Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 138287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
The first thing out of her mouth was, “Say a single word and die.”
I put my hands up in surrender. “I didn’t.”
“You were gonna,” she retorted.
I couldn’t help myself. “You look pretty.”
Her lip curled as if the thought disgusted her and she continued down the hall. “I know.”
I trailed right behind her and when she made it to the entrance of the back door, a rounding appreciative cheer as well as a rather loud wolf whistle sounded through the air. Cherry stilled before spinning on me, looking like I’d betrayed her. She whisper-hissed, “I thought it was just going to be Connor.”
My face apologetic, I explained, “It was going to be but the guys cancelled their plans.” Looking around her, I spotted Hell making a full inventory of Cherry’s cute little butt.
Cherry’s eyes closed and she sighed.
“He’s seen you now. Besides,” I shrugged lightly, “he definitely likes what he sees.”
Cherry sneered, “As if I care.”
But the light flush on the apples of her cheeks told me she did care. She cared a lot.
In full metal Vixen, Cherry straightened her shoulders, turned and walked outside, flipping Ettie the bird and saying a bored sounding, “What? Sundresses can’t be metal?”
“Fuck no,” Pearl hooted with laughter.
Her smirk purely Cherry, she popped the top on a beer, took a long pull then responded a menacing, “I’ll tell you what’s metal, okay?” I was surprised when she took the seat next to Helmer. “I make the fucking rules.” My surprise rose four whole levels when she tipped her beer in Hell’s direction and he clicked his own beer against hers.
Beth squeezed Cherry’s shoulder as she walked past to join Lee and Noah by the grill. “Well, I think you look great.”
Cherry bowed in a regal nod. “Thank you, Bethany.”
Hell looked at Cherry. I mean, he really looked at her before turning his gaze to the tabletop. “You do.”
“What?” asked Cherry, brows pinching together.
Hell averted his eyes as he spoke but he leant into her. “You look beautiful.”
Luckily, Hell hadn’t made eye contact because he would have seen the expression of a woman who was suddenly unsure of herself and I don’t think that was what he was going for when he issued his compliment.
Cherry’s response took a while to come but when it did, it was soft. “Thanks.” I think she might’ve realized how out of sorts her reply was when Hell’s eyes met hers. She quickly corrected that, shrugging and uttering an uninterested, “Whatever. My mom bought it for me.”
Hell’s smile was tiny but it was there and I had a feeling that no matter how unaffected Cherry appeared, he was onto her.
Day turned to night and we were still outside on the deck when Lee, who was sitting suspiciously close to Beth, spoke out of nowhere. “The Vixens on tour.” He smiled and there was a hint of pride to it. “How does it feel?”
Ettie responded first, softly. “Unbelievable.”
Pearl agreed. “It’s a dream I’m afraid to wake up from. I keep thinking they might’ve made a mistake.”
The mood was solemn when Beth revealed, “I wanted it so bad but I never thought we’d get there.”
“That’s bullshit,” Lee blinked down at Beth. His brow creased as he said with conviction, “I knew you would.” Another second passed before he emphasized his statement. “I knew it.”
Beth looked like she might cry then but she didn’t. Instead, she rested her head on Lee’s shoulder and with that single movement, I was reminded that the two had a closeness about them that surpassed growing up together. Lee’s arm went around Beth and her small smile was one of pure love. I wondered how long it would take Lee to realize what he had in Beth. Something told me he would remain oblivious for a while. I just hoped his obliviousness wouldn’t cost him a woman who would quite literally do anything for him.
Hell’s words were for one person in particular. “Same here. It was always gonna happen.”
Cherry’s bullshit meter hit the roof and she scoffed, “Oh yeah?” Taking a pull of her beer, she all but dared him to go on. “Really?”
But Hell didn’t bite at her dangling carrot of aggression. He simply said, “I’ve got all your records. I think Hell on Heels was good but Ultraviolent is by far your best album. I’m waiting to see what you come up with for your third. You never go in the direction I expect you to.”
Cherry’s bravado slipped, fell, and shattered on the floor in a crash. It took her a while but she looked mildly curious as she asked a gentle, “You listen to our songs?”
“Of course,” Noah added to the mix. “You guys rock hard.”
I peered at Connor and nudged him. He narrowed his eyes on me and I just knew he wasn’t going to say a damn thing. So, I spoke for him. The words came out fast, like a bullet being shot out of a gun. “Connor listens to you in the shower.” His mouth dropped open as though I’d betrayed him. And when I added, “He sings too,” he gasped as if I’d revealed his most hidden secret.