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“Noah will pick it up for us.”
“Another club member?”
“Not yet. He wants to be, but Guard insists he finish his education. If he still wants in after that, he’ll have to prospect with us until he becomes a full member. He’s also Charlotte’s brother, and she’s married to Wildcard. Poor kids got sucked into a nasty gang. The Pride got him out of that mess, and he’s been devoted ever since. To the kid’s credit, he would have died to save his sister. Thankfully, we got to Charlotte before the gang did.”
“I think your club scares me,” she murmurs, obviously disturbed by Noah’s story.
I like Francesca, but I’m not going to lie about who I am or about the nature of the club. Satan’s Pride is a part of who I am. Either Francesca and I fit into each other’s lives, or we don’t.
“Why? The gang came after us. Noah got caught in the cross fire. We could have ignored the shit he got himself into, but we didn’t. The Pride did what we thought was right. Violence exists. Bad stuff happens. I’d like to think that the Pride, including me, are doing our part to keep the world a little safer.”
“When you put it that way…”She trails off. She’s still unsure, but she’s not looking as horrified by it all.
“What do you like on your pizza?”
“Whatever you like.”
“Frankie, I’m asking you,” I insist. “I know what I like.”
Soon, I’m calling in the order, then making a call to Noah to have him do the pickup. “I ordered you a small with the wings you like on the side,” I tell him.
“You didn’t have to. I would have gone anyway,” he says.
“Yeah, but you’re doing me a solid, and I appreciate it.”
“Thanks, man.”
* * *
Pizza at a dining room table with knives and forks. That’s how we ate. When Frankie started eating with a fork, it took everything I had to hold back my laughter.
“Babe, this might be easier.” I pick up the pizza with my fingers and take a huge bite.
To say she’s cute is an understatement. When she picks up the slice and puts it to her lips, taking a nibble at first, then eating with gusto, she moans her pleasure.
“It even tastes better this way.” She laughs. Damn! I’ve seen plenty of pretty girls, but none hold a candle to Francesca Deleigh.
We’ve had club parties, pig roasts, family time, and I’ve loved it all, but nothing compares to watching Frankie eat pizza with her hands for the first time. I know I’ve only scratched the surface. I have a lot more to learn about this girl. I make it my mission to do just that.
FOUR
Restless Night
FRANCESCA
What’s happening to me? I’m the girl who wants to be alone. I like my own company. I’ve been craving peace and solitude for months and months, but last night, I didn’t want Hammer to leave. He’s easy to talk to, and his smile is contagious. Those dang dimples are so sexy. I’m not oblivious to his masculine sex appeal. His jeans hang off his hips just right and mold his tight ass perfectly. He clearly works out a lot.
But I’ve seen handsome men before. In the elite circle I used to run with, they were all beautiful people with flawless skin, exquisitely tailored clothes, and meticulously coiffed hair. And shallow as all hell. It’s certainly true what they say, that you really learn who your friends are in times of strife.
That was yet another reason for the move to America. I wanted to distance myself from the chatter and gossip and the two-faced so-called friends who only call to get more dirt, then twist my words and feed it to the tabloids. I’m done with fake people. Actually, until last night, I was done with all people. I was happy to live a quiet existence.
Then three amazing people showed up at my door, without wanting a thing from me, and offered their help. I was impressed with Risk’s work even from the photos he sent me via email. His patience with my indecision was greatly appreciated. I know I paid him, but his attention to detail and the quality of his work is exceptional. It was Risk who let me know he was coming by to make sure all the detail work was completed. This is the first time I didn’t need to have to chase down a contractor.
Sofia was thoroughly investigated by my grandfather’s legal team, who happen to be the only people I trust at the moment. I was expecting an older woman. Imagine my surprise when this gorgeous, chic, professional woman showed up. Then she proceeded to go over all the financial and legal documentation, and I learned that Sofia is as intelligent as she is beautiful. And she’s super sweet too. The way she talks about her husband and son reflects how down-to-earth she is and how much her family means to her.
At first glance, I knew that Hammer was going to be special. It’s the way he carries himself, self-assured, but not pushy. He read me. Normally, that would scare the life out of me, but with him, it didn’t. He felt safe, and that’s a feeling that’s been elusive for me for quite some time.
He must have thought I was a ninny for cutting my pizza with a knife and fork. I still feel the embarrassment of the moment, but he shrugged it off and kept right on talking about anything and everything. The time flew by quickly, and when he announced he would be leaving, I felt a pang in my gut. I didn’t want him to go. I was having fun. I was laughing, and I haven’t done that in a long time either.
