Page 95 of Nest Of Lies

“Oh, she was sick. She lived a good life, though. She loved this club. So did Zaden’s mother. Those two women were made to be the old ladies of this club and you, I see that same spark in you, too.”

I peer up at the twinkling lights. “Hell, I don’t know much of anything. I’ve barely left the mansion.”

“That can be fixed. It’s the heart that can’t.”

“What if I’m not good enough?”

Badger chuckles. “What if you are?”

I purse my lips, confused and uncertain.

“This life is violent and rough. It’s a wild life that not many would choose. We’re more at home on the back of a bike than we are in our own homes. You have to be a fighter, a lover, have a heart that won’t quit, and a soul that loves to fly.”

I blink at him. “How do you know if you have all of that?”

“Lia, darling girl. You’re a fighter, and you love those guys passionately. You waged a four-year prank war because you wouldn’t quit, and I have no doubts in my mind that you long to soar. Don’t you understand? You were born for this club.”

“I’m stealing her now.” The words cut through the night and bring an instant smile to my lips.

“Sure, Mills, sure,” Badger says and, with a groan, gets to his feet and wanders off into the dark.

Mills sits behind me and pulls me back into his arms. “What do you think of our parties?”

“I think they are wonderful. Do you think everyone liked me?” I ask anxiously.

“Lia, everyone loves you.” Mills rubs down my upper arms and kisses the back of my neck. “I love you.”

I still as he leans in closer so his mouth is besidemy ear.

“Did you hear me?”

“I heard you,” I whisper. “I’m just trying to decide if I’m asleep or not.”

Mills laughs and guides his hands up my ribs until he cups my breasts. I moan and let out a soft squeal when he pinches my nipples.

“This is real. It’s not a dream. I mean it.”

I cover his hands with mine as he squeezes and strokes my breasts.

“I-”

“I know you love us, Lia. God, I don’t need to hear you say it. I see it when you look at me. And hear it in the way you speak. It’s in your touch. I don’t need the words you’re too afraid to say. I know you, Lia, and I know how you feel.”

I turn to the side so I can twist my head and look up at him. I take a breath and shake the chains of fear loose. “Mills, I really do love you.”

Mills’ smile is beautiful.

“This is a dream, you guys and this party and the club. It can’t be anything but a dream. It’s too perfect.”

Mills laughs and drags me up. “All right, Lia, let’s mark it on the calender. You’ve attended a party. Had your first drink. Had a declaration of love. Want to do one more first?”

I peer up at him. “Like what?”

“You want to go for a ride? Want to learn how to fly?”

My eyes widen.

An hour later, I cuddle into Mills’ back as we fly along the highway. I decide that Badger was right. My soul does yearn to fly.

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