Total pages in book: 50
Estimated words: 46461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 232(@200wpm)___ 186(@250wpm)___ 155(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 232(@200wpm)___ 186(@250wpm)___ 155(@300wpm)
“I got in trouble because I went off with a man I didn’t know.” She shrugged me off, pacing away from me. “I took off with a guy for a weekend getaway, who talked me into staying after we found out my dad had gotten killed. He kept putting off going back to Florida, telling me he was taking care of things back home. He said he’d been in touch with Mr. Goldstein and that everything was being taken care of. He said I just needed to rest and grieve in private, and that he was there for me.”
“Turn around and look at me, Emmanuell.” She hesitated but did as I told her. “You got knocked down. Your trust betrayed. But you fought your way back up and kept going. I know what it takes to do that, because I had to do the same. Thankfully, I had my team and my club to help me. You had no one.”
She frowned. “I don’t understand.”
I raised my pant leg, showing her the titanium stick that served as my leg below the knee. “Took a hit in Afghanistan when I was on active duty.” I held out my arms for her to see as well. “It’s where I got the scars. Combination of burns and shrapnel. So I know what it’s like to fight back. To pick yourself up and keep on with life. But I had help. You went it alone. And all you demanded when you reached your destination was for Beaner to give you your ID, your bank card, and your clothes. You didn’t demand an explanation, and you didn’t demand he take responsibility for you and the baby.”
“As if I’d want him to have anything to do with this child,” she muttered. “But I hardly think my trials are in the same league as yours. You lost a limb, for crying out loud!”
“Different set of circumstances, but great hardships nonetheless. You’re brave and strong, Emmanuell. That means you belong with us. With me.”
“I can’t stay here, Gideon.” I liked it that she used my real name. No one else in my life ever did, and I wanted it that way. I wanted this girl to be different, though. She was mine, and I wanted her to accept me as hers.
“Why not?”
“I can’t be here with Devan. I’ve been pretty civil so far, but the more I think about what he did, the more I realize how much I want to hurt him.”
“Oh, don’t worry about Beaner.”
“Right. ’Cause his name’s not Devan. It’s Evan. Because I was stupid and didn’t even know his name.”
“You can’t do an extensive background check on everyone you meet, girl. All you can know is what they tell you.” I shrugged. “He lied. That’s on him. Don’t worry about him. You never have to see him again. He’s club business now. Salvation’s Bane takes care of their own messes.” When she opened her mouth, probably to argue, I raised a hand and shook my head. “Drop it for now. Come with me back to my room while I shower, then I’ll take you to Doc’s.”
I held out my hand to her and she took it. “Fine. But don’t think you’ll always get to boss me around.”
“Keep tellin’ yourself that, honey. All the guys around here are bossy. Comes with the job description.” That got her to grin.
I led her through the clubhouse to my room, her hand firmly in mine. It got us a few looks from club girls, but if Emmanuell noticed, she didn’t say anything. I left her in my room with strict instructions not to leave while I showered.
“Take a look around if you want. You need to get to know me fast, and snoopin’ around is the best way.”
“Didn’t expect that,” she said, shaking her head even as she looked around like she was just deciding where she wanted to start.
I chuckled. “Knock yourself out. Give me ten minutes.” I snagged clean clothes and headed to the bathroom. The thought of Emmanuell making herself at home in my space gave me the hard-on from hell. Definitely going to have to take care of that, though I had a feeling my dick wasn’t going to behave no matter what I did.
I took my time, more for her to pilfer all she wanted without me being right on top of her. I wanted her comfortable and to feel like she could come to me with questions. The best way I could do that was to urge her to get to know me.
Showering with a prosthetic leg wasn’t easy. At least, it had taken me time to get used to it. I had a bench in the shower to sit, but mostly I stood. There were also bars so I could steady myself when I moved or take my weight if I slipped or needed to turn around. Not for the first time, I wondered what a woman thought of me only having one leg.