Cyclops — My stint in the military left me a parting gift. Scar tissue that not only left me blind in that eye, but makes the damn thing look spooky as fuck. I’m used to people staring. Mostly. Then my brothers had to stick me with the road name Cyclops. They’re not funny, even if they think they are. Uncle Sam may no longer find me fit for duty, but it doesn’t mean I’m useless. When I hear a scream, I don’t hesitate. Thought I was saving a girl. Turns out she’s a woman — and one I shouldn’t touch. The daughter of a Dixie Reaper, she’s her daddy’s little angel… and damn if I’m not tempted to lure her to the dark side and get her a little dirty.
WARNING: Cyclops is part of the Reckless Kings MC series. It contains an age-gap relationship of more than 10 years, violence, bad language, and adult situations. Some readers may find the subject matter difficult to read. But there’s a guaranteed happily-ever-after, no cheating, and no cliffhanger!
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Copyright ©2022 Harley Wylde
“Beast knows you’re here with me,” Cyclops said. “I told him I’d take you to my place when we left. That’s, of course, if you want to go there. Or I can lead the way to Beast’s house. Entirely up to you.”
“I’m curious about something,” I said. He motioned for me to continue. “You’ve seen how everyone treats me. Lyssa’s call is the least of it. I’m twenty and they act like I’m a teenager. There’s no freedom for me at home, and it looks like it will be the same here. I’d thought Lyssa would be enough of a buffer I could live a little, even if it was only for a few days.”
“You plan on going home that soon?” he asked.
“I don’t know.” I looked down at my coffee for a moment, gathering my thoughts. “I wanted a taste of freedom, the chance to be myself without worrying I’d have a bodyguard breathing down my neck, or half the club trying to scare off men. I haven’t even been here a day and my family keeps texting and calling. Lyssa is checking up on me, and I just…”
“Feel caged?” he asked.
I nodded. “Exactly. It’s like I’m a prisoner. How am I supposed to figure out who I am if no one will let me do anything? I get it. My dad lost his wife long before he met Mom. Add in all the darkness he’s seen as part of the Dixie Reapers, and now he’s terrified something will happen to us. But living in constant fear isn’t living at all.”
He smiled. “Seems like you have it figured out. Mostly. Beast thinks your dad will show up in the next day or so. I’m not sure how much freedom you’ll have when that happens.”
Naturally. I should have known better. The moment my dad found out where I’d gone, he’d probably started planning to come collect me, like a wayward child or pet. If I went back home with him, I’d die a virgin. There was no way he’d let me out of his sight anytime soon. I loved him. More than my next breath. But being Preacher’s daughter had a downside. It meant being smothered with worry and affection. My mom loved how protective my dad was, and I could understand. Being his daughter, it was different.
“Why did you want me to go to your house? If my dad is on his way, I’ll be going back home soon. He won’t let me stay.”
Cyclops folded his arms and studied me. “I think there are a few things for us to discuss. This café isn’t the right place for that type of conversation.”
The butterflies returned, flapping around my stomach. “Something we can’t talk about here?”
He glanced around before meeting my gaze again. “I guess we could, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Do you trust me?”
I nodded. He’d saved me, and even if he hadn’t, since he belonged to the Reckless Kings, that was good enough for me. I knew Beast didn’t keep traitors around, or evil men. Since he’d spoken to Beast, and the President was aware we were at the café together, it had to mean Beast trusted him.
“Then follow me to the compound. We’ll go straight to my house and discuss your options. Beast knows where to find you, and he’ll hold Lyssa back. But, kitten, it’s not a horrible thing to have people love you so much they worry. I know it seems like the end of the world, and I’d imagine it’s more than a little frustrating, but your parents only want to keep you safe. Nothing wrong with that.”
“I know. It’s overwhelming and tiresome, but I understand why they do it. Doesn’t make it any more tolerable.” I smiled. “Lead the way. I’d love to hear those options.”
Then Alex Bales came along. He’s convinced his cousin wants me, but I’m not so sure. Still, I’m willing to give anything a try if it means I’ll have Simon’s attention, even if I have to pretend to date Alex to get it.
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Can't wait to read this book.
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ReplyDeleteI love Harley Wylde and all her books! 'Reckless Kings MC' is my favorite book series.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read your book.
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