Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 63579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
He's afraid.
I get that.
I’m afraid, too.
I didn’t sleep at all when I returned home. The attack played in my head, over and over again, but I also knew I had to keep going. That I had to go back and finish what I started. Western ... Nightmare ... he spoke to me last night. He actually spoke to me. It might have been small, but it was a start, and I have a feeling that maybe, with time, I’ll get him to speak some more.
I can’t give up now.
“I know you’re worried, and I appreciate that. I promise you I won’t leave this club without an escort from now on. I learned a very difficult lesson, but I’m okay now.”
“You’re risking everything for a fucking murderer who doesn’t even know you’re alive.”
Leo’s voice is frustrated and tight, and I understand why.
I reach over and squeeze his hand. “He saved my life last night, Leo. I know you think I’m crazy for doing this, but nothing is going to make me stop. Please, you have to trust me on this.”
Growling, he leans forward, pressing his forehead to mine as he grips both of my shoulders. “If you were my wife, Bonnie, I would tan your ass. But, you’re my best friend, so I don’t get to tell you what to do. You and your stubborn ways will be the damned death of me.”
I smile, wrapping my arms around him. “Love you.”
He hugs me back, squeezing tightly, and when he releases me, I look up at him.
“I have to get to work, I promise I’ll be safe.”
He glances up at the club entrance, then back to me. “I’m not leaving until I see you walk through those doors.”
Giving him another hug before turning, I walk up the stairs, and when I reach the club entrance, I glance down over the railing and give him a wave. He watches me, with those hooded eyes, before turning and disappearing down the street.
Exhaling, I walk into the club.
I spend half an hour in my bosses office, giving him a breakdown of what happened, and then I begin my shift.
Luna is right there waiting the moment I reach the bar, ready for the night.
“Are you okay? What happened?” she asks, eyes wide as she steps up close.
“I’m okay. He just needed to know everything that happened. I have to leave with an escort from now on, as you know, but I’m not sad about that. I don’t think it’s safe out there at night for girls, so I suggested that none of the women who work here should leave alone. He agreed and is going to change the policy, starting tonight.”
Luna steps forward, hugging me tight. “You’re a true warrior, woman. I can’t believe you’re here, I’d still be curled up in my bed.”
I pull back, giving her a smile. “Trust me, I didn’t have a good night on my own, but I’m safe, and I always try to be positive, where I can at least. It could have been worse. Without Western, they would have hurt me.”
“I can’t believe it was Western that saved you. I’m kind of jealous, but also, a bit intrigued now. I never thought I’d see the day someone got through to him.”
“Oh, believe me, I’m far from being through.” I laugh. “But he spoke to me and that has to say something, right?”
“Tell me about his voice.” Luna grins. “Is it all masculine and sexy or did it come out high pitched and feminine?”
I laugh. “That would at least explain part of the reason he doesn’t talk, but no, it was masculine and deep. Quite possibly the sexiest voice I’ve ever heard in my entire life.”
Luna fans herself. “Oh, boy, that’s hot. Now you’ve made me curious.”
A customer approaches the bar, so our conversation is cut short. Getting right to work, I put a smile on my face and begin the night. It’s busy, but nothing on the previous evening, but enough to keep me on my feet well into the night. As ten rolls around, I glance up at the clock and realize Western hasn’t come in. He always comes in at the same time, but maybe he’s running a little late.
Another hour passes, and still nothing.
A sting of disappointment radiates through my chest as the night comes to a close and he doesn’t show up.
A strange concern grips me, one that worries something might have happened to him. It’s confusing and a little discouraging, because, after all, I don’t know for certain he isn’t a murderer and I shouldn’t be having any sort of feeling toward him. Even if it is merely one of worry.
Finishing up, I get changed and Mick, the bouncer, waits at the door, walking each of us out to our cars. I wait until all the other ladies are gone before getting walked to my car, which I strategically parked beneath a street light. I come to a stop just as I reach it, when I hear the rumbling of a motorcycle just off into the darkness. Narrowing my eyes, I can see the outline of a large figure sitting on the motorcycle, and I realize right away that figure is Western.