Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
“You could call me tonight when your mother is asleep if you have a question or need to talk. I’d love for you to tell me when you’re tucked into bed so I can wish you good night or read you a story.” He steered her back toward the motorcycle.
“You’d read me a story?” she asked.
“Of course. What kind of stories do you like? Fairy tales? Wizards and Magic? Animals?” Scythe picked up her helmet and fastened the strap.
“Chippy loves animals!” Winnie blurted and then slapped her hand over her mouth. She watched his face to judge his reaction. Her shoulders settled back into place when he smiled.
“Chippy, huh? Would that be your stuffed chipmunk?” He tugged to make sure the protective headgear was secure.
Her eyes widened. She tried to figure out what to say.
“I’ll have to get you one if you don’t already have a stuffed chipmunk.”
She shook her head and lowered her hand to whisper, “There could only be one Chippy.”
“Of course. Will you introduce me to Chippy soon? I’d like to meet him.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll find an animal story for Chippy and for you.”
“Thank you.”
In a few minutes, they were on their way. This time, Winnie rested comfortably against his back with her arms locked around his waist. Riding wrapped around Scythe had become her favorite activity. Nothing could feel better than this. Making love with Scythe jumped into her mind. She nodded to herself. Winnie knew that would eclipse even this.
When they’d arrived at her home, Winnie had celebrated with an adorable happy dance upon seeing her car was in the driveway. A parent of an amazing former student had his own automotive repair shop. Winnie had called him in a tizzy. Thankfully, the mechanic remembered her fondly and had towed her car that morning. He’d even driven it to her house after repairing her vehicle. The keys were in front of the right rear tire.
“What’s the repair shop’s name?” Scythe asked.
“Woodson’s. It’s on Main Street.”
“Got it.” Scythe focused on Winnie. He’d check out the shop later.
“Chipmunk, I put an envelope in your bag. It’s the first installment of money from the collection we carted away last night. Don’t deposit it in your account in a lump sum. Buy groceries, gas, tip the pizza delivery guy. Banks ask questions if you drop a chunk of money in cash into an account.”
“Is it counterfeit?” she whispered.
“No. It’s real money, Winnie. I would never endanger you. You can always share the truth that your mom is selling off some of your stepfather’s possessions. Just be vague. People get weird when they think about guns changing hands.”
“Got it. I can be vague,” she promised, hoping she could actually do that.
Scythe cupped her chin and studied the sweet face that had come to mean so much to him in such a short time. “Go to bed early, Little girl. I can tell you need more rest. I’d give you a bedtime of eight, but I know you watch over your mother. Aim to get under the covers as soon as possible, okay?”
She didn’t argue. Winnie nodded and licked her lips as if she hoped he’d kiss her. Scythe didn’t need convincing. He leaned down to capture her mouth and nibbled at her lips softly at first but then thoroughly devoured her mouth when her cute sounds urged him on. Winnie sneaked her arms around his neck, and she held onto him as she swayed closer.
The door flew open, grabbing his attention. The woman in the front entrance was gorgeous—all toned angles and big, blond hair. Her face, while stunning, appeared hard.
“For God’s sake. Stop canoodling on the front step. What are you, twelve, Winnie?”
“I bet you need to leave, Belinda. I’ll come take care of Mom,” Winnie said, stepping away from Scythe. She squeezed his biceps as if signaling she didn’t want to go.
“Who’s this?” Belinda asked, checking out Scythe from head to toe. “I think I need to hang out with the motorcycle club. Did she catch you by wearing my dress? I look better in it.”
“The woman inside it overshadowed the dress,” Scythe answered smoothly, keeping his eyes on Winnie. Belinda didn’t interest him at all. “Call me.” He pulled her close and kissed her one more time.
Scythe lifted his head. “Call me,” he repeated. She nodded and pressed two fingers to her lips.
“Wait…,” Belinda said quickly.
“I’ll get my bike out of your stepsister’s way.” Scythe turned and walked down the driveway to where his motorcycle waited, listening to Belinda sputter behind him.
“What a jerk! He didn’t even look at me. So rude.”
“He’s incredible when you get to know him.” Winnie defended him. Scythe smiled as he moved away when she didn’t let her sister speak poorly of him.
Thanks, Little girl. He listened to Winnie change the conversation as he pulled on his helmet.