Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 37654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 126(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 126(@300wpm)
Right now, we sat outside, watching the sun set behind a mountain. The sky was painted a beautiful pink, deepening into a dark purple as the light languished. Walker had his arm around my shoulders. Sparkle dozed on the ground at my feet. She still wasn’t fond of men, especially Walker, but she was wonderful with the women of Iron Tzars, relishing the attention they lavished on her and keeping the men away. Sometimes I thought she did it specifically to annoy them. Whatever she thought of everyone, she never left my side if she could help it.
Dog was with us continually as well. When Sparkle growled at Walker for stealing a kiss from me, Dog did too. Hell, maybe she was growling at me because she was jealous. I had no clue, but both dogs kept watch over us, and I had to admit I was glad.
“You know my father will find me eventually.”
“Yep.”
“It’s trouble you and your club don’t need.”
Walker shrugged. “We’re used to trouble. Still ain’t given’ you up, Blossom, so quit trying to convince me it’s the best thing. It ain’t.” He smiled at me. Probably to soften his words. “One thing we need to discuss is your property patch.”
“Yeah. I saw the vests the other women have, as well as their tattoos.” I’d never gotten a tattoo and never really wanted one. But I had to admit the other women had beautiful ink. I loved what their tattoos represented and longed to have one of my own, but I wasn’t going to ask for it. I was done throwing myself at Walker. If he wanted me to have one, he’d have to spell it out thoroughly.
“It’s time to get yours, baby. I put it off because I hated the thought of forcing you to get inked since you never had a tattoo before. Didn’t quite know how to bring it up, but you’re right. We’re expectin’ Mayor Winston here any day.”
I sucked in a breath. “Oh, no.”
Walker pulled me closer and put a soft kiss on my lips. “Don’t you worry, baby. We’ve got it covered. He’s trying to get law enforcement involved, but they’re resisting him.”
“That’s not what I expected.” I looked at him, trying to gauge if he was serious or not. “Usually, he says jump and everyone falls in line.”
“Baby, your father is the newcomer here. The outsider. Those who’ve been here a while know what we are. They know we don’t harm innocents. They also know to steer clear of our business. We protect the community and make their lives easier. In return, they leave us be.”
“My father won’t allow that, Walker. I’m surprised he’s not come already.”
“Not for lack of tryin’, sweetheart. But he can’t do it himself, and he can’t get the local law to help him.” There was something about Walker’s tone that had me worried. Something was getting ready to happen.
“I don’t like being in the dark, Walker. What’s going on?”
He shrugged, lifting my hand to kiss my palm. My heart quickened as he looked over my hand and met my gaze with a wicked one of his own. “Ain’t nothin’ you need worry about. We’ve got everything under control.”
“Walker…”
He leaned in and kissed me. It started out slow and sweet, but soon morphed into the hunger I felt every single time we made love. I couldn’t get enough of him, and he damned well knew it.
“You’re trying to manage me with sex,” I accused with a smile.
“Yep. It workin’?” His grin was positively wicked.
“Maybe. I still want to know what’s happening. So I’m not surprised.” I ducked my head. “You gonna let him take me?”
For the first time since we’d started our relationship, Walker scowled at me. “How can you even ask that, Blossom? You’re mine. I don’t give up what belongs to me.” When I just stared at him, Walker sighed, pulling tighter against him. “I’m sorry, baby. I ain’t lettin’ you go. Not to your daddy or anybody else. It’s what I was gonna tell you. Ace is ready for you. He’ll help you design your tattoo, and he’ll do the ink work. You can get it on your arm or your shoulder.”
My heart sped up. It was what I wanted, but it was daunting to think about. “I’m not a fan of needles, but I’m willing.”
“Good.” He smiled before kissing me again. “Once you get yours, I’ll be gettin’ mine too.”
That shocked me. “I wasn’t expecting that. You will?”
“Oh, yeah, baby. Told you. This isn’t a one-way street. You’re mine, but I’m yours too. Sting, Roman, and Brick started a new tradition with their women. They got their woman’s name inked on their skin as well. In the form of a permanent wedding band. I’ll be followin’ their lead. My ink will match yours. Then, when your father comes, it’ll be done. The whole club will stand with you, because you belong to me and I belong to the Iron Tzars.”