Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 67795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Club business. My shoulders relax at those two words, and I nod in acknowledgment.
“How did I get here? The last thing I remember is Shades carrying me from the church.”
Like a real-life knight in shining armor, or should I say in worn leather?
“He got you out, but between the trauma of the evening and smoke inhalation, you were out cold.”
Nova smiles again and points to my arms and legs, and when I see for myself the damage the Kings did to me, my heart sinks.
“The rope burn will take some time to heal, but I’ve put this ointment on to prevent infection.”
He sets a tube on the table next to the bed. “The bruises will heal in their own time, and the smoke inhalation will cause your throat to hurt for the next few days. You might also experience shortness of breath, a wicked cough, and headaches until it goes away.”
Even though his list is extensive, I feel nothing but relief that my injuries aren’t more severe. “Thank you, Nova.”
“Of course.” He turns away and busies himself with cleaning up the chrome tray to his left.
“Why aren’t you taking care of business with them? You’re part of the club, aren’t you?”
“I am,” he confirms with a smile. “And I am taking care of business, you. You’re Shades’ girl, and you need help, which I gave you because I’m a doctor, and this is how I take care of club business.”
“You’re a club doctor?” I shake my head. “I didn’t even know that was a thing until recently.” I recall my shock when Shades told me they had their own medical team the first time I saw him hurt.
“Then again, I’ve had to learn the ins and outs of a motorcycle club rather quickly.” I laugh, and it turns into a painful cough.
“I’m a club doctor because I’m a doctor and a member of the Reckless Souls. Army trained with a license to practice medicine in the state of California. And Nevada.”
I shake my head at all the information. “You boys sure do like things complicated.” I reach for the bottle of water that’s just out of reach, and Nova hands it to me.
“Thanks,” I tell him and take a long sip of the cold water ignoring the questions running through my mind until they refuse to be ignored.
“What happened to Braden?”
Nova shrugs. “I don’t know. The guys haven’t come back, but nothing good, I imagine.”
“I thought he was a true man of God. Guess not,” I answer quickly, and instantly I feel bad. Whatever sins Pastor Braden has committed are between him and God. It’s not for me to judge him, but I can still be angry at his betrayal.
“Thank you, Nova, for taking care of me.”
“Not a problem,” he says easily. “You’ll have to take it easy for a few days. Monitor the soreness in your throat and the headaches. If you feel disoriented, get yourself to the ER right away.”
I nod at his recommendation, but my mind wanders off to the upheaval in my life at the moment.
“I have all the days in the world to take it easy since I no longer have a job.”
Is the church even still standing? I have no clue, and I’m not even sure I care.
The door smacks open, and I let out a loud scream and cough immediately after with a wince. The big figure stalks toward me, and I pause and then smile at the man coming my way.
“Shades,” I whisper, sighing in relief.
“Letty,” he says and drops down on the bed before gathering me in his arms. “Fuck, you’re all right. You’re all right.” He says the words over and over, more to himself than to me, as his hands roam over my head, my jaws, and then shoulders as if he needs to see for himself that I’m okay.
“I’m happy as hell to see those pretty blue eyes of yours.”
I lean into his chest, bury my face in the scent of him, and it’s a heady mixture of smoke, gunpowder, and man. My body sinks against his as relief swarms me, and I hold him tighter.
“I’m happy to see you’re alive and well. Thank you for rescuing me from those evil men.”
He laughs, and the sound reverberates through my chest and down my arms. “Always, Church Girl. Fucking always.”
“I’m not sure I want to be a church girl anymore. This has all been too much.” I sigh. “God, why did this happen to me?”
He pulls back and cups my face in his big hands, a look of love and affection all over his face. “You’re safe now, Letty. And whatever you think of the church or Braden and what you’ve been through, I’ll be here for you.”
“You will?”
“Yes. You’re my woman now, and there’s no place I’d rather be than here with you in my arms.”