Page 28 of Running Wild

“Just go with it, Hannah. Let life lead you to where you need to be. Be open to everyone around you and to what’s happening in your daily life. Most important thing is to keep your mind clear and always accepting of everything that comes your way. You got this, girl.”

For some reason my eyes fill with tears, and it shocks me. She pulls me in and gives me a moment or two to gather myself. Damn, all of these authors are awesome human beings.

Maggie comes and stands beside me, her hand on my back. MariaLisa gently shifts me to her and we hang on to each other for dear life.

“Maggie, I’m so sorry for being a total brat. Please don’t punish the other girls for coming with. I pressured them and you know how bad I am when I want something.”

“Hannah, honey, I know and don’t worry, the club won’t go overboard. We do need to make our point because, believe it or not, we all were worried about you girls. Never do that again. If you disagree with me, act like an adult and let’s talk about it. Though, got to say, getting away hasn’t been all bad. So who else do you want to see?”

Pulling my phone out, I’m just about to check my list when the entire building goes immediately still and quiet as shit. I glance at Maggie, who is looking behind me with a smirky as shit grin on her face. Knowing who it is makes me not want to turn around. Shit, why didn’t they all stay at the cabin for Christ’s sake?

Turning, I see my pops: full kutte, jeans, T-shirt, worn motorcycle boots, and his wallet with the chain. Next, Enforcer, again with his kutte, looking more badass than usual. Behind him is Panther, and damn, Auntie Zoey picked well. He’s in jeans and a green T-shirt, which makes his eyes stand out. He’s got a beautiful necklace around his neck, along with turquoise cuffs on his wrists. His hair is down and just touching the top of his ass. When I look around, eyes are popping out of their heads all around us. Last but never least Auntie Zoey. Tight as fuck jeans with a skull, go figure, T-shirt. Her hair is down, and she’s also got on a cuff that kind of matches Panther’s. Hmmm, that’s new for her. But it’s her face that alarms me. Dead eyes in that skull tattoo. As she walks toward us, women and men move out of her way without her having to say a word.

When they reach us, Auntie Zoey pulls Celestina to her, putting her forehead on her cousin’s and just looks into eyes that are almost the exact same color as her own. They stay like that for a bit, then Auntie Zoey drops the bomb.

“Bad news, but try not to lose your shit. They weren’t the only ones. Whomever is in charge has dispatched five pairs of mercenaries to not only find you but torture and kill you after they get the account numbers they think you have. Be honest, Celestina, do you have these fucking account numbers?”

Watching the interaction is eerie. One is good while the other looks evil as fuck, though I know Auntie Zoey isn’t what she appears to be. Every one of us holds our breaths as Dingo comes up behind Celestina, pulling her to his side.

“Back off, Shadow. Ain’t she been through enough? I got this, no worries, seems like your hands are full as it is. I already spoke to Brick and Fury. They said Celestina can come back with me and then our club will figure out the next steps to keeping her safe and alive.”

The air around Auntie Zoey changes, and I swear I see frost in the air. She glares at Dingo.

“Motherfucker, let’s get something straight. You came here to get your dick dipped. And shut the hell up with your goddamn lies. I trust the Grimm Wolves club, especially Brick, Fury, and Chains. Saying that, she’s my family, like my Devil’s Handmaidens sisters. This situation is extremely volatile, do you really want to pull your club into this kind of bullshit, prospect? You guys just finished with all the Chains shit, might want to give your club and brothers a break.”

The two go into a stare off and I have my money on Auntie Zoey, but to my utter surprise she looks away first. Dingo leans down whispering in Celestina’s ear, who has her eyes glued to Auntie Zoey. She nods when he’s done. She moves away from him, hand touching my aunt’s shoulder.

“Zoey, I’m so sorry this stuff is falling on you because of me. I had no idea it was this big. I haven’t spoken to my father for probably five-ish years or so. As far as the account numbers, if he didn’t change them, then yes, I have them, though don’t want a penny of that dirty as shit money. I don’t know what to do. I’m so overwhelmed, scared I’m going to die before I actually live, and all alone in the world.”

Maggie walks to her badass bestie, but she turns and pulls on Celestina so she bends down so she can hug her.

“Nope, you’re not alone. We’ve adopted you, so right now you are an honorary member and sister of the Devil’s Handmaidens. Saying that, let’s get through this shit, I mean book signing, then we can go back to the cabins and give this the time it deserves. You are not alone, sweetie, look around. What those guys just did for you shows you that people have your back. You good to keep going? I mean, God forbid if Hannah and Dani don’t see every single author. Kitty wants to go to the next aisle ’cause someone brought a model. She wants to oogle his fine as fuck ass, her words. Probably another hour or so.”

Celestina looks around, then at Dingo, who just returns her look. She must see something because when she turns a small smile is on her face.

“Well, can I go with Kitty to see the hot model’s ass then?”

Immediately, Dingo is on her, tickling her and making her scream. People are walking around our group, looking at the two of them like they’re crazy.

“Hey, since y’all set up in front of my table, can I get a picture with you guys?”

Turning, I look to see who it is. And damn, it’s Andi Rhode with a huge smile on her face. I’ve talked to her in her readers group Andy’s Chaotic Romance Readers. She’s a total riot. This is good because she’s on the list I worked on. Also have to ask her how she comes up with the storylines and names. I thought that would be a pretty interesting conversation. It’s Noodles who answers her.

“Well, sure, if you want all of us, including that big old guy. Let’s see, that’s probably gonna cost ya over hundred dollars. Or we can do a trade, how about a few signed books for these young women? Deal?”

I laugh at the same time Andi does.

She gets her picture, and we pay for the books that she signs. On to the next author.

TWENTY-EIGHT

‘CLEMENTINE’

SPITFIRE/FLAME

Leaning into Bullet, I can tell he took a shower before coming here to meet up with us. He has his own unique scent, but the body wash I bought him is fresh like the outdoors on a sunny day. I’m sure whatever they were doing was as messy as roadkill on the middle of the street in the hot Texas heat. Feeling his arms tighten around me, I always ponder on how he can understand my thoughts without me saying a thing. That thought of exactly what the men were doing on the boat, hells bells, it gives me the willies.

Watching Tink with her man, Noodles, walking around hand in hand, whispering to each other, and giggling together—gosh dang it—bless their souls. I just adore seeing other folks as deeply in love, just like Bullet and me. I reckon like my momma always used to tell me, “Clementine, precious child, one day you’ll find your one true love. Now, don’t you rush it, let it happen, and he’ll come to ya, sugah. Remember how you was raised, Clementine. You’re like whiskey in a teacup. You are sweet and ladylike—hence the tea—but, darlin’, you also have a fierce personality and heart. Give that to the right man and you will live a long happy life.”

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