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)
And just like that, it all made sense. I’d spent hours wondering why he’d singled me out, but never once had I imagined that he wanted me to work for him. I glanced over at Cotton, and he looked positively livid as he barked, “No fucking way.”
“I’m not asking for him to leave your club. He will still be at your full disposal. I simply need to know that I can call on him if things don’t go as planned or if I need him to complete a particular job.”
“You can’t think that we would actually go for this. That I would go for this.”
“Money talks, Cotton, and I am offering you and your boys a great deal of it.... Trust me when I say this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Cotton still sounded skeptical when he asked, “And if we take a pass on this opportunity of yours?”
“Then, you take a pass.” Bruton leaned forward, and he actually seemed genuine as he told us, “I’m not going to force you to go into this venture with me. You can leave here today, and we can both continue on with our lives as if this never happened.”
“You really expect me to believe that?”
“Absolutely. I have nothing to gain by going to war with you boys. I simply want to continue building the business, and I know I can do that with you.” The tension in the room started to lift as Bruton said, “And who knows. Maybe one day, the whole thing will be yours. You just have to be willing to take a chance.”
Cotton took a moment to consider everything, then said, “This isn’t a decision I can make here and now. I’ll have to talk it over with the brothers.”
“Of course. That’s completely understandable.”
Cotton stood as he asked, “When do you need an answer?”
“I’ll give you until the end of the month.” Bruton stood and stepped over to Cotton. He extended his hand as he said, “I do hope that you boys will consider my offer.”
“We’ll talk it over.” Cotton shook his hand. “But I make no promises.”
Bruton nodded, then turned his attention to me. “I do hope we get the opportunity to work together. The way your brain works is intriguing. I have no doubt that we could do great things together.”
I didn’t respond.
I simply gave him a quick nod, then followed Cotton out of the house. We went straight to the truck, and Cotton wasted no time starting the engine and getting the hell out of there. Once I was certain we were out of harm’s way, I leaned my head back on the headrest and sighed, “That is not at all how I thought today would go.”
“Not exactly what I expected either.”
“So, are we really gonna consider this?”
“It’s an interesting offer.”
“Yeah, but he firebombed the clubhouse.”
“Yes, he did, but I would’ve done the same to him if he had one of you.”
"I get that.”
But, like I told Bruton, this isn’t just up to me. It will be up to the club to decide what we do, and if we do happen to go through with this thing, it’ll be on our terms. Not Bruton’s.” Knowing I’d be concerned, Cotton was quick to add, “But whatever we do, it will be the best thing for everyone involved, including you.”
“I understand.”
“I hope you do, because that patch on your back means something. You’re part of the Fury family, and no one in this family stands alone.” Cotton looked at me as he said, “We’ll decide together if we’re gonna partner with this guy or go to war with him. Either way, we will stand together.”
I had no idea what the future held for me or for the club, but I found solace in knowing that no matter what lay ahead, I would have my brothers there with me. And with them at my side, I could face anything—including David Bruton.
And babies.
And ponies.
And goats.
And whatever the good Lord threw my way.
Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER
Elsie
“Okay, sweet girl.” I gave Chloe’s car seat a tug, lifting it from the backseat harness. “Let’s go say hi to your grandparents.”
I draped a thin blanket over the car seat, hoping it would protect her from the cool, crisp air. I closed the door and started up the hill. It was a beautiful spring morning. The sun was shining, birds were chirping, and the flowers and trees were blooming. It was the perfect day to visit my parents and brother.
Once I made it up to their gravesite, I threw down a blanket and sat with Chloe at my side. I looked over at their headstones, and guilt washed over me when I saw the dried, dead flowers wilting in the vase. I quickly grabbed the fresh ones I’d brought and replaced them as I said, “Hey, guys. I’m sorry it’s been so long since I stopped by, but as you can see, I’ve been a little busy.”