Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70716 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70716 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Waverly’s face is a mix of shock and horror. “I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like.”
“Well, going onto those streets showed me there was worse out there. I stuck with what I had, and when I returned to him, he treated me a little better. If I did as I was told ...”
I tremble at the beating he gave me when I returned back to that place after being on the streets. The way he grabbed my hair, slammed his fist into my face, threw me against the wall and told me that if I ever tried to run again, he’d kill me. That night, I tried to kill myself. I tried so damned hard, but he got me to a hospital in time. When I woke up, I was determined to get out of there, even if it took me years.
I would find my way home.
But I’d be smart about it.
I wouldn’t go out onto the streets alone again, not without a plan.
I started stealing his money, stashing clothes in a secret spot at the house when I was cleaning, I stole little bits of money and put it away. I had a plan. I had one thought in my mind.
I was coming home.
No matter what it took.
Waking up in that hospital, with my wrists bound, I knew I could either decide to die, or I could fight. I decided then that I wanted answers and I was going to come home and get those answers.
So fight I did.
“Anyway,” I say, shaking the memories from my mind. “I’m not there anymore.”
“No, you’re not, but it wouldn’t be easy to get over something like that.”
She’s right. It isn’t.
Most nights I have nightmares.
Some days I struggle just to feel anything but numb.
Still, I’m here. I’m here, and I’m not giving up yet.
“No, it isn’t. It broke many things inside me, but I’m slowly piecing those things back together.”
“Is it true Cohen was the one who sent you away?”
I nod, my heart hardening at the very sound of his name.
“I can’t believe he would do such a thing,” she whispers, shaking her head in horror. “I mean, there had to be another option.”
“Apparently, there wasn’t.”
“I’m sorry, Aviana. You’re a god damned warrior is what you are.”
I snort. “Yeah, something like that.”
“Anyway, let’s not dwell on the past,” she throws a hand up. “You’re here now and you’re gorgeous, and we’re going to drink and maybe find you a nice man to grind up against.”
I laugh. “I like the way you think.”
She grins.
I like Waverly.
Yeah, I like her a lot.
7
NOW – AVIANA
We stumble into the club just after nine that evening, both of us drunk, both of us giggling like teenagers who just tried their first beer. Waverly has her arm around my shoulder and my arm is around her waist as we walk toward the blaring music coming from the very packed clubhouse. There are women everywhere, most of them barely dressed in clothes that cover them. Bikers are lingering around, drinking and smoking, and it’s clear the club is in full swing.
“There you are. Where the fuck have you been?”
Mykel’s harsh voice stops us just as we reach the front door and, together, we spin ourselves around to face him. His eyes scan over Waverly before looking to me. “Aviana was having a crisis, and I was there helping her,” Waverly informs him, her words slurred. “We’re good now, we’ve got it all sorted out.”
“You’re smashed,” he murmurs.
She releases me and walks over, falling into his arms. “You can take full advantage of me still, I don’t mind.”
He grunts. “Not goin’ to happen. Come on, let’s get you home.”
“No!” she cries, waving an arm around. “I’m still drinking with Aviana!”
“Think you’ve had enough.”
I laugh and turn, walking into the club. They can handle their little dispute themselves. I shuffle through the crowds of people and when I see Samson sitting on the sofa, two women beside him giggle as he talks to them, I saunter over. I mean, he’s gorgeous and he knows how to fuck. A girl needs what a girl needs, and he’s up for giving it to me.
He looks up as I near and his gaze darkens just a little. I turn around and flop down onto his lap, throwing an arm around his neck and smiling at him as I lean in. “Well, would you look what I found.”
His eyes meet mine. “You’re drunk.”
“I am.”
“Didn’t think you’d come here tonight.”
“I wanted to see you.”
I’m a liar.
But whatever.
“You want to fuck me,” he murmurs.
“Does that bother you, Samson?”
“No.”
“Good, then are you going to take me and fuck me, or should I ask someone else?”
He makes a growling sound, and the girl beside me mutters something as Samson stands, placing me on my feet before taking my hand and leading me toward one of the rooms at the back. We get in and, as soon as the door is closed, I spin around and wrap my arms around his neck, pushing him against the wall. He stares down at me, and his face is hard and hungry. My god is his expression intense.