Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 84471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
“But there are the upsides too,” Paige shoots in when she sees my expression. “And I don't just mean the amazing sex.”
“It helps.” Jessica nods enthusiastically until Paige gives her a shove.
“Stop clowning around for a second so I can finish.”
“That's what the guys tell me, too.” Jessica cackles at her own innuendo until Paige literally punches her in the arm.
“Anywaaaay.” Paige drags it out like she's daring Jessica to interrupt again. “Besides the sex, having three men madly in love with you who are willing to set the world on fire if it'll keep you safe is amazing. I'm the center of their world, and every day they come home to me is a blessing of a kind that I never experienced before. Emotionally and practically, you have so much more to draw on. Strengths and weaknesses. I know Poe can fix anything electronic and he loves to read, so we talk about books and read to each other. Crank is super strong, but also clever and outrageous sometimes. He’s the glue that holds us together. And Savage is our bossypants. He takes charge when things need to be done, even if that thing is me. Especially if that thing is me.” She grins. “And so the four of us work together like a unit. It's not just me getting banged by a bunch of bikers, but a relationship where we all build each other up, so what we've got is greater than the sum of its parts, if that makes sense. It's bigger than us, and that still overwhelms me sometimes, but in a good way.”
Jessica nods. “Only you can decide if that's what it feels like for you, but I agree completely with Paige. Ghost, Riot and Tex thought they were kidnapping me, but they literally saved my life. I was so close to giving up when they found me, and now I’m even applying to study in the fall. I could’ve walked away when the craziness of my whole situation was over, but I couldn't find it in myself to do it. I didn't want to, and I still don't. We work together, and they take care of me. And each other, when they need the kind of support I can't provide. It's so much more than a regular relationship.”
“Well, that was a lot.” I laugh a little awkwardly, just from the outpouring of it all.
“Too much?” Paige cocks her head. “I mean, if that's not how you feel about them, you don't have to—”
“No, actually. I think it was just the right amount, because it helps me organize my own feelings. A little like a book outline, I guess. It helps me see patterns, and understand the consequences, and I couldn't do that until now.” I nod, as it feels like it's all coming together inside me. Like the last parts in a puzzle that I didn't realize I had turned the wrong way.
Yes, they live dangerous lives, but would I really want to go back to my old life and not risk all the good things that would come with them?
No way.
Maybe I'm supposed to be practical and pull away rather than let my feelings drive this, but what is a relationship if not emotions? And the way they make me feel anytime I'm with them is a feeling that’s worth exploring.
“Do you guys want a house tour?”
“Do we? Yes!” Paige declares enthusiastically. “I have seven months to figure out where to put a crib and I need to start my vision board now.”
They both grin and take them around, showing what I’ve done with the place and talking about my own plans. I show them the garden and point out the tomato plants I have growing in pots by the back door. We make plans to have a girl’s night so I can meet Anne, and they can meet Grace. For the first time in maybe my entire life, I feel at home.
When they leave, I work a little more and then take a quick shower, intending on heading up to the club. I change into something I hope the guys will like, black leggings and a pink tank top with a plunge, though if this all works out, I suspect I won't be wearing them for long, and then I nearly run down the stairs, eager to find them and tell them how I feel. How I really feel.
I throw open the door and run right into the large shape standing there, arm raised and finger poised to ring the doorbell. When I bounce back, I have to crane my neck to look up at him. At first my heart assumes it's one of my guys and skips a double beat.
Then it skips a double beat for an entirely different reason.
Tanner.
“Willow. I was hoping I'd find you at home.”