Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 79020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
"And this is some sort of branch of the men in New Mexico?"
"Sort of but we're also connected to--"
He clamps his mouth shut as if realizing he has already said too much.
"Is what you're doing illegal?"
He shakes his head. "No, it's not."
I watch as he lifts his hand from my arms, swiping at his eyes.
"How much sleep have you gotten since I left?"
He shakes his head, telling me exactly what I need to know.
"Come," I tell him, sliding back to the top of the bed with my arms out. "Lie down with me."
He seems so willing to answer nearly every question I have, but I can see the exhaustion in his eyes. I can only hope that once he gets some sleep, he'll still be willing to continue this conversation.
"I don't deserve you," he whispers as he stands.
"I can make my own decisions," I assure him, scooting over when he takes a seat on the bed.
He urges me to face the door, putting the gun on the bed right by my stomach, his hand covering it as if he's willing to rest but feels as if he still needs to be ready for anything.
I wonder as I drift to sleep in the safety of his arms if he'd be willing to stop trying to save everyone else, if he'd be happy to spend the rest of his life only protecting me.
It's selfish to think that way, to sacrifice all of those that he could help just so I could experience some happiness in my life, but as my mind begins to quiet, I know I'd do it in a heartbeat.
He may claim to be the dangerous one, but I think that distinction rests more on me than him.
Chapter 35
Hemlock
My brain has been on overdrive for days, and although I know that there will come a moment when it breaks, taking control and doing what it needs to survive beyond my control, today is not going to be that day.
I'm still in the big spoon position with Zara, the gun held near her waist but pointed at the door when it opens.
I was in a dead sleep but still somehow cognizant of any threat or danger that may come our way.
With Zara's calming power, I feel nearly nothing when I see Cerberus MC president Kincaid step into the room.
I know we haven't been resting long. I still feel like I've been hit by a truck, having not given my body much time to recover after being stabbed. I also know that Ace had to have called him before I tried calling and had to leave a message.
Kincaid was called before I drove over to Zara's house and forced her to come here with me.
Kincaid, unaffected by the gun pointing in his direction, wordlessly takes a seat in the chair, his eyes assessing the entire situation. I have the utmost respect for the man. The world would be a much better place if we had about a million more of him.
"I guess we need to talk," he says in a whisper, respecting the fact that Zara is still asleep in my arms.
Before I can answer, Hound, my mentor, the man I respect most in this world, walks into the room.
He doesn't frown or have a look of disappointment on his face, but that doesn't stop a hint of shame from tangling with the multitude of other emotions swimming around inside of me. I know how all of this looks. I was a Marine. I know that going head-to-head with any sort of supervisor is seen as great disrespect. I know I probably should've handled things differently, starting with not even bringing her here, but I knew I could protect her at home base.
Zara shifts in her sleep, her body rolling over so she can press her nose into my neck, and I swear on everything, it's the greatest feeling in the world. I could list off a million and one different things we could do right now if we didn't have an audience.
I clear my throat, looking down at her as she blinks up at me.
"Hey," she whispers.
"Maybe Zara should come with me," Hound says, startling her and making her aware we aren't alone in the room.
She sits up in a rush, positioning her body between mine and them. "Who are you?"
Kincaid smiles at her defensiveness, and I feel my own cheek twitch with pride.
I know I'm not in the clear where she's concerned, but at least she isn't begging them for help.
I didn't know if she was going to try and escape when we laid down or if she was really concerned with how tired I looked. I guess I have my answer.
"I'm not leaving," she says. "Anything you say to him you can say in front of me."
With a wince from the pull in my side, I sit up, placing my chin on her shoulder so I can speak softly in her ear.