Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 133975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 670(@200wpm)___ 536(@250wpm)___ 447(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 670(@200wpm)___ 536(@250wpm)___ 447(@300wpm)
Her wary expression cleared. “I should have asked. I’m not yet comfortable with your club and what they do. I don’t know what’s appropriate to ask about and what isn’t.”
He brushed a kiss across her soft lips, noting her mouth trembled the slightest bit. She was really scared about the party but trying to hold it together. She was Lyric, and the moment he apologized and told her he would do better, which he silently vowed he would, she had forgiven him.
Lyric didn’t hold grudges. He did. Mean ones. He had Code tracking down her mother, father and brother. He knew exactly where Miles was. He knew every movement the man made inside prison. Who were his friends and who were his enemies. They were on Declan’s trail. He already knew where Owen, Nolan and Leo lived, worked and hunted for unsuspecting prey. Nolan was the money collector, and Leo and Owen served as the enforcers. And there was the Russian, Yaman Kuzmin, the one who had tortured Lyric for Declan. Keys was gathering as much information as possible because none of them had long to live if he had anything to say about it.
“If you want to know something about what the club is doing, you have every right to ask me. That said, it doesn’t mean I’m always going to be at liberty to tell you, but if that’s the case, I’ll be very clear when I can tell you, or why I can’t. Is that going to work for you?”
Lyric nodded. “If we’re going to do this, Keys, I really need you to help me navigate your world. I don’t like making mistakes. I don’t want to feel as if I’m not good enough ever again, and I was a mess in that shop.”
“I meant it when I said I’ll do my best to prepare you for any situation we’ll be in, but you make a promise to ask me if you don’t have a clear view of what is expected.”
She looked relieved. “I can do that.”
He was grateful that she seemed willing to believe him. “No panties necessary. Shorts that you can get out of easily and discreetly.” He added the discreetly because the moment he’d said No panties, she looked freaked out. He didn’t want her panicking before they even got to the clubhouse.
While he dressed and added his weapons, he filled her in. “This is a party, baby, nothing more. Every one of the men from the Trinity chapter proved themselves. They came when we needed them, and this is a thank-you, that’s all. Most of them are single, and they bring women with them who like to party hard.”
She sank onto the edge of the bed and looked around for her shoes.
“Wear your flats, the ones you can get in and out of easily.”
“They aren’t the best walking shoes, and you indicated quite a bit of the party will be held outside.”
“You won’t be walking around. Music. Eating. Dancing. Families go home, and the hard partying starts. Breezy and Steele will remain as hosts. She’s used to the life and can answer any questions you might have. It’s going to be fun for you if you just relax, follow my lead and keep an open mind.”
* * *
Arriving at the clubhouse felt more as if they were attending a family barbecue and not a wild biker party. Dressed in the flannel shirt and shorts, Lyric blended with the other women working in the kitchen. Most wore T-shirts and jeans, but some wore shorts or leggings. She recognized Blythe, Anya and Seychelle immediately.
Kids were running around playing tag, rushing through the kitchen and out the door to whoop and yell in the yard. No one reprimanded them, and several vegetable-and-dip platters were out, along with chips and dip and cheese and various cuts of meat. Those were on smaller plates set on a low table. Lyric noticed the children would come through and grab food as they went out.
Breezy, Steele’s wife, quickly came over to her and introduced herself. “Technically, Blythe runs the show, and she’s good at it, but I do the work behind the scenes and most of the ladies help us get the food out. We’ll have more help after the family crew goes home. The women coming to party will do whatever we tell them is needed to keep everyone in food and drink. That doesn’t happen until after the kids and Blythe go home.”
“She goes home?”
“Every time. Gavriil always takes Lexi home, but Lissa and Casimir stay and party. Savage is taking Seychelle home, and Master and Ambrielle, as well as Maestro and Azelie, will be heading home as well. Player and Zyah always leave before it gets too wild. I know you don’t know them all, but they’re all here, and you’ll meet them. The point I’m making is, not everyone stays. The parties are fun, but Torpedo Ink has no problem having sex around each other.”