Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 66480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
"She really is beautiful," Rocky said, running an appreciative gaze over the machine. "You did all this custom work yourself?"
"Every bit." I couldn't help the pride in my voice. "Ghost taught me the basics, but I figured out most of it on my own."
"You’ve got talent." He stepped back, giving me space to mount up. "So, about that next time..."
"You asking me out, Rocky?" I grinned, pulling my hair back to put on my helmet.
"Might be." He looked almost bashful, which was a strange look on a man with his size and presence. "If you're interested."
“You’ve got my number.” I wasn’t committing to anything. Not until I did a little digging into Rocky. If he really was Copperheads, I needed to know before he sprung whatever trap he was setting.
Rocky stepped closer, one hand on my bike, the other lifting my chin. "Ride safe, lioness." He kissed me quickly, just a brush of lips that somehow felt more intimate than everything we'd done the night before. Then he stepped back, giving me space to start my bike.
The engine roared to life beneath me, the vibration familiar and comforting. I gave Rocky one last look, trying to memorize the way he stood there watching me, the morning sun glistening in his dark hair.
With a nod, I pulled away, feeling the his gaze follow me until I turned the corner. The wind whipped around me as I accelerated onto the main road.
One night stands weren't supposed to linger like this, weren't supposed to make you already anticipate seeing them again. Especially knowing this was likely a set up.
I pulled into the compound, cutting my engine as I rolled to a stop in my usual spot. A wave of guilt washed over me as I dismounted, knowing Ghost had probably been worried. Three missed calls wasn't like him. He usually respected my space, which meant something was up.
A couple of prospects nodded at me as I walked past, their eyes quickly darting away when they noticed my rumpled dress beneath my vest. Great. The gossip mill would be churning by lunchtime. I climbed the metal stairs to my apartment above the garage, fishing for my keys. Ghost had set me up here after the incident I’d told Rocky about, giving me my own space while keeping me close enough to protect. Independence with a leash shoved up my ass.
I unlocked the door and stepped inside, freezing when I saw him. Ghost sat in my armchair, elbows on knees, hands clasped in front of him. His silver-streaked hair was pulled back in its usual neat ponytail. His face was carved from stone, eyes hard as he watched me enter.
The living room suddenly felt tiny with his presence filling it. Ghost wasn't a large man. His power came from something else, something in the way he held himself, like a coiled spring ready to snap. Even sitting still, he radiated controlled danger.
"Hey," I said, tossing my keys on the counter with forced casualness. "Didn't expect you to be waiting up here. In my apartment. You know I'm not sixteen anymore, right?"
Ghost didn't smile. "Where were you?"
"Out." I shrugged off my vest, hanging it carefully on the hook by the door. "The Valentine's Ball ran late, crashed at a friend's place. No big deal."
"Which friend?" His voice remained calm, but I knew that tone. It was his interrogation voice, the one that made prospects piss themselves.
"Does it matter?" I headed for the fridge, needing something to do with my hands. "I'm a grown woman, Ghost."
"It matters when you don't answer your phone." He stood, his movement fluid despite the tension in his frame. "It matters when Lacey says she saw you leave with some guy no one knows."
Of course Lacey had ratted me out. I grabbed a bottle of water, unscrewing the cap with more force than necessary. "So now you've got people spying on me?"
"Don't be dramatic." Ghost moved closer, arms crossing over his chest. "You know how it works. Everyone looks out for everyone. And everyone looks out for you because you’re my pride and joy, baby. You might not be my blood, but you’re my daughter and I love you." Way to take the wind out of my sails.
I took a long drink, buying myself time. "Well, I'm fine, as you can see. No harm, no foul." I gave him what I hoped was a reassuring smile.
His gaze traveled over me, taking in my rumpled dress, the faint bruise forming at the base of my neck where Rocky had sucked too hard. Noticed that little mark in my rear-view mirror when I’d parked the bike. "Same clothes as yesterday."
"Brilliant detective work." I rolled my eyes. "Want a gold star?"
"Don't push it, Wren." His voice dropped lower, a warning. "Who was he?"
"Just a guy." I leaned against the counter, meeting his stare. "Nothing serious."