Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” I say.
“The pleasure is ours, Mrs. Knight.”
The blond stands and hands over a black case. He has a stern look about him. The other guy stands as well and hands over an envelope.
“This is your permit. Don’t worry about the training and hours. Mr. Blake took care of it all, everything is legit. He and Anthony want to make sure you’re safe.”
I look at them both in confusion. Ven laughs and comes over to wrap an arm around my waist as she leans into me. I look at her and lift a brow.
“It’s a gun permit and that’s a Desert Eagle.”
“A polished chrome .44. She’s a beaut,” John-John says.
“Uncle Blake gifted me one too, after my place was shot up,” Ven adds.
“Oh,” I say, feeling like a jerk.
“We’ll go to the range for you to brush up, but I told him you already know how to use it.”
It’s been a while since my aunt taught us all how to shoot. I was about sixteen, but I don’t think I’ve forgotten too much. However, a trip to the range wouldn’t be a bad idea.
“Sounds good, we can go for some target practice. I’ll see what day Ant can watch AJ for me.”
“Ha. You don’t know your husband. We already have a group date. That man is not playing when it comes to you.”
“I see.”
“Thanks, guys, we’ll be fine from here. Do your thing,” Ven says to the two before they make themselves disappear.
We take our seats at the table again and she pushes the leather folder in front of me. I look at it then at her. She gives me this huge smile.
“I think we should make it official. It’s not music or music related, but you love bikes. I think the two of us can do something great together.”
I gasp as I open the folder and start to read the paperwork. “Ven, you want me to be your partner in your shop? You built that place on your own.”
“You listened to me whine about getting it done and gave input the entire time.”
“I wish I was there in person. You sounded so happy throughout the process, but Ven—”
“Don’t but Ven me. We’ll make a killing. Pit has been asking me when I’m going to make this a reality. It never felt right without you. Now… well, now you’re coming home, and I want to do this with you.”
“It’s your business. I don’t want to mess that up. I haven’t touched a bike in years. Besides, I haven’t made any decisions on what I plan to do yet. Can I think about it?”
“Yes, you keep that. Read it over and talk about it with Ox. No pressure. Now you know it’s a real option.”
“Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome. I mean, who wouldn’t want to work with me? You will love coming to work and having a blast with your favorite cousin in the world.”
I laugh. “Who lied to you?”
“Don’t make me kick your ass. You know I’m your favorite.”
“Only because you were here longer than Shawn.”
“Whatever.”
“Hello,” is called shyly through the house.
I smile and call back. “We’re in the kitchen, Shawn.”
My other cousin pops into the kitchen with a smile on her face. I may not be back in Vander, but I feel at home with these two here. We grew up with very different lives, but we have always been there for each other when needed.
My heart sinks. At least it was that way before I left. Shawna went through some real shit and I wasn’t there to protect her. That’s been eating away at me since Ven told me what really happened.
“Hey, I didn’t know you were coming.”
“I called Ven when she was on the way. I hope you don’t mind that I decided to join you guys.”
“Not at all. I’m happy to see you.”
“And I want to know what’s going on with you and Josh,” Ven sings.
Shawna frowns. “Nothing.”
“What do you mean, nothing? I thought you two hooked up during Pit’s birthday weekend.”
“Um,” Shawna blushes. “Maybe, but I haven’t spoken to him since. It was all… I don’t know. Don’t get me wrong. It was the best sex I’ve ever had, but he kept the lights off and he was gone when I woke in the morning. I felt… I kind of felt… I don’t know.”
“Shawnie, you have to remember his burns. I don’t think the lights were about you. And there has to be a reason why he left,” Ven says.
“Yeah, I don’t think he would bail on you after sex to be an asshole,” I add.
“He better not have. I’ll cut his shit off,” Ven says. “But honestly, there’s always a reason with Josh.”
Shawna shrugs. “Whatever, I’m not chasing after him to find out.”
“Good for you,” I say.
“Besides, I sort of like being single.”