Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 72617 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72617 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
“They’re here,” Bruton announced calmly. “Looks like they were amping up for a hell of a battle, but unfortunately for them, we made sure that shit didn’t happen.”
“Are they still alive?”
“Yeah, we got both Antonio and Miguel. Also got their physician. From what I’ve gathered, he’s a pretty sick bastard.”
“Pretty sure you’re right about that.” Cotton glanced down at the dead guards in the drive, then asked, “What do you want to do about the clean up?”
“Torch the place.”
“And the women?”
“Bring them to my house.”
“Come again?”
“Load them back in the van and bring them to me,” he pushed. “I’ll make sure they get back home where they belong.”
Cotton didn’t argue. We all knew Bruton had the means and determination to get the girls back home, and it would take a heavy burden off the club if he managed to pull it off. We didn’t need anyone asking questions, so having them gone would be the best thing for everyone.
I thought that was the end of it until Cotton asked, “And what are your plans for the brothers?”
“I have no plans. I figured your boys might want to spend a little quality time with them.”
“You figured right.”
“I’ll have them ready for you when you bring the girls to the house.”
“We’ll be there in twenty.”
Cotton ended the call, then turned to us and said, “You heard him. Get the women loaded, and then, let’s torch it.”
None of us spoke as we entered the room and started carrying the women out to the van. It was tough. They were all so young, so vulnerable, and it was hard to see them in such a state. But we all found solace in knowing that they’d been saved from a lifetime of torture and abuse. They would have their second chance.
Once we had them all in the van, we got to work dousing the place with gasoline, then tossed a couple of Molotov cocktails at the front and back of the house and garage. In a matter of seconds, the flames were rolling. Once we were certain the fire had taken hold, we got in our SUVs, and with Savage driving the van of girls, we all headed over to Bruton’s.
The battle was done, but our night was long from over.
CHAPTER 22
Mia
I’d watched from my window as Wrath and the others got into their SUVs and disappeared into the night. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen them roll out like that, but this time felt different. This time, it wasn’t just my father, it was a piece of my heart driving off in one of those SUVs.
And it terrified me.
I’d known Wrath for years. He was always very serious, with his brows furrowed and stiff back, but every now and then, I would catch a glimpse of him smiling. It would be over something one of the brothers had said, but on a rare occasion, I’d catch him smiling at me.
I had no idea what I’d said or done to cause him to smile. If I had, I would’ve done it over and over again. I liked to see him smile. I liked it even more that I’d been the one to make him do so, and it terrified me to think I might never get the chance to do so again.
I sat there, staring out that window for hours, anxiously checking the clock and peering out at the gate, hoping to catch a glimpse of his SUV pulling in. The minutes felt like hours, each passing second pushing my patience to its limits. My imagination wasn’t helping matters. I kept imagining the worst. All the what-ifs and maybes tied into one big horrible nightmare that I couldn’t shake.
I tried to think of other things, like the times we’d spent together. The movies. The meals. The incredible nights of passion. The laughter, the warmth, and the moments of vulnerability. I clung to those memories, drawing strength from them, but they weren’t enough to ease the knot in my stomach.
When I couldn’t stand it a moment longer, I walked down the hall to the infirmary to check in on Riley. As soon as I stepped through the door, Riley looked up at me with worry in his eyes and asked, “Are they back yet?”
“No. Afraid not.” As I stepped closer, I couldn’t help but notice all the gadgets he was hooked up to. There was an IV and heart monitor, along with a line of oxygen that was in his nose. I placed my hand on his arm as I asked, “How are you making it?”
“I’m fine. Doc says I should be back on my feet in a couple of days.”
“That’s great, Riley. I’m really glad to hear that.” My voice trembled as I said, “I wish the same was true for Cody.”
“You and me both, but things happen. We both knew what we signed up for when we started prospecting.”