AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’m aware of how out of character it is for me, but I can’t find it in myself to care. Sinner was right about not caring what others think. It’s never been that big of a deal to me before, but even less so now. The feeling is freeing; I can finally live for myself here and not worry about anyone else. Being around Saint and Sinner is liberating. I’ve learned so much from them just in the time here alone, I can imagine what the future will hold with them at my side.
The deep rumble from multiple pipes grows louder, and Princess comes barreling into the kitchen. “They’re here! Hurry!”
You’d think her ol’ man Viking had left as well with the guys, but he stayed behind. She’s all pumped up to meet the new brother. According to her, you can never have too much family. I practically have zero family members, so I’ll take her word for it. I know one thing for sure, I want to see the guys so much, it’s probably unhealthy at this point.
“We could hide Jude in my room,” Odin suggests to Princess. His eyebrows wiggle and his grin’s full of mischief.
Her mouth falls open. “Hell to the no! The plan is to keep you alive, Odin. Those two would try to skin you if they thought you touched Jude while they were on a run. Plus, you don’t want to piss in anyone’s Cheerios before you get that VP patch you pant over so much.”
“It was worth a shot.” His playful gaze meets mine.
I wonder how much truth there is in what she says. Would Saint and Sinner care enough to go after another man like that? They claim to be killers, but it’s one thing to hear someone say it versus seeing it with your own eyes.
And for me, to boot. Am I worth that much to them already? I’d like to think so. However, I doubt it, even though they mean a great deal to me already.
Odin’s cute and pure trouble to some, I’m sure, and I doubt the guys would hurt him too badly. “I may be your age, but that doesn’t mean anything. Sorry, kid,” I reply with a touch of good-natured sass and draw an entertained snort from Princess.
Chuckling, he shakes his head. “Nah sugar, it’s not like that.” He winks. “I just enjoy fuckin’ with old men. Apparently, I’m not the only one...” His retort shuts me up quick.
It wasn’t unkind, just true and it’s a little unnerving that everyone around here has any inclination I’ve slept with Saint and Sinner. I don’t have any reason to be embarrassed as some of the women around here throw themselves at the men all while being practically naked. Still, I like my business being my own. And I didn’t just have sex with one guy, it was two. And another thing, it wasn’t just random, either. It meant something to me.
Princess notices the smile fall from my lips and comes to my rescue, “Anyone in their right mind would pick a man over a boy.” She pulls me into her, hugging me. “You’re just lucky enough to have a few of them chasing after you.”
Nodding, I brush the uncertainty off and let her lead me out to the main room. Odin follows along, tasked as Princess’ permanent bodyguard. He may be Viking’s younger brother, but there’s nothing small about him. I can understand why Viking trusts him so much. I wonder who will protect her once he does become the Vice President of the club. Maybe Blaze, Viking’s cousin would step up?
The other person I’ve come to associate with Princess is her best friend. They’re a hoot when they’re together too. “Where’s Bethany?” I’m yet to run into her today or her son Maverick.
“She wasn’t feeling well, so she’s waiting for Night at their house.”
“Oh, that sucks. Hopefully, she’s better soon.” I wonder what’s wrong. I’m sure if she were really sick, Princess would be sending stuff over and getting Maverick for her. She probably just misses her man, and I know exactly what that feels like.
“I hope so too. If I drag you into being my drinking partner, she may get a little jealous.”
“There’s no reason to be. I like both of you,” I admit, and her kind smile turns my way.
“You’re sweet, Jude. I’m glad those two troublemakers brought you home to us.”
“Me too.” She has no idea, I think to myself as those two troublemakers she just mentioned pile through the door. Home at last.
A massive man shadows their wake, appearing irritated with something. I wonder if anything happened on their trip. He tugs his leather gloves free, stuffing them into his back jeans pocket and fist bumps the men standing around, acknowledging each of them. They welcome him like an old friend, but through each greeting, his mouth never cracks into the resemblance of a smile.
Mercenary’s gaze eventually falls on me, and there’s pure ice in his irises. Through his penetrating stare, his feet carry him directly to my path, blocking my view of the other guys. He’s freaking massive compared to me. What is it with giant men around here? You’d think they were a football team or something.
He comes to a standstill peering down at what I’m wearing, making me question my lack of wardrobe. I know it’s nothing special, but it’s not like I’ve gotten to go shopping or anything. Maybe I should’ve asked Princess for something else to wear today. I’m not sure why I care in the first place. Maybe it’s just the thought of making a decent first impression. Saint and Sinner don’t seem to mind when I wear this though.
“Hi?” Staring up at him, I notice his chin dotted with small scars. I won’t lie; the ragged appearance is pretty sexy. I seem to have a thing for hard-looking men.
Are they from fighting or a crash maybe? They add to his “don’t fuck with me” attitude for sure. I wouldn’t want to come face-to-face with him in a dark alley. I can see why he’d come here; he has a certain appeal that fits in well with the other men around here.
“This the best you got?” he rumbles, waving his hand at me. “Guess it doesn’t matter since you’ll be naked soon enough.” He shrugs and his huge paw of a hand lands on my shoulder, “I’mma grab a beer, then you can show me my digs and welcome me properly.”
Pretty sure the sound I make is a squeak at his touch. Or maybe a gasp, like a tire going flat? How in the hell do I respond to something like that? I can’t, so I stand there like a fish out of water, moving my mouth. I’m sure I really look ridiculous, not forming an actual sentence in response.
Princess notices my discomfort and interrupts. “Uh, hi Mercenary, I’m Princess.” She’s not intimidated by the big guy one bit. Her hand shoots out, ready to shake his. “Yeah, so Jude’s not really here for that sort of thing.”
He ignores it, his mammoth paw still on my shoulder while the other fists at his side. “My bad; she property?”
My nose screws up, and my forehead wrinkles in confusion from his question. What the hell is he talking about? Last I checked, I owned myself. And it is his bad; he shouldn’t have assumed I’d be welcoming him in his room in any way. Especially after him being so rude about my clothes. Good luck with the women, guy; you’re going to need it.
