Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 37111 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37111 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
The wind had started to pick up, and there was a cold bite to it. I knew I needed to hurry, but not bathing and changing clothes simply wasn’t an option. If I came to their doorstep looking like a hobo, I was afraid no one would take me seriously. Or, worse, tell me to get the fuck on before they got rid of me.
I stripped, tossing my filthy, damp clothing to the ground. I kept the long-sleeved T-shirt to use as a washcloth, so I didn’t have to actually get in the creek. While it was still warm most days, the nights in this part of Kentucky were chilly this time of year. Shallow water, like the lazy stream here, had started to cool, making this bath seriously uncomfortable.
I’d never done this before. Bathed out in the open. In fact, though I’d lived in an MC for most of my life, roughing it wasn’t exactly in my repertoire. I’d never been camping. Or hunting. I’d been fishing occasionally but usually on a boat or a dock at the lake. All I’d had to eat the last five days were some snacks I’d managed to sneak out and a couple bottles of water I refilled every chance I got. Now, I was cold, dirty, hungry, and so fucking tired I just wanted to sleep for a fucking week.
“Well, now. What do we have here?” The lazy drawl made me jump and cry out. I tripped and landed on my ass, my naked body on full display. The guy smirked as he looked down at me, his big arms crossed over a powerful-looking chest. His shoulders were wide, stretching the fabric of his Henley, as did his biceps. He had a full beard reaching about halfway down his chest. Cold, assessing blue eyes were fixed squarely on me.
I needed to warn him off. To keep him away from me. But my stupid mouth didn’t seem to want to work. I knew from experience bikers responded to strength. I was currently being judged. And probably found sorely lacking.
Finally, I found my backbone. I scrambled to my feet, lifting my chin, making no move to cover myself. That would be seen as a sign of weakness after my hesitation, and I could show exactly none. I made what I hoped was a strong stance, trying to look as unsexy as I could while standing naked. Arms down to my sides, feet slightly apart, I met his gaze with a stern one of my own. “I’m looking for Sword. Lars Gray. I was told he was a member of Bones MC.”
The man nodded slowly, still giving me that assessing look. “He is.”
“Take me to him.”
The guy grinned broadly. “Might want to put some clothes on, little lady. Any woman parading around naked in this club might find herself bent over a pool table.”
“I was in the process before you snuck up on me,” I snapped. I was more afraid than put out, but I had to make sure I had a good front. I tried to think about how my mom acted in the club. She was the former Prez’s ol’ lady, and she didn’t take shit from anyone. I was so far from her status it wasn’t funny, but I had to act like the Prez’s daughter if I wanted to reach my goal. “Now, as much as I’m sure you’re enjoying the view, I’m going to have to demand you turn around.”
He raised his hands. “All right, all right. But you are in our territory. Spyin’ on our compound.”
“I never said I was spying.”
“Honey, I’ve been watchin’ you for two days. Only came to get you now because the weather’s turnin’. Storm’s comin’ in tonight, and the temperature’s gonna drop. You can’t stay out here without protection.” He shrugged. “Be easier on everyone to just bring you in.”
“Well. Since that was my goal to begin with, more the better. Now. Fucking turn around.” I bit out the last between clenched teeth. The big bastard just chuckled but complied.
Quickly, I dressed. I wasn’t truly clean, but my clothes were, and I’d gotten most of the dirt off. My hair was the only thing I hadn’t been able to give a cursory wash. No help for it now. I’d just have to wait until I found Sword. Hopefully, he’d let me have a place to clean up.
Once I was dressed, the guy gestured for me to walk with him. “Name’s Deadeye,” he said. “My sniper team gave me that name because I never miss what I’m aiming at. Ever. If you’re thinkin’ of runnin’, don’t.”
“Bones’s hospitality leaves a lot to be desired,” I muttered. “You threaten all your guests?” I was starting to regret this. I might have jumped from the frying pan into the fire.