her dress rode up and she yanked it down quickly to avoid any accidental malfunctions that might encourage physical contact. She wasn’t completely aware of her efforts to avoid his touch but a tingle ran down Rhee’s spine as she recalled his method of helping her into the Suburban way back when. God, why were those memories so vivid? She could almost feel the man’s hard chest and steely arms around her. Rhee’s nipples puckered with a long-forgotten ache and she shifted uncomfortably in the passenger seat.

Dax plunked down in the driver’s seat of her small car, his large frame looking very out of place. Apparently, he felt the confines of the space as well. He felt around for the seat adjustment lever, pushing back until he was practically sitting in the back seat. Rhee gulped, taking stock of just how tall the man was. Furtively, she followed his gaze as he glanced at himself in the rearview mirror. Rhee’s heart began to race as Dax abruptly yanked his tie over his head as though it were choking him and tossed it into the backseat. Then, he unbuttoned the collar of the stiff, white shirt he was wearing, revealing an expanse of smooth muscle below his neck. She gulped, all too aware of her body’s reaction to the man.

Dax rolled up his sleeves to cover the brownish-red stains that adorned the cuffs. Finally, he adjusted the mirror and turned the key in the ignition. Her car sputtered to life, breaking the hypnotic trance that seemed to compel her eyes to his body. She looked away quickly but it was too late. Just before she turned away, Dax glanced at her sidelong, catching her as she peeked at him. He grinned, seeming pleased at the flush that crept up her neck. Pressing her cheek to the cool glass to camouflage the hot rush of heat to her cheeks, Rhee stared studiously out the window.

“Take the main road to the light and make a left.”

They drove in awkward silence for most of the way. Rhee was relieved that Dax didn’t seem interested in discussing the sudden way she had left three years ago. She swallowed nervously, waiting for Dax to open that can of worms. Luckily, he seemed to be lost in thought. She could feel his eyes slide over her a few times, causing a hot ache to throb between her thighs. It was a feeling she had become unused to, and the sensation threw her off. The ride seemed to take forever, and Rhee was grateful when Manali’s older, but well-maintained place came into view.

“Well, er, thanks for the ride Dax. And for-for before.” Eyes lowered, Rhee held out her hand for her keys.
I can’t look at him.
God, he’ll see it…he’ll see that I still want him.

Dax smirked. “My pleasure.” Then, to her chagrin, he slipped from her vehicle before she could comment, and opened the passenger door. “Allow me.”

“What are you doing?” Rhee asked, her irritation reflected loud and clear.
I knew this would happen!

“Helping you inside.”

“I told you, Dax. I’m fine. For God’s sake, I do not need anyone’s help! Especially yours!”

Well, that statement was ridiculous and they both knew it. Rhee had accepted a lot of Dax’s particular brand of help. Without him, God only knew where she would be. Her former dependence on him fired her up.
He always treated me like a kid!
The surge of anger that accompanied her outrage provided the boost Rhee needed to duck under Dax’s arm. She took one triumphant step to prove her point and promptly stumbled. Hard. Before she could hit the ground, she was scooped up into two arms that felt like metal vices.

“You always were a stubborn one, Rhiannon.”

His voice, hard like steel, cut into her, the sweet torture of his touch evoking a sensation that she wasn’t sure how to describe. A pleasure so profound that it was almost painful jolted through her traitorous body. Dax’s mouth, so close to her ear, sent disturbingly familiar sensations through Rhee, heating her blood, and taking her breath right out of her trembling body.

Oh, shit.
Here we go again.

Chapter Seven

The feel of her in his arms sent Dax’s senses reeling, but he wasn’t about to reveal that to the stowaway. Something that he wasn’t aware he had lost was now literally in his grasp. Dax found that he liked the way she felt there more than he would ever admit to himself— or, to her.

Even if he wanted to talk about what had happened between them, now was certainly not the right time. In addition to being in yet another dangerous situation—one that made him want to paddle her sweet little ass—Rhee was obviously afraid of him finding out who she lived with.

Some chump.

