Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78237 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78237 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
We drink and laugh and celebrate. For a moment, it feels like the old days. The days before we had so much to protect, so many businesses and employees, so many women, and so much fucking money. Those days were good, but the more successful we are, the more shit lands on our doorstep.
The party lasts about an hour, which feels like a lifetime for some reason before Ace settles back into his role as President.
“Keep drinking and celebrating, but we have more shit to handle.” His tone is serious, his smile is gone, and the weight on his broad shoulders had returned.
“What’s up?” I ask because I need to know. If it has to do with Maven, she’ll need time to adjust and get on board.
“First is For Goodness Cakes. Until I say otherwise, the place is under our protection and it’s off books. Gia, gather everything needed to make the shop secure. Video, audio, and whatever else you need. Preacher and Wilder will get it loaded in one of the vans for you.”
Gia nods as she sips her vodka cocktail. “On it. How soon are we installing it?”
“First thing in the morning,” Ace answers and raises his glass toward Stella, who quickly passes him another. “Also, we’ll have a guest for a while. Stone Nilsson from the Reckless Bastards, Texas Chapter will be arriving tonight, and he’ll be staying here at the clubhouse.”
“What the fuck?” Shades is on his feet again, a scowl on his face. “What the fuck for?” As friendly as Shades is, he doesn’t like strangers taking over Reckless Souls’ shit.
“Settle down, Shades. It’s a personal favor for a friend. Charlie in Mayhem asked for this favor, and I’m not in the habit of turning down favors. We hide him from the law, and the Men of Mayhem will owe us when the time comes.”
Shades deflates and nods as he drops down in his seat. “Fine.”
“As long as Stone is here, he’s a brother. He can pitch in and help as long as we keep the law off his back. Got it?”
A few mutters of agreement go around the room, along with nods acknowledging Ace’s orders.
“Got it,” I tell him with a nod. “Do I need to look into him, so we know who to be on the lookout for?”
Ace nods. “Not a bad idea but wait until after I have a chance to talk to Stone.”
“Yep.”
“Anything else?” Preacher asks, his arms tight around Gia as her head rests on his shoulder.
“Nope. Get the van loaded and ready for installation tomorrow, and then get back to celebrating. I’m gonna go check on my woman.”
Ace nods again and looks around the clubhouse bar with a smile, satisfied that things are all good.
At least for tonight.
The music gets louder, and I sigh with a shake of my head, wishing I could bring Maven out here, have a drink with her and get to know her. Today wasn’t a good first day as her protector.
Sure, she ended her shift safe and sound, but things were tense. She was, rightfully, angry as fuck at me and Preacher, resentful and sarcastic all damn day.
I wish I could say it made her annoying and unbearable, but it doesn’t. It only makes me want her more. My fingers itch to touch her, and instead of staying here and partying with my brothers, I sidle up to the bar with a smile for Stella, eyeing Tank like he’s the last slice of chocolate cake.
“What can I getcha, sweetie?” she asks coyly as fuck.
“A frozen bottle of Fireball is calling my name. I’ll take that and three shot glasses." Maven may be new to Fireball shots, but it always gives me a good time.
"You sure you can handle that, Wild Man?" Stella's eyebrows shoot up to her hairline. I just smirk and pour us each a shot.
"To new beginnings." I clink my glass against hers and we both throw the cinnamon liquid back. Maven may be trouble, but she's the kind of trouble I'm looking for.
At my words, Stella’s smile falls, and she turns back to Tank when it’s clear she’s not whom I’m after.
“Good luck with that one. She seems tightly wound.”
“That’s part of the appeal.” I shrug and pick up the other shot glass, and head to Maven’s room.
Maven isn’t a hostage. Keeping her locked in that room alone while the rest of us party all night doesn’t feel right. I knock on the door just in case she’s asleep or naked and wait.
It’s silent on the other side of the door, so I knock again as I unlock the door and step inside.
“Are you decent, Maven?”
Chapter Thirteen
Maven
Decent? I let out a loud, bitter bark of laughter. “Oh yeah, I was just luxuriating in a hot bath with my favorite scent of bubbles and sifting through my belongings for my most comfortable pajamas.”