Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 80102 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80102 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
I don’t think Cerberus is bad. I think they serve a very good purpose, and they saved me from Angel’s wrath. They were able to rescue the other woman abducted from this campus the very same night I was. Slick’s explanation made it clear that the girl, who brought me food that one time wearing the Lindell Lemur shirt was actually from Lindell. Cerberus was hired by her parents to track her down and bring her home.
The unease inside of me doesn’t settle or dissipate as I get closer to Nash’s truck.
Instead of going to the passenger side and climbing in, I step up to the driver’s side window.
“Hey,” he says, the word affecting me in a way it probably shouldn’t.
“Why are you helping me?”
His head tilts a little. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t want to be your obligation. I don’t want your help if it’s because all you’re doing is making amends for what you were forced to do. I don’t need an apology. I don’t want you to—”
I snap my mouth closed, taking a step back when he opens the door and climbs out.
“Obligation?” he asks, his voice a controlled growl, low yet not menacing.
I turn to walk away. I can’t argue with this man in the parking lot of my sister’s school. I’m feeling too raw. It’s all too fucking much for me. Leaving Alani, being uncertain that if she’s safe, needing to restart my entire life… it’s just too much.
Nash grabs my arms, the back of my hand brushing against the front of his jeans.
I snap my eyes to his.
“That’s why,” he says, his face inching closer to mine. “I can’t explain this fucking attraction to you. This need that boils inside of me that’s telling me to get as close as I can to you. I don’t know why I breathe easier when you’re near or why the voices calm when I have eyes on you. Tell me it’s fucking different for you, and I’ll walk away. I’ll deal, but you have to be the one to stop first.”
I swallow as I look into his eyes.
“It doesn’t make sense,” I whisper.
“I don’t think it’s supposed to.”
I pull my eyes, movement to the side drawing my attention. Legacy, the same guy who was standing outside the hotel room, keeping us safe last night, has climbed out of the SUV and is approaching us. Nash notices but doesn’t release his hold on my arm. I pull slightly, resting my hand inside his as the commando comes to make sure I’m okay.
It makes it clear that there are people in my corner. Knowing that brings on another wave of emotion because I’ve felt like I’ve lost literally everything. I was alone for so long, even when caring for Alani. I never knew I needed anyone else.
Legacy doesn’t give a shit about the hand holding. He pushes at Nash’s chest the second he’s within reach.
“Grab her again,” the biker snarls. “It’ll be the last fucking thing you do.”
I look to the left, noticing Donavan climbing out of his truck, his snarling glare focused on us.
Nash doesn’t engage with Legacy. His eyes are locked on mine.
“Make up your fucking mind,” he snaps. Although I didn’t know him before Pirro hurt him, I don’t think he would’ve acted this way beforehand.
It’s proof that he’s different, and I know I’m different too. I don’t need to be coddled. I don’t need to be given time or space to figure shit out.
Having some long drawn-out argument about what I should or shouldn’t do in my head is a waste of time. It feels right with him. He feels right, and honestly, I don’t care if it’s the wrong choice. I only care that it’s my choice.
I step around Legacy, keeping my distance and making sure I don’t touch the man, as I approach Nash. His eyes are locked on mine.
I look up at him, standing only a few inches from him. If the wind blew, our clothes would probably touch on the breeze.
I don’t say a word. I’ve made my decision, and now the ball is back in his court. He could easily decide I’m not worth the trouble I’m already bringing him.
He looks down, his eyes darting between mine, as if he’s trying to figure out why him, or maybe he’s wondering if I’m serious.
I see the second he figures it out.
A low rumble escapes his throat as he reaches out and clamps my jaw between his thumb and middle finger, the grip almost painful and completely perfect. He doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t pause to check with me one last time, before pressing his lips to mine.
It’s our new beginning, and it’s absolutely perfect.
Chapter 38
Nash
I just know I’m going to get my ass kicked by either Donavan or Cerberus, but then I feel her arms go around my fucking neck, and the problem I was having in my jeans, just from watching her walk in my direction, increases.