Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 86510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
I walk into my apartment, take a shower, put on some jammies.
The woman in Ronan’s suite was gorgeous—blond hair, blue eyes, and thin like a supermodel. Ronan’s ex? How have we never talked about that? How didn’t I know?
Easy. I haven’t known Ronan for very long. Why would he bring up an ex? I haven’t, either.
The ex said she needed to talk to Ronan. What about? She probably wants to get back together. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be with him?
I should have talked to him sooner about what I’m feeling. Now, it’s too late.
I’m heartbroken. Or am I? I’ve experienced heartbreak before, but this…
This is so much worse.
I feel…empty.
An empty shell.
I go to bed.
Back to work tomorrow.
Part of me is looking forward to it. I enjoy my work. I’m a good salesperson, and a new class on submission starts this week. I’ll be teaching a few nights.
I pad to my bed, get under the covers, and wrap myself up like a cocoon.
As I close my eyes, a tear slides down my cheek.
…
I wake before my alarm in the morning, which is surprising. That almost never happens.
It’s five thirty, and try as I might, I cannot get back to sleep, so I decide to get up.
I make a pot of coffee, and because I showered last night, I only need to do a quick wet-down of my hair and then blow it dry.
I dress in my black leather skinny pants and an orange-and-black corset that brings out the color of my hair. Then I sit, because I don’t have to be at work for another two hours.
Maybe I’ll get to the store early. I have a key, so I can open up. Maybe do some inventory.
Getting on the subway in a corset is never a good idea, so I put a cardigan over my shoulders and button it to hide my cleavage.
After my subway ride, I walk toward the store, but then I make a U-turn and enter a coffee shop instead.
Another cup of coffee will do me good, and sitting down with my thoughts? Maybe it will help as well.
I take a seat by the window once I order my coffee, and—
“Hands up!”
My heart drops to my stomach as fear slices through me.
Two men wearing masks and brandishing guns have entered the coffee shop.
In the morning?
Of course in the morning. When all the rich businessmen are getting their coffee.
Why the hell did I have to get coffee this morning at this damned place?
One of the masked men turns to the dining area. “No one fucking move.”
My heart thunders in my chest.
The other one has his gun trained on the cashier. “Open it up. I want all the cash, now. If you even think of triggering some silent alarm, your brains are going to be splattered all over that cappuccino machine behind you.”
Oh God oh God oh God…
I gulp for air, nearly hyperventilating. I can’t breathe.
How is this even happening? All I wanted to do was go to work early. Get a cup of coffee. Think about things. About Ronan…
My God, Ronan…
I’m in love with him. I am. Nothing like seeing your life flash before your eyes to show you the truth.
I have to tell him. Even if he’s with that other woman now. I just have to let him know. I can’t live with myself if I never tell him.
But damn…
What if…
The unthinkable happens…
And I can never tell him?
My coffee. No, I don’t have my coffee yet. No hot beverage to throw in anyone’s face.
Of course, a bullet could penetrate my skull before I even threw the beverage.
No, fighting back isn’t the answer. That will just decrease my chances of surviving this.
I dart my gaze around the room without moving my head.
Most of the women are crying, some of the men as well.
Under the table in the far corner is a young mother with two small children.
Oh God…
Please, no…
I glance outside the window where I’m sitting, hoping to see a cop walking by.
Nothing, of course.
I close my eyes.
God, this can’t be the end.
But even if it is…please spare those children.
The little boy and girl are crying, holding onto their mother.
“Shut those brats up!” the man with the gun trained on us yells.
The mother hugs them, and I see her desperation. She’s trying to be strong for them.
In that moment, all I can think about is my own life.
My own life. I’m young. Lucas be damned. If I get out of this alive, I will finish my business degree. I’ll find another school. I’ll get it done. I’ll do it online but only if I have to. Part of me wants the classroom experience.
And Ronan…
I have to tell Ronan.
I have to tell him I’m in love with him. That if he wants a fulltime sub, I can do it. I won’t even have to make myself do it—I want to, I realize now. Anything to be with him. To be with the man I love.