Honey Stone

Touchy Subjects

Honey agreed to stay for dinner with the two men and she almost groaned with pleasure when she saw the delicious food that was produced.

'You look like like you've never seen food before.' Laughed Clay as he saw her jubilant face.

'Not this good.' she admitted. 'You know my mother can't cook and I'm not really given the opportunity. This looks amazing though.'

'I'm glad you approve' said Nash sitting down beside her and reaching for a bowl of bright fresh salsa.

'Did you make this?' Honey asked shyly as she helped herself to the various dishes and almost sighed with pleasure as she tasted real food for the first time in a long time.

'I did.' answered Nash proudly. 'Glad to put my skills to work whilst I'm here.

'Are you a chef?' Honey said looking him over again in disbelief.

He laughed good naturedly and smiled warmly at her. 'No ma'am, my daddy is though and he taught me everything he knows. He wanted me to follow his trade but my path led me elsewhere.'

'What is you do now?' she asked curiously.

'I do custom paint jobs for bikes, cars too if people want it but mostly bikes.' he said smiling again at her. Honey didn't really know what that meant but didn't really want to ask.

The conversation carried on as they ate and Honey cast long looks at the man beside her. She had many questions popping in her head but didn't dare voice them. Suddenly she became aware of the men talking about clubs and Nash said something about being promoted by the president.

Honey looked out of the window towards where the bike was sitting but it was dark outside now. She looked at Nash again and for the first time noticed his clothing. He was wearing ripped jeans, a faded band t-shirt and a leather vest. How hadn't she noticed that before? The badges made no impact on her but one said in bold letters 'Sgt at Arms'.

'Are you an Angel?' she asked nervously still eyeing him over but this time she was a little scared.

He looked back at her 'No,' he said firmly. 'My club is independent. We keep to ourselves to ourselves. Most of what you know, or think you know about bikers is made up, we don't like outsiders and we don't go looking for trouble.'

'Hey hey, relax boy,' came Clay's firm tone. 'She didn't mean any offence. Bikers aren't a common sight round here and she was just asking.'

'I'm sorry.' came Honey's jagged voice. Tears were flooding her eyes and she kept her face turned away.

'Never,' Nash growled 'Never say that word to me.'

Honey got up and left the table before she let the men see her cry. Nash cursed himself. what was he doing? He got up and followed her out. He caught up with Honey at the gate.

'I'm sorry pumpkin. Guess I am a bit touchy but I can't stand people judging me before they know me.'

' I wasn't, I'm sorry.' she muttered.

'There's that word again.' Nash replied quietly and turned Honey so she was facing him. 'How old are you?'

'Seventeen.' She murmured as his head dipped so his mouth was nearly touching hers.

'Jail bait.' Nash's mouth grazed hers.

'Its my birthday next month.' her voice was full of emotion and her eyes locked with his.

Nash laughed a short sound and closed the gap between them. He kissed her gently at first but then with more meaning. Honey was lost. Nash resisted letting his hands wander but instead pulled her tight against his body. She gasped at the feel of being in his arms and being kissed. At least Danny wasn't her first.

Danny! At that thought she gave a cry and pushed Nash away.

'What is it?' he demanded as she tried to turn away but he kept his hands locked on her waist.

'I need to get home! They'll be so mad.' she begged but still Nash refused to release her,

'Will they hurt you?' he asked as he pushed her hair away from her face.

'I don't know but with any luck they'll be too drunk to care about me.' came her sad reply.

Nash was furious again. This girl was getting to him and he had an overwhelming urge to protect her. 'Can I take you home?'

'I don't live far.' she answered but her eyes once again travelled to the chrome machine across the yard. Nash saw where she was looking. He smirked and pulled her towards it. 'I'm taking Honey home' he shouted to Clay who answered with a non distinct grumble from somewhere inside the house.

Nash threw his leg over the bike and motioned for her to do the same. Tentatively she did so and found herself slipping down the seat towards Nash's body. He smiled to himself at the feel of her so close to him. The bike roared to life and Honey let out a cry of alarm and clung closer to the man in front of her.

'Nash?' she choked out in fear. His hand dropped and he caressed her thigh.

'Trust me baby.' he called as the bike shot away and down the dusty road. Honey gave him directions and soon they were sitting outside her house. The lights were all lit inside but there was no noise. 'Do you have a phone?' he asked as he climbed of the bike.

'No, I can't afford one.' she admitted and looked down at her feet.

'Ok, no problem. Any trouble tonight, you run straight to my uncles. Tomorrow I'll be here at 7 to pick you up for school.'

'You don't have to do that Nash. I've caused you enough trouble today already.' She said shyly. Nash cupped her face gently and looked deeply into her eyes.

'Honey sweetheart, you are absolutely no trouble. I'll be here. I promise.'

He watched her head into the house before riding away. Honey closed the door behind her and tread carefully through the house. In the living room there was a sea of empty bottles and takeout trays. As she passed her mothers room, it was clear from the sounds that were coming from inside, what they were doing. It made her feel sick.

As she closed and locked her door her mind floated back to Nash. He had been nice to her and she'd let him kiss her. No-one had wanted to be near her before now except maybe that grunting creature in the room across the hall. The kiss had been amazing but now as reality was setting in and she felt dirty.

He was older than her. Not by very much still early 20's but older non the less. He'd called her jail bait. She wasn't trying to seduce him. She didn't want to be noticed but he'd been nice and seemed angry when he'd been told about her life. He didn't know half of it. She lay on her bed and let her mind float. She'd see him in the morning. He'd promised. This was a dangerous game she was playing but she'd started now so she'd have to finish.