Roaring Hot! (Contemporary Romance): A Billionaire Biker Romance (12 page)

“Then you’ll have no choice than to ride with me. On my bike.”

“Piece of cake.”

Teo showed Amy how to climb onto the bike using the foot pegs. “Keep your feet on these at all times, your arms around me and lean with me. If I lean right, you stay with me. No jerking around or you might cause an accident.”

“Okay, got it. We aren’t going far, are we? The park is across the street, literally.” She pulled the helmet over her head.

“Remember, stay on the bike and no back seat driving.” He flipped her visor down and straddled the sleek black bike built for speed.

Riding with Amy was going to be fun, but only if she relaxed. She wasn’t as fearful of speed as she was at the thought of going fast. He’d show her how much fun it was to stay centered in the moment, the here and now, and stop worrying about what might happen.

“Okay, hop on.” He nodded over his shoulder. Amy put her hands on his shoulders and straddled the bike easily. Because of the fat exhaust pipes, she’d have to bend her legs and lean forward, hugging him intimately, just the way he wanted.

She was fine the first block. Traffic wasn’t heavy, but when they zoomed past the lake and turned toward the freeway, she started tapping on his shoulder.

“Where are we going?” Amy yelled when they were stopped at a light.

“Surprise. Just hang on and don’t worry. No knee dragging turns, promise.”

“How much longer?”

“As long or short as it needs to be. Stay with me, sweetie. Don’t think, just be.”

The light changed and he zoomed off. She immediately clutched him tighter. Ah … he could get used to this so easily. Amy covering his back felt so natural, as if she belonged with him, as one.

Taking the diamond lane, he accelerated onto the freeway.

* * *

Amy clung to Teo, fighting to hold on, to not think. The speed was horrifying, but the traffic was worse. Teo wove in and out of lanes, cutting between cars and trucks with the grace of a dancer. Where the hell was he taking her? That rascal promised her a walk around the lake.

If she wasn’t so frightened of an accident, she would have pounded him upside the head. All she could do was cling on and close her eyes.

They approached the Dumbarton Bridge. Tingles and spikes drew shivers across Amy’s body. Could she hang on long enough? What if they flew off the bridge into the water? The bridge was relatively straight, but the water was choppy. Where was he taking her? San Francisco?

Shit. Amy’s stomach ground nuts when she spotted the sign toward Woodside. He was going to take her on the infamous winding road to La Honda. The one with hairpin turns where motorcyclists lie almost horizontal when ripping around the mountain. She’d been on it only once in a minivan and it was the scariest ride of her life.

Amy said her prayers and clung onto Teo.
Lean with him, stick to his body as one. Don’t fight it.

The road got darker as oak trees gave way to towering redwoods. Thankfully there were other slow traffic and Teo couldn’t go too fast. Sunlight would flash between the trees and disappear as they turned and twisted further into the hills, the road becoming narrower.

Suddenly, Teo roared past a minivan and broke for daylight.

Yikes. Up ahead, the road signs zigzagged to show how treacherous the turns could be. Amy leaned with Teo to the right, then the left, his wheels hugging the ground. The powerful purring of the engine droned in her ears, and vibrations from the engine rumbled between her legs.

She lost sense of time and space. No past, no future. Only now. She stopped thinking. Her eyes open, she let the sights absorb into her, removing herself from the equation, although aware of every image and sensation.

And then it happened. An exhilarating, crackling sense of wellbeing floated her spirit. It was like flying on air currents, having a sense of no control, but being absolutely sure that everything was under control.

She moved as he moved, went where he went, flowing together with Teo until there was no her and no him. The mental rush was tremendous, the feeling of freedom, untethered. Soaring over the clouds.

The moments melded together until Teo stopped at a crossroads, bringing her out of the zone, if that was what it was called. She’d heard of it, but experiencing it was truly transforming.

“San Gregorio State Beach,” Teo yelled over the noise of the motor. “Want to dip your toe in the water?”

“Let’s go, what are you waiting for?” Amy bounced in the seat behind him. She’d braved the entire way over, she might as well claim victory by dancing on the beach.

Despite her bravado, Amy’s legs were weak and wobbly when she dismounted. The entire ride had been one hot stimulation, flushing her with heat and throbbing between her legs.

