Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 132332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 662(@200wpm)___ 529(@250wpm)___ 441(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 662(@200wpm)___ 529(@250wpm)___ 441(@300wpm)
“Thanks,” he rasps, patting me on the back with his free hand.
“You coming?” Z calls out.
I slap Rock’s shoulder one more time, then turn and catch up to Z.
“Is Charlotte okay?” Trinity asks. “She seemed quiet at the party.”
“Yeah. Big case she has coming up this week,” I answer quickly. It’s true but not the only thing bothering Charlotte lately.
I wish to hell Charlotte would let me say something to someone. I get why she doesn’t want to tell Hope. And guilt follows me all day, every day, that she’s not comfortable talking to Heidi. She’s gotten close to Trinity, though. And I think Trinity might understand.
But I made a promise to Charlotte and I won’t break it.
The next morning, I head to the hospital. Alone.
Should’ve known Wrath and Trinity would be there first. I roll my eyes at the ridiculous product of patch Wrath and Z had made for Grace.
Rock’s holding Grace close to his chest like she’s the most precious thing he’s ever seen.
After Wrath and Trinity leave, I ask if I can hold Grace, looking to Hope, then Rock for permission.
My new little sister screams and punches her fists in the air.
“Do you want to say hello to your big brother?” Hope tickles her daughter’s cheek.
My breath catches and I stare at Hope for a second. She hasn’t once tried to make me feel like shit or even hinted that she hates this new role I have in Rock’s life. She seems to have accepted it easier than Rock and I have.
Rock stands slowly, cradling Grace in his arms. He slides next to me and carefully passes the tiny little bundle into my arms.
She’s light and so perfect.
“Hi, baby Grace,” I whisper, staring at her sweet little face. She blinks up at me. “I’ve already been through this before. So I know all the little sister tricks.”
She coos and gurgles.
Hell help us all. I’ll do anything to keep her safe.
“She’s really beautiful, Hope.”
“Thank you.”
I pass her back to Rock. What do I even say? Emotion swells in my chest. I want all good things for Grace. I already know she has two parents who will love and protect her. But I’ll also always be here to protect her. Do better for her than I did for Heidi.
I’m happy for my president…my MC brother…my father. “Congratulations…Rock.” I can’t call him Dad. It would ruin this moment for him.
The hospital door pushes open and Heidi appears.
Guilt threatens to drown me. Like I’ve betrayed her by having all this love for another sister.
Murphy follows her inside, carrying Alexa.
I glance at Hope, and she nods at me.
As Murphy introduces Alexa to Grace, I nudge Heidi with my elbow. “I’m going.”
“Now?” She stares at me. “We just got here.”
More guilt rains over me. But I give her a casual shrug in return.
I need to leave. Now.
Heidi opens her mouth as if she’s about to protest again, but Alexa shouts, “Mine!”
Heidi’s attention is drawn to her daughter, giving me the chance to escape.
In the hallway, I close my eyes for a second.
The hospital scent fills my nose and propels me toward the exit.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Teller
Murphy: You won’t believe who’s back.
Back where?
I haven’t even finished typing out a response when the loud buzz of Murphy’s bike echoes down my driveway.
“The fuck?” I grumble, tossing off the covers and sliding to the edge of the bed.
Behind me, Charlotte groans and burrows under her pillow. I glance at the clock on my nightstand, then reach over and nudge her leg. “It’s almost noon, Sunshine.”
She answers by yanking the covers up higher. It’s been almost three months and she still seems to be in a funk I can’t shake her from.
“I’m going to see what Murphy wants and start breakfast.”
“Okay,” she murmurs from somewhere underneath the comforter.
I hurry to jump into a pair of jeans and snag a T-shirt, throwing it over my shoulder on my way downstairs. Murphy’s heavy footsteps thump over the porch outside. I twist the deadbolt and open the front door before he has a chance to knock.
“What’s up?” I ask, stepping aside to allow him in while yanking the T-shirt over my head.
“Christ, I would’ve waited five seconds for you to cover yourself.” He shields his eyes with his hand. “No one needs to see that mess this early in the afternoon.”
I’m not in the mood to be baited. “You’re free to leave.” I turn and head toward the kitchen, confident he’ll follow.
The door clicks closed and he’s quiet for a few seconds while he stops to leave his boots by the door. Out of respect for Charlotte, not me.
Even though my back is facing the entrance while I start the coffee, I sense his energy behind me. Eager. Brimming with excitement to be the first one to share some news.
Not wanting to give him the satisfaction of my interest—yet—I don’t say anything while I add water to the coffee maker.