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)
Surprisingly, Sword said nothing. He just watched Chloe interact with Cain. I made a mental note to kick the man’s ass double hard when this was done, for not coming to his daughter’s aid. His wife would just have to get over it, though I suspected Sword was in the doghouse over this one.
Cain scrubbed a hand over his face. “Fuck.” He turned his head and looked out the window for a long moment. Finally, he seemed to make a decision.
“No. You’re staying with us. We’ll look into the Iron Tzars and see what we’re up against, then go from there.”
“I’ll keep her under my protection,” I said.
Cain’s gaze snapped to mine. “You sure about this?”
I shrugged. “Wouldn’t take the responsibility if I wasn’t.”
Again, Cain brought his focus back to Chloe. “Do you understand what Deadeye is offering?”
“Enough to know it wasn’t exactly an offer,” she muttered. When Cain continued to stare at her she took a breath and sighed. “Yes. I understand. Anything I do he can’t contain or stop he’ll be held accountable for. I’m not here to make trouble, and I’m not a stupid spy. I’m just trying to get away from a bad situation not of my own making.”
“All right, then.” Cain nodded his head once, then stood. “I’ll leave you in Deadeye’s capable hands. Angel will look in on you shortly. Make a list of anything you need, and she’ll see you have it. That will include a phone. I understand why you don’t have one on you, which I think was a good call on your part. But you still need one. Now that you’re in our compound, I’ll expect you to keep it with you for safety reasons. You need anything for any reason, no matter how trivial, I expect you to get ahold of Deadeye if he’s not with you. You can’t get him, you’ll call Angel or me. Understood?”
She had a bewildered look on her face. I wanted to kiss it off her. “Not really, but I’ll do what you say.”
“Good. Deadeye, she’s all yours.” Yeah. If only.
I stood, gently urging Chloe to her feet. “Come on, honey. Let’s get you settled.”
I thought about getting her a room on the same floor as mine. I hadn’t yet taken a house for myself. Attached brothers and their women got first dibs on houses. Besides, I liked being in the clubhouse. I had a room on the top floor where I could see the entire compound. It gave me peace of mind that I was looking over everyone. If there was danger, I’d see it coming. Instead, I just took her to my room.
“I know it’s not ideal,” I told her when I opened the door and ushered her inside, “but you’ll be with me. I’m hoping I can help you feel more secure.”
“Uh-huh. You’ll also be able to prevent me from leaving.”
Girl was smart. “True. But you know you can’t do this on your own. You came here for help for that very reason. It’s not exactly what you expected, but we’re still here to help you. You’re getting what you wanted to begin with. No reason to run.”
For long moments, we just stared at each other. I wanted her to see I meant what I said about the club wanting to help her, but I also wanted her to know I’d protect her.
“Why?” she demanded. “When you first found me you knew I was watching your compound. Yet you don’t believe I’m a spy.” Then she tilted her head as if just puzzling out the problem. “Or did you keep me here with you because you do think I’m a spy?”
“No, honey,” I said. The endearment seemed to be coming off my tongue easily. As if it were the most natural thing in the world. “I don’t think you’re a spy. I believe you’re exactly what you said you were. A woman lookin’ for help from circumstances beyond her control.”
She nodded, then ducked her head. “I don’t know if Sting even wanted me.”
Carefully, not wanting to startle her, I stepped closer. Into her private space. I tucked one pale lock behind her ear away from her face. “Honey, there’s not a man alive who wouldn’t want you.”
Her head snapped up, and her gaze locked with mine. “What?” Her voice was a mere thread of sound.
“You heard me. You’re a beautiful woman. Brave, too. Not many men I know would have stood their ground like you did when I found you. You entered our clubhouse like a fuckin’ princess. To say nothin’ of the way you stood your ground against Sword. I’ve seen seasoned warriors piss themselves when he turns that kind of anger on them. You were fierce as any ol’ lady. Any biker who claims not to want you for himself is a Goddamned liar.”