Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
“Not a surprise.”
“No, but who was there was a surprise.”
My stomach twists. I know ‘who’ was there without him saying it. “What the fuck?”
“Bro, she blindsided us. One minute, we’re ordering a round, and the next, she’s sliding in next to me. Did you know Darla was back in town?”
“Mom mentioned Don and Paula, but I didn’t care enough to ask about them. How’d you even know it was her? You guys were sophomores when we broke up.”
“You don’t forget a woman that looks like her. And believe me, brother, she may be a raging cunt, but she’s fucking hot. The woman is a Megan Fox lookalike, right down to the ink in all the right places.
I can’t stop the picture from forming in my mind. Long legs, tight ass, slender waist, big tits, big blue eyes, pouty lips, and silky dark hair—all of it a smokescreen of the devilish, cunning bitch inside.
Instantly, the picture is replaced as Jewls goes to sit at the edge of the pool. The green bikini she wears fits her body perfectly. Her blonde hair is twisted on top of her head with strands falling around her face. Talon hands her a drink and then jumps in, splashing water all over. I wish the pool wasn’t heated so the ass would freeze his balls off.
Watching her, knowing what true beauty is, erases any other woman from my mind. “Raging cunt is an understatement. Take it she recognized you?”
His momentary silence sets my nerves on edge. “Sam?”
“Yeah, she not only recognized us, but she was also up to date on our life.”
The nerves tighten, anger inching its way up my spine. “What does that mean?”
“She tried to act casual, but it was like she was spewing our personal biographies posted online. We let it go on until she asked about you and we shut her down.”
“Mom mentioned the same with Don and Paula.”
“What game is she playing? You think she wants to apologize?”
“Don’t fucking know and don’t fucking care.”
“You ever going to tell us exactly what happened?”
“Not if I can help it. That part of my life is history for a reason. If you see her again, tell her to fuck off and get the hell away from you.”
“Not a problem. You still coming next Thursday night?”
“We’ll be there.”
“Jewls is welcome to stay at our place when she gets enough of you.”
“You’re an ass. Stay away from my woman.” I end the call, tossing the phone across the counter.
My mind races with possibilities of why the Strauss family has reappeared.
“Wanna talk about it?” Ford slides a beer in front of me.
I think about closing it down, but there’s a chance I’ll need his help. Ford, Talon, and Ace are the only people who know the dirty truth of what happened all those years ago. They’re also the only ones who understand what drives my decisions.
“The Strausses are back.”
He hisses out a low, sinister whistle, waiting for me to go on.
“Don and Paula ran into my parents a few weeks ago. Last night, Darla saw the twins at their local bar.”
“Quite a coincidence.”
“Not a coincidence.” I swallow half the beer in one slug.
“What does she want?”
“They’re dancing around, but indicators point to me.”
“Shit, man, how do you feel about it?”
I swing to him, hating the concern on his face. “There’s nothing to feel.”
“Man, it’s okay if you want to talk about it.”
I turn back to look out the window at the one woman who proved even a bastard like me can have something beautiful. “I’ve finally moved on after wasting too much time and almost fucking up what could be the best thing in my life.”
“Goes without saying, I’m here.”
I jut my chin in appreciation, not needing to respond.
“Now, you may want to get out there. Jewls and Talon have a hefty bet on who’s throwing the best bachelorette-slash-bachelor party. I’m thinking Ace, and now you, will end up in jail if Jewls succeeds.”
I’m on the move, only stopping to peer back at him with appreciation.
“Anytime,” is his response.
9
Jewls
Strong arms tighten around my waist, shifting me where I’m fully engulfed in Major’s hold. His body’s radiating heat so hot my skin boils.
“Koby,” he mumbles into my hair, jerking over and over. My eyes pop open, and I try to calm my racing heart.
His mumbling grows more irritated, the name slipping out again, his hold more fierce until I fight to breathe. My mind goes into overdrive, recalling my knowledge of PTSD, violence, anxiety—all the symptoms he’s exhibiting. Training tells me to get away to protect myself.
But this isn’t some case or unknown victim. This is Major Powers, the man I’m crazy about. Whatever happens, he won’t hurt me. Carefully, I bring his hand to my mouth and kiss along his knuckles. He loosens his hold enough for me to roll, scrubbing my fingers along his cheeks and jawline.