Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“No problem. Clay is family, he always has my ear.”
“Still, you guys didn’t have to come all this way.”
King nods. “You may need our muscle for this. Not to mention, I have business here in New York. It was on my way. Besides, I’m interested in the outcome here. Diggs, go on and tell him what Gutter found out.”
I sit back and listen to the information Diggs gives, the entire time I have my eyes on Cane. He either didn’t know some of this information or he chose to hide it. Either way, my blood is boiling. Chloe is going to strangle Ally. We’ve all been in danger because of these two.
Clay’s connection to the Lost Souls has had its benefits this time around. Ally’s problem has been stalled because of it.
“What do you want to do?” Brick asks.
“If they want war, you have my army behind you,” King offers.
“They’re bringing this to my door. Ally is family. I think you already know what I want to do,” Clay says.
“Burn all their shit down,” Brick grunts.
“You’re damn motherfucking right,” my brother replies.
I sit forward in my seat. “I’m not disagreeing with you. Hear me out,” I say and lift a hand as Clay goes to cut me off. “It’s clear Dad knew about all of this. Yet he allowed it. I want to talk to the old man. What’s his connection? What’s his motive?”
Clay grunts and tightens his lips. I’ve been avoiding this conversation long enough. We’re all supposed to be at the house for dinner tonight. I plan to get answers while we’re there.
“You have a point,” Clay mutters. “King, how long do you all plan to be around?”
“I go back in two weeks. You can hold on to a few of the Squad for another week or two if you need. New York will help where they can. Spider has his orders.”
“I only need one night,” I say.
“Put someone on the girl and make sure those other motherfuckers don’t move,” Clay says. “They want attention, I’ll give them a standing ovation.”
“That’s what I’m talking about. They can all get clapped up,” Reap sings with a sadistic smile.
King looks at her and shakes his head. I don’t miss the smile on Clay’s face. However, it’s the white-as-a-sheet look on Cane’s face that pulls my full attention.
I place a hand on his shoulder. “This is how you protect her. We don’t give money to anyone who threatens our family.”
* * *
Chloe
I look around at the calming grays and blues of this office. I had to make this appointment. The fight we had after the showing was enough to break up my marriage.
After sitting in the tub and calming my temper, I realized if I don’t talk to someone, I’m going to lose more than my husband. So here I am.
“Chloe, what I’m hearing you say is that you were willing to let go of the past—not forget—but move past it while you were in Dubai. However, now that you’re back in New York all that rage has returned, and you can’t move forward. Am I right?”
“Yes.”
I look up into Dr. Keller’s deep-brown eyes. She’s a pretty woman, maybe in her late thirties or early forties. Black don’t crack so I’m not sure. It’s her presence that makes me feel she might be older. Her office and her demeanor are calming and welcoming. I think I chose the right person.
“Tell me why you think that is. What’s stopping you?” she coaxes.
“My husband says he wants to stay out of things with my sister, but I know he’s in the middle and neither of them will tell me what’s going on.
“I’ve been there for Ally for as long as I can remember. I’ve given up so much for her and she’s… she’s treating me like a stranger and people I’ve threatened and physically harmed are lurking around her life.”
“I see. Have you ever thought that maybe Ally became the child you and Gregor lost? You’re having trouble letting go because she represents the opportunity you lost as a mother. You did say she’s twenty-two. Don’t you think it’s time to allow her to be an adult?”
I sit with my hands fisted tightly in the hem of my shirt. Tears start to fall. This is the truth I believe I’ve been avoiding.
“If you release your sister then you have no choice but to face your husband and your true feelings. Letting go will allow you to heal.”
“What if it’s not time to let go? She’s gotten herself into something. I can’t just ignore that.”
“Letting go doesn’t mean walking out of her life, but the hold you have now seems to be suffocating all members involved from what I’m hearing you say.”
“So what are you saying?”
“Allow your sister to come to you. Cut your husband some slack and let the balance he’s trying to create set in. It sounds like you have a good one.”