Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 49530 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 248(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49530 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 248(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
He taught her a simple dance of a few steps and kept it easy until she began to move into it. “Keep the same steps,” he directed before encouraging her, “Let’s have some fun.”
Talon easily moved her into a turn and saw the smile on her face widen to a grin. She’s perfect. His Little girl liked to dance. Celebrating, Talon turned himself, leading her around his body, and heard her gasp in excitement. The move looked fancy, but it was the same footwork, just in a different direction. He alternated the different patterns, creating something unique and entertaining.
“This is so fun!” she shouted over the crowd and the music.
“You’re doing great,” he said, grinning at her. “And you told me you didn’t dance.”
When the music slowed once again, Talon pulled her close to sway to the beat. Putting his lips next to her ear, he whispered, “You know what happens to Little girls who lie, don’t you?”
She froze in his arms and jolted a step away to stare at him with equal parts fascination and shock. “What happens?” she asked.
“Come here.”
He pulled her back into his arms and held her until she softened against him once again. Only then did he whisper, “Their Daddies punish them, of course. That’s what happens to bad Little girls.”
“Stop playing with me,” she hissed.
“No way, Little girl. You’re the one I’ve dreamed of playing with. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me. Some nachos are on the way to your table. Shall we take a break so you can eat a very unnutritious dinner?”
“Treats are good for your soul,” she said loftily, turning to walk off the dance floor and leaving him there.
He weaved his fingers with hers as he caught up with her. When she looked back at him, Talon moved ahead to make a path through the dancers as they weaved their way toward her table.
“Thanks. It was packed out there,” she said when they reached the edge of the dance floor.
“I hope you’ll always think it’s nice to have me around,” Talon commented lightly as he squeezed her hand. “And I agree, treats are good for your soul.”
At the table, he helped Elizabeth onto her tall bar chair with an ease that was designed to erase any awkwardness. She smiled her appreciation. Talon skillfully maneuvered his chair a bit closer and took a seat next to her. Janine was flushed and leaning close to the large, tattooed man next to her.
“Elizabeth, this is Ink. He’s a prospect for the club. Ink, this is Elizabeth. She’s mine,” Talon said easily.
“Yours? Wait a minute,” Elizabeth protested, looking flustered.
“Got it, Talon,” Ink acknowledged Talon’s claim without question.
The arrival of the server with the nachos cut off any further comment from Elizabeth. With a flourish, the waitress placed the tray on top of the small, metal trashcan and flipped it over. Lifting the can up, the contents tumbled over the tray. The smell was delectable.
“Need any drinks?” she asked and left with an order from everyone.
Janine waved her hand over the tray and encouraged everyone, “Dig in. There is way too much for even four of us to eat.”
Elizabeth picked up a chip, and scooped up some of the goodies. He noticed she cautiously avoided a huge slice of jalapeno. Talon followed behind her and swooped in to help himself to that ring of fire.
“You can eat those?” Elizabeth asked.
“Oh, yeah. I do avoid them if I plan on certain activities,” Talon shared.
Elizabeth looked at him in confusion as she tried to figure out what he was talking about. She looked over at Janine. Her friend shook her head, like she knew but wasn’t going to say. When would he need to avoid eating jalapenos if they didn’t affect him too much?
Deciding not to worry about it, Elizabeth took another bite. Changing the subject, she asked Ink, “How long is someone a prospect for a motorcycle club?”
“That’s up to the members. I just keep showing up and hope they’ll decide they need me,” Ink shared.
“There are a lot of MCs out there. Some people are perfect for one and totally not for others. Ink fits in well. He’s right that showing his commitment to the club is important,” Talon said. “Well, that and not pissing someone off.”
Ink shook his head and laughed. There was obviously a story there that they shared.
“So, you all like sell drugs and drag people who try to stop you behind your motorcycles?” she asked breezily.
Instantly, Ink stiffened and even Janine sat straight in shock. Talon, on the other hand, just laughed it off.
“You’ve been watching too much TV. The Shadowridge Guardians are a motorcycle club not a gang. We help the community and do good works,” Talon told her.
“Really? You don’t beat people up and claim a territory?” Elizabeth asked lightheartedly. She didn’t know why she was poking the bear, but she couldn’t help herself.