Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 40637 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 163(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40637 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 163(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
“Never, baby. And I see it now.”
“See what?”
“The false humor. How you keep your face blank when you’re facing someone you’re unsure about.” He shook his head. “You don’t do it with me, though.”
“I don’t?”
“Don’t look so puzzled. I noticed it when you first came to the compound, but you were pretty quick to let me in. Once you did, you didn’t try too hard to hide from me.”
“I did, actually.” I shook my head. “Yet something else my father would be disappointed in me for.”
“Honey, I’m telling you, there’s a difference. When you’re facing someone other than me, your face is completely blank. There is nothing to read because you lock everything down. You look almost serene, but when it’s just us, you’re an open book.” Hawk kissed me once more. “Now. Let’s go meet your brother.”
Hawk took my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze as we headed downstairs. Each step felt heavier than the last. My mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Part of me was desperate to see Vic, to know he was safe. Another part feared what his presence might mean for my newfound happiness.
The main room was oddly quiet when we entered. Men stood around, their postures tense, eyes alert. Knuckles approached us first, his expression grim.
“He’s waiting outside the gates,” he said to Hawk. “Says he’ll only talk to Carrie.”
“Not happening,” Hawk growled, his grip on my hand tightening.
“I expected as much,” Knuckles replied. “Told him you’d be with her.”
I swallowed hard. “What did he say to that?”
“He laughed.” Knuckles’ mouth twisted into a wry smile. “Said he’d anticipated that. He’s willing to come inside unarmed.”
“He doesn’t have to have a physical weapon, Knuckles,” I said softly. “He is a weapon.”
“Yeah. I know. It’s an inside joke.”
I frowned. “Inside joke?”
“Honey, your brother’s not here to hurt you. He’s here to make sure you’re OK.”
“You know Vic?” Now I was confused.
“Yep. Didn’t know I knew him until I saw him outside.”
“He’s not mad?”
Knuckles shook his head. “I don’t think so. Your call, Killer.” Knuckles cleared his throat. “Do we let the bastard in or meet him at the gate?”
“Shit,” I muttered. “Little above my pay grade.” I looked up at Hawk. “But no. Until you’re absolutely sure what Vic is here for, don’t let him in unless you’re prepared to fight him to the death. Because that’s what you’ll get if he doesn’t get what he wants.”
Knuckles snorted a laugh, then looked over his shoulder. “You hear that, Torpedo, you pussy? You owe me fifty bucks!” That got hoots and high fives all around while various items exchanged hands around the large room.
“The fuck?” I looked up at Hawk. “What just happened?”
“It appears you surprised more than a few of the guys.” Hawk leaned in to brush a kiss over my temple before raising his voice. “That’s my woman!”
“Y’all are crazy.” What the fuck else was I supposed to say?
“You get used to them.” Pippa hurried to my side with Hannah following close behind. “They’re all pretty gruff and wouldn’t hesitate to kill a motherfucker, but they have a code.”
“Which is basically, leave our family alone and we let you live,” Hannah added with a smile. The guys were still talking over each other and settling bets. Apparently, more than one of them had faith in me. The ones who didn’t have that faith were taking their ribbing good-naturedly. “Family consists of everyone inside this compound. When you told Knuckles not to let your brother in, you proved you’d protect us the same way we’d protect you.”
“Was it really a test?”
“No.” Hannah laughed. “Knuckles knew before he asked you what your answer would be. He was just proving a point to Torpedo.”
I lifted a hand to stop her. “Not my business. I’d just like to talk to my brother, find out exactly why he’s here, then go back to bed.”
“I’m sure you’re tired, considering everything you’ve been through last night.”
“I mean, yeah. A little. But that’s not what I meant.” I gave the women what I hoped was a serious look. “I’ve discovered that I really, really love sex. The last place I want to be is here talking to my brother when I could be upstairs in bed with Hawk.”
Hannah choked on air while Pippa burst out laughing. “Oh my God, Hawk has his hands full with you, doesn’t he?”
“I sure hope so,” I replied with a wink, enjoying their reactions. It felt good to joke with them, like I was part of something. Like I belonged. This place was warm and welcoming while my own home had been cold and hostile.
Hawk came up behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist. “You ready for this, baby?”
I took a deep breath and nodded. “Yeah. I’m ready.”
We walked to the gate as a group. Knuckles led the way with Gunnar on his left and slightly behind him while Hawk kept my hand firmly in his as we followed behind the other two men. The rest of the brothers hung back, but I could feel their watchful presence. They were ready to move at a moment’s notice if things went sideways.