Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Logan has been released from the clinker. However, something bigger is happening here. There have been a ton of people in and out all day.
“You don’t really believe the words on your skin, do you?”
I turn to find an older man looking at my back. Given the fact he has read the Japanese written on my back, I assume he’s Japanese. He tilts his head to the side as he regards me.
“I don’t believe I still do. I once did.”
“Words are powerful. You should think over those and decide how to go about removing them.”
With that, he nods and turns to leave. It is then that I notice Cole standing in the doorway, watching me. I have never wanted to cover my back more.
With his face clouded over, Cole turns and storms off. He’s been having a hard day with how angry Logan has been. I don’t think his brother has said a word to him since he arrived.
Feeling like I should at least explain why I chose the words, I stand and go to follow after him. However, Logan appears and stands in front of me.
“We should talk.”
“Why? Ya don’t like me?” I blurt out.
He sighs and purses his lips. “When have I ever said I don’t like ya?”
“Ya clearly don’t. Ya have always tried to keep us apart. Did ya know I was in Scotland?”
“Aye.”
“Were ya the reason I was sent there?”
“No.”
“But ya know why, don’t ya?”
“Aye.”
“Logan,” I drag out.
“I can explain, but ya won’t be able to tell Cole. He has already tipped the scales enough.”
“Then I don’t want to know. We don’t keep secrets from each other.”
“Then he knows why ya can clear out an army or parking garage without batting a lash? Or are ya saying he didn’t just ask Kiyoshi Nash what that tat on your back says.”
“Like I said, ya don’t like me, so why should I listen to anything ya have to say?”
I turn to walk off. Not even caring that my shoes are still sitting by my seat. I need to find Cole.
“Because I’m trying to keep my hotheaded brother from getting himself killed.”
I freeze. If there is any chance Cole could be hurt, I’m going to listen. I turn back to Logan, lick my lips, and nod.
Instead of going to find Cole, I follow Logan. My stomach is in knots. I’m not sure I should have come on this trip.
Brooklyn
I stand outside the manor, staring at the hills. I’ve been out here trying to clear my head. Logan is one thing, the Alliance is another, but that tattoo.
I probably wouldn’t be this angry if she had told me what it said when I asked. So much time has passed, and she still hasn’t told me out of her own mouth.
I thought it was something cute she was just too embarrassed to tell me. Now I know what it says, and I don’t know how to feel about it. Is that how she feels?
Trust no one, not even your shadow.
I close my eyes and work my jaw as arms wrap around my waist. Then I feel her press her face against my back. I know it’s DJ from the way my body reacts to her nearness.
“I’ve had this tat since I was eighteen. I was alone, scared, and couldn’t protect myself. I also didn’t know what or who I needed to protect myself from.
“These were Mum’s last words to me, I got them to remember. Since you arrived, I’ve ignored all her warnings, and I’ve allowed you in.
“Please don’t take these words to heart. I trust you with my life. I love you, Cole.”
I turn and look down at her. I want to know what happened. It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask.
“Can we leave the past in the past for today? Being here has opened so many wounds. I just want to forget it all for a while.”
I nod my head and dip in to take her lips. She wraps her arms around my neck and opens for me. The kiss becomes heated as I back her against the side of the house.
Lifting her onto my waist, I press her against the cool stone exterior of the manor. We kiss passionately as I grind against her heat. I want her, but I don’t have any condoms on me.
“We can’t,” I say against her lips.
“Everyone has left. It’s just your family and Logan’s two friends. No one’s coming out here.”
“I’m not afraid of getting caught,” I snort. “I don’t have protection on me.”
She looks up into my eyes. “I trust you.”
“Are you sure, baby? Don’t you want to wait until we’re married?”
“I’m already yours, Cole. A party and a piece of paper aren’t going to change that.”
I kiss her hard. Her words mean everything to me in this moment. I fumble with my belt and zipper.