“Now what?” She ripped off her helmet and let her sweaty hair fly in the ocean breeze.

“We cool off a bit.” Teo took her helmet and his, locking them to his bike. “Was it fun?”

“Fun? Fun? I thought I was going to fall off the cliff. I was scared out of my mind.” Amy punched him lightly.

With a growl, he picked her up and swung her around and around, then walked to the edge of the bluffs. The view was awesome, from a salt water estuary on the left filled with driftwood to the soft sand dunes on the right. Beyond it all was the ocean, waves crashing further out to gently lap at the shore below.

Teo set her down and steered her onto the sand, close to the rugged pocked sandstone cliffs.

“I can’t believe how empty this place is,” Amy said. “Just over the ridge from millions of people.”

“It’s peaceful here.”

“Do you come here to meditate?”

“Yes, whenever I’m away from racing, during the off-season when I visit my grandmother.” He led her into a sheltered cave. The sand was damp, but Teo found a dry ledge to stand on. He helped her up and pressed her against the rock wall. Desire burnt in his eyes as he wrapped her hair around his hand. His mouth slanted in, taking possession, pushing her against the wall, his body hard and eager.

Amy slammed against his rock hard body, her stomach clenching, her nipples tingling. Her adrenaline was already surging from the ride, and a red fury of lust tore through her. Something about speed, leather, and the deep rumbling roar of a powerful motor had her horny with want and need. She fumbled with his jacket, unzipping it and slid her hands under his shirt.

He groaned, growly like the snarl of his racing bike.

“I want you.” His voice was a harsh, desperate whisper, before he nipped her earlobe and trailed his lips down her neck, licking and sucking.

Wetness flooded her panties. She wasn’t being paid, wasn’t on the show. This was the real Teo. Out here, at the edge of the earth, alone in the hollowed nook.

She arched into him as he unbuttoned her blouse and tongued around the outline of her bra. What was she doing? She’d never had sex outdoors. Never been so turned on and wild, moaning and thrashing, caged against every hard inch of solid male.

Stop thinking. Just be.

Amy unbuckled Teo’s belt and lowered his jeans. Her fingers greedily grabbing, she stroked him, eliciting a loud moan. He was fully loaded, heavy and stiff.

Desperation set in. She’d no time for niceties like getting her breasts fondled and sucked or having him probe her. The bike had done the job, the ride was the only foreplay she needed.

“Take me now, Teo. Don’t wait.” She wriggled her jeans down to her ankles.

He removed them and lifted her with both hands under her butt. She looped her arms around his neck, wrapping one leg around his waist as her other foot found a hold on a rocky ledge behind her.

Unable to wait, Amy latched onto his neck biting and sucking, while sliding her moist center over his cock. The crush of passion and heat between her legs threatened to melt her to the core. “Hurry, Teo, hurry.”

With a loud hiss, he backed up. He tore a condom out of his pocket and ripped the foil with his teeth. His eyes blazing, searing through her, he sheathed himself with one hand, then placed his length solidly at her entrance.

No thinking. No evaluating. Breathe in, out, let it go.

A howl of pleasure snarled through her body as he slid in, rushing to her brain. Her back was shoved against the jagged wall, as he slowly, but torturously assaulted her, building his rhythm, back and forth and back and forth.

Amy gasped and gulped, almost unable to take the intensity. She bucked and arched, biting into his shoulder, aching to scream. The tension built, but every time she got close to climaxing, thoughts ran through her mind.
How am I performing? Am I going to come? Is he enjoying it? What if he thinks I’m faking?

The excitement ebbed. Amy ground her teeth in frustration. How could it be when he was giving her the most exquisite sensations, ripping moans and howls from her throat? Keeping her right at the precipice, so intense she could scream.

“Harder, Teo, harder.” A guttural cry tore from her throat.

He slammed into her faster, harder. He sucked on her earlobe, panting into her ear. “Amy, you like this? Like me fuckin’ you? You’re so wet, so hot.”

“Feels so good, I can’t, I can’t …” She clutched him tight as jolts of pleasure stroked inside of her. But her mind raced.
This is the best ever. The most I ever felt. He’s so good, so perfect. If I can’t come with him, what can I do? What if he doesn’t last? What if I wear him out and he thinks I suck? I’ve never come with a guy inside. I suck at sex. He’s going to be so disappointed.

