Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 51624 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 258(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 172(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51624 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 258(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 172(@300wpm)
We both chuckle at her answer, and I rub the back of my neck. I can feel a migraine starting to form and that’s the last thing I need today. “Stop. You know what I mean. It’s just easier. I still tell you everything we discuss,” I laugh.
“I know. I’m just giving you a hard time. Do you want to come to dinner this Saturday? Hangman is coming. He’s supposed to bring Sunny and Dakota,” she adds. I know she’s mentioning Hangman because, other than Cross, he’s one of the Saint’s Outlaws MC members that I’m closest to. He’s the acting President and the main one in charge. After Blade—Bear’s brother—was released from jail, he decided to separate his life from the club. It’s a role that Bear wanted for his brother, CEO of the club’s biggest moneymaker, the Golden Hawk Casino and Resort. It’s more than a full-time job, and Blade has been doing great. Bear would be proud of him. Because of that decision, Hangman took the presidency of the club, but left it open for Blade to take over if he changed his mind.
It’s strange how everything has worked out. I never imagined the man I once saw as mine for life would now be with my best friend. Then again, therapy has helped me realize one thing.
I may not have died physically while being a captive of my brother and his club. I still died, though. The Olivia I was before ceased to exist. I’m different now and I have to grow into this new life. Slowly, I think I’m doing that. At least I hope I am.
“I can’t,” I explain to Winnie.
“Why not?” she asks, clearly not happy.
“Carson, Coop, and Colt are having this big event and training weekend for the nation’s top bodyguards. It’s all hands on deck. They want me to help in the kitchen, and after dinner I’m going to take care of Claire.”
“Now I’m jealous of you. Lisa and Carson’s daughter is absolutely beautiful.”
“She is,” I murmur, a familiar ache in my chest.
“I could always tell Blade he’s on his own and come to you so I can help with the baby.”
I laugh, knowing Winnie has baby fever. They’re not trying, but only because Winnie said she had to be smart and take her time to get to know Blade. I know it will happen sooner rather than later, though. Those two are too much in love.
“Sorry, but Cross is staying over, and he’ll be helping.”
“He’s staying there a lot. Is there something going on with you two that I should know about?”
“Stop. Cross is like a second father to me. He loves spending time with me, and he adores Claire.”
“Why do I sense a but there?” she laughs.
“I was only going to say that I think the main reason he’s staying here is because Debra will be coming over too.”
“Oh my God! Cross has the hots for Deb? This is awesome!”
“I must admit, they’re really cute together. Deb is guarded, but she’s allowing him in little by little. I’m kind of the buffer between them.”
“I’m so happy for her—for both of them,” Winnie whispers, her voice filled with awe.
“Me too. It’s really nice to watch them,” I admit.
“You know, Deb’s past is pretty bad too. If she can move past it all, maybe you should take this as a sign—”
“Winnie, stop,” I order, before she can go on. Deb was originally from Dallas, Texas. One night, after she got off work, she was mugged and two masked men pulled her into a dark alley. They robbed her, then proceeded to rape and beat her. They left her lying in her own blood and the filth of that forgotten alley. She almost died and would have if a homeless person hadn’t found her and had someone call the police. She’s had a long road back, but she’s getting there. Deb is a distant cousin to Lisa, and when Lisa’s mom told her what happened, she asked her husband to make a place for her here at the ranch.
Just like they did for me.
Actually, a lot of us have pasts that nearly killed us. I don’t know why Carson and his brothers opened this ranch, but I’m grateful. I have a good support system—thanks to Blade and Bear’s club brothers—but I’m not sure I would be doing as well as I am if I didn’t feel so safe here.
“I’m just saying, maybe you should think about going out on a date. It can be a group date, that way you aren’t alone,” she suggests, and I close my eyes.
“Winnie, I love you. You know yourself that what Deb went through for one night is way different from what I endured.”
“Livy…” she whispers, her voice broken, and I hate it. Of all the emotions I despise from others—it’s pity. I don’t want to be pitied.