Total pages in book: 159
Estimated words: 149148 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 746(@200wpm)___ 597(@250wpm)___ 497(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 149148 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 746(@200wpm)___ 597(@250wpm)___ 497(@300wpm)
In MJ, everyone found what they didn’t get from Hallie – someone domesticated enough to make the kitchen a cozy place to hang out in. Of course, it also meant that they had to bear with her love for greens and healthy food. But since she was extremely amusing, the bikers were able to tolerate her mostly vegan diet.
“I’m not here to be your entertainer, you guys.” After checking to ensure that every one of the bikers had his salad, she grabbed her camera and started taking photos.
Everyone groaned.
“Oh come on, this is what I’m here for.”
“No stories, no photos.”
In one corner of the kitchen, Yuri stood next to the window and observed the scene with quiet satisfaction. MJ was a good addition to the club, probably the best since Hallie. He knew that MJ thought everyone was humoring her, but it was the opposite. She didn’t know it, but she was the one humoring the guys.
Every member of the club hankered for family, secretly or not, and with MJ they had the little sister they all wanted. While none of them lacked for female company, they also knew that girls wanted to be with them for a reason. Money, power, fame, sex – there always was a reason.
But like Hallie, the members of the club were sure that MJ did not want any one of those from them. After all, MJ had...
“My secret crush then,” MJ decided after a beat.
Everyone groaned, but it was a good-natured sound. In truth, it was MJ’s secret crush that had everyone at ease with her. Most of the guys felt safe teasing MJ, knowing they would not be misunderstood. Some liked to flirt with her outrageously, knowing that she would not reciprocate. After all, she did have her secret crush, and the story of how she became part of the club was now legendary.
She made a face. “Well, what else am I going to talk about?”
“Yeah, yeah. Fine. We got it. Talk about him then while we eat your salad.”
Another one asked with a frown, “But he’s here? He’s really a part of the club?”
MJ turned red. Every time the question could be answered with Helios’ name, she just couldn’t help but blush.
The sight of MJ’s reddened cheeks had everyone laughing.
“And you haven’t made your move yet?” a freshmen member demanded. “You’re so slow.”
“I’m not slow. I’m...biding my time.”
The biker next to her snorted. “Does he even know you exist?”
“Of course he does.”
“I just don’t get why he doesn’t make the first move instead,” the biker on her other side muttered. “Maybe he’s got a girlfriend?”
HELIOS WATCHED MJ SHAKE her head almost violently at the question. “He’s not that kind of man! He’s gentle and nice...”
“Knock, knock.” A mocking voice said behind the door just before Kellion walked into the study.
Helios swiftly snapped his laptop shut and stood up. “What is it?”
Kellion only smirked. “No need to feel edgy. I know you’ve been watching MJ on the CCTV. Your laptop’s screen was reflected on the window behind you.”
Helios grimaced.
Kellion headed towards the minibar at the corner. He took out an energy drink from the fridge. As he tore the wrapper off its lid, he remarked casually, “I never knew you would last this long, you know.”
Helios did not answer, his face stoic.
“It’s been over two weeks. You’ve been watching her all the time. Why don’t you just take her?”
Helios said silkily, “Maybe because I would like to honor her ‘secret crush’?”
“Bullshit.” Kellion took a long gulp of his energy drink. “You’re never one to let anything stand in the way when you want something. What’s different now?”
Helios did not answer.
“Has it never occurred to you, the possibility that you could be her secret crush?”
Kellion’s words warranted a humorless laugh from Helios. “Have you heard her speak about him? I have. Because you’re right. Every goddamn day I watch her like a stalker. I am obsessed with her. I need to think about her just so my cock will get hard and when I fuck another woman, I pretend it’s her. That’s how low I’ve sunk, and I don’t even fucking understand why I want someone like her.”
The words were spoken with such harsh emotion that Kellion knew there was nothing he could say in return. He had never seen Helios feel so strongly about anyone...at least not since Helios had learned of his brother’s betrayal.
Everything had changed for his friend since then.
Everything had become black, with seemingly no chance of light ever coming into Helios’ life...until one girl had skidded into his life and made Helios’ heart start beating again.
There was no redemption left for Kellion, but Helios was a different case, and he would do everything he could for his friend to start living again.
“It’s possible—”
Helios cut his friend off curtly, “No. It’s not. You’ve heard her speak about him, too. She says he’s kind. The kindest man she’s ever known. Someone gentle.” His lips twisted and he asked mockingly, “Does that sound like me, Kellion?”