No, that wasn’t fair, Dax told himself, as he strode up the front walkway with Rhee holding herself stiffly in his arms. Hopefully, she would have chosen well.
Or not at all.
He smiled grimly, wondering what kind of man he would have to ingratiate himself to. Would he be a nerd? A surfer? Probably that. Yeah, he could see Rhee with a surfer. Surfers were territorial about a lot of things. He hoped this little reunion wouldn’t end in another fistfight.

“Dax!”

He snapped to attention as they approached the front door. “Don’t worry, stowaway. I just want to see you safely inside.”

Dax continued up the steps, intending to set Rhee down on the doorstep.
She needs a new nickname.
Stowaway doesn’t really fit anymore,
he mused.
Hmm.
Runaway, maybe…

“No, Dax!”

He was appalled at the fearful octave in her voice.
Just who the hell is she afraid of?
Me?
Or someone else?

“Um, this is the front house. I’m in the back. I can take it from here. Put me down already!”

Dax ignored her, finding the walkway next to the house. In the dim light, he could see the outline of plants and trees that littered the backyard. The sound of running water gave the place a tranquil feel, even in the dark. Dax strode to the front door of a little white guest cottage nestled behind a copse of small trees and hibiscus bushes.

“Seriously. Put me down, right now!” Rhee spoke in a panicked whisper.

Yep.
Definitely living with someone.
The sinking feeling in Dax’s chest was hard to push away, but logic stepped in. Of course he couldn’t expect her to be alone. Look at her, for Christ’s sake. Plus, it wasn’t as if he had been a saint.

“Look, Rhee. I brought you this far. I just want to see you get inside…”

“No!” Rhee pushed at him hard, twisting like an eel so that he almost dropped her right on her cute little ass.

“Goddamn it, Rhiannon….”

Dax had half a mind to kick the door open, but then it suddenly flew open on its own. He froze as a wholly unexpected development made this night even more interesting. Dax blinked once to make sure he was seeing things correctly.
Yep.
No mistaking that.
It had been a long time since he had stared down the long barrel of a twelve-gauge shotgun, but it was a sight one never forgot.

“Let her go or I’ll shoot your
haole
nuts off!”

Dax was stunned into silence as he assessed the situation. The person wielding the firearm was a much older woman. His eyes swept over her and her weapon. She was short and dark, with the distinctive features of an islander. Her hair was nearly completely white, but her dark eyes belied that she was no passive lady—they flashed with intelligence and fire as she jerked the gun towards him. The weapon was old and it looked rusty. Probably hadn’t been cleaned in decades. There was a good chance that old piece of wood and metal wouldn’t even fire a shot. Still, an angry woman and an unsecured rifle were never a good combination…

“Manali! It’s not what it looks like!” Turning back to Dax, she hissed, “Put me down before she shoots you!”

“Ma’am,” Dax said calmly, looking over the woman’s head into the cottage. “Rhee cut her foot. If you don’t mind, I’d like to get her to that couch over there. Then, I’ll be happy to let you handle her.”

His sharp eyes took in everything he could through the narrow slice of open doorway. It didn’t look like anyone else was there.
Is this crazy old broad her roommate?
Odd choice.
Then again, I like her protective vibe…

Dax wondered at the heightened anxiety and tension that seemed to roll of Rhee in waves. What was she so afraid of? That he knew where she lived? That her roommate was a crazy old bird who came strapped with a loaded weapon? He affected a shrug as he stepped into the small, well-maintained cottage, a firm grip on his irate cargo.

***

“Cut her foot, you say?”

Manali stared hard into his eyes and he didn’t back down. She liked that about the tall man.
Humpf.
Good-lookin too, for a mainlander.
Why’s he callin her Rhee?
Short for Rina, maybe?
Manali peered down, and upon seeing the gash on Rina’s foot, slowly lowered the rifle. There was something about this man and the way he held Rina. Something that just seemed…right. Manali had been around long enough to know that her gut always told the truth.

