Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 35194 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 176(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35194 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 176(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
It took a couple of minutes, but Dom cleared his throat and stood. Picking me up in his arms, he carried me to the chair next to the couch where Ringo still sat, cradling me in his lap. I wasn’t as comfortable with him as I was with Ringo, but I knew I could get there. I didn’t know this man. Had never even seen a picture of him. Mom had said it was for safety reasons. The thought that there was a picture of him and Mom in that compass and I hadn’t known -- that my mom might not have known -- was the thing I clung to. Dom had given her that compass never intending to come back to her, but not wanting her to forget him. Maybe? There were so many questions I had, and I wasn’t sure I was brave enough to ask them.
“This compound is full of men some people in the U.S. government would love to be rid of. Everyone here had done some things that might not have been sanctioned by the government at the time but ordered done just the same.”
“Are you talking about something like… I don’t know. Black Ops?”
“That’s exactly what I’m talking about.”
“I thought that was only in the movies. Like for real.”
Dom grinned down at his daughter. “No, honey. It’s not as glamorous as it is in the movies, but one thing they got right is that, if something goes wrong or they decide what they ordered you to do was wrong, you’re a liability. Not all of us’d be in trouble if anyone knew we were still alive and kickin’, but there are several who’d be hunted down and shot on sight.”
“And by telling me this, do I have to stay here now?”
Again, Dom grinned. “Nope. I’m tellin’ you this because I want you in my life. However I can have you. That means I have to give you my trust to earn yours. So there it is. I just gave you the key to bring us all down.”
I sucked in a breath, shaking my head. “I don’t want that.”
“I know, honey. I did it anyway. Because I’m all in with you. The way I should have been with your mother.”
“But you left her to keep her safe.” I could feel tears pricking my eyes. Only fitting since he’d cried in front of me when I’d have bet my life he wasn’t a man who ever cried in front of others. Hell, he probably didn’t let himself feel emotion strongly enough to have the need to cry.
“Yeah, but I should have known no one could keep her as safe as I could. It’s not a mistake I’m makin’ again. Not with you, Calista.” He glanced up at me, raising an eyebrow. “Which is why, if you stay, I want my enforcer here, Ringo, to claim you.”
I started, pushing away from him slightly. Dom didn’t try to hold me, but kept his arms loosely around me, as if reluctant to let me up. Shaking my head, I gasped out, “You can’t be serious.”
Dom looked from me to Ringo and back. “You tellin’ me you don’t want it to be him? You want to check out some of the other guys here? See if one fits?”
“I don’t need to be claimed by anyone.” It was a token protest at best, and I was woman enough to admit it. At least to myself. The thought of being thrown together with Ringo was more of a turn on than I wanted to admit. I already felt safe with him. Hell, I wanted to have him near more than I wanted Dom. Dom was my father, but the fact was, I’d known Ringo longer. Maybe only a couple minutes longer, but still!
Dom grinned at me. “Well, it’s the only way I’m lettin’ you be near him. He’s interested in you and I’m keeping him honest.”
“Huh?” I looked back at Ringo, who had the biggest shit-eating grin on his face I’d ever seen. “Are the two of you making fun of me?” Because if they were, I’d never forgive them. Or myself for such poor judgment.
“Not at all, honey,” Dom said, giving me a kind look. “I just want you safe.” He shot me a wry look. “Much as I hate to admit it, the smug bastard would be the best protection for you. He’s ruthless and deadly, but he’s got a good heart.”
“Wow, bro,” Ringo drawled as he put his arms across the back of the couch, crossing one ankle over the opposite knee. “Didn’t know you cared.”
“I don’t,” Dom snapped, looking as disgruntled as a man could. “And I’ll never repeat what I said to anyone outside this room. You’re still a dumbass, and I’ll still give you hell every chance I get.”