Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 329(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 329(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
“I figured you named me Wildcat because you had already forgotten my name,” I giggle.
“Nope, it’s Gabby, right?”
“Yeah, but I’d prefer you call me Gabriella. Only people who dislike me lately call me Gabby.”
I don’t tell him that my father has begun calling me Gabby now—along with a few others in my family. Thankfully, my diarrhea of the mouth seems to have stopped. My relief is short-lived, however, with King’s next words.
“Would that include your father?”
I sigh. “Yeah.”
“What makes you think he hates you?”
“I heard him. He told Dragon. He blames me for being in London that day and getting kidnapped. If I hadn’t been kidnapped, then Diego wouldn’t have been in North Carolina to begin with, and he’s right.
“Wildcat. There’s a good chance he would have—”
I stop him by shaking my head. “Please don’t King. I know I’m a loser, but I don’t think I could take it if you pity me, too.”
“I don’t pity you. I understand. There’s a difference. If it makes you feel better, I’m kind of a loser at life, too.”
“Yeah, right. I highly doubt that.”
“I’m serious. Did you know I was married?”
“Shit, you are? I need to get out of here.”
“No, you don’t.”
“I do! I know we’re just friends and it’s nothing like that, but your wife might not understand. I’ve caused enough issues. I’m not about to repeat my mistakes, King.”
“Calm down, Wildcat. I just got my divorce papers before I headed down here. It has to be the quickest divorce on record.”
“What happened?”
“We haven’t been together long, but I thought we were solid. Then, slowly, she began having trouble with me being a member of the club.”
“That’s weird. She had to know you belonged to the club first, right?”
“Yeah, she had a problem with the way I had to deal with a club traitor, and it blossomed from that.”
“Well, there’s only way to deal with a club traitor, King. Everyone knows that.”
“Spoken like a true biker princess,” he laughs. “Would you feel the same if I told you the traitor was a woman?”
“King, women are conniving bitches. Trust me, I used to be one,” I huff, and he laughs. “I like you, Wildcat.”
“I like you, too. At least you treat me as if I’m normal. That means more than I could tell you. Now, about your ex-wife.”
“Yeah. I thought we were working our shit out, but boy, was I wrong. Turns out she was shacking up with a cop and is pregnant.”
“Yikes.”
“You know what hurts more than anything else?”
“What?”
“The fact Shelby didn’t even want to have kids with me.”
“Shit, I’m sorry. I know sorry is a lame response, but there’s not much you can say when life gut punches a friend. Nothing will make it feel better. I can tell you that one day she will regret it, because you’re a wonderful guy and any woman would be happy to have you as her man.”
“Does that include you?” he jokes.
I slap at him playfully. “Get over yourself. You know how hot you are. You don’t need me stroking your ego.”
“Just because someone might look good without clothes doesn’t mean they’re a good person, Wildcat.”
“True enough, but you forget, I know the man who faced death to rescue two women who really meant nothing to him.”
“Gabriella—”
“I know you’re good, inside and out.”
King studies me and then brings his face down, pressing his lips to mine. I gasp in shock and his tongue slides in. I freeze at first, then close my eyes, and give in to the urge to return the kiss. Deep inside, I’m hoping his kiss can stave off the nightmares I have had every night since my rape.
Chapter 33
King
I’m not sure what it is. Maybe it’s because Shelby destroyed something in me by kicking me to the curb for another man, and Gabby’s sweetness is like a balm over that. Hell, it could even be that, in my own way, I’m as broken as she is. Whatever the reason, this one kiss is so good that it takes a forcible effort to pull away from her.
“Gabriella,” I whisper. “You are a surprise.”
She looks up at me, her fingers sliding against her lips. I had thought her eyes were blue or maybe green. To be honest, I didn’t look that closely. Right now, however, they look more hazel. That bluish-green hue is there, but there’s a golden brown surrounding them. They’re beautiful, but the tears shining in their depths nearly do me in. I wasn’t lying when I told her I wished I could bring those sad fucks back—just to kill them again. She deserves retribution.
“Surprise?” she asks, biting down on her lip. Her breathing is erratic. I know she’s enjoyed the kiss. The only problem is, I can also see fear on her face.
“That might be one of the best kisses I’ve had, Wildcat.”