Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
“Okay.” Winnie hoped she’d remember all of this when they started.
“Let me get on first. I’ll wave you to my side when I’m ready. You’ll swing your leg over, and we can go on an adventure. Do you have to get to your mom’s quickly?”
“By five. My stepsister leaves for work at fifteen after.”
“She stays with your mom during the day?”
“Yes. She sleeps after the late shift but is there if Mom needs her and I’m at school,” Winnie shared.
“Okay, I’ll make sure you’re home before five. That gives us time for an adventure and maybe ice cream to make up for your lousy day.”
“That would be incredible. You’re sure you have time?”
“I’d make time for you, Chipmunk.”
As she digested that statement, he got onto the bike and started it up. Scythe lifted the bike from the kickstand and held it steady after dealing with the metal support.
“When you’re ready, Winnie.”
She moved closer and considered her options. Winnie hadn’t planned on riding a motorcycle this morning when she chose her outfit for the day. The full skirt was comfortable but would make straddling the bike a challenge.
Remembering something she’d seen in a movie, Winnie reached between her legs to grab the hem on the back of her skirt. She pulled it to the front and up to tuck the material into her waistband, creating a divided garment much like harem pants. Winnie looked up at Scythe triumphantly. “Ta-da!”
“So creative! Jump on, fashionista.”
Grinning for the first time that day, Winnie swung her leg over the seat. She tried not to wiggle around too much, afraid to topple the bike over. Scythe reached one powerful arm behind him and pulled her firmly against him.
“Wrap your arms around me, Winnie.”
When she tentatively held on to his waist, trying to scoot back a bit, Scythe tugged her wrists forward and tugged her arms around him. She couldn’t believe how hard his belly was. Did he have an ounce of fat on him? She sucked in her slight tummy, hoping he couldn’t feel that.
“Relax, Chipmunk. Stay close to me. It helps us move together. Hold on.” With that warning, Scythe turned the handle of the bike and eased them forward.
Winnie squealed and grabbed him tighter. They moved through the parking lot, which suddenly seemed like an obstacle course. Scythe handled the bike like a dream.
When they reached the road, Winnie relaxed. She loved the wind blowing past them. It seemed to blast all her worries away. Instantly she understood why people rode motorcycles. Very little in her life felt like freedom anymore—a crappy boss, her mother desperately ill, and a demanding job she loved but left her emotionally and physically drained. Her well of inner resiliency was drained to the last droplets of water.
“You okay, Chipmunk?” Scythe asked.
“Oh, I’m sorry!” she shouted over the wind and relaxed her grip on his waist.
Scythe rubbed her forearm before easing the bike into the far parking lot of a park. When he had the bike secured, he turned to lift her around his bulk. Sitting her in his lap, he scanned her face.
“You look like you just lost your best friend,” he said gently.
That bit of kindness was all it took. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, and Winnie threw herself forward into his arms. Scythe hugged her to his chest and let her cry until her sobs diminished. He kissed her temple and asked, “Can you talk to me now, Little girl?”
“What a mess I am!” Winnie wiped her hands over her face. “I cried on your leather vest. It won’t ever be the same. Can—Can I have it cleaned for you?”
“Little girl, eyes on me.”
Unable to refuse, Winnie met his gaze. She’d seen his blue-green eyes look angry at Inferno when he suspected the worst of her. Now that beautiful gaze radiated concern and caring. She almost started tearing up again.
“Crying’s over for a few minutes, Chipmunk,” he said, tapping her nose like he knew thoughts were whirling in her mind. “Did you hurt yourself?”
“No,” she answered, struggling to keep her voice steady.
“Are you scared?”
She shook her head. “This is fun. It made me realize how little I get to escape from the real world.”
“And that made you sad?”
She nodded.
“I’m sorry, Little girl. I’m going to ensure you get to enjoy life, starting right now.” He pulled a bandana from inside his vest and wiped her cheeks and eyes.
“Blow,” he told her firmly, holding the material to her nose.
When she attempted to take it from him, he tilted his head in a silent warning. Winnie knew he wouldn’t hurt her. She decided to be brave and followed his instructions.
“Good girl. That deserves ice cream, don’t you think?”
Winnie nodded eagerly.
“Up you go, Chipmunk.” He boosted her off his lap to stand next to the bike before swinging his leg over the seat. In minutes, he had their helmets off and held her hand.