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“Mmhmm?” she murmurs.
“This is important, baby. Are you listening?” I murmur into her hair. She stirs and forces her eyes open. “I want all your nights. They’re all mine, do you hear?”
She nods, a crooked smile on her face. “You have my nights and days, for as long as you want them.”
“That’s right. You’re mine.”
With that, her eyes close, as do my own. I listen as she sleeps. The situation has changed. I would have fought with my last breath to protect Rose, but now failure isn’t an option. If anyone touches her, I’ll kill them.
NINE
Pimps and Mafia Links
ROSE
The next morning, I wake to find Hammer in the kitchen with Thunder, sipping coffee. There’s an overnight bag by the front door, and as I walk into the room, Thunder looks my way. Hammer follows his gaze, a smug grin on his face as he elbows Thunder in the ribs.
“Come here, babe,” Thunder commands. I go straight to him, and he greets me with a hard swift kiss, then he whispers in my ear, “You look good. Too good. I’m not going to be able to let you out of my sight.”
I lean into him, but say to Hammer, “Hi, Hammer. How’s it going?”
“Fine as can be,” he says, taking another sip from his cup. He looks so much like a poster child for the army, with short, well-kept, dark brown hair, deep brown eyes, and a lean, muscular body that I’m sure could crush any opponent. He’s a boy next door with an edge. His clean-shaven face shows off his dimples. I’m sure he doesn’t want for female companionship.
“Want me to get you a cup?” Thunder asks, lifting his own mug. I steal it from his hand and take a sip of his coffee.
“Nope. I’ll just share yours.” Thunder chuckles, and it’s one of the most glorious sounds I’ve ever heard, almost as sexy as when he groans my name during his orgasm. I can’t make a spectacle of myself with Hammer in the room, so instead I ask, “Are you staying awhile?” I jerk my head toward the bag.
“That’s the plan,” Thunder says. “There are two options, babe. Either you move to the compound, or I stay here. Either way, you’re not alone until this is done.” His fingers run up and down my arm.
Some women would find his no-nonsense behavior aggressive or controlling, but I know Thunder. He’s an alpha male, absolutely. Controlling, never. I find I like that he’s protective. The fact that he has great friends who he considers brothers and who are ready and willing to jump into the fire with him says a lot about him.
“I like my cottage,” I reply.
“Then we’re here,” Thunder confirms. “We can have breakfast and then head over to the shop.”
“Are you in the mood for pancakes?” I ask.
“I’m cooking.”
“You’re making me pancakes?” I tease.
“Omelets,” he says, turning his back and rummaging through the cabinets. He takes out a frying pan, then moves to the fridge to get the ingredients he needs.
“Damn! He likes you a lot,” Hammer says. “He doesn’t make omelets for just anyone, you know.”
“If you shut up, smartass, you can stay, and I’ll make you one too.” Thunder laughs at his friend.
“Hell, yeah.” Hammer sits his ass down across from me at the kitchen nook. Hammer is very open about himself. He tells me about his time in the army and how he came to become one of the Pride members. He talks about his sister, Izzy, who is married to Saint. Saint is a doctor and runs the clinic in town, and Izzy is a teacher at the local school. There’s no doubt that he loves his sister, his parents, and his Pride family.
It feels good to laugh. Hammer and Thunder are easygoing and banter back and forth. When we’re done with breakfast, Thunder drives me to my shop. Risk’s done an amazing job so far. The mess is gone. The holes in the walls have been repaired, and it’s nearly restored to its previous state, only better.
“The new cooler arrives today. I’ve got an electrician coming in this afternoon to install it. Two more days and we’ll be done,” Risk tells us.
“This is incredible.” I scan the shop, and I daresay it looks cleaner and more modernized. Much better than before they trashed it. “I have a new shipment of flowers coming in very soon. I can’t believe you did all this.” I reach up and drop a chaste kiss on Risk’s cheek. “Thank you.”
“That’s the only one he gets,” Thunder rumbles, hooking an arm around my waist and pressing his lips to my temple. I can see that he’s kidding by the glint of mischief in his eye.
“The insurance will cover most of it. Can I work out an installment plan for the rest?” I ask Risk.
