Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“No. It’s my father who’ll pay. I’m good with that. But Mr. Black is the man who sent me here. I think he saw it as a one-way trip, but that the ends justified the means.”
“He sent you here… to die? And you went?”
I shrugged. “Everything in my life has always been about what my dad wanted. Most of the friends I made in school had families that were the same way. I guess I knew it wasn’t right, but I went along with it because he’s all I have left.”
“No, baby. Not anymore. You’ve got me. Once you get settled in, you’ll have everyone here too. Apple already thinks the world of you, and you haven’t known her much longer than me.”
I smiled. “Apple is a wonderful person. I need to apologize to her for using what she gave me in trust against the club.”
“You didn’t. You did what you were supposed to do. You came to us, and we’ll keep you safe.”
Bear’s assurance wrapped around me like a blanket, his embrace solid and unyielding. The club behind him was a fortress, a brotherhood that didn’t just offer protection -- they provided a sense of belonging that I had never known in my life of privilege and isolation. They’d all given me a small taste of that inclusiveness and I wanted more. I wanted it all.
“I know you mean well, Bear,” I whispered, pressing my face against the warm leather of his cut. “But this isn’t just about safety. It’s about facing my past, ripping out its roots so it doesn’t poison my future.”
Bear pulled back slightly, his eyes scanning mine with a mix of frustration and admiration. “You’re one tough little pixie, aren’t you?” He brushed a gentle thumb over my bottom lip before dipping his head to kiss me in a soft, lingering kiss. Then, with a sigh, he pressed his forehead to mine. “You have to do exactly what I tell you, or I’ll have a prospect cart your ass away and keep you at a distance until this is finished.”
I smiled up at him. “Thank you.”
We walked to the common room together to meet with the others. Rocket wasn’t happy with me going, but, surprisingly, Lemon was on my side.
“Women are tougher than you think. If she needs to face her fears, we can keep her safe while she does it.”
“Lemon…” Rocket growled at his woman. For the first time, I could tell the difference in Rocket and Lemon when they were president and vice president versus when they were a couple. The two situations weren’t mutually exclusive.
“No, Rocket,” she pressed. “I’ll keep an eye on her. She’ll be safe.” The two shared a look. I finally realized what they were saying with their looks alone.
“I’m not going to betray the club,” I said softly. “I told Bear everything I know and what I was supposed to do.” I looked up at Bear helplessly. “I didn’t realize this was a concern for the club, though I should have. I’ll stay. I don’t want to put anyone in danger or put eyes on me that should be on Mr. Black.”
Rocket nodded at Bear, a silent communication much like he and Lemon shared evident in the two men. “All right,” Rocket said. “You can go. We’ll take a couple extra guys so everyone has a watch on everyone else.” His gaze settled on me. “I know Bear’s claimed you, but I need to know you understand. He’ll fight me. Might even win a battle between us if it’s over you, but you know there will be harsh consequences if you betray us.”
“I have no intention of doing anything to put the club at risk, but I understand why you have to be sure. I’ve been here a very short time. The only thing you know is that I was sent to infiltrate your home. Anyone would be suspicious.”
“Good.” Lemon snaked her arm around mine like we were best friends. I knew she was corralling me. She’d taken on the job of watching over me and keeping me out of mischief. “Let’s get this over with, so we can come back to an epic orgy.”
Falcon, one of the members I’d met briefly, choked on the beer he was finishing, snorting the brew out his nose as he laughed and coughed at the same time. “The fuck?” He got out the words between coughs as he wiped his face with the back of his arm until someone handed him a paper towel. “Where the fuck does she come up with this shit?”
Rocket grinned widely. “My woman’s mind is very… fertile.”
Lemon gave her man a brilliant smile. “And you love it. Makes for all kinds of interesting situations.”
“Can’t deny that.” Rocket kissed the top of her head as he passed by. “Let’s ride.”