Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 41825 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41825 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
Her eyes fluttered open, her lips curving up until she clocked my expression. “Thayer? Is something wrong?”
“Club business, baby. Tyre got himself banged up,” I murmured, brushing a thumb across her cheek. “Want you to come with me to the compound. You’ll be safe there until I’m done. Besides, now that you’re here to stay, I figure it’s a good time for you to meet some of my family.”
She nodded and quickly dressed in denim shorts and a racerback tank, then slipped on a pair of strappy, flat sandals. I escorted her outside to my motorcycle, put our helmets on, and mounted it. Then I helped her onto the seat behind me and gave her a few instructions. When she was ready, her arms around me and body snug against mine, I pulled out.
My mind had already gone into doctor mode, but I was present enough in the moment to enjoy the feeling of having my woman on my bike for the first time. The reassuring heat of her presence filtered in and settled inside me with something that felt a fuck of a lot like contentment.
By the time we pulled up at the compound and rode through the gated entry, Nitro was already waiting near the clubhouse entrance, his expression tight.
He gave Hadley a nod as we approached the clubhouse, his dark eyes darting briefly to mine before settling warmly back on her. “Nice to see you again, Hadley. Some of the old ladies are inside. They’ll keep you company. As long as you don’t mind diapers and drool.”
“Thanks, Nitro,” she replied, chuckling softly and offering a smile that only wobbled slightly at the edges. But I could feel her hesitation in the way her body leaned slightly into mine, seeking reassurance she probably didn’t even realize she needed. This was a big step, but I had no doubt she’d fit seamlessly into every facet of my life. Hadley was fucking made for me. But the truth was, if by some chance she couldn’t find her feet in this world, I’d leave everything and take her wherever she wanted to go, as long as it made her happy.
I flicked my chin up at my brother in greeting and thanks, then kept my hand firmly on the small of Hadley’s back and guided her toward the clubhouse entrance. She glanced up at me, and something soft flickered across her face, hitting me square in the chest. Damn, I loved how she looked at me, even in these tiny moments, like I was the only person she wanted at her side.
Loved. Yeah, I fucking loved the hell outta this woman. But I didn’t have time to linger over the realization right now.
We stepped inside together, and voices drifted from the lounge, soft laughter mixing with the happy shrieks of kids at play.
Jana looked up first, her face lighting with genuine pleasure as she spotted Hadley. Jana’s little girl, Nella, squealed happily from her lap, waving her chubby arms with excitement. Jana passed Nella to another woman and stood, crossing the room to pull Hadley into a warm, welcoming hug.
“How are you doing?” Jana asked softly, drawing back to look Hadley over, concern in her eyes.
Hadley laughed quietly, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. “It’s been a little more than I bargained for.”
Then she glanced at me, and her cheeks turned pink when I winked.
Jana caught the interaction, and her mouth parted in surprise. “Did you just wink? And…” She looked at her old man and shook her head. “I didn’t think his face could make any expressions except stony and blank.”
I grunted in annoyance and scowled at Nitro when he barked a laugh.
“You know how it is when a brother falls,” he drawled with a smirk.
This time, it was Jana who was blushing.
“Yeah,” she agreed, smiling up at him. Then she turned back to Hadley and squeezed her arm reassuringly, her smile warm. “You’re in good hands here. Promise.”
I waited a beat longer, ensuring Hadley felt comfortable, before gently gripping her chin to tilt her face toward mine. Her gaze lifted, her deep-green eyes bright and trusting, as I leaned in and claimed her mouth in a hard and sure kiss, making it damn clear who she belonged to.
I felt her soften beneath my touch, her lips parting for me instinctively, a quiet sigh slipping from her throat. I was tempted to drag her to the nearest empty room, but I had a man waiting on me. And bullets had to take precedence over my need to be inside Hadley.
“Stay put, baby,” I murmured roughly against her mouth, my thumb brushing her jawline. “Be back as soon as I’m finished.”
She nodded, her eyes hazy with desire, a soft smile curving her mouth. I watched as she crossed the room and settled onto a couch with Jana. Reluctantly, I stepped back, already missing the warmth of her body against mine, before turning and heading toward Nitro, who waited near the kitchen door.