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)
“Appreciate it.” Vic gave Hawk a courteous nod.
“Flagg’s territory is yours to run if you want it.” Miles waved his hand in a small gesture, like it made no difference to him what they did. “You can do so among yourselves, or join with Knuckles and work together.”
Vic shook his head. “We’re ensuring there isn’t a void left when Flagg leaves, but we have no designs on running anything. So if you want Kiss of Death to fill that opening, we’ll gladly assist with the transfer of power. I’ve got all the records and contacts organized. I can pass them to Knight for your officers to review when you’re ready, Knuckles.”
“You know my thoughts, Prez. But I’ll go with the majority.”
“Get on outta here, Hawk.” Knuckles waved his hand in my direction. “I’ll come talk to you in a few days. Get some rest. Both of you.”
“‘Bout fuckin’ time,” Hawk muttered as he took the stairs two at a time, me still clinging to him like a baby monkey. I might have looked ridiculous, but I didn’t fucking care. I needed out of that basement and the smell of blood, sweat, and urine. I needed a shower. Then I needed Hawk to make me forget my own name. “Hang on for a couple more minutes, baby. Then you can do what you need to.”
True to his word, two minutes later he opened the door to our rooms and kicked it shut. Everything inside me was suddenly free, and I cried out into Hawk’s neck. His hand came down on the back of my neck and pressed me against him while I raged.
When the storm passed, when all I could do was lie in his arms and let the tears slowly dry, I curled my hands in his shirt and took a deep breath. Then let it out slowly.
“I love you, Hawk. I love you.”
Chapter Eleven
Hawk
Once the storm passed and Carrie settled into an exhausted heap against my chest, I picked her up and carried her to bed.
She looked so small, so vulnerable. The fierce, deadly woman who’d walked into our compound covered in blood was now curled up against me, her eyes red-rimmed from crying, her body trembling with aftershocks of emotion. The instinct to protect her, to shelter her from everything, was so overwhelming it felt like a physical ache in my chest. And I would absolutely answer that call.
“I’ve got you, baby,” I murmured, stroking her hair as I settled us on the bed. “I’m not going anywhere.” I held her close, letting her absorb my warmth, my presence, hoping it would ground her.
“It’s so much,” she whispered against my chest. “I don’t even know how to process all this.”
“You don’t have to do it all at once.” I pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “We take it one day at a time. Together.”
She lifted her face to mine, those beautiful eyes searching my face. “You’re really in this with me? No matter what?”
“Carrie, honey, I was in this the moment you walked through our gate.” I traced her cheek with my thumb, wiping away a stray tear. “Believe it or not, I love you, too, Killer.” I tried to smile gently at her, but she was breaking my fucking heart. I never wanted anything for this woman but laughter and complete happiness.
She gave me a watery smile that hit me right in the gut. “I’ve never had anyone who was all mine. Someone who chose me.”
“I choose you, Carrie. And I’ll keep choosing you every fucking day.” I leaned down to kiss her softly, wanting to convey with my lips what words couldn’t fully express. “I really do love you, Carrie. You’re it for me.”
Her eyes widened slightly, a fresh sheen of tears forming. “I didn’t think you’d say it back so soon.”
I laughed, the sound rumbling through my chest. “Baby, I think we both know this wasn’t exactly a slow-burn situation. When you know, you fucking know.”
“Yeah.” She snuggled closer, her hand finding its way under my shirt to rest against my skin. “I think I knew the moment you asked me if I was covered in the blood of my enemies.”
“For me it was when you spat out that piece of ear.” I grinned when she smacked my chest lightly. “What? It was fucking hot.”
That got a real laugh out of her, the sound washing over me like a cooling balm. “You’re a twisted bastard.”
“Damned straight. And I think you love it.”
“You know I do,” she murmured, her eyes holding mine for a long moment before she leaned up to kiss me softly. “I need a shower.”
“You want company?” I brushed her hair back from her face, searching for signs of what she needed most right now.
“Well, it wasn’t a request. I kind of expect you to just come with me.” She grinned. “You know. Like a good boy.”