Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 72756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 291(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 291(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Against my better judgment, I pull on some clothes, take my phone and slip out of the room so I don't disturb the guys.
Nine thirty the day after a party, no one in the Screaming Eagles is up. I have the whole common room to myself. I nibble the corner of my nail. The guys won't like me communicating with someone back home without letting them know, but if Dad's actually sick?
I slip outside into the courtyard and plop myself down on the stairs. Only a couple of weeks ago, being in a compound like this would scare the heck out of me, but now it fills me with a sort of security instead. If there's anything I've learned about bikers—at least these bikers—is that they're crude and impulsive and dangerous when it suits them, but they’re also fiercely loyal and have their own highly strict principles. There's something comforting about that. It's crazy how perspective can change so quickly.
I'm okay. Safe. Are you sure about Dad? He's really ill?
It takes a few minutes, but then the three dots that show she's typing pop up.
Summer! I'm so glad you're alright. A few days ago, your father got nauseous and unsteady at dinner. Grayson had to help him to his room. They kicked me out of the house and I haven’t seen any sign of a doctor, but they don’t tell me anything. We haven't seen him since then and I'm getting worried. Please come home if you can. They might talk to you.
Home.
What is home?
Because right now, I’m at home here. A bit sore, maybe, but only in a good way. The estate that I lived my whole life in? It's more like a bad memory already. I never knew how trapped I truly was, or how free the guys would make me.
I don't know. They locked me up last time, remember? I tap send while wincing at the memory.
He's seriously ill, Summer, I'm sure of it.
Maybe if I hadn’t just watched Vivian waste away it would be easier to resist, but what if this is my only chance at closure?
“Something up?”
I nearly jump out of my skin as Preacher puts his arm around me from behind. “I—no—I mean…”
He reads my phone over my shoulder. “Do you trust her?”
“Maybe? I don't know. I don’t think she’d try to hurt me, but she works for Dad.” I shrug, but I can't take my eyes off the screen.
“If this is something you need to do, we’ll make it happen.” It's a statement, and I know how much it could cost him to make it. They nearly got shot and arrested last time.
I finally tear my eyes away from the phone to look up at his dark eyes like I can find the answer there. “I don’t know.”
“I'll get the guys. Let’s go and check it out. We’ll know more when we’re there.”
“What?”
“You’re ours, and that doesn’t just mean for fucking, baby. If you're in trouble, then we stand by you. Sit tight.” He kisses the top of my head, then heads back inside, presumably to drag Crash and Devil out of bed.
As soon as he’s gone, Faith—this time without her little girl—comes around the corner together with a beautiful dark-haired woman who looks ready to burst from her pregnancy. Is that Nat?
Faith frowns when she sees me. “You okay?”
“Thanks, I will be.” I put on a smile.
Does everyone in this compound worry about me? It's such a strange transition from what I grew up with. Instead of being told to go be emotional in my room. It feels strange, but good.
“I'm Natalie.” The brown-haired woman holds out her hand, confirming my guess, while her other rests on her massive baby bump.
“Summer.” I take her hand and she grins. “You're looking close.”
She chuckles. “I can't wait for this thing to be out of me. I'm going to love it silly, but I have to admit I feel like a turtle struggling to keep off my back.” She rubs her belly and looks really happy, though.
“Can I ask you guys something?” It blurts out of me. “If it’s rude, just tell me to go kick sand.”
Faith grins. “Sure.”
“Is everyone here except Jewel with three guys?”
Natalie bursts out laughing then gets a funny look on her face. “You made me pee myself! But no, not everyone.”
“Yeah, Alessa has four,” Faith shoots in.
“Four!?” I squeak.
“She’s an overachiever,” declares Natalie. “Anyway, not everyone does, no, but when the VP and some of the officers took Emily as their old lady together, I think it got a lot of the guys thinking.”
“I'm warning you now,” says Faith, putting a hand on my shoulder. “The Fallen Angels are great guys, but if the other groups here are any indication, they'll have you knocked up in no time if you let them.” She nods her head towards Natalie and grins.