Total pages in book: 174
Estimated words: 172061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 574(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 172061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 574(@300wpm)
A crush of people pushed up to the carved mahogany, and a slew of bartenders worked behind it to fulfill the demand.
“This is not what I was expecting.”
Cash’s hand tightened on mine. “And what were you expecting?”
“I don’t even know. A few people loitering about in a dingy club?”
Cash let go of a rough chuckle as he began to lead me into the fray. His mouth dipped near my ear so I could hear over the raucous din. “I won’t tell Kane you said that. This place is his baby.”
“I just heard something about dives…” I kind of shrugged.
“Yeah, he owns a few other bars in town that are pretty much that. Soley used for funneling money through. But this place he wanted legit.”
People seemed to part as we came, getting out of Cash’s way, even though he didn’t say a word.
“It seems your reputation precedes you,” I whisper-shouted.
“Deep down, I think people know. It’s instinct.”
“Have you looked in the mirror?” I raised my brows with the tease.
“Never.” Mischief played over his mouth, and I leaned into his side as he guided me along the line of the bar toward the back.
“Oh my gosh.” My hands went to my mouth to stop the gush of surprise.
The entire back left corner was decorated.
A big, shimmery silver backdrop hung from the wall, and white balloons and flowers were everywhere. It was a major contrast with the dark, seductive vibe of the club, but still, somehow fitting.
A bunch of round tables were situated behind the rope, each adorned with bouquets and balloons. Food tables and a private bar were on the side, and in the far back was a large horseshoe booth.
But it was the people standing behind the rope, cheering and shouting their congratulations as puffs of confetti were shot off, that completely obliterated my heart.
My broken heart that had been empty for so long.
And now…
Tears blurred my eyes as I stood there with my hands over my face, overwhelmed by all the love.
Then a squeal of laughter ripped out of me when Cash suddenly swept me off my feet and tossed me over his shoulder.
“Cash Cunningham.”
“What? You dared me.”
“Everyone is going to see my behind.”
“Nah, baby, this behind is mine.”
He had one big hand over it as he carried me through the opening in the rope. Everyone clapped and laughed while I burned the reddest red.
It didn’t matter since my spirit soared.
Then Cash basically flipped me over and let me slide down his front, my back to his chest as he wrapped himself around my waist and rocked me back and forth.
Joy.
So much joy.
“Welcome to the family, Daisy Cunningham.” He murmured it at my ear.
There was no stopping the tears then, not when the girls surrounded me, all four of them pulling me forward to encircle me in a raving ball.
Laughter rolled free.
“We are so happy to get to call you sister,” Raven said, her dark eyes full of emotion.
Emery brushed back a piece of my hair. “The way it was supposed to be. All five of us together.”
Softness took over Charleigh’s pretty features. “I believe we were all drawn here. That this place—these hearts and these men—called us from out of the darkness. Pulled us out from where we were trapped and guided us toward a sublime destination.”
Triumph filled Piper’s expression. “It was a battle for all of us, but it is the best fight I’ve ever fought, and I’m so thankful for every single one of you.”
Everyone nodded, caught in a moment of awed appreciation, and I turned to look at Cash, who was surrounded by the guys, though his eyes were on me.
I was so ready for it.
For this battle to be over.
For us to step into the sublime.
Raven smacked her hands together. “I do believe champagne is in order. It’s time to get this party started.”
The band played from the stage, the energy alive and upbeat.
We remained within the confines of our area that I learned was always reserved for the family, all of us dancing to our own beat.
Laughing and drinking.
The food delicious and the mood sweet.
But it was Cash’s hands that were fire. Gliding over my body as he danced behind me. His presence profound. His lips running up and down my neck, his touch greedy as we gave ourselves over to the night.
He kept filling my ears with everything I’d longed to hear.
“You’re so sexy.”
“Can’t take my eyes off you.”
“Have loved you my whole life.”
“How’s it possible I have you?”
I let go in it. Swished my head from side to side as I ground my ass against his cock that had remained hard the entire night. His body a rigid storm, though his smiles were easy and his eyes were light.
I leaned against his chest, his heart hammering into my back, his breaths emitted at the curve of my jaw.