Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 47822 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 239(@200wpm)___ 191(@250wpm)___ 159(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47822 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 239(@200wpm)___ 191(@250wpm)___ 159(@300wpm)
We turned onto the unmarked dirt road that led through the nature reserve our compound called home. Crush caught my eye over River’s head, the corner of his mouth lifting in a subtle smile that told me he was thinking the same thing I was. She was ours now, and we were bringing her home.
We rounded the final bend, and the compound came into view. River’s eyes widened, taking in the sprawling collection of buildings nestled among the trees. From the outside, it looked like weathered wood siding deliberately left unstained to blend with the surrounding forest, metal roofs dulled by time and the elements. The enormous oak and cypress trees created a natural canopy, filtering the harsh Florida sun into dappled shadows across the grounds.
“It’s beautiful,” River murmured, leaning forward to see better through the windshield. “Like it grew right out of the forest.”
“That’s the idea,” Crush said, pride evident in his voice. “Invisible unless you know where to look.”
Knox hadn’t even put the truck in park when the main clubhouse door flew open and a blonde whirlwind came tearing across the yard toward us.
“Incoming,” I warned River with a grin. “Hurricane Lemon.”
River barely had time to step out of the truck before Lemon was on her, wrapping her in a big hug.
“Holy shit, you’re actually real!” Lemon laughed, pushing away from River but holding her at arm’s length. “When these two cavemen set out to find a woman who could stand both their brooding asses, I thought they were smoking something.”
River laughed, the sound breaking through her nervousness. “They’re not that bad. Sometimes they even use full sentences.”
“Oh, I like you already.” Lemon’s grin was fierce as she linked her arm through River’s. “You need a break from these knuckleheads?”
River shook her head. “No. I really don’t think I do.”
That caused both women to giggle. “I have a feeling I’m never going to understand women,” I muttered to myself.
Rocket appeared at our side, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched his woman welcome ours. “Best you don’t even try. Welcome to Grim Road, River,” he said, his voice gravelly but warm. His eyes swept over her, assessing but not unkind. “About time these two found someone to keep them in line.”
River took his hand, her grip firm. “Thank you for letting me come here with them. I know it’s not a small thing.”
Rocket lifted his chin at River. “They explain things to you?”
“The important bits, I think. I understand this place has to stay hidden.” And she did. We’d explained how Grim Road worked and that everyone here had at one time or another done some kind of work for the CIA. Spooks. We were all spooks.
Other members started drifting over from the garage and workshop, Bear nodding silently, a few of the younger guys introducing themselves with eager handshakes. River handled it all with surprising ease, her initial nervousness giving way to genuine warmth as she met each person.
I moved closer to her, my hand finding the small of her back, a gentle reminder of my presence. Crush mirrored me on her other side, his stance slightly wider, shoulders squared. The message was clear to everyone watching. River was ours.
A hush fell over the group, and I looked up to see Maggie standing in the clubhouse doorway. She’d traded her usual assisted-living facility clothing for jeans and a simple black top, her silver hair gleaming in the filtered sunlight. She moved with the fluid grace that had made her legendary in her CIA days.
“There she is,” Maggie said, her voice carrying across the yard. “My girl.”
River stiffened beside me, her eyes widening in recognition. “Mrs. Walsh?”
Maggie’s smile was the cat-who-got-the-canary grin I’d known my whole life. “I told you to call me Maggie, dear.”
“You’re their grandmother,” River said slowly, the pieces clicking together in her head. “The nursing home… all those conversations… you were sizing me up.”
“Smart girl,” Maggie replied, moving closer. “I knew you were perfect for my boys the moment I met you. That spark in your eye, kindness that can’t be faked. But I needed to be sure you were strong enough to handle them both.” She touched River’s cheek with gentle fingers. “I may have nudged things along, but what happened between you three? That was all you. Besides, I knew those boys wouldn’t keep you in the dark about what I’d done. They laid it all out for you and let you make the decision. Didn’t they?”
River nodded. “You knew they’d do that?”
“Of course, dear. The whole rigamarole was simply to get you on board. I knew you’d never turn down a chance to see new places and have your own adventure.”
River shook her head, but I could see the smile tugging at her lips. “I should be furious with you.”