Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
“Really?”
“They earned their stripes.”
I feel foolish for jumping to conclusions. “Well, that’s good to know.”
“But that being said, we’re going to get them.”
I suck in a breath, waiting for the room to erupt, but no one so much as winces. At the very least, I expect Rowan to react. But she just gapes at her new husband lovingly.
The front door bursts open, and Jewls zips in with Tom on her tail carrying both her boys. Harley comes in last with Maverick asleep in her arms.
“What’d we miss?” Jewls scans the room frantically like we’re having a party.
“You missed Willow revealing she has a backbone, a sharp tongue, and can cut a hero to the quick,” Rowan states proudly.
“Ummm, Maybe I —”
“Well, shit, I knew we should have taken the truck.”
“Woman, you drove that golf cart like a bat out of hell. No way I’m getting behind the wheel of an SUV with you,” Tom snaps gruffly.
“Stop being dramatic. Maverick didn’t even wake up.”
Tom spears her with a glare so frightening, I’d slink into the floor. She flips her hair and stalks to Major, curling to his side. “He’s exaggerating.”
“He’s not exaggerating.” Major bends to kiss her nose.
“Who pissed off the princess?” Jewls coasts her eyes along all the guys. “Do I need to give you all another professional speech on dealing with emotional trauma?”
Ace shakes his head, gesturing to Ford. “Wasn’t me who threatened to beat Simms’ ass.”
“Pretty sure I’m safe from counseling since I haven’t said a word.” Finn throws his hands up in defense. “I’m debating on being offended that Princess doesn’t consider us pretty boys.”
My face heats when Finn winks at me.
“Yeah, wait until Baby Face hears this one.” Major joins in the ribbing.
“I may have gone a little overboard,” I grumble.
I’m so focused on the others, I don’t realize Ford has moved into our space.
His hazel eyes are troubled and his jaw tight when he takes my hand. “I should have reigned it in. Talon is the closest thing to a brother I’ve ever had. What he did was stupid, but I get it. We’re going to help him finish what he’s started and bring them home.”
The decree might as well be a vow the way his words spread through me.
I throw myself at him, squeezing tight. “I believe that.”
When I lean back, there is an audible intake of breath from Rowan at the same time Harley screeches, rushing over.
“Is that??? My God… it’s gorgeous, let me see.” She reaches out, lifting the chain that has come loose from under my shirt.
The sparkling diamond ring dangles, catching the light at an angle, and casting glimmers around the room.
April and Jewls are instantly here, pushing Ford to the side. Out of nowhere, Celia, Addison, Carson, and Cindy join the huddle.
Where the hell have they been?
“Ummm, it’s a… Talon gave it to me,” I finish, not knowing how to explain what this is.
Obviously, I’d assume it’s an engagement ring, but you can’t be engaged without a proposal.
“It’s one hell of a promise ring.” Jewls carefully fingers the ring.
“You think? A promise ring?”
I glance at April, her eyes shining bright with admiration. She nods. “Jewls is right, it’s his promise to come back.”
Labeling its extravagance as a promise ring seems juvenile, knowing our relationship is much more. But I like her inference.
A hand runs over my head, pulling my attention to Ford. He tugs a strand of hair, flashing me a small grin.
No words are needed because I can read his thoughts.
And for the first time in fifty-six-plus hours, I have hope.
33
TALON
My body convulses, the tang of blood filling my mouth as I hit my knees. “Man, I didn’t know she had a boyfriend!”
“She’s my sister!” Another blow slams into my temple, warm liquid dripping into my eye.
I grind my teeth, using every ounce of self-control not to lay out this fucker.
“Hold it together, Simms, another minute and we’re in his phone.” Rand speaks in my earbud.
“My bad, dude. She was alone—” I’m cut off by a boot to the ribs while another guy yanks my shoulders to hold me straight.
“Do I look like a fucking dude to you? Fucking American frat boys blowing into town, wanting a good time. You fucked with the wrong woman.” My assailant spits, his dark eyes crazed.
The woman I’ve been working all night stands across the dirty parking lot, restrained by a man who seems bored.
She screams in rapid-fire Spanish, getting her brother’s attention. He half turns to her, shouting his response.
She lashes back at him, keeping him engaged in the argument and giving me more of what we need.
“Ricardo, leave him alone!”
“Rosa, you know better than to pick up with a Gringo! I told you not to leave the house tonight!”
“You don’t own me!”
“I got called out of an important meeting to deal with your shit, again, Rosa. You’re lucky I don’t lock you up.”