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)
As we approached, the sounds of laughter and music floated toward us, promising a lively gathering. Lemon was at the heart of the picnic, her laughter infectious, drawing people to her like moths to a flame.
“Ah, there they are!” Lemon exclaimed as we entered the clearing. She bounded over to us with Rocket not far behind. She pulled me into a tight embrace. “Everything good?” She whispered her question right at my ear, and I knew she was making sure I was still good to be with Ringo.
“It is. Ringo is wonderful. Dom is the best dad ever. I’d have hated him as a child ‘cause I’d never have gotten away with anything.” I pulled back, grinning like a loon. “I love it. I love them both so much.” I didn’t even try to not smile. “Thank you for everything. I know you’ve been the one making sure we have everything we need so we can have some time alone.”
“Pfft.” She waved a hand in the air. “That was for you. Ringo can damned well fend for himself. He’s a big boy.”
“That he is,” I muttered. When Lemon barked out a laugh, I realized I’d said that last part out loud and exactly how it sounded. I had a moment where I thought I’d be embarrassed, but all that bubbled up was laughter. I grinned. “Well? He is!”
Lemon hugged me again before taking my hand. “Come on. Me and the other old ladies saved you a seat.”
I looked over my shoulder at Ringo who was gazing at me with affection and pride. He nodded his head, and I smiled back at him. Then I let Lemon take me to the other women.
“Ain’t no club girls allowed today,” Lemon said, “but it won’t always be that way. Stake your claim early so they know you mean business.”
“But Ringo said the vest would do that. I’m not to leave the house without wearing it.”
“True. And it will help.” She tapped her chin. “But women are a catty lot.” Then she grinned again. “Besides, the fun is in the shock value. I recommend stomping through the middle of them wearing the blood of your enemies. Works like a charm.”
I chuckled again, but a tall woman who looked like a pink paint factory exploded on her smiled down at the smaller woman with affection. “She’s not joking. I fought by her side last time.” The woman had a slight Russian accent. She was dressed in pink leather and pink boots. I was told her bike was also pink. In fact, I’d seen her and Lemon both riding pink Harleys. This woman -- her name was Venus -- was on a whole other level, though. She had long, pink hair, pink nails that looked sharp as daggers, and pink eyes. Who the fuck had pink eyes? I’d heard of Venus but hadn’t met her yet. I liked her immediately. “Stand up to club girls and they will respect boundaries you set.” She smiled, reaching out a hand to me which I took. Her grip was firm, but not so strong it hurt. Yes. This woman would be a friend.
“Thanks for the advice. I’ll keep it in mind for future conflict.”
Venus lifted her chin, a proud smile on her face. She was older than the rest of the women at the table, but wasn’t wearing a property vest. She acted like a proud mother gathering her children around the table. Which was not something I was going to point out. To anyone. I got the feeling it would be the height of bad form and that, while everyone else might get a kick out of the other woman being labeled a mother figure, Venus likely wouldn’t appreciate it.
“Come sit.” Olivia, Bear’s woman, held out her hand to me. There was a spot between her and Evelyn they’d saved for me. “We’ve got stuff to plan and world domination to contemplate.”
Cecilia brought a girl of about eight or so to the table with her. With the girl’s dark locks and pale skin, she could be the woman’s daughter, but she wasn’t. She stayed with either Lemon and Rocket, or Gina. Gina was shy, but Lemon and the other women were helping her. I also thought Falcon might have a thing for her. He hovered over the woman. Constantly. Even if he was in the background like he was now. Gina gave me a shy smile, lowering her gaze like she thought I’d reject her.
“It’s good to see you again, Gina.” I always made a point to speak to her. Though she constantly had one of the women with her -- likely watching out for her -- she seemed so beat down and scared all the time. At first it concerned me. If she didn’t feel safe, was I? But I’d soon learned it was because she’d had an uncertain and rough start when she first came here. I didn’t know the full story but all the men in the club were unfailingly polite and gentle with her. Over the week I’d been here, I’d witnessed how careful everyone was with her. It was just one more thing that made me realize what a good choice I’d made in following my mother’s instructions and coming here the first opportunity I got.