Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
“That an order?” I put my chin up. It was the last thing I wanted, but I didn’t really expect anything else. I took several deep breaths, trying to calm my roiling stomach.
Roman rolled his eyes before taking my hand. “Yeah. It’s a fuckin’ order. Come on.”
He led me to the table where Iris and Sting sat. Iris got to her feet with a huge smile on her face. Surprisingly, seeing the other woman helped me center myself.
Breathe in slowly. Out slowly. In. Out.
“I’m so glad you came down to join us!” She hugged me tightly before letting go. Iris was a stunning beauty. I hadn’t seen her smile often while Black Reign searched for her sister, but now she was positively beaming. “Are you settling in?”
I blinked. “Is that it?”
“What?”
“You’re not going to address the pink elephant in the room? I just stabbed someone!”
Iris shrugged. “Yeah. You did. If the guys ain’t worried about it, I’m not. From the look of things, she had it coming.”
“Well, when you put it like that.” I knew then I was going to like Iris. The younger woman reminded me a lot of Jezebel, El Diablo’s wife.
“I’m glad you’re here, Winter. I hope Serelda feels comfortable enough to join us soon. We’re all going to be great friends.” Iris reached over and gripped my hand with a bright smile.
I had no doubt she was right. We’d be fast friends.
Chapter Three
Roman
If I lived to be a hundred, I’d never forget the sight of Winter as she took care of business with the club girls. The look on her face was fierce and determined. And the viciousness with which she delivered her punishment to Jezlynn gave me the hard-on from hell.
I sat next to Winter as she and Iris chatted lightly. Sting had his arm around Iris, a smirk on his face as if he knew exactly what a lucky bastard he was to have Iris as his ol’ lady. Before, I hadn’t really seen the appeal. To me, women had been a pleasant pastime, but I’d never really connected with one on an emotional level. Maybe I’d just never cared. But this girl… Yeah. I knew her past. Knew how she viewed it as shaping her present. By God, I wanted to be the one to claim her future.
Glancing at Sting, I could tell he knew something was up with me. He didn’t call me out on it or say anything, but he gave me a knowing look. Yeah. I was going through a struggle similar to the one he went through with his woman. Did I keep her? My loyalties would be divided if I did. There was no way I could put my club over my woman. I wasn’t built like that. I protected what was mine. So my club, or my woman? It was an impossible choice.
“I need to get back to Serelda.” Winter stood to leave. “Thanks so much for taking time to get to know me. I hope we can find a place to fit in here. Having watched how the Iron Tzars men worked together to get Jerrica back, I know they’re good people.” Winter smiled warmly at Iris. “I’m so glad you found Sting, Iris. I’m glad you and your sister have a strong protector.” Winter’s sincere comment dropped a veil over her expression. Just like that, I could see shadows of her past haunting her. My heart went out to her, and everything inside me demanded I make life perfect for this woman. I wanted to find the men her father let touch her and strangle them with their own entrails.
“I’ll walk you to your room.” I stood and snagged Winter’s hand before she could resist. I’d studied Winter and knew she wouldn’t draw attention to herself by protesting. As long as I didn’t do anything to make her uncomfortable or embarrass her, she’d go along with me to avoid an open confrontation. Jezlynn had pushed her too far, and that was the only reason she’d fought back. If I was right, one fight was all she was up for in a day. And only because the club girls had challenged her first.
Before I took her out of the common room, I snagged some burgers and chips to take up to Serelda. Winter gave a soft gasp as she looked at the plate.
“I forgot to get Serelda something.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, and she looked horrified. “How could I have forgotten?”
“Relax, honey. This is all overwhelming. Besides, you did get in a bar fight and stab someone.” I teased her gently, but that seemed to make her discomfort worse.
“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” She glanced over her shoulder. Probably to Sting and Iris’s table.
“Yeah, you shoulda. No one gets to talk to you like that, Winter.” My tone came out harsher than I meant it to, but it was the fucking truth. It made her focus on me, though. She turned back to face me, her eyes wide. “No one. Not me. Not Sting. Damned sure not a jealous club whore.” I sighed, knowing I needed to tone it down. “Come on, babe. Let’s get back to your room so Serelda has something to eat if she wants.” She let me take her hand once more without protest.