Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44774 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 224(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44774 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 224(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
“Knife or bat?” Bohannon asked.
Cain shook his head slightly as if he really didn’t want to give the order. I knew it was more that he didn’t want Jolene to witness this than that he cared at all how he ended it. Then he did something that surprised me even as it infuriated me. He moved next to Jolene, watching her watch her father for a long time. Jolene’s stare was fixed on McCoy like a cat watching her prey. I knew what was coming. Wanted to rebel against it. But I knew she needed this choice.
“I’ve never even considered doing this for anyone in my club. We have enforcers for a reason. Men I’ve known and commanded in battle. I never want just anyone taking this responsibility unless I know they can handle it and are willing to take it on. But if you want this kill, Jolene. It’s yours.”
Without a word, Jolene moved forward, going to Bohannon. She didn’t take her eyes from her father. For a long time she stood there waiting. For what, I didn’t know. Her father managed to open his eyes. For several seconds they were unfocused, then they seemed to find Jolene. The man whimpered. There was a pleading look in his eyes, like he expected she’d take up for him. Stop the torture and the upcoming killing. I almost intervened, but she finally broke her stare on McCoy.
“He shot up your home. He was shootin’ at me, but your families were in here too. If you want the kill, you can have it. But if you need me to do it as insurance I don’t rat you out, I got plenty of bills that need collectin’ from my pap.”
Cain shook his head. “No, honey. If I didn’t trust you, you wouldn’t be here in the first place. You know the price if you betray us, but I believed you before when you said you respected my ol’ lady and my club. This is for you if you need the closure.”
“I got my own killin’ to do,” she said softly. Then McCoy moaned softly, a pitiful sound if anyone still had pity inside themselves. I didn’t. He sounded almost relieved. Like maybe he thought Jolene was giving him a stay of execution. That noise brought Jolene’s full attention back to her old man. Her mien grew hard, and she muttered, “Fuck it,” before snagging a baseball bat leaning against the table next to Bohannon and stepping toward her father. “See you in hell.” McCoy whimpered. Then Jolene swung. Hard.
There was no doubt McCoy was dead. The blow shattered his head like it might a melon, splattering blood and brains and bone everywhere. Jolene flung the bat at McCoy’s body, spitting on him before turning and heading toward the door.
Cain shook his head, obviously not liking that he’d given her the choice to end her father. “Girl’s either evil to her core or has bigger balls than I do.”
“You know she’s not evil,” I said softly. “Ain’t got her to talk about her childhood much, but I’m willing to bet that man traumatized her her entire life.”
“Probably right. Still goes against everything I believe in. Women should be protected from violence like this. Not encouraged to engage in it.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Like Venus isn’t encouraged to engage in it? Or her sister, Millie? Jolene’s just as hard as they are when she needs to be. She grew up hard and still managed to have a good and gentle heart.”
Cain gave me a withering glare. “She ain’t like Venus and Millie. They were both trained in what they do. That girl learned strictly to survive. Like Rain. Rain can fight with the best of them, but she’s not like us. Neither is Jolene. I don’t want this life for her. You need to coddle her and pamper her and teach her how much she’s worth to you just the way she is.”
“Fully aware. And, believe me, I’m working on it.”
“Take her out of here.”
I nodded and followed Jolene out the door, intending to take her back to our room so I could bathe her, then take her to bed and make her forget all about the violence of the last few hours.
“On it, Cain. And thanks for the shelter and protection. Sorry this whole mess disrupted life here, but me and Jolene as well as Salvation’s Bane appreciate the help.”
“Any time.”
I had to trot to catch up with Jolene. She was headed in the direction of our room, but she didn’t look like her mind was on where she was going. I fell into step beside her, not touching her for fear of startling her.
“Jolene,” I said softly, needing her attention focused on me. She said nothing. “Come on, sweetheart. Talk to me.” Her gaze remained fixed ahead, her face a hard mask. I wasn’t even sure she registered I was talking to her.