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)
My heart aches for the friends that were watching their dream die.
“After a week, I’d gained some perspective. I wasn’t marrying Darla. I wasn’t in love with her.”
“Sex doesn’t equal love.”
“No, it took me three years and one mistaken fuck to figure that out. Plus a ‘man the fuck up’ conversation with Koby, where he pointed out the truths of the situation. I’d been such a blind motherfucker.”
“How did that conversation go?”
“It didn’t. On my way to her house, Koby was killed.”
My heart stops and tears spring to my eyes. “Oh my God.” His gaze stays on me, but his mind is somewhere else. Reliving a nightmare.
“Yeah, that shit fucked with me hard. Because it was a homicide, it took a week to bury him. After his service, something inside urged me to her. There was shouting coming from the backyard, and I followed the sounds of her screams. I overheard it all. She wasn’t pregnant, but her mom assured her she could remedy that easily and they’d cover up the date discrepancy. Paula encouraged her to take advantage of my grief and follow through with their plan. I overheard all their plans. In her warped mind, I’d be grief-stricken enough to give up the service, go into law school, and provide everyone a life of luxury. It was no longer important for Darla to attend law school. I’d ride on my dad’s coattails and take care of it.”
Indescribable fury rages inside, scorching through my bloodstream at the level of deception people are capable of.
“It took me less than a minute to dispel them of their little fairytale. To this day, I’ll never know, but I think it was Koby’s last gift to me. It was like he was standing beside me instead of six-feet in the ground. Went straight to the recruiter’s office and enlisted.”
That’s all I can take. I edge cautiously toward him, not wanting to make him feel caged. The haze in his eyes clears, and I almost cry in relief when he pulls me to sit across his lap.
“This is all awful. It’s too much for a young man in your position.”
“You don’t need to analyze me, Jewls. Mom and Dad made me disclose Koby’s death to the recruiter. I saw a counselor before shipping out.”
“I’m glad.”
“One thing remained, even after all these years. My hatred for Darla Strauss. Because of her cunning manipulation, my best friend died.”
Koby could have easily died in the service, but I don’t point that out.
“Only the guys know the complete story. I couldn’t bring myself to admit to my parents there was a chance she was pregnant because of a horny mistake. All they know is her end game.”
“It sounds selfish, but I’m glad they don’t know that part. I can’t imagine thinking they were going to be grandparents, only to find out it was a plot to trap you.”
He gives a little grunt and I wrap him tight, curling up and letting him have the time to process whatever is rolling through his mind.
The warmth of his heat and the steady beat of his heart make my eyes heavy. I snuggle closer, letting myself drift off.
“Swear to God, I’ve never wanted to hit a woman until tonight. The tears in your eyes were almost my undoing.” His whisper is loaded with agony.
Oh God, I am totally gone for this man.
15
Major
“Where’s Jewls?” Harley screeches, glancing around the kitchen frantically.
“In the shower.”
Without another word, she’s gone, Ace passing her with their bags. One look at his stormy expression, Talon and I are on our feet.
“What’s up?”
“Rowan is in intensive care. Ginger found her early this morning, beaten, bloody, and unresponsive.”
“What the hell?” Talon roars.
“Rich is looking into it. Waiting on news. We need to ride out soon.”
Talon takes off toward his room right as Ford rounds the corner with his bag. His face is a mask of lethal ferocity.
“That poor girl. Does she have family in town?” Mom frets.
“I don’t know. She has a business partner,” I answer, thinking if Rowan’s ever mentioned family.
There’s a yelp from my room and I’m on the move. “Mom—” I call over my shoulder.
“I’ll get the travel mugs ready. You all need to go,” she finishes my thoughts.
When I get to Jewls, she’s wrapped in a towel, clutching onto Harley.
“Go,” she urges Harley. “We’ll be close behind.”
Harley gives her another squeeze. “I’ll call you as soon as we hear from Dad.”
“Thanks.”
I take Harley’s place, swiping away the tears. “Baby, I’ll get our stuff together. You get dressed.”
“Who would do this? Do you think it’s her ex?”
“Possibly, but let’s not jump to conclusions.” Even though he’s the first person who came to mind. Six months ago, when Ace and Ford rolled up on a domestic call, none of us had any idea the girls knew Rowan. It wasn’t until weeks later we found out she was a part of their gang. By that time, the boyfriend was long gone.