Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“You pushed her away, literally, after she put herself on the line. Not sure there’s much I can do here.”
“I didn’t ask for your help.”
“No, but you need to hear this straight. That woman is crazy about you. She may be shy and reserved, but she’s a fucking warrior in her own right.”
“She was harassed on the way to the bathroom, Talon. And then I wasn’t much better.”
“They approached her, which is expected, looking the way she did. I’m surprised it hasn’t happened before. She thinks she’s the girl next door with a warped sense of confidence, considering the psychopath she dated.”
“Craig Johns doesn’t factor into this.”
“Johns is the only factor here because he’s the one who wore her down. Why the hell aren’t you building her back up?”
“I wanted to give her space and time.”
“She’s obviously ready, and you rejected her.”
“It wasn’t my intent. It just happened so fast.”
“Fast? You call months of skirting around each other fast? You’re even more of an idiot than Powers and Kingston. You trying to beat Ace’s record of ten years?”
“You are an asshole.”
“I’m pointing out the obvious. You don’t have to throw her down and fuck her brains out on the first date.”
My jaw ticks as my teeth grind together. “She’s not that type of woman.”
“Hell no, she’s not.”
“Man, you’re pushing me close to the edge. You know what kind of man I am.”
His lips form a hard line, his hand clenching. “You’re a goddamned hero. A warrior who is one of the best men I know. I wouldn’t push this shit if I thought your intentions were anything but honorable. Rowan Ellis needs a man who will fight for her, not against her. This chivalry shit is going to backfire if you don’t man up.”
Man up… I hate the fact he’s right. Rowan deserves to know how absolutely fucking special she is.
“I see my wise words are penetrating that thick skull.”
My eyes slice his way, and I want to swipe the arrogant grin off his face.
“Call her. She’s obviously still up.”
Before I can respond, my phone rings, the display lighting with an unknown number.
“Whitman,” I answer.
“F-F-Ford?” A teary voice sounds through the truck.
“Who is this?” I glance at Talon, who’s on alert.
“It’s, it’s….” deep breath, “Tera… it’s me…. T-t-tera,” she stutters, her voice cracking again.
“Tera? Tera Sails?” My spine straightens, ice running through my veins. “Are Carson and Addie okay?”
My sisters’ faces race through my mind. Why the hell is their high school friend calling me?
“Yes, please don’t be mad. They gave me your number.” She hiccups.
“Tera, what’s wrong?”
“I’ve really messed up and they said you may be able to help.”
Talon raises his eyebrows, looking for answers.
I shrug, not sure why in the hell my sisters would give her my number, but knowing they’d only do so if things were bad.
“Tera, are you okay?”
“I’m a stupid dimwit who fell for a conman!” She wails again, this time sobs echoing around the cab of the truck. “I know this is out of the blue, but I wouldn’t call if it wasn’t dire.”
My shoulders tense again, this time because whatever is happening is bound to be full of drama.
I don’t do drama.
Especially bullshit drama that comes from a spoiled little rich girl who pitched fits when she didn’t get her way.
Using the word ‘dire’ doesn’t bode well.
I grew up with two overly dramatic sisters and learned early on to smooth things over and make way for further issues.
“Tera, tell me what’s happening.” I settle in to listen, my eyes locking on the second-story window and thinking of the woman upstairs.
“Shots! Shots! Shots!” the chant grows louder, and I turn in time to watch the four heavily tattooed rockers shoot back tequila.
None of them flinch, slamming their glasses down.
“The rockers are impressive. If they keep this up, they’ll be too blitzed to understand a good ass-kicking.” Talon rubs his hands together. “Oh, the anticipation of victory.”
“It’s only an ass-whipping once they’ve had their chance to compete. Which isn’t for months.”
“They’ll concede after they see what we have planned.”
“We’ll see. You ready for this?”
“Born ready. I’ll grab Ace and Major and meet you in the front.”
He flashes me a grin and heads to the outdoor kitchen, where the crowd is growing rowdier by the second.
I scan the group and chuckle to myself. It’s funny how things can change so drastically.
A year ago, we were preparing to graduate from the academy. After ten years in the Marines, we started the second stages of our careers with Nashville Metro PD.
Single, fearless, and ready for the next step.
Now, Ace is married. Major is engaged and expecting kids. And both men are standing at the edge of the pack, watching their women protectively as they line up glasses for another round.
International rock and roll superstars, their wives and families, other brothers from the Marines and their families, Harley and Jewls’ friends… a comingling group that may shock some.