Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
The look on Dani’s face said she didn’t like it, but thought it was the best option. I didn’t think it had anything to do with Lemon being hurt. It was Apple. “That might be the best idea. Besides, they’ve never been apart this long. I’m sure they could use some sister time together.”
“Me and Lemon will come get her, if that’s OK.”
Wylde shrugged. “She wants to go. However is easiest for you.”
“Pack a bag, Apple.” Lemon grinned at her sister. “We’ll be there tomorrow night.”
“I’ll be ready.” Apple smiled, but it didn’t seem to reach her eyes.
When we hung up, Lemon hopped off my lap and went to the fridge. She snagged a soda before popping the top. “I have the feeling I’m gonna have to cut out someone’s balls.”
“You got any idea who’s?”
“Yep. His name’s Deacon. And I will find out what the fuck is goin’ on.”
And just like that, my little sourpuss turned back into the vice president of Grim Road.
“God, I love you, Lemon.”
She turned, a startled expression on her face before her face softened. “I love you too, Rocket.”
“I’m not sure I can make you my wife legally, honey. But not because I don’t want to. There’s still a lot you don’t know about me. Things I can’t talk about because it’s classified and, no matter how much I love you, classified is still classified. I can’t tell you.”
She shrugged. “I get it. And I don’t blame you. Being with you is enough for me.”
“Any children we have will have to stay hidden.”
“Still not a problem.”
“I expected you to at least ask why.” I couldn’t hide my amusement.
“If you want to tell me -- if you can tell me -- you will.”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “You continually surprise me, Lemon. I hope you always do. The reason I can’t marry you is because the government thinks I’m dead. Hell, they think most of us here are dead. We can’t file any paperwork giving that away, and none of us will risk even a false name going on record. All it takes is something to connect a face or a fingerprint to anything, and we’re no longer off the radar.”
“I’m surprised you feel safe going out anywhere with the city camera system.” She took a step toward me. “You know, we don’t have to go anywhere. I’m perfectly happy staying here. I mean, after we bring Apple here.”
“We’re careful and don’t go out often. When we do, we tend to avoid interstates or anywhere there is camera surveillance. Obviously we can’t avoid everything and the licensing of our bikes has to be done very carefully, but Crush and Byte have some help from a tech company who are pretty savvy about shit like this. I don’t understand it and don’t really care. As long as it works.”
“Come here.” Lemon closed the scant distance separating us, moving into my arms. She sighed happily. I felt the same way. “I meant it, baby. I love you. With all my heart.”
“I love you too, Rocket. I have one question.”
“Yeah? What’s that, baby?”
“I get why we can’t get married legally, but I’d really like to know your name. What’s your real name?”
“Duane.” It had been a very long time since I’d uttered that name. “Duane Lexington. Besides Crush, you’re the only person in the compound who knows that.”
She pulled back slightly and grinned up at me. “I’m glad. Now I’ve got something none of those fuckin’ club whores will never have.”
“They sure won’t, baby. That’s all yours.”
“Good. Now. I need more fruit punch, so we can get freaky.”
Who was I to argue?