Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 40446 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 202(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40446 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 202(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
“Times of trouble.” Thorn chuckled. “You sound like you have a giant stick up your ass, El Diablo.”
That got laughs from everyone. Dawn had her hand over her mouth as she turned her face against Ice’s shoulder, her own shoulders shaking as she tried not to laugh. Even Jezebel barked out a laugh before she clapped a hand over her mouth.
“Not cool, Thorn.” El Diablo pointed at the screen, like he was going to poke Thorn in the chest.
“As such,” Sting said, picked up the narrative. Probably because it had gone way the fuck off course. “We’ve made you both vests to reflect all our clubs. Even the Shadow Demons, though, I want to point out they aren’t technically MC.”
“Are too,” Giovanni muttered.
“Riding a ninety-two-thousand-dollar Indian Challenger doesn’t mean you’re an MC, Gio,” Thorn said, helpfully. Judging from the look on Giovanni’s face, he didn’t appreciate it.
“Anyway.” Sting chuckled, obviously enjoying the bickering. “Here.” He handed us both vests. Mine was the usual black. On the back all six clubs had their patch. The rocker above said, Southeastern MC Alliance while the bottom simply said United States of America. The front had our usual name designation on one side. The other patch said Ambassador.
Venus blinked rapidly as she studied the vest, her lips parted in surprise. She looked up at me helplessly, her eyes glistening with tears I knew she didn’t want to shed. Time for me to take over.
“I think I can speak for both of us when I say it will be an honor to serve in this capacity. Thank you.”
There was a collective cheer from the speakers. Apparently, each club had assembled everyone for the big announcement. I saw Mama and Pops. Mama looked so proud I thought she might burst. When Venus met her gaze through the monitor, the older woman blew her a kiss. Pops simply smiled and gave Venus a respectful nod.
“Sorry to ruin the party, but I need a shower and some rest. I’m too old for torture and mayhem on little to no sleep.” I wanted to get Venus out and in private. Not only would she not appreciate it if she cried in front of everyone, but I wanted some quiet time with my woman.
We said our goodbyes, shook Sting’s hand, then accepted keys to a little house the club had designated as ours. It was partially furnished, which was easily remedied. Most importantly, it had a bed someone had already made up with clean sheets. I was only partially exaggerating about being tired.
The second the door to the house was shut and locked, Venus jumped into my arms, kissing me like she meant to devour me. I chuckled and followed her lead. Until I decided I wanted to lead.
As always, the sex was explosive. How the fuck I’d lived my entire adult life and not experienced sex even close to this intense I had no idea. But I knew in my heart it was all Venus, the strong, fierce woman with a vulnerable streak she hid well from everyone but me.
“I know I haven’t said it yet. But I want you to know how much I love you, Piston.” Her voice was soft in the quiet of our bedroom.
I had to grin. She was such a treasure. “Figured.”
She snorted. “Think you are that irresistible, do you?”
“Not at all.” I did chuckle then. “You haven’t killed me in my sleep yet, so I figured it had to be love.”
That got what sounded suspiciously like a giggle from my warrior woman. Not that I’d point it out. I wasn’t stupid. “You’re not wrong.” She shifted so she lifted herself up to look down at me, bracing her arms on my chest. “I do love you, Piston. With all my heart. You’ve helped me see I have family all around me. With you in the center of my world.”
“I love you too, honey. Have for a long fuckin’ time. I’ll always have your back. No matter what.”
“I’ll have your back too. Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For giving me back my life. I never knew how much I tried to keep myself apart from everyone until you made me see you for what you are. And that’s man I always want in my life. That means I risk my heart, I risk it. You’re worth the risk.”
“It’s not a risk, Venus. Because I’ll never betray you. I’ll never hurt you. If anyone else does, all you have to do is tell me who and they’re dead. No questions asked.”