Total pages in book: 50
Estimated words: 46461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 232(@200wpm)___ 186(@250wpm)___ 155(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 232(@200wpm)___ 186(@250wpm)___ 155(@300wpm)
Ripper threw her a cocky grin. “I’m at your service.”
“Yeah? I’ll make sure the others know. I’m sure they can compile a list of shit for you to do.”
He chuckled. “You know I’m always available to help out. Even if it involves heavy lifting.”
“Is there anything else I can do in the meantime?” None of the offers Lucy made seemed disingenuous. In fact, she seemed like a super nice person. Her smile alone seemed to settle me down.
“Could you tell Doc she needs to see him? Tell him tomorrow’s fine. I’d like to get her to rest if she will.”
Lucy narrowed her gaze on me. “Yes. She looks pale. Honey, do you want me to have him come up here to see you? I could come with him if you like. That way maybe you won’t feel so much like you were surrounded by strange men ganging up on you.” She glanced up at Ripper, a clear reprimand. Likely for trying to take over my life.
“I don’t think it’s necessary,” I said. “I’d just appreciate the food and a place to clean up. The clothing will be welcomed, too. But I probably should leave first thing in the morning. I’ll clean up after myself, of course.”
The other woman looked startled but nodded her head slowly. “If that’s what you want. But, honey, do you have a place to go? I mean, I was under the impression when Dazz texted that you were kind of on your own.”
“Well, yes,” I admitted. “I am. But I’ve been on my own for several months now. While it’s not the ideal situation, I’ll be fine.”
“Fine and safe and comfortable aren’t the same thing, honey.” She pursed her lips. “What’s your name?”
“Emmanuell.”
If Lucy recognized my first name, she didn’t give it away in her expression. She just gave me another warm smile and took my hand in both of hers. “Well, Emmanuell, I know this place can seem a bit intimidating, but it’s really not. The club girls can get rambunctious, but are basically harmless. And the guys will protect you while you’re here. We’re one big family. A little unconventional, but we protect our own.”
She had me right up until that last phrase. “I’m not one of you,” I said softly. “I don’t belong anywhere. Not anymore.” I was pretty sure everything that had happened in the last six months was finally starting to hit me. I hadn’t let myself think about being homeless or car-less or friendless. Or that I was pregnant. Now? I was in a safe place, or at least I thought I was, with the possibility of a real shower and a real meal. Not to mention a real bed to sleep in for the night.
“I’ll come get her food in a bit, Lucy,” Ripper said. “Bring her stuff to me, and I’ll take care of it.”
Lucy raised an eyebrow. “Anything I should pass on to Vicious?”
“Yeah. Need a meet with him and Thorn. But not until I get Emmanuell settled and fed.”
“I see.” She nodded. “I’ll take care of everything downstairs, including letting Vicious know you need him. He can tell Thorn. I’d say to text them, but with the party going on I doubt they’d hear you.”
“Thanks, Lucy. I owe you one,” Ripper said. Lucy held out a key for him.
“I put her on the top floor across from me and Vicious. Figured it would be good if she were close to me. Since most of the other ol’ ladies moved out with their men, it’s usually just me and Mariana up there. Plenty of rooms available away from the club girls and unattached bikers.”
“Good. I’ll be back down in a few minutes.”
Ripper led me up the stairs to the third floor, then down the hall. He unlocked a door and led me inside. As apartments went, I thought this one was nice. Spacious with a bathroom and separate bedroom, and a combined kitchen and living area made me feel like I was in someone’s home for the first time in more than six months.
“This is wonderful,” I said, walking around the place. “Are you sure it’s OK that I’m here? I mean, I don’t want to be in the way or anything.”
“You’re not,” Ripper said. I could hear a note of disapproval. When I looked over at him, it was stamped all over his face. “Get comfortable. I’ll be back in twenty minutes with food. I’ll set some clothing just outside the bathroom door. Take your time. There’s no rush.”
“Thank you, Ripper. Please tell everyone taking time out to help me that I appreciate it.”
He nodded once, then left, shutting the door behind him.
Chapter Two
Ripper
The second I left Emmanuell’s room I was on the phone to Thorn.
“You hear about the problem?”
“Yeah.” I could hear the tightness in Thorn’s voice. If that was any indication, the man was furious. “Havoc and Beast got Beaner in the interrogation room. They’re waiting for me to give the word to clear out the party, so we can get to work.”