Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 37828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 189(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 126(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 189(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 126(@300wpm)
Wow, this is not where she expected a tattoo artist and member of a motorcycle club to live.
“This is their place. Sav and Livvy live next door,” Brody explained. “I’ve been here once with Ink.”
She nodded and tightened her hold on his hand as they walked up to the front door. The Fox drew a key out of his pocket.
“Fox, we should knock,” Brody said.
“Where’s the fun in that?” the Fox asked.
“Daddy, please.”
He sighed. “Fine. But how am I supposed to mess with Duke if you guys won’t let me have any fun? Then again, I guess I can save that surprise for another day.”
Good. Lord.
They’d be lucky if Duke didn’t shoot him on sight.
“Both of you wait around the corner. In case Duke is feeling frisky.”
The Fox didn’t sound at all worried about that. She and Brody stood off to the side of the house as the Fox knocked. A dark truck drove past as they stood there, slowing down slightly. She frowned. But it kept moving. Maybe the driver was lost.
“Hello?” a deep voice asked. “Can I help you?”
Oh, right. They wouldn’t know it was Fox.
“Duke! I’m insulted. Don’t you recognize me? And I thought we were the best of friends! Although you didn’t ask me to be your best man at your wedding, which was rather insulting. Of course, I am more on Sunny’s side of the family.”
“Fox,” the man hissed, his voice going from disinterested to annoyed.
Great. She cringed. She didn’t want to stay if they weren’t wanted.
Brody wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “If you’re uncomfortable, we can leave.”
“Aren’t you going to invite us in?” the Fox asked. “My babies are getting cold.”
“Your . . . babies.”
“Who’s there?” a woman called out.
“Merry Christmas, sweet girl,” the Fox said.
“Fox! You’re here. You came.”
“You were expecting him?” Duke asked.
“I’m always kind of expecting him. He always turns up when you least expect him to. Hmm, I’m saying expect a lot. Come in. Wait, did you bring Brody and Autumn?”
“I did.”
“Where are they?”
“They’re right here.” The Fox stepped back and gestured to them. She stepped around with Brody prodding her.
A big, dark-haired man frowned down at them both. He looked intimidating, although his face seemed to soften slightly as he took her in.
The woman beside him had dark-blonde hair pulled back in a high pony-tail. She was wearing pajama pants with candy canes on them. Her T-shirt featured a unicorn with rhinestones on its horn.
“Duke! Why did you leave them outside in the cold?” She lightly smacked the big man’s arm.
“Yeah, Duke, why’d you leave us to freeze outside?” the Fox said.
“God help me,” Duke muttered. “Please, come inside.”
They walked in.
“Give me your coats,” Sunny said. “I have some hot chocolate made and oh, no! I’m in my movie-watching clothes. I’m so sorry! I wasn’t expecting anyone, not that you’re not welcome. You are! I just . . . I need to go change and—”
“Little Rebel, you’re fine,” Duke rumbled.
“Please don’t get changed,” Brody added. “We barged in unannounced and besides, your outfit is cute.”
Autumn nodded.
“Oh, well, it is comfy.”
Duke looked Brody over as though searching for injury. Today, he wore a T-shirt that said: I’m Only A Morning Person At Christmas.
“You okay, man?” Duke asked.
“I do know how to take care of my Pup,” the Fox said warningly.
“Come in, you’re so welcome. Right, Duke?” Sunny said, ushering them into the living room. There was a movie paused on the television and the tree was a giant pink monstrosity decorated with unicorns. It was . . . like nothing she’d seen before.
“Sure.” Then he turned to look at her and wiped the grimace off his face. “Hey, I’m Duke.”
“And I’m Sunny.” She waved at Autumn.
“This is Autumn,” Brody said, clasping her hand tight. “She can be a bit shy sometimes.”
“I . . . it’s nice to meet you. Sorry, we didn’t call ahead.” She glared up at the Fox who raised his eyebrows.
“I don’t . . . we’ve already eaten. Would you like some leftovers, though? I mean . . . we can eat again, right, Daddy?” Sunny said. “I mean, Duke. Sorry, I’m flustered. I just . . . I never thought I’d get to meet you, Autumn. Or that . . . that you’d be here like this.” She glanced at the Fox. Tears filled her eyes.
“What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” the Fox asked in alarm. He took hold of her arms. “Is it Duke? Tell me. I’ll kill him right now.”
“It . . . it’s not Duke, Fox!” Sunny jumped in front of Duke, who was staring down at her, dumbfounded.
“Sunny!” Duke said sharply. “You don’t ever get between me and danger.”
“Sorry, Daddy. I just . . . he’s not going to hurt me.”
“My sweet girl is right. I’d never harm her. But did you hurt her?” the Fox said in a low voice.