Riding Steele: Aftershock Read Online Free PDF Page A

involuntarily.
    He stopped instantly, then drew back. He drew in a breath as he pushed his cock back into his jeans and zipped up.
    “That’s what I thought.”
    As she lay there catching her breath, Steele stood up and left the room.
    Ten minutes later, he reappeared with his packed bag in his hand.
    Her heart clenched at the sight. “You’re leaving?”
    She wanted desperately for him to deny it. Because she was truly and heart-shatteringly in love with Steele.
    “That’s right.”
    “But … we just have a few issues to work out,” she said desperately. “We just have to—”
    “Laurie, no.” His granite eyes were steely and distant. “Look, I don’t want to hurt you. That’s why it’s important we recognize this for what it is. If we stay together, either I’ll have to hold back, denying who I really am, or I’ll wind up hurting you.”
    She stared at him, still trying to grasp that this was really happening. She didn’t believe what he said, but it was clear he had made up his mind and would not be swayed. She drew in a deep breath, then released it. “So this is it?”
    His lips compressed. “I’m afraid so. The guys and I will be heading out this afternoon.”
    Her gaze flicked to his. “So soon?”
    “There’s no reason to stay any longer.”
    Ice water trickled through her veins and she trembled. “Of course.” Her jaw clenched and she hardened herself against the pain. “Thank you for all you’ve done for me.”
    He nodded, then walked to the entrance.
    “Take care of yourself,” he said with a last glance her way, then disappeared out the door.
    As it closed behind him, her heart contracted.
    Then the tears flowed.
    *
    Steele sped along the highway, his gut aching. He didn’t know if he believed what he’d told Laurie or not. His heart insisted he loved her. And maybe she really did love him, too. But he couldn’t stay. All the issues he’d brought up
were
true. They were a long way from making a relationship work. And it would kill him to know he’d hurt her
    Better to just let the whole thing go before they got even more involved. So she could find someone who could give her a better life. Someone more stable.
    He never wanted to hurt Laurie. If he dominated her in the bedroom, she wouldn’t be happy. Especially not after what she’d gone through with Donovan.
    He pulled up to the cabin and went inside. The crew were packing up the place.
    “Where’s Laurie?” Rip asked. “She joining us later?”
    “Why did you think I’d be bringing Laurie?”
    “Fuck, you kidding man? The two of you are crazy in love. Anyone can see that.”
    Steele’s jaw clenched. “You’re wrong.” Then he turned and strode off.
    *
    A week had passed and Steele couldn’t stop thinking about Laurie. He knew he’d done what he had to do, but that didn’t make it hurt any less.
    They were staying for a couple of weeks at a cottage owned by a friend of Magic’s, and Steele had hoped he’d be able to kick back, enjoy the sun and water, and take the time he needed to get over her.
    If only it worked that way.
    As the sun set, he and the crew rode into town. They were meeting Wild Card at a bar in the small town nearby. They rode along the main street, then pulled up and parked in front of the place, then stepped inside. There was quite a crowd in the place.
    “There’s Wild Card.” Magic grinned. “Hey, it looks like he’s getting lucky tonight.”
    They walked toward the bar where Wild Card stood, a woman facing him, his arm around her waist holding her close to him. He leaned in and murmured something against the woman’s ear.
    Steele couldn’t see her face, but everything about her reminded him of Laurie. Her long, dark hair, waves cascading around her shoulders. Her slender but shapely frame. Even the way she would dress if she weren’t wearing Raven’s clothes. Lean jeans that accentuated her tight, round ass. A lacy camisole leaving her shoulders bare.
    She laughed at whatever