Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 63842 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63842 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
She turned toward me with tired eyes. “The Kiss of Death clubhouse?”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “Good food. Different scenery. Might help clear your head.”
She considered this for a moment. “Will there be a lot of people?”
“Some.” I kept my voice casual. “But no one who matters will bother you. And everyone there would throw themselves in front of a train for you just because you matter to me.”
Something softened in her expression. She nodded once. “OK.”
Twenty minutes later, we were on my bike heading toward the industrial district. Jade pressed against my back, her arms wrapped around my waist. She held tighter than usual tonight. I could feel the tension in her body where she leaned against me. The farther we got from Haven, the more I felt her relax into the ride. The wind and the engine noise had that effect and washed everything else away for a while. While the compound and Haven joined at the back end and any one of the brothers in Kiss of Death could make it to Haven in under a minute if they really needed to, I took Jade on a roundabout through the center of our territory. I knew she needed the freedom she got from riding behind me because I felt the same way.
When I thought she was ready, I pulled into the compound and parked next to Knuckles’ bike. I helped Jade off the bike so she didn’t stumble or burn her leg. She smoothed her hair and looked up at the building with nervous curiosity. I placed my hand at the small of her back. “You good?”
She nodded. “Just a little nervous.”
“Nothing to worry about.” I guided her toward the entrance. “These are my brothers. And their women are good people. Besides, you’ve met most of them already.”
Inside, there was a haze of smoke that didn’t smell like tobacco. The delicious scent of some kind of grilled meat wafted stronger the deeper we went into the area. Music pulsed from speakers mounted in the corners. The main room stretched wide open, the original warehouse space transformed with a long bar along one wall, pool tables scattered throughout, and mismatched furniture grouped into comfortable seating areas. Brothers in cuts drank beer and shouted over the music. Some played pool. Others gathered around tables eating.
Jade stuck close to my side as we entered. Her eyes widened slightly as she took in the scene. I watched her carefully, ready to leave if she showed any sign of discomfort. But her expression held more curiosity than fear. I’d been grateful Hannah had banned the club girls tonight. The last thing Jade needed was to think I’d ever allow my brothers to touch her in any way.
Violet spotted us from across the room. She waved and headed our way, weaving through the crowd. “Jade.” She smiled warmly. “So glad you came. Come on over. The girls are just sitting down to eat.”
Jade glanced at me questioningly.
“Go ahead.” I nodded. “I need to check in with Knuckles anyway. I will find you in a few, honey.”
Violet took Jade by the arm and led her toward a large table at the back of the room where several women sat together.
I made my way to where Knuckles stood at the bar. He clapped me on the shoulder as I approached. “How is she holding up?” he asked without preamble.
“Better than expected.” I accepted the beer he passed me. “Had a rough day. Eric sent legal threats to Haven.”
Knuckles cursed. “Fuckin’ piece of shit.”
“Ethan is handling it. Eric should be arrested by now for violating the restraining order, though that will only keep him busy for a few hours. I have no doubt he’ll make bail.”
Though we continued to talk, my gaze kept drifting to Jade across the room. Violet had seated her between herself and Mia. The table was loaded with plates of ribs, potato salad, and corn on the cob. Someone had put a shot glass in front of Jade.
I watched as Penny said something that made the table erupt in laughter. Jade smiled but didn’t say much. Another woman pushed a plate toward her. Violet leaned in and spoke into her ear. Jade nodded, looking around the table with increasing interest over whatever Violet had said.
As I took a drink of the coffee someone had set in front of me, Diesel shoved the front door open. He scanned the room frantically until his eyes landed on me at the bar. He rushed over, phone in hand, face flushed with anger.
“Rip.” He spoke fast and low. “Knight just called. That fucker Eric posted another batch of videos on a different site. Dozens this time.”
My stomach dropped. “Fuck. How many times did he assault Jade and set her up for rape?”
“Knight is working on it. But this time the bastard used a place notoriously hard to get to comply with take-down notices.” Diesel met my gaze. “This shit is getting out of hand. I’m the new kid on the block, but this Eric bastard needs to fuckin’ die. He’s a serial abuser and rapist.”