Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 67757 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67757 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
I could lie to her, but that’s not my style. “That’s exactly what I think. In fact, I think he’s been brushing them off for a while, which forced them to go above and beyond to get him back.”
Aria perks up at my words. “You think he turned on the feds?”
“I didn’t say that. But maybe he wasn’t ready to share what he found.” But that doesn’t mean that he didn’t find anything. If anything, it means that he must be close to whatever his reason was for being undercover.
Since the Reckless Souls MC hasn’t been around as long as he’s been undercover, it’s safe to say we aren’t Morgan’s target. But Rojas and LTC might be, which means we need to move fast to exact our revenge.
Aria moans loudly and slumps back in the desk chair. “What if he never comes back here, Lucky? What do I do then?”
Damn, this girl could be bitchy in one breath and completely vulnerable in the next, and I’m powerless against that vulnerability. She’s like a lost little girl and looking to me for answers.
“Then you find a way to move forward without him. You’re not just a pretty face and a bitchy spirit, Aria.”
“Thanks,” she replies with a hint of sarcasm. “I think.”
“You don’t need him, and you never have. It’s a trick that parents have perfected over the years, making you think you need them more than you do. Valentina, the cartel queen, did everything she was told to do—even married some dude she didn’t even like—because she didn’t think she could live without her father. Then she fell in love with Dix.”
“You’re a romantic,” she says.
“Me? Nah, babe, I’m a realist. Don’t get it twisted. I’m just sayin’ Morgan might need you more than you need him. Hell, you could take over his business if you wanted.”
Her eyes go wide. “Daddy would freak.”
“Maybe, but if he doesn’t come back, what’s it matter?”
I hate seeing Aria so damn defeated. “He set you up for success, ya know? Money, a good education, and a bunch of rich contacts. Use that fuckin privilege to get ahead without him, Princess.”
She glares at me. “Ha, ha. Not funny.”
“It’s a little funny.” I grin, and she rolls her eyes but smiles back.
“Without him, I’m on my own, Lucky. He never prepared me for this.” Tears start to fall again, and Aria’s shoulders slump. I move closer, wanting to comfort her.
She looks up, her brown eyes shining with tears. “You really think I can do it?”
“I know you can,” I say, conviction in my voice. “And if you ever doubt yourself, remember you got friends who believe in you. Like Frannie. And me.”
Aria’s smile grows, filled with gratitude and a spark of determination. She blows out a long breath.
“Thanks, Lucky. I needed that.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Aria
When Lucky talks to me and looks at me with sympathy, I almost think I can trust him. Easier said than done. He’s an outlaw biker, and that gives me pause. Then again, Daddy isn’t who he seems either, not at all.
From what I can tell, my daddy is a federal agent masquerading as a legitimate businessman with very shady business ties. If that’s not confusing as fuck, it makes me wonder who I am. I hate feeling this way.
It makes me feel stupid, and as much as I want to trust Lucky, can I really afford to put myself in a position to let him hurt me or take advantage of me? I know the answer instantly. No, I can’t afford that.
My conscience mocks me back. You can’t afford not to, either. It’s true. I’m caught in the classic damned if I do and damned if I don’t scenario.
Lucky’s arms tighten around me, and he drops a kiss on my temple, and dammit, more tears fall just when I think I can’t possibly cry anymore.
“It’s all right, Princess. Cry if you need to.”
I do need to, so I let my emotions go, but only for a brief time. I don’t have time to wallow, not when my future is so uncertain. Lucky is right about one thing; Daddy might not come back. The feds may not let him, and I need to learn how to stand on my own.
“This fucking sucks,” I finally say when I’m sure my tears have run dry.
Lucky lets out a huff of laughter that vibrates against the side of my face. “It does. But we will figure out what’s going on with Geoffrey. I called a few friends, and they’re going to help.”
My body stiffens at his words, and I’m immediately on edge.
“What does that mean?”
I worry that I’m going to be kidnapped again, and I start to pull away from his hold.
“Calm down.”
I shove him away from me. “Don’t tell me to calm down! You’re telling me that you have friends who can help. What? Out of the goodness of their outlaw hearts?”