Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 101911 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101911 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
My heart does an embarrassing little happy dance in my chest upon hearing that.
My sexy brooder was supposed to be a fun time with a guy too loyal, strong, and jaded to be anything like the snake Thomas was. And so much stronger than the other two men who died just for being too nosy, finding out things they shouldn’t have learned, and trying to use it against me when their ambition hit them hard.
My father had no tolerance for that.
Our enemies were too great to risk my name because of idiots who saw an opportunity.
I’m sick of opportunists.
Axle was like a reprieve from everything. Far enough away to know everything, but smart enough not to get too close, and strong enough not to be so weak as to see an opportunity with my name.
Then I went and caught an unexpected case of the feels. The strong feels, too. The kind I never thought I’d be capable of. And I vomited up that confession like an idiot teenager.
A confession he’s yet to acknowledge. And since then, he’s acted weird.
“He’s right.” Axle’s voice is like a cold bucket of water pouring over my head.
Sledge’s gaze flicks over my shoulder, eyes widening marginally, and I turn my head to see Axle leaning against the wall—mostly out of sight as he eavesdrops. No telling how long he’s been standing there and listening to our conversation.
He pushes away from the wall and closes the distance between us, coming to prop up on the kitchen island.
“We’re not the ideal protection for you right now. We’ve scattered, and we’re in self-preservation mode. Everything is chaotic. Shit is hitting the fan. And the war is just getting started. We don’t even know who is trustworthy in our crew,” Axle goes on, his jaw ticking. “You’re not safe here. It’s just a matter of time before you pique Herrin’s interest. It’s not like it’d be hard for him to get to you right now, with so much going on as a distraction. He could have grabbed you the other day if he’d known your value. If he learns who you are, he could easily team up with Phillip, using you as a bargaining chip. And together, they’d wipe us out completely.”
In other words, it’s dangerous as fuck to be together.
“I’m putting your life at risk by keeping you here, since I can’t trust everyone around us or offer you the protection you need,” Axle says softly, clearing his throat. “And you’re putting all of us at risk by staying.”
The worst part about it is that I know how right he is. I also know how selfish wanting to stay, despite the risks, sounds.
Sledge stands, leaving us alone to talk, probably feeling a little awkward for witnessing even this much.
“So you’re saying you want me to leave?” I ask quietly, the tremor in my voice betraying my attempt to sound impervious.
He’s a blank, expressionless man before me, concealing all his thoughts with such an ease that makes me twice as envious. My poker face only works on people I don’t care about.
“I’m saying it’s the safest for everyone. We have our own war. You have yours. Our styles keep clashing, and it’s only a matter of time before it ends badly for everyone. I’m saying it’s the smartest move.” He blows out a breath and clears his throat. “Doesn’t really matter what I want.”
His eyes are down. His hands are in his pockets.
I remember the first time I saw him; his inky black hair, his scars, his scathing pale eyes that didn’t know whether to kill me or dismiss me. Dark angel was the description I used.
It’s still apt.
I reach for my phone, digging it out of my pocket, as Axle’s eyes come back up to meet mine.
Saying it doesn’t hurt to hear him be pragmatic would be a lie. Petty as it is, I wanted him to tell me he wanted me to stay, that we’d face the risks together.
Deep down, I know it’s just a matter of time before we get ourselves and everyone else killed.
Feeling the weight of his gaze on me, I stare at my phone, clicking on “White Knight” in my contacts. My vision is blurred by unshed tears, so I don’t look back at Axle as I make the call, since a text won’t work right now.
“Please tell me it’s time for pickup. That’s the only reason you’d be calling instead of texting, unless there’s someone you need taken care of,” Smitty drawls, bypassing common pleasantries.
“Yes,” I say in a rasp tone, then clear my throat. “Time for a pickup.”
“You okay, kiddo?” Smitty asks seriously. “Give me the word if you are.”
“Lathaniel,” I say tightly.
He blows out a breath of relief, and I look up to see Axle frowning at me.
“Text me the coordinates. I’ll have a team pick you up. I’m just glad you’re finally coming home,” Smitty goes on.