Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 94997 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94997 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
“Not everyone wants their wounds on display,” Ford says on my behalf. I want to punch him as much as I want to hug him. Eli looks at him then and seems to understand.
“Had I known about this earlier, it might’ve changed things.” Eli sighs. “Jewel likes Ivy.”
“Everyone likes Ivy,” I say, pointing out the obvious and realizing I have to come back to the point. “Just please let me talk to Striker.”
“I don’t like you making deals with other devils,” Eli carefully says, glancing back at the bar. “But if you think it’s the most effective way to get answers, I’ll give you five minutes. We don’t mention this again.”
“Agreed,” Ford says, and a wave of relief passes through me, knowing they mean to bury this information with them. I look at my brother with a silent nod of appreciation. Ford has always saved me from saying the wrong thing. This time, he saved me from holding my tongue.
When I walk back into the bar, Striker is waiting. He lights a cigarette and tells his men to stand down. His youngest sister watches me curiously. Perhaps a few months back, I would’ve made it my goal to fuck her before I leave, but I find myself at the mercy of someone I consider a colleague. And I’ll continue throwing myself on my knees for my woman. If I can burn down the nest of fuckers who did this to her, I will.
“We’re not asking for your help. You don’t have to bring your men into the situation; we can handle it ourselves. I’m just asking for a name if you have it. For whatever reason, that pinprick asshole knew yours. Which means that his higher-ups are also aware of you. I just need a name. A starting point. Please.”
“Begging doesn’t suit you, Hawke,” Waylon says.
“Anything suits me if it protects the people I love,” I reply quickly.
His fingers hover in front of his lips, the cigarette pinched between them. “This is personal for you?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm.” He considers me as his sister leans over and whispers something into his ear. He nods but says nothing. She looks over to the youngest sister, whose arms are crossed over her chest, and she stares from the corner like she’s in detention or something.
“Give me access to your tracker to help me with something, and I’ll see what I can find out,” he states.
“Will Walker won’t do me any favors.”
“Then it looks like you’re shit out of luck,” Waylon says with a fake smile.
“You give me a name, and we’ll take them out before they become a problem for you, and I’ll give you access to a better tracker.” I don’t like the idea of bringing my girl into the deal without her permission, but I’m happy to pay whatever price she charges. Hell, I’ll even buy her a new apartment or wardrobe as a reward on top of her price.
Waylon laughs. “You realize you’ve just downgraded your offer.”
“Not at all. I’m showing you how quickly I need that name, and I don’t want to banter much longer, knowing those assholes are out there. I’ll give you my left fucking testicle as well. Whatever I need to finalize this shit so I can go back to my woman at a reasonable time tonight.”
Hayley chuckles, and Waylon turns to her as if receiving a silent instruction. I wonder if the two work closely together. Maybe she’s the same to Waylon that Ford and I are to Eli. It’s hard to tell.
Waylon is smirking when he meets my gaze again. “It just so happens I have a left testicle myself and have no need for yours.”
“Scared yours will feel inadequate?”
Waylon’s smile grows wider. “How’s the Viagra treating your left nut?”
My smile drops. “How the fuck did that shit get here?”
Waylon laughs as he stands and holds out his hand to me. I shake it as he says, “I might have a source, but let me verify that information and name before I give it to you. I’ll be in touch. Being monogamous looks good on you.”
“You should try it sometime,” I say with a grin.
“You guys might be suckers, but that is not for me.” I shake my head as I walk back through the doors, knowing I once thought the same thing. But when it happens—when she happens—there’s not a thing in the world that will stop it.
But I’m sure he’ll learn that in his own way.
“She’s a very lucky lady,” the youngest sister purrs from her corner as I walk out. “Let me know if it doesn’t work out.” She winks.
“You’ll be waiting a long time, sweetheart. She’s literally the best,” I reply as I take my leave.
CHAPTER 44
Ivy
Isaw it on the news that afternoon. Jared had been taken into custody and publicly announced as a murderer. Billie and I watch in a bar, and a sense of satisfaction and justice rushes through me. I hope it gives Makayla’s family a bit of peace. I still haven’t come to terms with it all, but at least I’ve done this much.