Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78024 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78024 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
I plop down onto the couch next to him. My fingertip fiddles with one of the slits in my jeans. “Now you’re the one being nice. I never would’ve expected—”
“What? That we’d look out for you? You’re practically Priest’s little sister, that puts you under our protection.”
“Little sister? Is that how you think about me?”
He laughs. “Fuck no. The way I think about you is probably illegal in some places, and I already have one sister. Don’t need another.”
“Really?” It shouldn’t surprise me. It’s not like I think bikers spawn in a pond somewhere. They must all have histories and families, I’ve just never really considered it.
“Yeah, Mila. She’s not much older than you, actually.”
“She’s lucky to have you for a brother.”
His full lips draw into a tight line and he shakes his head. “Nah. I did a shit job taking care of her, so maybe taking care of someone else’s is my do-over.”
“I’m sure that’s not true.”
What’s left of Sinner’s smile drops completely. “It really fucking is. This guy you’re looking at? He’s three fucking years old. I was a mess when I was a kid. Don’t romanticize me, Quinn. Shit, I basically grew up in prison and it wasn’t pretty.”
“What did you do? Sorry, that’s rude. You don’t owe me your story.”
“Got picked up for dealing when I was a teenager and slapped with a bullshit sentence.”
“You were innocent?”
His chuckle is deep and gritty. “Nah. Just not guilty of the shit they pinned on me. Mila was the only one that never gave up. She became a reporter just to take down the assholes that put me away. Every morning I wake up and realize I’m the only one with a key to my own fucking door is a beautiful one, but I fucking hate that she risked herself for my sorry ass.”
“Of course she did. You’re her brother.” I would’ve done anything to save Axel if I could’ve. “She sounds pretty amazing, if you ask me.
“She is.” His grin is back and he turns it on me. “Even if she married into the wrong MC. She got claimed by a few of the boys in the Screaming Eagles. I almost stuck around and ended up there, but there was too much history. I needed to get out of that city and start over. Her men put in a good word for me here and the Sons are a better fit anyway. Plus I’d be fucking lost without Priest and Colt to keep me level. You should’ve fucking seen me that first year or so. I was like a feral raccoon on wheels.”
I’m very aware of how close we’ve drifted together. Physically, I understand my attraction. They’re all good looking men who draw attention just by being in the same room. With Sinner and Colt, I felt a spark right from the start when I met them at the club and still thought they were actors. I have a shared history with Priest that makes it more complicated, but it’s still there.
But none of them have reacted to the others flirting with me, so I’m not sure how much to read into what I’m sensing.
“Can I ask you—” My alarm goes off, reminding me that I only have fifteen minutes to meet Erika. “Crap, I have to get going.”
My questions are going to have to wait. Clarke waves as we leave, like it’s totally normal for me to be coming and going at all hours with bikers. He’s been working here for a while so I bet he’s seen stranger things. Me riding off on the back of a motorcycle isn’t even a blip on his radar.
Riding behind Sinner is similar to riding behind Priest but different. He’s built broader, but not so much that I can’t wrap my arms just as tightly around his chest, and the body underneath is just as firm. I’m ready for the roar and kick of the engine this time, but it still makes my heart race when we pull away from my building.
It’s early in the day, so traffic is heavy, but Sinner weaves through it all like it’s second nature. His muscles shift as he takes the turns, my body leaning with his as the road rumbles away beneath us. We draw a lot of attention, especially on this side of town. Brentport Commons is an upscale little strip of restaurants and stores along the river. A hundred years ago it was some sort of mill or factory, but now all the old workshop spaces have been converted and it’s a popular spot to shop, have lunch, or rent a bike to ride on the river trail.
We get there with two minutes to spare before I’m supposed to meet Erika. On impulse, right as I swing my leg over the bike and find my footing, I lean in and put a little kiss on Sinner’s cheek, right above the beard line. “Thanks.”