Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
“I wish I could. I really do.”
“No.” I watched as the truth settled over her like a weight too heavy to bear. It was too much. I knew it would be, and I hated that I was the one who had to break the news to her. But it had to be done. Defeat in her eyes, she muttered, “I can’t believe it. He was behind it all the whole time.”
“Afraid so.”
“Oh, Rooks. Why would you do this? I just don’t understand.” Tears started streaming down her face, and her voice cracked as she said, “And he knew that he’d put Mom and me in danger, and he still…”
“His bad choices caught up with him, Tal, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to catch up with you. I’m not going to let that happen. Not now. Not ever.”
When her tears started to fall even harder, I stepped over and wrapped my arms around her, holding tight as she started to sob. She cried and cried some more, and my heart ached for her. She’d been through so much, and I wanted nothing more than to take all her hurt away.
When she finally collected herself, she stepped back and looked up at me with worry in her eyes. “What am I supposed to tell Mom?”
“I can’t answer that for you, but she’s a smart lady. She’ll figure it out sooner or later.”
“What about the case and Detective Joyner?”
“I can’t say for sure, but the Volkovs are powerful men. They’ll pull some strings and make your father’s case go away.” Since she was no longer in danger, we’d moved Tallie’s mother from the safe house and put her back up at the hotel. We figured she’d be happier there, especially with Rooks being gone. “And when that happens, your mother can go back home, and life will go on as you’ve always known it.”
“Can it really be that easy?”
“None of it is easy, Tal. But people like them make things happen.”
“So, that’s it. Dad and Rooks are gone in one fell swoop.” Tears started to pool in her eyes as she said, “I’ve lost them both.”
“I know it has to be rough, but you aren’t alone in this. I’ll be here every step of the way.”
“I’m good as long as I’m with you.”
“Feelings mutual, babe.” I leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. “I need to get over to the club and check in with Prez. You and Ford good for a bit?”
“Yeah, we’ll be fine.” She let out a breath. “You think we could talk to him about everything when you get back? I think it’s time.”
“Yeah, that’d be good.”
“Great.” She held my gaze for a moment, then whispered, “I really do love you.”
“And I love you.” I gave her a wink before saying, “I’ll be back.”
She nodded, and I headed out the door. I wasn’t exactly thrilled about leaving her. She’d been through so much over the past few days, and I wanted to be there for her. But before I could do that, I needed to check in with Prez and the brothers and make sure the drop with the driver and guard had gone off without any issue.
They would’ve called if something had come up, but I wanted to be sure. The drive over was a bit of a blur. I hadn’t slept, and my head was all over the place. One minute I was thinking about Tallie and how good her mouth felt on my cock, and then, I jumped to thinking about Rooks and whether or not he survived the night. It was a thought that was still clinging to me as I pulled into the clubhouse parking lot.
I pulled around back and parked. I pulled off my helmet, and I was about to head inside when I spotted Preacher talking to Kay and Memphis. I could tell right away that something was off. Kay wasn’t crying, but she looked like she had been or was about to.
Her hands were tucked in the back pockets of her jeans, and her back was stiff, like she was trying to put on a brave front. But even from where I stood, I could tell she was hanging by a thread.
Memphis didn’t look much better. His jaw was tight, and his arms were crossed. It was clear he wasn’t happy. I wasn’t sure what was going on, and then I saw all the bags in the back of the car.
That’s when I knew it was finally happening.
Prez was sending her home.
I got off my bike, but I didn’t say anything. I just stood there for a moment, watching as Kay turned to Prez and offered him a small, grateful smile. “Thank you for everything you’ve done. It means more than you know.”
“Don’t gotta thank me. That’s what I’m here for.” His face was unreadable as he told her, “You know the door’s always open.”