“What can’t you do? Amy?” He lifted her other leg and wrapped both around his waist, freeing his hands. “Come for me, Amy. Let me fuck you good.”

Her back scraped against the rock wall when he shoved into her. He pinched her nipple and rolled her breast, as his other hand slid to the junction between her legs.

“Oh, my, oh …” Sweat streamed down her face and back. The hot slapping noises, his grunting, the swoosh of the ocean surf, and the call of shorebirds were a chorus urging her to crest.
Almost there, almost.

She clenched her pussy and squeezed her legs hard around his waist. Teo shuddered, moaning, jerking her hips against him hard, as he breathed deep and jagged into his release.

He held her still, pressed inside of her, panting. “That was so good, sweetie. So fuckin’ good.”

Frustration heated, flushing Amy from head to toe with unspent rage. She hated herself and her need for control. Her analytical mind, her observation of herself. Was this the cost of being an actress?

She leaned her head against the rough rock wall, cooling down, breathing deeply while Teo showered her with kisses.

He pulled out, and Amy couldn’t help but whimper. The best fuck in her life, and she’d screwed up. Even worse, he’d think she faked her orgasm. Not to mention she was still hot and bothered. Damn.

Tears trailed down her cheek, and she buried her face in Teo’s chest.

“You okay? Hey, hey …” His voice was sweet and tender. “Are you all right?”

“Yes. Exhausted. You wore me out.” She pasted a smile on her face. “Kind of embarrassed. I don’t usually do this.”

She heard him zipping his jeans. “Neither do I, but I bet you don’t believe me.”

Still unable to face him, she pulled on her panties and jeans, and buttoned her blouse. Her face was hot with shame, rage, and she wanted to pound the wall.

While Teo ambled outside the cave to a trashcan to dispose of the condom, Amy swiped the tears from her eyes. What the hell was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she just let go like she had on the bike?

Teo zipped up his jacket and shoved his hands in his pocket. The crashing of the surf matched the roaring of blood in his head. What had happened, or more specifically, not happened back there?

She’d rushed it. That’s what. She wanted him inside so badly, and he’d taken advantage of it. Was it because she wanted to please him? To keep herself on the show?

One thing was sure, she was frustrated. Even though his body had responded to her clutching and clenching, and he’d done everything he could given the outdoor conditions, he’d failed her. She had to resort to faking to finish him off. Damn.

Teo dragged his feet back to the cave. Amy was sitting on a rock just outside the entrance, hugging her legs, her chin resting on her knees. Her long, silky black hair fluttered in the breeze, and her face was set like a statue, staring out to sea.

They couldn’t stay out here all evening. He checked his phone. He’d better head back if he was going to make the talent show. The ride of shame back through the mountains and over the bridge would be awkward and strained.

“Hey.” He kicked the sand under her rock. “Ready to head back? Race you to the bike. Loser drives.”

She didn’t budge. Her lips thinned, and she blinked.

He got on one knee and took her hand, rubbing it. “Amy, I should have held back. Shall we forget it happened?”

“Sure, it was rather forgettable.” She withdrew her hand without a glance. “Let’s go back.”

Anger slapped his face. What a putdown. If anything, her performance was forgettable. Yeah right. The more he’d try to forget, the more he’d remember.

“Wait.” He grabbed her arm and swung her around to face him. “I’m not done with you.”

Her lips trembled and she dropped her gaze, swallowing thickly. “When we get back, drop me off at my parents’ house and leave me alone.”

“Not until after the talent show. My grandmother will be there. She’ll want to meet you.”

“What for, Teo? If all you need is a fake girlfriend, get someone else.”

“I want you.” Since when had any female turned him down? Never. Besides, they had an agreement, an arrangement.

“Why? You’re so rich you can hire anyone. I’m a good actress but even I have limits.”

Bingo. She nailed it. She was in this only for the money.

“Some advice.” He drew her close and hissed in her ear. “You faked that orgasm and took me over the edge. Almost had me fooled. Next time, don’t forget to fake the afterglow.”

