Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 43689 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 218(@200wpm)___ 175(@250wpm)___ 146(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43689 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 218(@200wpm)___ 175(@250wpm)___ 146(@300wpm)
“That’s a bit excessive.” Tate Blackheart pursed his lips in distaste.
“Pardon the expression, but tough shit. Don’t like it? You don’t have to stay here.”
“I’d like some time alone with my daughter. We have a lot to catch up on.”
“Sorry.” Gunnar said without missing a beat. “You can talk to her with me and Chains present if you want, but there is no scenario where you’re ever alone with Ellie.”
As if the entire exchange hadn’t just happened with Gunnar, Blackheart turned to me. He extended his hand toward me, perfectly manicured fingers stretched in greeting. “Tate Blackheart. It’s a pleasure to meet the man looking after my little girl.”
I stared at his offered hand, meeting his gaze directly, making no move to accept the handshake. “Let’s get something straight,” I said, my voice low enough that only he, Ellie, and the nearest brothers could hear. “You’re here because Ellie wants you here. Not because any of us think you deserve a second of her time.”
Blackheart withdrew his hand slowly, his smile never wavering though his eyes hardened. “I understand your caution. In your position, I’d feel the same way.” He glanced at the brothers positioned around the yard. “All of you obviously care a great deal for Elvira’s well-being. That puts my mind at ease.”
I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of this predator pretending to be concerned for his daughter’s safety when he was the biggest threat she’d faced in years. “One thing Gunnar left off, but which I want to make very clear. You do not” -- I stepped closer, invading his personal space --”upset Ellie. Not once. Not even a little bit.”
“I assure you, I’m only here to reconnect with my daughter while I find a more permanent place. Nothing more.”
“Why not get a place to stay from whoever got you those fancy duds? Pretty sure they ain’t standard prison issue.”
“My old clothes.”
“Uh-huh.” Gunnar wasn’t buying it. Neither was I. “Two days,” Gunnar reminded him. “Then you’re gone.”
“Of course,” he agreed smoothly. “Just until I get my affairs in order. Prison does tend to complicate one’s financial situation.”
“Two. Fuckin’. Days.” Gunnar stared hard at Blackheart before jerking his head to Noose and Tiny. “Take him to the room the prospects prepared.”
“It’s small, but comfortable,” Ellie offered softly. I think it was what she thought she was expected to say. Immediately, I put my arm around her for comfort.
“I’m sure it’s perfect,” Blackheart replied, turning his attention back to her with a warm smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “After federal prison, anything with a door that locks from the inside is luxury.”
“You’ll be disappointed, then.” Gunnar flashed him a smile filled with more malice than humor. “You don’t get locks and, as I said, you get no privacy.”
He shrugged. “I’m sure I can make it work.”
As we turned to lead him into the compound, I kept my hand at the small of Ellie’s back as we walked, feeling the tension in her body. Blackheart kept pace with us, his gaze taking in everything he saw.
“Quite an impressive setup,” he remarked as we passed the main warehouse. “How long has your club been established here?”
“Long time,” I replied curtly.
“And you all live on the premises? Quite the community you’ve built.” I ignored him, not willing to engage in any way.
The guest quarters stood separate from the main residential building where most of the brothers stayed. It was small but self-contained, with a bedroom, bathroom, and small sitting area. We’d stripped it of anything that could be used as a weapon or tool, leaving only the bare essentials.
“Your guards will show you the rest,” I said, keeping my arm around Ellie’s waist.
“Guards?” Blackheart asked, his tone mild but with an edge beneath it. “Surely Gunnar was only joking.”
“Nope. Sure wasn’t.” I grinned as I spoke. “For your safety.”
His lips curved in what might have been amusement. “I see. Well, I appreciate your… hospitality.” He turned to Ellie, his expression softening. “Perhaps we could have dinner together later? Just the two of us? There’s so much I want to hear about your life.”
Before Ellie could answer, I cut in. “She cannot. And you’ll be brought your dinner. I’m sure you want to get on with making calls to find a place to stay. You’re limited on time here, so every second counts.”
A flicker of annoyance crossed Blackheart’s face before smoothing away. “Am I a prisoner?”
“Nope. You’re an outsider in our compound.” I moved closer to him, using my height as an intimidation tactic. “Outsiders aren’t welcome.”
“I need to help with dinner preparations, Chains.” Ellie looked up at me and smiled as she took my hand and tugged. I watched surprise register on Blackheart’s face. Clearly he hadn’t expected his manipulation to fail so easily.
Blackheart nodded, but his gaze remained on Ellie. “It’s good to see you, my little witch. We have so much to catch up on.”