Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Once dressed in black slacks and a white button-down, I step out to find Chloe engrossed in conversation with everyone. As I approach, Ledger's gaze captures mine, his eyes holding a mesmerizing allure. He draws me close, enveloping me in his embrace. "Vin was confident he could help?" he asks Chloe.
Chloe nods. "He mentioned that the federal authorities are already building a case against Bane Delgado. With Posey's testimony, they'll have enough to put him away for good."
"I don't have much information," I confess, worrying my bottom lip between my teeth.
"But you overheard crucial details about the missing witness and Mayor Thornberg, and Bane's intentions to sell you," Chloe reassures me. "Vin believes it’ll help."
I acknowledge her words with a nod. "What's our next move?" I inquire, aware that lingering in the club indefinitely isn't an option.
"Vin is arranging for agents to pick you up," Chloe explains, her gaze shifting to Ledger. “May take a couple of days.”
Beside me, Ledger nods in agreement, his grasp on me tightening. "Understood. We’ll need to hide low until then," he replies.
“Maybe you could take her to Magnolia Ridge,” Roman suggests. “Take cash from the safe, don’t use the cards. Right now Bane has no idea Posey’s with you at all.”
I nod as Ledger tugs me tighter. “True.” The weight of the situation settles heavily on me, and I voice my apprehension. "I'm scared," I admit.
"We won't let anything happen to you," Roman says, his assurance echoed by his brother. Their unwavering support fills me with comfort, a feeling I've never experienced before.
Ledger leads me away from the crowd, and places his hands on my shoulders, gazing into my eyes. “Are you okay?”
I nod, nervously. “I think so. Ledger, I just know I want you to stay by my side,” I say, wanting desperately to add the word, forever at the end.
“I’ll be by your side for as long as you’ll have me, Posey.” And then he brings his mouth to meet mine. He pushes his tongue along my lower lip and I open for him, gripping him tightly in my arms.
A surge of heat courses through me, my heart pounding wildly as if threatening to break free from my chest. It feels as though I'm teetering on the edge of the world, on the brink of floating away into the unknown. Yet, Ledger's steady presence keeps me firmly rooted, his arms enveloping me, anchoring me to the moment.
As our lips part, the interruption of a throat being cleared breaks the spell. I withdraw slightly, meeting Ledger's intense gaze.
"Vin has reported increased activity at Bane's estate," Chloe interjects, drawing our attention. "They're monitoring all the key players, but the specifics are unclear."
Ledger acknowledges Chloe with a nod before refocusing on me. "This will all be over soon."
I offer a nod of agreement. "I trust you," I assure him.
Together, Ledger and I return to the others gathered in the office, where Chloe, Roman, and Greer await. Taking a seat beside Greer on the couch, I release a sigh of relief.
"Thank you all so much," I express, meeting each of their gazes in turn. "I'm deeply grateful for all of you. Knowing you're all here for me means the world."
"That's what family does," Chloe responds without hesitation, her words resonating with unwavering commitment.
I gaze up at Ledger. How did I get so lucky? This man has been nothing but a rock by my side. A true hero in every sense of the word.
It’s late as Ledger and I arrive at a cute little bed and breakfast in Magnolia Ridge. Roman and Ledger traded vehicles, just to steer on the safe side, and we drove the forty-five minutes to the downtown of this small, cute town.
I can’t see much because the sun has already set, but the street lamps illuminate the cobblestone path leading up to the front doors of the Rosewood Cottage.
Ledger opens the SUV’s door, and I slide out of the leather seat. “Amazing, isn’t it?”
“Have you ever stayed here?” I ask him.
He shakes his head. “Never.”
The cottage, with its classic Victorian architecture, is embellished with climbing roses that frame the whitewashed walls and delicate white trim that reminds me of a gingerbread house. The wrap-around front porch is lined with wicker rocking chairs.
We enter, and I’m immediately at ease with the scent of lavender floating through the air. The cackling fireplace is lit, and there’s a man, reading a book, sitting in a rocker.
“Evening,” he says when we pass by, and Ledger nods back at him.
We step up to the counter, greeted by an older lady with a warm, inviting smile. “Hi there. I’m Claire.”
After we get checked in, Claire leads us to a room upstairs. We step inside, and I take in the period furniture, floral wallpaper, and luxurious linens.
“Wow, so beautiful,” I say to Claire.