Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 40524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
A couple of things registered. First, Rocket didn’t talk down to Lemon, or scoff at her concern. He spoke to her as an equal who had a right to know Claw’s reasoning. Second, Hammer had either fooled the entire club, or he had an ax to grind specifically with Scarlet. Either way, I doubted Grim Road would give us any trouble when we took Hammer apart.
“What’s your real name, girl? I know it ain’t Lemon. Though, I gotta say, it kinda suits you.”
Lemon gave him a disgusted look. “I could give two shits what you think about my name, you bastard. You’re an asshole in the extreme and I hope you rot in hell.”
Rocket made eye contact with Sting. Our president just shrugged. “Gotta have a strong personality to hang with this group. In Lemon’s case, we try to keep up with her.”
That got the first genuine reaction from Rocket since I’d seen him inside our compound. He chuckled, his gaze going back to Lemon. “Yeah. I can see that.”
“How about we go inside the barn and fill you in on what’s been going on since Lemon met Scarlet. Because that’s all we can attest to. Scarlet can tell you the rest.” Sting tilted his head. “I’m assuming you’ll believe your own daughter, Claw?”
“Bastard,” Claw muttered in a painful grimace. “Of course, I’ll believe Scarlet. All she had to do was call if she was in trouble.”
Lemon, who’d been let go because it seemed like she’d calmed down, lunged for Claw again with a battle cry that would do any Viking proud. She kicked him in the face, since he was still on his knees. This time it was Rocket who pulled her off his vice president.
“Girl, you need to learn when you’re outmatched.”
Rocket had circled her with his muscular arms, pinning hers to her body so she was helpless to strike out at him. He lifted her slight frame off the ground which… was his second mistake. His first was underestimating Lemon enough to get that close to her. Instead of kicking and thrashing as Rocket probably expected, Lemon simply snapped her head back and into Rocket’s nose. Blood squirted from both sides of his face and he gave a sharp grunt, but didn’t drop Lemon. So she did it again. Then one more time for good measure.
“Goddamnit, Lemon,” Wylde sounded weary instead of angry, like this was a scene he’d witnessed repeatedly while he had all but given up trying to tame the feral little hellcat. “What have I told you about bashing the badass MC president of another club? Leave him alone. Bad Lemon!”
Claw looked up at his president. “That one’s rabid.” His voice still sounded strained, but he’d finally managed to get to his feet. He was still bent at the waist and still guarding his nuts.
“Bloody hell,” Rocket muttered, spitting blood from his mouth onto the ground. He pulled a rag from his back pocket and scrubbed over his nose to keep the blood from dripping. I think what surprised me the most was how none of Grim Road retaliated. They’d let us pull Lemon off one of their own the first time and left Rocket to his own this time. It was clear they weren’t into hurting women. Especially if they didn’t deserve it. Didn’t absolve them of what had happened to Scarlet. Just meant they might get to live. Well, except for Hammer. His hours were numbered.
Chapter Eleven
Scarlet
The second everyone headed inside the barn, I let go of Mars to make my way to Lemon. I threw my arms around her and hugged her fiercely. “I can’t thank you enough, Lemon.” I was right at her ear. I knew she’d push me away soon, but I had to let her know how deeply grateful I was for her coming to my defense. “You’re the bravest, most vicious person I’ve ever met and I love you so much!”
Lemon grumbled something but didn’t push me away. She even gave me a hug back, if a bit awkwardly.
When we parted she scowled in the direction of the Grim Road men. “You make sure you tell everyone you come across what a badass I am. It’ll save me the trouble of teaching them.”
I grinned. “You got it.”
“Come on. I don’t want to miss a second of the fun.”
“You’ll stay out of the fun,” Wylde admonished, giving Lemon a stern look. “No fun.” Then his lips twitched.
“One would almost think you’re doing it on purpose, Wylde,” Lemon said in a singsong voice. “In fact, I’m pretty sure that was the go ahead to do whatever the fuck I want.”
When Sting gave Wylde a look, the other man just shrugged. “Hey. I never said she could do what she wanted.”
“You didn’t have to. You tell Lemon not to do something, the probability is better than good she’s gonna do it just for spite.”