Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 39540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
“It was.” I smiled to soften the blow those words caused to myself. “And it will always be important to me. But I chose this path. Now I have to accept the consequences and follow it. Kiss of Death has some family too. Just as close as everyone here. Mom knows that. Everything will work out.”
Pippa’s gaze shifted to the door where Ice and Cyclone stood just outside the open clinic door, listening and whispering to each other. “I think you’re right.” When she met my gaze again, she held it. “I’ll trust you. You know what’s best. They might not want us here, but they’ve not said anything to indicate you’re like the people you rescued me from. Besides, you’ve been really nice to me. I’d probably be…” She trailed off and the color drained from her face. “I don’t want to think about it.”
“You don’t have to because it’s not going to happen. I swore to Knuckles I’d protect you with my life, and that’s what I intend on doing.” I grinned at her before addressing Mama. “We’ll take you up on your offer, Mama.” When Mom gave a distressed whimper, Ice went to her, putting his arms around her. “I want you and Hannah to come with me and Pippa. I need to spend as much time with the two of you as I can before me and Pippa leave. I’ve missed you, and I want Pippa to know you guys.”
Mom gave me a watery smile. “We missed you too. Mama, me, and Hannah will come to you in a bit. I need to make a stop to pick up some clothes for Pippa.” Mom smiled at my woman. “I don’t have time to get anything expensive, but I can get you new underwear, socks, and shoes, as well as a couple pairs of jeans and three or four T-shirts. If you have to leave, we’ll make sure you’re ready for the trip.” Mom brushed a tear from her cheek as she reached for Pippa, pulling her into a warm embrace. “Please don’t judge us because Cliff and Daniel are being assholes. They’re not bad men either. Just… hurt their little brother didn’t need their help.”
Mom let Pippa go but not before she spilled more tears as she traced one dark bruise on Pippa’s face with gentle fingers. “I’m so sorry this happened to you.”
Pippa shrugged, trying for a tremulous smile but coming up a little short. “It worked out. At least, I hope it has.” Pippa lowered her gaze. She obviously had her doubts -- and I didn’t blame her -- but I thought she was probably too weak and tired to worry about it.
“Good, then.” Mama had been busy moving around the room getting supplies she thought she might need. I knew she had things at her house, but all her medicines were here where she used them most. “I let Pops know you’d need your own room and he’s making sure you’re all set. If you don’t mind, I’d like to give you a tetanus shot and a shot of penicillin. When I get your test results back, I can give you something else if need be.”
Pippa nodded. “Absolutely. I was gonna ask if you thought I needed something.”
“I’ve got you covered, dear. Before you leave, Pops will bring you a phone. It will have mine and Angel’s numbers in it. I want you to promise to call one of us if you don’t feel well, or if you just need some female backup. We’ll round up the old ladies in force and burn that place to the ground if they don’t treat you right.”
“I’d like to think you’re kidding, but I really don’t think you are.” Pippa’s smile was genuine this time. And so fucking beautiful I almost fell to my knees and worshiped her. She had to be terrified out of her mind, but she was easily the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. It was at that moment I knew I’d do anything to have with this woman what my mother and father had. What Mama and Pops had. What so many of my friends had found while I was locked away.
This woman was my destiny. I knew it like I knew my own name. My life was finally coming into focus with a clarity I’d never expected. Now all I had to do was prove myself worthy of her which… That ship had already sailed. No way a man who’d gone to prison for murder was good enough for the angelic vision before me.
Fine. I might not be worthy of her, but I’d be the most vicious protector anyone could find for her. She’d be my most treasured possession, the person I kept safe and close at all times. I’d be the demon to her angel. And I’d give my last Goddamned breath to see her safe and happy for the rest of my life.