Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 115186 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115186 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
He raised his crutch and used it to block her path. He wasn’t done with her yet. “Could give you a great life, Maddie. Could give you whatever you want.”
Her eyes bugged out. “Whatever I want? I think you tried that already and look where it landed. Are you really willing to give up your title of Supreme Stud? Are you feeling okay? Do you have a fever?”
“Got a few aches and pains,” he answered. “I get that you don’t think I’m bein’ serious, but I am. You could come back with me.”
Her brown eyes got even wider. “And do what?”
“Wear my cut.”
For fuck’s sake. Did that really come out of his mouth? He never wanted an ol’ lady and figured he’d die a bachelor. Remain free to the very fucking end.
No one to answer to. No woman going on and on about bullshit in his ear. No long honey-do lists. No…
He pulled in a breath.
No Maddie.
The tightness in his chest returned.
All of this was proof Smith’s goons knocked his brain loose and scrambled his wiring.
A dry laugh burst from her. “Why? You don’t need me. You have sweet butts to do your bidding.”
She was right.
But also very wrong.
He did need her.
Not to baby him or be his nursemaid.
Not only for sex.
“It’ll tell everyone you’re mine.”
“But I’m not.”
“Only need a little convincin’.”
“You think that’s all it will take? If so, you’re simple.”
“Like a simple life.”
“Then you should live one, but I know being an MC president is far from simple. For years I’ve watched Trip lead the Blood Fury. It’s hard work and a lot of responsibility. Now that I think about it, how the hell did you become president?”
Damn. That was a low blow, but not the first time he’d been asked that. “Got skills.”
“Mmm hmm. What skills are those? The ability to remove bras with one hand? Or talk a woman out of her skirt? Eating pussy?”
The last one was definitely one of his greater skills and he wasn’t shy to admit it. “You forget how good I eat pussy? Need me to remind you?”
With pursed lips, her eyes sliced him up and down. “I don’t think you’re in any shape for that, but thanks for the offer.”
“Ain’t gonna be like this forever.” His brain might be broken but his mouth wasn’t. It would only take some careful planning.
“I guess you didn’t get the hint when I moved home and blocked your number.”
“‘Bout that—”
She raised a palm. “Look… Even if I was interested in being your ol’ lady, it’s common knowledge you could never commit to one woman, Romeo. It’s not in your nature and I’m also not stupid. If and when I settle down, I want it to be with a man I love and respect and who does the same in return. Someone who supports my decisions, whether he likes them or not. Someone loyal and only has eyes for me. Someone who won’t get bored and cheat. I don’t think you fit that bill.”
He opened his mouth to tell her that she was wrong, and she would be the exception, but he quickly snapped it shut. Never in his goddamn life did he think he’d have to work so damn hard to get a woman to wear his cut.
And why would he? Again, what the fuck was wrong with him?
His plan hadn’t been to come to Manning Grove to get her to wear his cut, to become his ol’ lady, it was only to…
“Right,” he finally muttered.
“I thought so. Now… since you clearly don’t need babysitting, I should go.”
Once again, he blocked her exit by using his crutch. “Since I’m injured, a babysitter couldn’t hurt.” Especially if it was her.
“You have one already. He’s waiting in the car,” she tipped her head toward the door, “and he’s free. I charge by the hour.”
“What’s your hourly rate include?”
“Microwaving chicken nuggets and turning on your favorite cartoons.”
One side of his mouth pulled up. “Don’t fuckin’ threaten me with a good time.”
She finally cracked a smile, too. “Thanks for proving that you are simple.”
“Said simple life.”
He needed to come up with a better plan. Winging it wasn’t working.
He wracked his brain. What the hell did women like?
He had no idea. He never “dated.” He never had to “romance” any of them to get them naked.
He only ever wanted one thing from them, and he preferred women who only wanted the same from him.
Dinner? Drinks? Movies? He had no fucking clue. But everyone had to eat at one point or another, so… “Have dinner with me.”
Her head snapped back. “What? Why?”
That request shouldn’t have been so damn shocking. Jesus. “Why the fuck not? We both gotta eat, right?”
“But you want us to eat together. Like at a sit-down restaurant?”
“What the fuck, woman?” he muttered with a shake of his head.