Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
It was memorable, to say the least. I was fighting back the tingles when I heard my cell phone chime with a message. I grabbed it out of my purse, and my smile grew even wider when I saw that it was a message from Malcomb.
Malcomb:
I need a shower.
But I don’t want to wash away your scent.
I’ve missed it.
Me:
Boy, you really know how to flatter a girl.
Malcomb:
Just telling it like it is.
Me:
Well, I’ve missed it, too.
Malcomb:
That mean you’re going to move in with me?
Me:
I’ve been thinking about it.
Malcomb:
I’ll let you get back to it.
Have a good one.
Me:
You too.
Before I had a chance to type anything further, my phone started ringing, and my mother’s name popped up on the screen. I quickly answered, “Hey, Mom. This isn’t a good time.”
“I know you’re at work, but I wanted to check on you. I’ve been so worried about you.” She paused for a moment, then added, “I called and messaged you several times yesterday, but I didn’t hear back from you.”
I’d seen her messages and all the voicemails, but I’d avoided them all. I knew she wanted to talk about Dad and the horrible thing he’d done, but I wasn’t ready to talk to her about it.
The wounds were still fresh, and I was afraid I’d say something I would regret. “I’m sorry. I had a lot going on yesterday.”
“I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“So, you talked to Dad? He told you what he did?”
“Yes, sweetheart. He told me everything, and I’m so sorry. I can’t believe he did that.”
“Me either.”
“I’m just so mad at him. I don’t know what the man was thinking! He had no business saying the things he said.”
“I can’t disagree with you there.” I got up and closed my office door before saying, “I get why he did it. I think he really did want what was best for me and all that, but I don’t understand how he could stand by and watch me fall apart day after day and never say a word about what he’d done. Not even when he found out I was pregnant. Not even when I lost the scholarship. It makes no sense to me.”
“It doesn’t make any sense to me either.” She let out a deep sigh before saying, “I always knew he had his hesitations about you seeing Malcomb. I had them, too. I still do, but I never dreamed he’d do something like this.”
“You have hesitations?”
“I had the same concerns that any mother would have about their daughter seeing a man in a biker club, especially one with a reputation like Satan’s Fury, but I saw the way he looked at you. That boy loved you. He would’ve moved heaven and earth for you. I knew in my heart that he would never let anything happen to you.”
I’d been so angry at my father that I hadn't even stopped to think about how my mother felt about Malcomb and everything that had happened. It was tough to hear that she had her doubts, but I couldn’t deny that her concerns were understandable. Satan's Fury did have a reputation, and it wasn’t a good one.
And Malcomb was no angel himself. He’d gotten himself into a pickle a time or two, but he always managed to come out unscathed. And Mom was right. He did love me and would do anything to make me happy. He proved that the day he sacrificed his own happiness for mine.
“I love him, Mom,” I said, surprising even myself. “I know that might sound crazy after everything that’s happened, but I do. I love him, and I want to be with him.”
“I know you do, honey.” She sighed. “I’ve always known that.”
“He’s asked me to move back to Port Angeles with Dalton.”
“I can’t say that I’m surprised. I can’t blame him for wanting you two to be closer, but is that what you really want, sweetie? I mean, you have your job and your apartment, and Dalton’s school is--”
“I know, Mom. But we’ve already lost so much time.” I could feel the tears welling in my eyes as I told her, “Malcomb missed seeing his son being born. He missed him saying his first words and walking for the first time. Those are moments he will never get back.”
“I know, sweetie. And I am so very sorry for that, but there are many more moments to come.”
“And I want those moments to be with him.”
“It sounds like you’ve already made up your mind.”
“No, but I’m definitely leaning in that direction,” I admitted.
“Okay. Well, I’ll support whatever you decide. Just promise me one thing.” Her voice was strained as she said, “Promise me that you'll be careful and listen to your instincts. I don’t want you to get hurt again.”
“I promise, Mom. Don’t worry.”