“Dax!” Rina’s voice came out as an anxious screech and she lowered it to a whisper. “I am perfectly fine. You wanted to take me home. I’m home. There is absolutely no need for you to barge in here and—”

Rina’s mouth fell open when Manali abruptly stepped aside, allowing the tall, broad-shouldered man into the cottage. Manali didn’t take kindly to strangers, which she assumed made her behavior all the more surprising to young Rina.

“You get Rina settled on the couch there, young man.”

“No!” The girl who had become like a daughter to her responded with such ferocity that Manali blinked.

“Dax, I want you to leave. Right now. I mean it!” Rina looked wildly to her for support but Manali turned away.

“Let me get a bandage.”

Manali turned her back on the two young people so that Rina would not see the smile that had appeared on her face. The energy crackled between them. Whoever this man was, he was supposed to be here. Manali wouldn’t stand in his way. She rubbed her finger over the large, onyx pendant she wore around her neck. The stone held the secrets of the ancestors. It was never wrong.

***

“Dax!” Rhee’s voice came out sharp even though she tried to whisper. “I really appreciate your help, as always. But, right now, I am just—just really tired. We can meet up tomorrow if you want to talk, okay?”

Dax regarded her with a slightly wounded look that caught Rhee off guard. “You really want me to leave? It’s four in the morning.” He glanced at the couch longingly.

Rhee sucked in her breath, following his gaze.
Oh, God.
He can’t expect to muscle his way in here after all these years and then just stay over on the couch?
Shit, shit, shit…

“Yes,” she commanded, with as much authority as she could muster. “Yes, I want you to leave. Right now.”

Dax sighed tiredly. “Okay, okay. I’ll have your vehicle back in a few hours.” He turned to the door, which still stood ajar. “Oh, and Rhiannon? This isn’t over. Not by a long shot.”

Rhee nodded violently, her chest tight.
Oh, thank God!
Thank God.
He’s going.
Just another two steps…

***

Dax was unsure what to make of the situation, but now that he knew where Rhee lived, there was no need to impress his company on the distraught girl right this moment. She looked exhausted. He’d be back after his meeting tomorrow. Then, he would get some answers. Dax had so many questions for Rhiannon Blake, or whoever she was these days. Being around her again had been extremely enlightening. Dax was beginning to comprehend the degree of resentment and anger he still held at what he perceived as a betrayal. But he couldn’t bring himself to address all of that tonight. Not when Rhee was so obviously distressed and exhausted.

Even though he was supremely angry that Rhee had betrayed the club by leaving without so much as a thank you, Dax couldn’t deny that she still affected him. A lot. He shrugged, making eye contact with Manali as he turned to leave. She looked him over, a strange light seeming to come into her eyes, like she recognized him. She gave him a slight nod, and then a wink. He nodded back at her, unsure what to make of the unexpected gestures, before making his exit.

Dax had taken just one step out the door when his entire world suddenly turned upside down. In an instant, everything he had ever known and everything he had ever felt changed forever. His heart fell into the pit of his stomach like a heavy stone and his brain dissolved into a numb blob of shock and disbelief. He stood there in the doorway for a long moment before this new world, this new life, rushed up to slap him in the face.

And in the heart.

***

“Mama?”

A sleepy little voice floated to Dax’s ears from somewhere behind him. It was as if life went on pause and then re-started in slow motion as he gingerly turned back around, towards the sound. His heart caught in his chest as he spied the owner of the voice. If his jaw had dropped any further, he was sure he would be picking it up from the floor.

A little girl with tousled blond hair stood in the bedroom doorway, clutching a worn, pink blanket. She stared at him with wide, blue eyes—familiar eyes—for a good, long minute before climbing into Rhee’s lap and burying her face in her neck. Dax looked from Rhee to the child, trying to process what he was seeing. The look on Rhee’s face told him plain enough that they had much more to discuss than he had previously thought. She had gone as white as a sheet.

What-what the fuck?

A shockwave of emotion ran through Dax as he observed Rhiannon with the child in her arms. The vision looked incredibly right and horribly wrong at the same time. It was utterly confusing. Rhee refused to look at him but he could sense the anxiety and fear radiating from her even as she clutched her child to her protectively. Suddenly he felt so…out of place.