* * *

“Konban wa, Oba-san.” Amy gritted her teeth and accepted a hug from Teo’s grandmother.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Amy-chan. Call me Oba-chan.” His grandmother patted her and endowed her with the honor of using the more intimate “chan” suffix over the formal “san.”

“Come, let’s sit here near the front.” Teo guided his grandmother down the aisle of the packed auditorium.

Dutifully, Amy followed the pair and plopped herself in the seat next to Teo.

Why, oh, why was she going along with him? The arrogant bastard had of course hinted that he’d had a disagreement with Ronaldo about her contract. Apparently Mia and Ronaldo had been dissatisfied with her performance in Germany, but Teo had defended her.

Add to that, Teo had her by the boobs. A smirk followed by a twenty thousand dollar check hadn’t hurt. Except it meant she was a paid woman. She’d had sex with him, agreed to be his escort, and was now conning his grandmother, most likely for a provision in her will.

With her father’s health in limbo, and the
Romancing the Racer
job in jeopardy, Amy had no choice but to go along with the charade.

“How’s your health?” Teo asked his grandmother, leaning close to help her into her seat.

“Never been better. I’ll outlive you yet.” Oba-chan gestured to Amy. “Sit next to me, honey. I want to get to know you.”

Amy forced a smile and glanced at Teo. He backed against the folding seat to let her pass. She couldn’t help brushing against him, and despite the chilly aftermath of their beach encounter, a flurry of sparks trailed her. Damn. What was wrong with her body? Why didn’t it deliver on the promise?

Smoothing her skirt, she lowered the seat cushion and sat. “Did you have a good day?”

“Couldn’t be better,” the older woman said. She rested her hand on the armrest. “So, tell me, how did you meet my grandson?”

Amy should have been more prepared. If she hadn’t been getting her back scraped against a rock wall and humping said grandson, she would have practiced for this interview. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t known it was coming.

Beside her, Teo stiffened, the tension thick on the arm touching her.

“We met at a party in Hollywood.”

“I hear you’re an actress. Which films have you played in?”

“Nothing major. I’m still auditioning.”

Oba-chan touched her cheek with a bony finger. “How is it you have so much time to fly to Teo’s races. Shouldn’t you be spending all your time searching for a job?”

Oh, right. Oba-chan didn’t know about the reality show. She sounded exactly like her father. Amy stifled the gall boiling in her belly. “I enjoy being with Teo. I knew when I met him that a long distance relationship would be hard.”

“But, why Teo? What made you attracted to him? He has a reputation as a heartbreaker, a player.”

Amy almost choked. Talk about honest and direct. This Oba-chan was no one to mess with.

Teo’s body was hard on the other side of her. Dammit. If he didn’t relax, his grandmother would catch on that everything she said were lies.

She paused and thought about her answer. But her mind drew a blank. What would be the right answer? What would Oba-chan want to hear?
The truth
, a little voice told her.

She looked Oba-chan in the eyes and saw love and concern for her grandson. Amy couldn’t lie, she’d just have to let the words flow. “He’s a really sweet guy. I’m sure you know that. I know he has his faults, and people talk, but I don’t believe he’s broken anyone’s heart. Yes, he plays, but they know the score ahead of time.”

“You’re okay with that?” Oba-chan’s eyes narrowed, scrutinizing. “What is your plan for this relationship?”

Sweat prickled Amy’s forehead and the back of her neck. When was this show going to start? It had been a mistake to arrive so early, forgoing dinner. Her stomach grumbled and she shifted in her seat, losing touch with Teo’s arm.

“I have a very open mind, Oba-chan. I don’t have a plan. I enjoy being with Teo and we’ll see where it goes. He’s told me he never wanted a girlfriend because they’re too constraining. He has to travel and his job is dangerous. He doesn’t want someone worrying about him or tying him down.”

Oba-chan winced at the mention of danger. Her eyes widened and her nose flared. Oops. Amy had hit on a sore spot. What was it Tasha had said? About Teo crashing in April, breaking a toe and a finger?

“So, you’re saying you don’t care if he gets hurt,” she stated flatly. “Are you after his money?”

Red heat broiled under Amy’s collar. She hoped she hadn’t cringed visibly.

