Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 90448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
“Thank you . . . you’re also beautiful.” I tried to let go of her hand, but Dawn wouldn’t release it. Instead she gently squeezed my fingers. “Welcome to our family. I think you’re worthy. Do you?”
I paused for a minute and then responded, “Yes.”
She traced a circle on my hand with her thumb. “I’m truly excited.”
And you’re creeping me out.
“Dawn.” Chase rose and placed his arm around her shoulder. She released my hand. He flashed me a weak smile. “I’m sure Jasmine would love to go greet her friend and brother over there.”
I looked at where he was pointing. Vivian and Troy stepped off the elevator. “Oh yes. I would. If that’s okay.”
“Sure. I just wanted to see how the make-over turned out.” Chase allowed his eyes to travel down my body one last time and then said, “Consider yourself free for the rest of the evening. I will see you Monday morning, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Goodnight, Jasmine.” He grinned.
“Nice meeting you,” Dawn added.
“Also.” Chase touched my arm and I paused. “Tell your brother to come by human resources on Monday. I’ve heard it’s pretty difficult for an ex-con to get a job. However, my company always needs security guards. Tell him he has a job with me if he wants it.”
Shocked, I nodded. “I really appreciate that. Thanks so much.”
“No problem,” he said. “When you join with me, you never have to worry about taking care of your family again.”
“Good. Because I definitely need the help.”
Chapter 4
Memories
“It’s about time.” I tapped Troy on his shoulder as we headed toward a small bar beyond the furry white couches and chairs. “I figured you both were lost.”
“It’s my first night out of jail. I had to drag Vivian on the dance floor.” Troy had taken off his tuxedo jacket and neck tie, probably before he’d parked the car. His white shirt was open and exposed some of his chest. “Vivian has some hot moves.”
She slid onto a gold leather barstool. “Your sister has been tutoring me in Dance 101.”
Troy shifted his face into a terrified look. “Well that’s scary.”
“Oh stop.” I hit his side. “I have skills now. I’ve learned some things since you’ve been gone.”
Gold glitter stuck to Vivian and Troy’s skin, making them sparkle in the amber light.
“I’ll believe that when I see it.” He nudged my back with his elbow.
A bartender placed napkins in front of us. “How can I help you?”
“By putting on some pants, man.” Troy twisted around and faced me. “I’ve seen enough butt naked men in jail. The last thing I want to see tonight is a naked man.”
“Sorry, you have to excuse my brother,” I told the bartender. “I’ll have a pinot noir.”
“I’ll have a rum and Coke.” Troy continued to keep his eyes on everything but the naked bartender in front of us.
“Nothing for me. I have to go to the bathroom.” Vivian jumped off her seat and strolled to the back.
Troy almost twisted his neck while he ogled Vivian’s behind. He whistled and then spotted my shocked expression. “What?”
“Vivian has a boyfriend.”
“Of course.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m just looking, no harm intended.”
“Benny’s going to have a heart attack when he finds out you’re staying at our apartment. Don’t make things more complicated.”
“Girl, that’s Viv we’re talking about.” He snorted. “I’m just amazed at how great both of you look. I remember before I went in how you had those scarecrow bodies and huge glasses. When you laughed you would snort.”
“You’re quite the charmer.”
The bartender set our drinks in front of us.
I dug into my purse.
The bartender raised his hand to stop me. “That’s not necessary. Mr. Stone asked your bill be sent to his account.”
“Oh.” I glanced at Chase.
He watched me from his side of the lounge.
I mouthed thanks.
He nodded and returned to talking to his fiancée.
“So that’s your boss?” Troy checked where I’d been looking.
“Yes.”
“I don’t like what’s in his eyes. They were all over you when Vivian and I entered the lounge.”
Ignoring Troy, I sipped the wine. The bitter liquid glided across my tongue with a smooth subtly.
Good stuff.
Amber light flashed across Troy’s face as a new song played. This time the electronic bass thumped at a steadier pace. A woman sung in a reggae tone about love and heartbreak. I drank some more of my wine.
Troy shook his head. “He’s watching you now.”
I choked and coughed a little.
“His eyes are shifty,” Troy said.
“What are you trying to imply?”
“There are old guys who sit in jail for years knowing they won’t ever get released. When new men come in the old guys watch them just like your boss is staring at you.”
“You’re insane.” I swallowed a gulp of wine.
“As soon as the new men are alone the old guys hold them down and rape them.”
Vivian returned. “What have I missed?”
I pointed to my brother. “According to Troy, my boss is going to attack and sodomize me.”