Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 37111 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37111 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
“Honey, you have every right to feel the way you do.” Mama patted my shoulder. “Don’t give in to him too easily. He needs to work for it. More than one of the men in this club has vowed to kick his ass, and his ol’ lady has kicked him out of the house until he makes things right with you. Seems he can’t decide if he’s going to camp outside his house on the porch or outside Deadeye’s door where he knows you are.”
“You’re talking like it’s a forgone conclusion I’ll just let bygones be bygones. I’m not sure I can do that. Once I’m able, I fully intend to leave here.”
“Give me time, honey.” Again, Deadeye had been so still and silent, I’d nearly forgotten he was in the room. My gaze snapped to his. He had a little grin on his face, but still didn’t move. “I’ll get you to want to stay here. With me.”
“Just so.” Mama nodded crisply as if that were her final say in the matter. “Get some sleep. Let your man fuss over you for a while. You’ll feel much better in the morning.”
“He’s not my man, you know.”
“Oh?” Mama looked from me to Deadeye with a knowing look. “Might want to tell that to him.” With a wave, Mama left us, closing the door behind her.
* * *
Deadeye
Yeah. Mama had my number. I was gone on Chloe already. I hadn’t really been in her company long at all. A couple hours maybe? But I already knew she was going to be mine. The second Mama left, I went to my dresser and got a pair of sleep pants for me and one of my T-shirts for Chloe. Thankfully, the women had come through for her and brought a backpack full of necessary items. Pants, shirts, socks, and two new packs of underwear. Among other things, including pajamas. I fished out the underwear and tossed her the unopened pack along with my shirt. I could have given her the pajamas, but I wanted her in my clothing.
“Thanks.” Her husky whisper did wicked things inside me. I wanted her desperately, but I wanted her to feel safe and comfortable more. Right now, she was neither.
“Just toss your towels in the general direction of the bathroom. I’ll get ’em in a minute.” I didn’t leave the room, but turned my back to her, dropping my towel and sliding on the soft cotton pants. I knew my cock was at attention but decided to ignore it. She was bound to see it sooner or later. Besides, I was going to be good tonight. Mostly.
“Thanks, Deadeye. I would have died out there if not for you and Sword.” Her voice had me tied up in knots. The husky sound was sexy, like she’d been screaming my name during bout after bout of hot, sweaty, nasty sex. Unfortunately, it was really that way because Sword had nearly strangled her. Working through all that in my mind was going to take a while.
“Goose helped, too. You’ll meet him tomorrow.”
“Goose?”
“Yeah. Been my best friend and had my back my entire life. He’ll have your back now, too.”
“You realize you sound nuts, right?” She gave me a little smile, and I thought I’d been visited by an angel. The girl was an absolutely stunning beauty. No way this Sting guy didn’t come after her. Any man would fight to keep her. Luckily, I was fucking good in a fight.
“Why? You’re part of us. Were the second we realized you were Sword’s daughter.” I thought about that a moment. “No. You were part of us the second you admitted you were here for our help.”
“Sword didn’t think so.” She looked away, taking my sunshine. God, I was pathetic!
“Sword can be an ass. Doesn’t excuse what he did, but I can tell you the man regrets it. Why did he react like he did? No clue. But I’ll find out. He’ll still get a beating, no matter his reasoning. And I don’t mean by just me either. He has to answer to Cain and the rest of the club.”
“Hasn’t he already? Cain didn’t do anything to him.” She shrugged. “I mean, I don’t really want anything to happen to him. If he spent much time with my mother, then I understand his reaction. At least, partially. She’s a piece of work, Deadeye. Her superpower is manipulation, and she’s the best there is. Doesn’t mean I want to be around him. Just… let it go. I’ll leave, and no one will have to give this incident another thought.”
I shook my head. “That’s where you’re wrong, Chloe. We police our own. There is a way things are done in this club. Everyone here has known each other for years. There are a few newer members, but we worked together long before we were part of Bones. What Sword did violates everything we stand for. He knows it, too. He’ll lose standing in the club before this is over, and he’ll accept it willingly.”