Page 46 of Johnny Gun

“Come here.”

He surprised her when he sat in the nearest recliner, then guided her to sit on his lap. “Relax, baby,” he murmured, and she turned to goo. Being cocooned in his arms felt heavenly, and yet…

Suddenly, her stomach twisted with worry.

“My father?”

“He’s fine.”

“Opal? Sydney?”

“They’re okay. I sent Barron a text when I came out to get our things.”

“And?”

Johnny sighed. “The Wolves attacked our guys when we were on the road. Your father, at Blade’s advice, sent Opal to Sydney’s home. They’re both safe. A couple of the men were injured, but nothing serious. The clubhouse suffered some damage. Barron said the attack lasted a few minutes.”

“This is terrible.” She burrowed, trying to get closer to him. “I feel so bad.”

“Don’t. You didn’t do anything. Deacon knew the attack was coming. We all did.”

“He didn’t know about the informer.”

“True. But this was Viper’s decision. He wants to keep the information confidential. I told you my reasons why I agree with him.”

“Yes. Dad’s volatile. He isn’t the type to take things lying down.”

“Or hold his tongue. And the informer would go underground. We want to tighten the noose around him.”

“I understand.” She rubbed her cheek against his solid chest. Lord, sitting on his lap, with his arms around her felt so good andso right, even the news of the attack didn’t seem as important. “Do we have to go back right away?”

“Not yet, shortcake. We’re going nice and slow.” He held her tighter. “First, we let Viper find the informer, then we deal with the old feud between your father and Rover. It has to end if any of us wants peace. Don’t you agree?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “It’s about time the animosity stopped. My mother used to complain about it.”

“I’m sure you miss her.”

“All the time. With her gone, I feel like it’s up to me to smooth things over between those two stubborn heads.”

“I don’t think so. You can forget doing anything that will put you in harm’s way.” His voice rumbled under her ear. “I won’t tolerate it or agree to it.”

“You know best, Daddy.” She used the moniker, hoping it would soothe him.

“Nice try, sunshine. I know when someone is trying to pacify me. Be warned, if you endanger yourself in any way, expect a spanking. Hear me?”

“I do, and I’ll remember. Promise.”

That was the adult side of her speaking, but the brat in her wanted to know how far she could push him and how sexy it would feel to have his rough hand landing on her naked butt.

Something inside her rippled with anticipation and delight thinking about that first strike.

CHAPTER TEN

Isolde sat at the edge of her bed, fighting frustration and a crappy mood from hell. This was her second morning in White Springs, and this day better not be a repeat of yesterday.

What a waste.

None of the things she’d wanted to explore with Johnny took place. Just thinking about it pissed her off so much, she could spit nails faster than a nail gun.

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