Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 23332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
I sank my teeth into my tongue, willing myself not to freak the fuck out. William had survived much worse. He’d worked for Rico for years, doing shit much more dangerous than this. But it still didn’t quell the urge to grab William and run for shelter somewhere far, far away from here until the others could take care of the Savage Dreams.
I knew even if I suggested it, William wouldn’t go for it. He never ran from his problems. He faced them head on with a sinister smirk on his face, daring anyone to fuck with him.
I was pretty sure he was somewhere on the sociopathic spectrum.
“Jesus fucking Christ,” Hyram growled, thrusting an inked hand through his dark hair. “I want you to fucking lay low, William. That goes for Chet, too. Anyone who knows anything about you knows Chet is your weakness.” I grimaced. I hated being his weakness, even if William always tried assuring me that it wasn’t the terrible thing I thought it was. “I’d like you two to lay low somewhere away from here, but—”
“No,” William said, his tone ringing with finality.
Hyram clenched his jaw, glaring at William. William’s face never changed, always remaining cool and impassive. Rurik cleared his throat and leaned forward, steepling his fingers together. William broke eye contact with Hyram first, looking at the Russian man, who was just as powerful as the Pakhan himself. Hell, he was the Pakhan’s second in command—practically his best friend.
“I’m with Hyram on this, but if you are adamant about staying here, the compromise is that I increase guard presence on the grounds.” William’s gaze went flinty and cold. He hated people around that he didn’t know and trust because of me. Always because of me. Rurik glanced at me before he looked back at William. “You can personally vet them, look over their employee files and their background checks, and create the team you want. I understand needing to protect what’s yours.”
William’s shoulders relaxed a fraction, and he dipped his chin in agreement. I barely resisted blowing out a breath of relief. A higher guard presence on the clubhouse grounds would keep William safe from the SDMC. I knew Rurik was doing it from a place of pure selfishness—the need to keep Malik safe—but I was grateful nonetheless and happier than ever that we had Rurik on our side.
“Why am I even president?” Hyram griped, throwing his hands up in the air. “None of you listen for shit.”
“Selective hearing,” Malachi deadpanned, making Hyram glare at him. Malachi just shrugged.
“I just want my milkshake and fries,” I blurted, needing something else to focus on now that I didn’t have to worry as much about William being taken out by someone in the Savage Dreams MC. I wasn’t afraid of dying myself, but losing William? Life without him wasn’t a life at all.
Malachi burst out laughing. “Not getting that now, bro. Lockdown. You know what that means, yeah?” He grinned at me. “Don’t run outta lube, or you’re fucked.”
I huffed. “I’m getting my fucking milkshake and fries. I was promised.” I sounded like a petulant brat, but I was tired all over again and stressed. I wanted cuddles and what I’d been promised.
“Rurik and I will go get your milkshake and fries,” Malik said, pushing back from the table.
“We will?” Rurik asked, a smirk playing at his lips.
Malik shot him an annoyed look, and Rurik’s smile widened into a grin. He loved riling Malik up. “Yes, we are,” Malik snapped. “Because you’re buying me a burger while we’re out.”
Hyram sighed and pushed back from the table, Everyone else did, too, but because William didn’t move, I remained seated, even as Malachi and Nolan filed from the chapel after Rurik and Malik. “If this escalates, William, I’m sending you two to the mother charter, no matter how you fucking feel about it,” Hyram warned him. “I know you think you can handle this. Hell, maybe you can.” William just stared at him, not saying a word. “But you don’t have to anymore. We’re family. You’re no longer a one-person team, you got me? If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for your husband.”
With that, Hyram left the chapel, shutting the door behind him and leaving me and William alone. I sucked in a sharp breath when William suddenly jerked to his feet, then spun my chair around, slamming it against the table, his hands resting on the armrests and pinning me in place.
His eyes were narrowed, his lips set into an angry frown. “You think I can’t tell when you’re masking, baby?” he growled. My heart dropped to my feet. Fuck, I was in trouble. He pressed a hard kiss to my lips, then straightened. “Drop your pants and bend over the table.”
Shit.
7
William
Chet liked to mask to hide his emotions from me when he thought he would be too much for me to handle. I understood he wanted to protect me just as I protected him, but that wasn’t his job. All I wanted from him was his honesty, his love, and his willingness to submit to me. I wanted to own him, and I knew I did.