Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
He kissed my mother, and after a quick word with Dalton, he was gone. I felt indifferent about his departure, and I could tell from my mother’s expression that she felt the same way, which led me to ask, “Is everything okay with you two?”
“No, it’s not, but that’s nothing for you to worry about.”
“But I do worry. I don’t want what happened with me and Dad to affect you two.”
“How can it not? He lied to us both. But we will get through this. We always do.” She reached over and patted my hand. “Now stop fretting over your father and me and go see about Malcomb.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, now skedaddle.”
“Okay, okay.” We both stood, and I gave Mom a big hug. “Thanks, Mom. You’re the best.”
“Anytime, sweet girl.”
She helped me get Dalton in the car, then stood at the end of the driveway and waved as I backed out into the street. It was crazy how a brief conversation with my mother could put everything into perspective, but that’s exactly what it had done. I knew I wanted a life with Malcomb, and I wasn’t going to wait another second to have it.
He said he would be waiting for us, but when we pulled up to his house, I wasn’t sure if he was even home. There was no sign of his truck or his bike, but I took a chance and got Dalton and our bag from the car. I was about to start up the steps when the front door opened, and Malcomb stepped out. “You came.”
“Yeah, I’m sorry about earlier. I just needed a minute to think.”
“And you’re good now?”
“I am.” I smiled as I told him, “We’re a river.”
“Come again?”
“We’re like a river.” I walked up the steps and smiled. “It can take a little time, but we always find our way home.”
“It’s a little philosophical, but I like it.” He slipped his arms around my waist and pulled me close. “Welcome home, baby.”
He leaned down and kissed me, and for the first time in a very long time, I knew that everything was going to be okay. Dalton and I were home, and that was where we were going to stay.
CHAPTER 25
Savage
It had been days, and we were all still reeling from the explosion at Yesler Terrace. When Bruton told us he would take care of the Stingers, we thought he would take them out and only them—not innocent women and children. It was a fucked-up move, but the fact that he had the means to do it was even more concerning. We had no idea how he’d done it. It would take a man with a great deal of power and influence to pull off a stunt like that. It would also take one with a cold fucking heart to kill innocents.
We knew Bruton had some questionable dealings, but this left us wondering if we’d made a mistake going into business with him. It was time for us to have a chat with him. Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t be worse. We had just gotten Londyn’s stuff moved from her apartment, and she was busy scurrying around trying to find the perfect place for everything.
I hated to leave her when she was working so hard, but I didn’t have a choice. She was in the living room, moving around picture frames, when I walked up behind her and said, “I’ve gotta run to the clubhouse for a bit.”
“Okay.”
She picked up a frame and moved it across the room. “I’ll be gone for a couple of hours.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll help you finish up this stuff when I get back.”
“Okay.”
I wasn’t sure if she was really hearing me, so I said her name a little louder, “Londyn!”
“What?” She whipped around and looked at me like I had three heads. “I thought you were leaving.”
“I am, but I wanted to make sure you were good before I left.”
“I’m good.” A soft smile slipped across her lips. “No offense, but I’ll get this done a lot faster without you here.”
“You saying I’m not good help?”
“I’m saying I have a lot to get done, and you’re a distraction.”
“Is that right?”
“Yep.” Her smile grew wider as she teased, “I mean, it’s not your fault that you’re so freakishly sexy.”
“Freakishly?”
“You heard me.” With a glimmer of mischief in her eyes, she stepped closer and slipped her arms around my neck. “You’re so unbelievably hot that it’s hard for a woman to contain herself whenever you’re around.”
“Ah, you’re bull-shitin’ me, right?”
“Maybe just a little.” She giggled. “But you are distracting, and I could get this done much quicker if you were gone.”
“So, you’re okay with me leaving.”
“Absolutely.” She inched up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to mine before saying, “Now, go and do what you need to do.”
“If you insist.” I kissed her once more, then grabbed my keys and started out the door. “I’ll grill us some burgers when I get back.”