Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 199(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 199(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
They begin to move away, and I’m about to grab Elsa’s hand to stop her when my father calls out, “A word, Miles.”
“Yeah, Dad.”
“Let’s have a talk.” We walk side by side into the clubhouse’s security center where we can chat privately. He locks the door and then says, “Have a seat.” I don’t want to sit, but I also don’t defy my father.
I rest my ankle over my knee, attempting to appear relaxed. “What’s up, Dad?”
“Are you in love with her?” he asks.
“What do you mean?”
“Son, I’m not fucking blind. I know you take your word seriously and your duty seriously, but most of us have been in your situation before, and we know that look. You’re ready to rip Connor’s head off, and you know we can’t have that.” I understand the warning to back off Jackson’s boy.
I dip my head and lightly shake it. “Yes… Yes, I’m in love with her.” I run my hands through my hair. “At first, I wasn’t sure if that’s what it was or simply pure arousal… No, who am I kidding? I knew within hours, but it wasn’t the right time, and it still isn’t. She’s young and vulnerable.”
“So how long has this been going on?”
“Not that long at all. Right before his surgery. Still, I’m not even sure she really even likes me. Right now, she hates me.” I don’t even bother mentioning my lustful attraction a year earlier because that shit was inappropriate, and didn’t help my cause.
“I don’t think so, but if I were you, I’d tread lightly.”
“As much as I’d like to make things happen between us, I’m not sure she’s ready for what I want. She’s busy with school. Besides, there’s a little unrest.”
My father’s shoulders stiffen. “Do you need my help?”
“No. I just got to keep these sons of bitches away from her. I want to give in and make her mine, but I’m not sure if I should risk the distraction.”
He laughs. “Son, it’s too late. You are hooked and already distracted. Don’t worry about the guys here; they all got their warning already. Everyone saw. The warning has already been spread. Not a soul in this place will even try. You looked like a madman.”
“Was it that bad?”
“Yeah.”
“Damn. I’ve got to work on my obsession, and work on her.”
“Nah, you’re commanding, Son. Let everyone know where you stand. Just make sure she doesn’t get the dark side of you. Save that for the assholes and give your woman the best parts.” That I certainly can handle.
“Thanks.”
“By the way, I think you need to have a talk with Emiliano.” I close my eyes because that’s another tough one.
“Yes. We haven’t had an official conversation yet. I’m sure he’s got questions.”
“He does.” He winks. “Let’s grab a beer and just enjoy some time with family and friends before he grills you about his little girl.” I’d prefer to get it over with, but I’d hate to ruin the party if we couldn’t agree on my future pursuit of Elsa.
“Sounds good.” We walk out and celebrate with everyone. Despite the earlier dramatic nonsense, the party is great. Even Connor doesn’t get on my fucking nerves. I do my best to ignore Elsa, letting the team and her family watch her because I don’t want to start something I’m not ready to finish.
As the party winds down, I take my leave, saying goodbye to my godparents and letting them know that I’ll be taking a different flight back to Vegas in the morning because I have meetings.
“Always working,” my godmother says after she pulls me in for a hug.
“It’s the way it is,” I say, placing a kiss on her cheek. “Today was nice, though.” I give a smirk toward Elsa.
“Yes, because every available female couldn’t take their eyes off you. You look like you came off a photoshoot instead of a barbecue.” Elsa waves her hand up and down toward my body.
“I didn’t realize there was a specific attire requirement. I’m pretty sure there are several people here dressed the same way,” I remind her as I walk away. Not all of us wore jeans and tee shirts with boots and leather cuts. There’s nothing wrong with it. My father has his patch on, and my mother has a cute version that matches her dress, but some of us are wearing slacks, khakis with polos. I like my hair slicked back with neatly trimmed sides. I always keep myself professional, and I don’t care what others think except for Elsa. So, I’m going to try to let her comments slide off me as just her residual anger.
As I reach the exit, I’m stopped by my father and hers to say goodbye. “Cyber, your son is something else.” Emiliano claps his hand on my shoulder. “He’s done wonders to keep my family safe after my surgery, especially my little girl.” The tone in his voice is obvious, almost mocking in its intent.