She patted Oba-chan’s gnarled hand. “I care about him. There’s a part of him that touches me. A deep hurt. I want to make it better. Make him forget it, because when he has my love, he won’t miss any other.”

Her heart bloomed and she caught a gasp. It was true. She did want to fix what was broken. If he’d only let her, she’d show him how to trust and open his heart.

“How much has he told you?” Oba-chan whispered, leaning closer.

Amy lowered her voice, not wanting Teo to know what they were talking about. “His mother left him. I can’t imagine how it feels. Do you know what happened to her? Why she won’t speak to him?”

“She was after his father’s money. Many women are. It’s hard to be a man who has everything he wants, except true love. How can a rich man know if he’s loved for himself or his money?”

“How can a beautiful woman know if she’s loved for herself or her looks?”

Oba-chan threw her head back and cackled. “She will know when she gets old.”

Amy giggled in sympathy, but steered the conversation back to what she most wanted to know. “What was his mother like? Tasha said she was her mother’s maid.”

Oba-chan shook her head. “It was partially my son’s fault. She was pretty and very religious. Costas took it as a challenge.”

“Forbidden fruit?” Amy was relieved when Teo got out of his seat to greet a group of donors for the Wishes Come True Foundation.

“Perhaps, but he found out about Teo accidentally. They were looking for a bone marrow match for my fourth granddaughter, and Teo matched. The nurse who took the samples went through all the kids in the family, and since Teo and Tasha were inseparable, she swabbed his cheek too. Tasha probably wasn’t cooperating.”

“So, Teo donated?”

“His mother refused. It was against her religion, but Costas took Teo to the hospital to donate and had his birth certificate changed. At that point, he probably paid her to go away.”

This was different than what she’d heard before, but family stories had a way of twisting from the truth.

“Where is she now? Do you remember her name?”

“If you’re thinking of contacting her, it won’t work. Teo traveled to the Philippines and she refused to see him. Flat out refused. I was with him when he stepped out of that convent. I have never seen him so devastated. Never seen him cry like that.”

“He says he doesn’t remember the convent.”

“Oh, he remembers all right. Carmelite Sisters in Manila. It’s in this area with street names after American cities. Boston Street, Maryland Street, a suburban area.”

Amy made a note in her mind to look it up later. Now she needed his mother’s name.

“Maybe she wasn’t there. Did he ask for her by name?”

Oba-chan fixed Amy with a penetrating stare and sighed. “You may try. I can’t see how it’ll hurt. Maybe the heart of a lover can soften the cold heart of a mother who’d abandoned her child.”

What was she getting herself into? This was a charade. She wasn’t actually going to go to Manila to look for a nun, was she?

“I’m not promising anything.”

“Sure, understood. You’re a busy girl.” Oba-chan rummaged in her purse. She pulled out a locket. “She placed this around Teo’s neck when she left. I’ve kept it ever since.”

“He doesn’t know about this?” Amy’s hand trembled as the locket fell into her palm.

“Tasha’s mother volunteered to adopt him. We felt it better to not let him know. Except he wouldn’t accept Thalia, so I took him in. With his therapy and such, I never got around to showing him. I didn’t want to risk opening the wound.”

“Can I take this on my search?”

“Promise to bring it back to me if you break up with Teo.” Oba-chan blinked and lowered her lashes. A tear crawled down the crevices of her wrinkled face. “I want Teo to find love. After I’m gone, who will care about him?”

The lights dimmed before Amy could respond. Chills crept down her spine. Maybe she was wrong about Teo. This wasn’t about an inheritance or will, but his love and devotion to his grandmother.

Teo made his way down the row and took his seat. He bent and graced Amy’s cheek with a kiss and squeezed her shoulder. She slipped the locket into her clutch and flashed him a smile.

“I’m glad you’re getting along with Oba-chan,” he said.

“I am. You’re very lucky to have her.”

“I’m lucky to have you,
matakia mou
.”

Ahhh … how could she not respond? She kissed him and hummed in his mouth. “You have me as long as you want.”

“Then I’m not letting you go.” His breath sizzled between his teeth. “Can we pretend the rest of the evening is real?”

“Definitely.” She leaned into his arm and closed her eyes. As long as they were in public, she could pretend all he wanted. But she would never let him trap her alone again.