Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 46081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
“The bar owner is cool with us taking care of it without calling the cops. Spec is on his way with a truck. He’ll bring them back to the compound and have a little chat to make sure they never step foot in our territory again. You want in?”
He glanced down at Rachel, bruised and bloodied, resting in his arms with her head against his chest. Now that the adrenaline high was over, her eyelids began to droop.
“I’m going to stay with her. Just make sure they know they fucked with the wrong woman.”
“Oh, we will. Don’t worry about that. I’ll see you when it’s done.” Curly turned and walked back toward the bar.
“All right, babe, let’s get you feeling better.”
She glanced up at him. Her eye makeup was a disaster and blood still ran from the cut on her chin. “You can go help them.”
He ached to kiss her but didn’t want to cause her any pain. So he pressed his lips to her head instead. “I know I can. But I’m where I want to be.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
He winked. A break in the traffic allowed him to cross back over to where Brooke’s SUV was parked.
It killed him to hear her whimpers and gasps as he loaded her into the vehicle. “Shit, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” She panted. “Woulda been a lot worse than some cuts if it weren’t for you.”
He grabbed the back of her head, kissing her brow. “Thank God it wasn’t.”
“Yeah.” She glanced down and then back up at him. “You know, you’re the reason I was able to hold it together in there. I thought of you and the club. How you have my back. How I knew you’d never let these guys get away with it. It gave me the strength I needed to run instead of crumbling in a panic.”
Christ, she slayed him with her faith in him. He vowed then and there never to give her a reason to doubt him. He’d live up to and exceed her expectations or die trying. “You’ll never be alone again, Rach. And you never have to be afraid. Not only do you have me and the club, but you have yourself. And you’re so damn strong.”
The urge to tell her he loved her rode him hard, but he hesitated. It was still so early. He’d never forgive himself if he scared her away. So instead, he pressed his lips to hers with the gentlest brush he could manage. She hummed her happiness.
“My face hurts.”
He grunted. “I’ll bet it does. Let’s get you back to the clubhouse.”
As he closed the door, securing her in the car, he couldn’t help but acknowledge the truth of her statement.
This was already the best Christmas he’d ever had, and the holiday was still a week away.
EPILOGUE
CHRISTMAS DAY
Rachel patted her full stomach. Only a few sips lingered in her wine glass—her third of the night—but not a single morsel of Brooke’s amazing dinner remained on her plate. All around her, people laughed and sat close as they shared the incredible meal.
This was what Christmas was supposed to be—laughter, love, and family.
They decided to eat in the chapel at the table she’d gifted them. Curly had teared up when he saw her gift. He’d said it was so much more than carved wood, but her acceptance of his life and family. Exactly what she’d wanted him to feel. The other guys were as shocked as Curly and couldn’t stop praising her for the thoughtful gift.
They’d all exchanged gifts earlier in the day and planned to light an enormous bonfire outside to pass the evening with more happiness.
Perfection.
She had no idea what she’d find when she followed her gut and came to Florida. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she’d gain not only a brother but an entire family.
And an ol’ man.
“Where’d Frost run off to?” Liv asked as she pushed her empty plate away then picked up her wine glass.
Rachel shrugged. “Not sure. Jinx asked him to help with something. He was being weird about it.” She grabbed her glass as well.
“Jinx is always weird, so that’s nothing new.”
They laughed and clinked their glasses together.
“Oh, my God.” Across the table, Brooke’s eyes bugged wide. She snorted out a laugh and then brought her hand up to her mouth.
“What?” Liv asked. She glanced over her shoulder and gasped. “Holy shit.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Spec grumbled. “Cover your damn eyes, woman.” He placed a hand over Liv’s eyes, but she immediately swatted it away.
“What’s going on?” Rachel turned around to find a bright red-faced Frost standing about five feet behind her, bare-chested in a pair of Santa pants, suspenders, and a Santa hat.
Her jaw dropped. “What are you doing?”
Jinx strode into the room. “Merry Christmas, and welcome to the family, Rachel. I wanted to make your first Christmas with us memorable, and I figured what better way to do that than get the prospect to put on a little show for you. Works out great that he’s also your ol’ man.” He winked.