Total pages in book: 157
Estimated words: 145088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
On the other hand, Torcher shouldn’t be coercing Dex in the first place.
But what if Dex wanted this? What if it was some weird role-play those two had going on. Hadn’t Dex encouraged Hammer to call him Prospect during sex?
“Right, why?” Torcher’s voice cut through Hammer’s thoughts like a razor.
Dex put his hands in his pockets and shrugged. “Hammer told me to warn anyone who tried this that he’d break all the bones in the guy’s gun hand. So I don’t want to seem like I’m not following orders, I can do it, but it’s up to you if you want to deal with our enforcer.”
Pleasure trailed up Hammer’s spine, leaving behind burning tracks. He might have said that, but what really mattered was that Dex was now using those words as a shield to rebuff Torcher.
It was weirdly hot.
Torcher leaned back, as if he’d been pushed. “Since when is it any of his business?”
“Since he’s our prospect,” Hammer said, stepping out of his hideout.
Dex’s lips parted, giving him that silly look Hammer loved so much. As if there wasn’t a single thought left in his head. Torcher, on the other hand, stepped back, raising his hand.
“Why the fuck are you creeping around?” But he was already flushed. He knew he’d stepped out of line, and seeing him so flustered filled Hammer with joy.
“Just wanted to ask Prospect for a clean of my own bike, but I don’t like what I overheard. He’s not here to whore himself out to members. We’re preparing him to be one of us in the future, so act like it,” Hammer said in a hard voice.
Torcher spread his arms. “I was just messing with him, Jesus! I’m not gay.”
Dex rolled his eyes. “You wouldn’t be the first straight guy taking a dip—”
Torcher smacked the back of his head. “Watch your mouth, Prospect.”
Hammer’s fingers curled, forming a fist as he stepped into Torcher’s personal space, standing between him and Dex. It took immeasurable self-control not to make his violent fantasies a reality. “Do not punish him for your own failings.”
Torcher stumbled back, and his eyes widened as if he had just found himself face to face with a grizzly bear and was scrambling for a way out. “Why do you care? You fucking him, or something?”
No, Hammer wanted to say, but he bit his tongue and took a deep breath of air that burned him as if it were on fire. “Treat him like you would any other prospect, or I will make good on my threats.”
Torcher tried to grab a beer from a six pack but had to wrestle with the plastic holding all the cans together for endless seconds. “Can’t even joke around these days,” he mumbled but rushed away as if his back pocket was on fire.
The moment the door closed behind him, Dex gave a deep sigh and sat on one of the kegs. “What is it with these guys? Are they after a bit of novelty or something?”
Hammer spun around, rigid as if he were made of wood. “Did you do it?”
Dex froze, all humor draining from his face. Was it guilt painted in his expression? Sadness? Hurt? Hammer couldn’t tell, and it infuriated him to no end.
“Is that the kind of break we’re on?” Dex asked.
Was there something Hammer was missing?
“What do you mean? I’m asking you a simple question.”
“No, I’m not going around fucking people, and for the record, it’s not been easy on me, but I’m waiting for you to make up your mind. Unless you want to tell me what you think about me by asking this question.”
Okay. Angry. Dex was angry.
Which was bad but also good, because the bitterness in his voice was also very real.
“We are on break. I would have no right to be upset with you if you did… something,” Hammer said, though the very possibility of it happening upset him more than he could put into words. “But you shouldn’t fuck people who don’t respect you. Those guys won’t make you one of them if they can treat you like some hangaround.”
Dex’s jaw tightened. “What is this lecture? You’re turning into my uncle?”
Hammer scowled. “I’m looking out for you.”
“You’re a dog in the manger, that’s what you are. We’re done here, I’ve got work to do. For your birthday party.” Dex got up and wouldn’t even look at him on his way out.
Hammer blinked and grabbed his forearm. “What?”
“I said what I said! You know exactly what I mean!”
Hammer pressed his lips together, once again trapped in a situation that couldn’t have a good outcome. “Why are you angry?”
Dex’s face was getting even redder. “I’m not angry! You do whatever you need to do, and since you don’t care what I do, I’ll just weigh my options and see!”
“Well, I’m not doing anyone!” Hammer barked as a rock in his throat grew.