The Promise

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

As soon as I agreed to let the four males take me home, they let out cheers of happiness. I thought my eardrums might burst at their loud cheers, but I just smiled. Seeing them act this happy with my agreement to let them take me home was strange. It was opposite to what I had been used to with my previous boyfriend.

These four acted as if it was a joyous occasion to go out of their way to spend extra time with me. My heart warmed as I realized they cared for me. This was in conjecture with what my body had known for some time, as I always wanted their touch. My mind wanted to guard my heart, but my heart was ready to jump right in. My body seemed to know that these were the men for me, that they were genuine. Even though they were wrapped in leather, coldness, and attitude, they melted when being with me.

Dwayne's firm hand on my shoulder brought me out of my thoughts. I looked over at the Native American man who towered over me. He looked concerned, but I just shook my head, smiling wide. I looked over to see that Paul had strapped the giant stuffed dog Dwayne had brought for me onto the back of his motorcycle.

I started to laugh at the sight. Seeing such rough bikers that most people on the Boardwalk avoided, shop owners denied access, and riding around with giant stuffed animals on their bikes was amusing. My heart swelled, though I wasn't sure how much more significant that organ could get without bursting.

"Let me," Marko's green eyes glinted with hope as he sat on his motorcycle. He patted the seat behind him. I glanced over at David, having thought he would be driving me back. The platinum blonde nodded, and I let Marko lift me onto his bike, settling me behind his lithe body.

"Be careful," David felt the need to warn Marko, notorious for driving recklessly. None of the other males thought Marko would do those actions while riding with their mate, whom they considered precious cargo. Yet David worried about everything. Marko didn't bother to snap back at David; he nodded in understanding. I wrapped my arms around his waist. I felt his skin and muscles jump at the feel of my cold fingertips as they touched his warm flesh.

"Hold on!" Marko said as he looked back at me. I noticed his eyes were almost golden before he turned back around to kickstart the motorcycle. All four motorcycles drove off in synchronicity, leaving me to clutch tighter onto Marko. He hissed when my fingernails accidentally nicked the tender flesh of his stomach.

"I'm sorry!" I apologized sheepishly about the incident. Marko just shouted a quick 'it's fine' as the guys continued to drive to my grandfather's farm. Finally, we made it safe and sound. Once in the driveway, all four killed their engines like one unit. "Are you okay?" As soon as we were stationary, I started to fuss over Marko.

"Fine, babe," Marko reassured me. I pulled my hands back from his stomach to see a glimmer of red on my fingertips and beneath my nails. It was blood. I looked at the blood that glistened in the moonlight for a moment, entranced by the sight. I almost thought to lick it off my hand, but that faded with the interruption of Marko's voice. "Here." The curly blonde male approached me with the red handkerchief, always situated in Dwayne's back pocket. He wiped at my fingers. As the blood disappeared from view, so did my urge to lick Marko's life force from my fingertips.

"Are you okay?" Paul asked as he snapped his fingers in front of my face. I blinked, my eyes focusing on Paul, who appeared concerned. I nodded before I licked my lips. For some reason, my mouth felt dry. "Sure? You zoned out on us, baby."

"Yeah," I nodded, trying to reassure the four concerned males. "I'm sorry. I think I just zoned out for a bit."

"No need to apologize, Princess," Dwayne stated in his quiet but firm voice.

"We had fun tonight, babes," Paul smirked as he bounced around. I smiled, knowing that they were putting the zoning-out incident behind them. I agreed with Paul; I also had fun tonight on our date.

"How about we pick you up tomorrow night?" David asked. He looked like a cool kid in a movie, leaning against his bike, cigarette in hand. A cloud of smoke evaporated into the air in front of David's mouth.

"A real date," Marko cackled, bringing his glove to his mouth as he bit at the leather. I blinked, a bit mystified. I thought we had an actual date tonight, but I agreed.

"Sure," I felt giddy that they wanted to continue exploring this relationship. "What time?"

"We'll pick you up at 8," Dwayne smirked as he handed me the prizes they had won overnight.

"Should I wear anything special?" I questioned. "Fancy or casual?"

I noticed when David smacked Paul's shoulder when he opened his mouth. I guessed that Paul was about to make a wildly inappropriate joke about what I should wear, but these three knew Paul very well. They could anticipate his statements and prevent them from leaving his lips.

"Whatever you want," Marko breathed into my ear as he handed me a tiny stuffed animal shaped like a bat.

"Okay," I nodded, smiling at them. "See you all tomorrow."

I turned to walk up onto the porch but hesitated. I set the items down on the furniture before I rushed towards them. They were just getting settled onto their bikes when I appeared again.

"What—" Paul's question was cut off when I kissed his cheek. I felt the stubble underneath my lips of a beard that was attempting to grow. I turned and gave David a kiss on his stubbled cheek before I did the same to Dwayne. However, when I finally got to Marko, he turned his head as I moved in. Instead of getting his cheek, my lips landed on his lips.

I backed up, cheeks flaming red. My lips felt like they were on fire from the contact of all four chaste kisses. After gathering my prizes from the front porch, I fled into the house. It took several moments after I was inside the house, leaning against the door before I heard the guys start their motorcycles.