Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 40297 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40297 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
“I’ve already been working on it,” he continued, like uprooting his entire life was the simplest thing in the world. “Racing is big in California. Hell, Los Angeles is considered a major hotspot for professional and illegal racing. And Kane and I have been working on plans to expand Redline Holdings. As well as the Redline Kings.”
I shook my head, barely able to process what he was telling me. “You’d really uproot your whole life for me?”
Ares’s expression softened as he leaned in and kissed me. “You’re mine. That means where you go, I go. End of story.”
A sob tore out of me as I threw my arms around his neck and buried my face in his shoulder. Happy tears soaked his shirt as overwhelming emotion crashed through me, leaving me barely able to breathe. I didn’t know how he’d manage it all, but I was stunned that he was willing to rebuild his entire empire on the other side of the country so he wouldn’t have to let me go.
I clung to him, crying and laughing at the same time, my heart so full it felt like it might burst. For the first time since that phone call, the future didn’t feel terrifying.
I opened my mouth to tell him how much this meant to me when his phone buzzed. Ares pulled it from his pocket, glanced at the screen, and cursed under his breath. His jaw tightened as he fired off a quick reply, his thumbs moving fast.
He looked back at me, regret flashing across his face. “We’re not done with this conversation, baby. Not even close. But I’ve got club business that can’t wait.”
I nodded, still trying to wrap my head around everything he’d just told me. He cupped my face with both hands, holding me in place while his gaze burned into mine. “There will be nights like this. You’re the most important person in my life, but I won’t always be able to tell you where I’m going or why. California or Florida, when the club needs me, I go. No questions. That’s part of who I am, and as my old lady, you’ll need to understand that.”
Before I could fully process what he’d just said, Ares kissed me again. Like he was sealing every promise he’d just made. When he pulled back, he murmured, “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
He lifted me off his lap, set me gently on the couch, and stood. Then he was gone, the door clicking shut behind him with a finality that left the house suddenly too quiet.
I sat there alone, my heart racing and tears still drying on my cheeks. He was making plans to come to California with me because he wanted me to be his old lady someday.
The future I thought I’d have to face alone suddenly had Ares in every part of it.
17
TYRE
The clubhouse air was charged and heavy with anticipation, the kind of quiet intensity that always settled around us before we rolled out on club business. I stood near my bike, the growl of multiple engines warming around me. Kane straddled his Harley, his expression as unreadable and focused as always. Beside him, Edge cracked his knuckles, his eyes glittering with anticipation and dark amusement.
Nitro sauntered up, flipping a small detonator lazily between his fingers, looking entirely too satisfied with himself. “Got everything rigged and ready to go this morning before they rolled in for set up. Should make a pretty show tonight.”
Edge chuckled, shaking his head. “Just try not to blow us up while you’re at it, Nitro.”
Nitro flashed a wicked grin, tapping his temple with the detonator. “Trust me, I’m a professional.”
Racer snorted, his eyes narrowing. “Sure you are. And Fury here’s a fucking ballerina.”
Fury gave Racer a dry glare, adjusting the grip on his bike handles. “Fuck you, brother. I’ve got moves you’ll never know about. Just saving ’em for the right woman.”
“Focus,” Kane cut in, a hint of amusement flickering in his gaze. “We’re rolling out.”
The club fell into formation instantly—Rev leading as our captain, then Kane, Edge, Nitro, Raze, me, Racer, Fury, and our tail gunner, Drift, at the rear. We formed a lethal convoy of roaring motorcycles, with a pair of SUVs following close behind, loaded with supplies and equipped to carry back anyone we needed to have a detailed conversation with.
We rode to the outskirts of Crossbend, the night air cool against my face, tension and adrenaline humming steadily beneath my skin. My thoughts were locked in with absolute clarity on what we were about to do. Cecily stayed at the edge of my consciousness, something I carried with me even into a situation like this, but she didn’t distract me. It only made the stakes feel higher, the drive stronger to ensure nothing would ever threaten her.