Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 98255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
“But he’s the one that controls—”
“Not anymore,” Bull said. “Miguel Vito Carlos killed him. That same man was in that practice, staring at Aria, Grant. He’s in town. He’s here to destroy the club.”
Grant shook his head. “Then why haven’t they done it already?”
“Because he likes to destroy slowly. He’s Julio’s brother, Grant. Stepbrother. And I don’t think I need to remind you what brothers do for one another.”
Grant ran a hand down his face. “That is so fucked.”
“He’s the one that pushed Ranford into hiding. He’s here as well. It would seem we’ve got a lot of fucking hiding places in Carnage.” Bull growled.
“I need my leather cut back,” Grant said.
“You can have it back and the patch. I was only trying to fucking protect you, Grant. That’s all.”
“Yeah, and how has that worked out for you?”
Bull burst out laughing. “Maddie’s going to be happy to see you.”
Grant sighed. “What do I tell Aria?”
“The truth, or as close to the truth as possible. That’s all you can do and hope that she’s as understanding as Maddie.”
****
Aria stared up at the clubhouse. Grant hadn’t said a word on the ride over to the Chaos and Carnage MC clubhouse. He’d asked for her to wait and now he faced her and kept opening and closing his lips.
“Is everything okay?” Aria asked.
“It … Aria, I’m back in the club. My suspension has been lifted,” Grant said.
“I kind of gathered that with the fact we’re here and you haven’t been arrested.” She forced a smile to her lips even though she was very nervous.
She had watched Bull and Grant as they took their conversation outside, and she knew deep in her gut something wasn’t right. Grant looked pissed, as did his brother.
“Yeah, my brother is not exactly bright.”
She smiled.
“Look, I don’t know how to say this, but the shit that’s going down with that guy is real.”
“Is he responsible for the dogfighting rings?” she asked.
“We believe so, well, not directly. We’re not sure where he comes in, he’s related to the son of a bitch that set them up.”
Aria nodded. “Grant, just tell me. I knew when we started this everything wasn’t going to be so smooth sailing, you know.”
Grant chuckled. “The way he looked at you, he’s a threat, Aria. I’ve seen him hurt someone before and I don’t want to see you hurt. I need you to trust me and to do that, to protect you, I need for us to stay here.”
“You want me to stay at the clubhouse?”
He took hold of her hands and she watched as he kissed one then the other.
“Yes. We’re going to have to stay here. The brothers will protect you.”
“Grant, I have a job and commitments.”
“I know, and I’ll get you back to them, I promise, but for now, I need you to trust me, do you think you can do that?”
She smiled. “Of course. I do trust you, Grant.”
He cupped her cheek and then kissed her, hard. “Thank you.” He sighed. “Now, the guys at the club are—”
She pressed a finger to his lips. “Stop panicking. I was a virgin at sex, but I’m not new to this. Trust me. I can handle it.”
Grant laughed.
“That doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence,” she said.
He climbed out of the car. She opened her door and got out, went to the back seat, and let Bruno out. Grant had already let out Ernie, and Wanda was once again beside Grant. Their three dogs had formed a bond of sorts.
“I don’t have any clothes,” Aria said.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle that.” He took hold of her hand and they headed inside.
Bull and the two men he’d been with at the veterinary practice were already there. They had pulled into the parking lot before her and Grant. She recognized most of the people there, including Maddie French, who had a child on her hip.
“Maddie, I’d like you to finally meet Aria. Aria, this is my bestie, Maddie.”
“I wouldn’t say we’re besties. I just can’t seem to get rid of him,” Maddie said.
Aria was a little surprised as the other woman pulled her in for a hug.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“This is my little niece, Lindsey.” Grant took the baby from Maddie’s arms and held her close.
Aria had never thought of Grant as a paternal type, but she saw how much love he had for the little girl.
“You’ve met my brother, Bull. That there is Rusty. Stay away from him. Pat is there. Don’t get too close, the dude’s a vegan.”
Aria laughed but gave him a wave as she had no idea what to do. She’d never been to the clubhouse before. Lidia had never wanted to go to one of the parties held at the clubhouse. She was going to have to talk to her best friend, let her know what was going on.