Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 94076 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94076 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“We wait for the heat to blow off this. Let the feds do their thing. Help the girls. A couple of days. I don’t want to pull the trigger until we’ve lined up the shot.” He looks at the men around the table. “Today we celebrate.”
The mood in the room instantly changes.
Palms bang on the table and wolf whistles ring around the room.
It takes me a second to realize what he’s talking about.
Sticky and Dani are getting married.
“Now let’s get these two married.” Beast brings down the gavel to signify the end of church.
The chapel empties quickly because my club brothers are ready to put this Bratva business on the burner so they can celebrate. And if there’s one thing we know how to do well, it’s celebrate.
But before I can leave, Beast stops me. “Hang back a moment.”
I know the tone. For me, celebrating is going to have to wait.
“I know what you’re going to say, and I know, being late for church is a cardinal sin but—”
“You’re getting pussy. I get it. And I’ll give you this one pass. But we’ve got shit going down and I need you to be more present.” He smiles. A rarity. And I know I’m forgiven. “It’s good to see.”
“It’s not what you think.”
I don’t know why I’m downplaying it to my best friend.
Maybe it’s because what is happening between me and Ella is something special. Something to protect. Something I want to keep all to ourselves because it is so precious.
“I need you to run an errand before wedding celebrations kick off,” Beast says.
“What do you need?”
“I want you and Bear to take the truck and drive out to the address Bram found for Viktor Olicheckoff. See if you can see anything. But this is on the quiet. Recon only. Then get your asses back here in time for the wedding.”
“On it,” I say, reaching for my sunglasses in my cut pocket.
“I’d do it myself, but you know Belle will kill me if I’m not back in time to fuss at me about wearing a damn suit.”
“You’re wearing a suit?”
“Suit pants, just to keep my wife happy. But no jacket. And no fucking tie.”
I chuckle. Beast certainly met his match in Belle. He’s so crazy in love with her. And if there is one person in this world who could make him dress up for an occasion, it’s her.
I think about Ella and my stomach tightens.
Think about me leaving her naked in my bed less than an hour ago.
Think how I’m counting the minutes until I touch her again.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got this,” I reassure him. “But do me a favor?”
“What?”
“Check in on Ella for me. Ask her if she’ll stick around for the wedding.”
“You haven’t asked her already?”
I’ve been so preoccupied by being with her I completely forgot to ask.
Didn’t even remember today was Sticky and Dani’s wedding.
Because I’m getting lost in her.
“With the Bratva hanging around, I wasn’t even sure if there would be a wedding.”
“You know I always organize extra security. There’s no reason for it not to go ahead.”
“Still—”
“Still…you’re an idiot. You like this chick, and it’s got you rattled.” His expression evens out. “Time to let go of the past, don’t you think?”
Easier said than done.
Instead of addressing the comment, I ignore it. Like it isn’t even a thing. “I thought I’d have enough time to sort it out today.”
Beast looks at me like I’m a fool who has no idea when it comes to women. “She’s going to love me asking her if she’ll stick around to go on a date with you. Should I pass her a note asking if she likes you, too?”
I give him a good look at my middle finger.
“You’re an asshole.”
He shakes his head. “Fine, I’ll tell her she’s coming to a wedding she should already be coming to.”
We both walk outside. Beast continues in the direction of the clubhouse while I head toward the driveway and climb into the truck beside Bear.
CHAPTER 46
Ella
It’s the day of Sticky and Dani’s wedding, and the clubhouse is abuzz with preparations. The ceremony is being held outside in the garden and then celebrated in the bar afterward. Mya, the club girls, and some of the old ladies help Mrs. V. and I decorate the bar.
When everyone disappears to get ready, I go to the kitchen to collect my keys and bag.
That’s where Beast finds me.
Beast, the president of the motorcycle club.
A seven-foot wall of solid muscle with a lion’s mane of hair falling down his broad back. His handsome face a crisscross of scars. His mere presence intimidating as fuck. He is the king of this castle, and he makes my pulse begin to race.
“You’re cutting it fine, aren’t you?” he says. “I’m surprised you’re down here and not getting ready.”
“For what?”
“The wedding.”
I can’t help but look surprised. “I’m not invited.”