Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 74575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 373(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 249(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 373(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 249(@300wpm)
There was a brief pause, and then he replied, “Yeah, we’re headed back now.”
He hung up the phone and shoved his phone in his back pocket. When we got out to his truck, he opened the door and waited as I got inside. Before he closed the door, I asked, “What about my car?”
“Alto will drive it back for you.” He held out his hand as he said, “Give me the keys.”
Again, I didn’t argue.
I gave him the keys, and he tossed them over to Alto. Minutes later, we were all on the road headed back to the clubhouse, and for the first time, I had a second to think about what had just transpired. I’d been so wrong about everything. I’d thought Ben was just a regular guy, but today proved that wasn’t the case.
I had no idea what was going on between him and the brothers, but there was no doubt that he was in trouble. He’d come to kidnap me, and he would’ve succeeded if Stitch hadn’t shown up. And while I was relieved he came when he did, I couldn’t figure out how he knew we were in that storage closet. I knew it was doubtful that Torch would give me a clear answer, but I had to ask, “What were Stitch and Wrath doing in the communications building? Were they there for me or for Ben?”
“You know I can’t answer that.” He kept his eyes trained on the road as he added, “Best to forget any of this happened.”
“But it did happen.”
“Elsie.”
“What about Ben? What’s going to happen to him?”
“None of your concern.”
“How can you say that?” I huffed. “I’m the one he had locked up in a storage closet! I’m the one he threatened with a gun!”
“He did what?”
“He had a gun.” My throat tightened as I told him, “He told me he was taking me with him and that I could answer his questions.”
“Answer whose questions?”
“I have no idea.”
The more I thought about my exchange with Ben, the more rattled I became. I’d really messed up. I should’ve listened to Wyatt. I should’ve gone home like he asked me to, but I was too damn worried about a stupid class to listen, and it could’ve cost me. Thankfully, Stitch came before things got out of hand.
I didn’t bother asking Torch any more questions.
There was no point.
He didn’t know any more than I did, and even if he did, he wouldn’t tell me.
When we got back to the clubhouse, Torch led me inside and said, “I’m sure Cotton will want a word with you. Until then, go to your room and stay put.”
I nodded, then did as he’d ordered and went straight to my room. I’d barely closed my door when it flew open, and Wyatt charged inside.
“Are you okay?” He wrapped his arms around me, hugging me tightly as he asked, “Did he hurt you?”
“No, he didn’t hurt me... I’m okay, Wyatt.”
“Are you sure?”
He held my gaze as he brought his hands up to my face and slowly brushed his thumb across my bottom lip. He slowly leaned closer, and warmth rushed over me when I felt a slight tickle from his beard against my jaw. He was so close, just inches away, but he didn’t kiss me. Instead, he hovered over me, lingering above me as he whispered, “I don’t know what I would do if something happened to you.”
Without saying anything more, he lowered his lips to mine in a possessive kiss. His arm slipped around my waist, pulling me over to him as he delved deeper, claiming me with his mouth. I’d never felt anything so intense, so full of emotion, as we clung to each other like we were taking our last breath. I felt safe in his arms, like he would do anything in the world to protect me, and I immediately missed the sensation when he eased back, breaking our embrace.
“Cotton’s gonna want a word with you.”
“Yeah, Torch already told me, but there’s not much to tell.”
“He’ll want to hear it all the same.”
“I figured as much.” I inhaled a deep breath, then asked, “Do you think there’s any way we can just get it over with?”
“Yeah.” He reached down and took my hand in his. “He’s waiting for us in his office.”
“Okay.”
Wyatt led me out of the room, and together, we made our way down the hall to Cotton’s office. When we walked in, he was sitting at his desk talking to Guardrail, and neither of them appeared to be in the best of moods. In fact, they looked fit to be tied. His expression softened, and Cotton sounded sincerely worried as he asked, “You okay?”
“Yes, sir. I’m fine.”
“Good. You had us worried there for a minute.” His eyes narrowed as he asked, “You wanna tell me what happened today?”