Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 72126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
I needed to get moving, so I swung my legs out of bed and got dressed. I put on my boots and cut, then checked my gear, making sure I had everything I needed. I knew I couldn’t leave without telling her goodbye, so I headed down to Cricket’s room.
I eased the door open and found her curled up in the blankets. Her breathing was soft, and her hair was a mess around her face. For a second, I just stood there, watching her and putting her beautiful face to memory. She was really growing on me—more so than I thought possible.
I leaned down, and when I pressed my lips against her forehead, her eyes fluttered open. A groggy smile swept across her beautiful face as she muttered, “Hey.”
“Hey. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“I’m glad you did.” She eased up on her elbow. “You heading out?”
“Yeah, but I’ll be back before you know it.”
“I’m gonna hold you to that.”
“I know you will.” I started for the door as I told her, “Try to behave, and don’t give Zeke any trouble.”
“I’ll do my best.”
I stopped and looked at her one last time, trying to soak her in, then walked out and shut the door behind me, hoping she’d go back to sleep. I went out to my bike, and once I’d shoved my stuff into my saddlebag, I was on my way. Twenty minutes later, I was pulling through the gates of the clubhouse. I pulled around back and found Goose waiting out by his truck.
As soon as I’d parked, he came over and said, “I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”
“I’m an hour early, asshat.”
“Still later than usual. Must be a reason.” A smirk crossed his face. “Wonder if it has something to do with the pretty, little brunette that moved in.”
“Don’t got time for your bullshit.” I charged past him and toward the back door. “We need to find Memphis and get the truck loaded.”
“He’s in the kitchen with Prez.”
I gave him a nod and continued inside. When we got to the kitchen, Memphis and Prez were sitting at the table with Grim and Creed. They were having their morning coffee, but the room was oddly quiet. Tense even, and that was rare in the Fury kitchen. Usually, it was a place to kick back and prepare for the day.
Goose didn’t seem to notice the unease in the room as he sauntered over to the counter and poured himself a cup of coffee. “Good morning, girls. How’s it shaking?”
“Morning.” Prez glanced over his shoulder at me. “You boys ready for the run?”
“Yes, sir.” I poured myself some coffee. “We’re about to get loaded up.”
“Good deal.”
Goose walked over and sat down next to Memphis. “Any news with Antonia?”
“Well, she’s stopped crying herself to sleep, so I’d say she’s doing better.” You could hear the worry in his voice as Memphis said, “But she still hasn’t been able to reach her father, and that’s fucking with her head.”
“We haven’t had any luck either,” Prez replied. “But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”
“I doubt it’s all that good either. We know what he did, and we all know he’s gonna pay for that shit—one way or another.”
“Yeah, but Carmine’s a smart guy. He got himself into this mess. I got a feeling he can get himself out.”
“I guess time will tell.”
“Speaking of time.” I walked over to the table and said, “We best get going.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.”
When Memphis stood, Prez looked up at him and said, “I want you boys to get the full rundown of things while you’re there. Check out the grounds and see their production line. I want to know if this is really worth our time.”
“You sure about this?” Memphis grumbled. “We’re doing good with what we got going.”
“Yeah, but it’s only a matter of time before marijuana is legalized everywhere, and then, where will we be?” Prez’s tone turned firm. “Just go and check it out. If it’s as good as they say it is, we’ll move forward. If not, we’ll pass. Simple as that.”
Memphis nodded, then followed me and Goose out to the garage. We gathered our weapons and extra ammo and stowed them in the back. I checked the storage compartment beneath my backseats, making sure it was clear. I gave everything one last scan, then announced, “Looks like we’re all set.”
“Then, let’s get moving. I’m ready to get this thing done.”
We piled up in my SUV and started our trek to the Manor. It was a drive I’d taken many times before, but this morning felt different. This morning, I was leaving someone behind—someone that I’d grown to care about, and it made leaving much harder. It was a feeling that caught me by surprise. I’d watched Memphis and Grim fall for their ol’ ladies, and I saw the way they moved mountains to love and protect them. Back then, I didn’t get it. I thought they were crazy to get tied down to just one woman, but now, I was finally starting to get it.