Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
I gasp as tears spring to my eyes. What in the world provoked this attack? And who is he to be spouting fire and brimstone at me?
But then, there’s a low growl, and suddenly, Elder Stott screams and tumbles to the floor as a huge man tackles him.
“Who the hell do you think you are? Fuck you, asshole!”
My eyes widen because it’s Stone. My man’s appeared out of nowhere to save me, and relief floods my form because I know that I’m safe now.
11
STONE
What the fuck? I’ve never been so furious in my entire life because who is this shitty excuse for a human being? The moment I heard him yelling at my girl, my blood began to boil, and I couldn’t contain my anger.
As a result, I tackled him, and now the older man is rolling on the ground, gasping and panting with tears in his eyes.
“Who are you?” he screams. “You don’t interfere with my church. This is my church and I control the girls who attend!”
What the hell? Is this guy from the eighteenth century or something? I roar with anger in response.
“You don’t control anyone, much less my woman!” I hiss, sparks flying from my gaze. “Fuck you!”
But the scrawny man won’t give up.
“Tanya Grimes is a member of Sanctuary, and as a result she has to obey our rules. She’s wearing a promise ring. She promised!”
I squint my eyes.
“Shut the fuck up. I’ll have you know that Tanya Grimes is pregnant by me, so keep your mouth sealed, you loser. She’s expecting my baby, and I’m claiming both her and my child! So slam that trap closed before I do it for you.”
“But she promised!” the man squeals again, finally getting up from the floor. “Her word is worth nothing! She has betrayed the Lord!”
With that, I’ve had it. But I don’t punch him because clearly, it would be a total KO and this guy would end up in the hospital if I even so much as swiped him with a feather. Instead, I bring out the big guns.
“Is that so? Well, I happen to be the owner the Corinthian Hotel. Yeah, you know the place where your daughter works? Well, if she wants to keep her job at my hotel then you better get your shit together and keep your mouth shut. Keep your hands to yourself too, and don’t even look at Tanya. That’s right, you’re not worthy so get your ass out of here before I kick it into the next century!”
“You wouldn’t,” the older man gasps.
“Wouldn’t what?” I rasp. “Fire your daughter or kick your ass into the next century? Believe me, I would, and I’ve done worse many times in my life.”
The man falters for a moment.
“But Kaci makes good money,” he whispers. “She makes the payments on my car.”
I roll my eyes, disgusted now.
“Is it that Mercedes I saw outside? Well then, you better get the fuck out of here if you want to keep it,” I hiss. “And never, ever look at Tanya again. Don’t speak to her, and she won’t speak to you either. You’re lucky I don’t get this fucking place shut down,” I say, staring with disgust at the small room. “I know the Tax Commissioner and I’m sure he’ll dig up some interesting shit when he investigates the church’s finances.”
With that, the older man scurries off, clearly panicked. After all it’s a big deal to fuck with the tax man. Even if the agency ultimately finds nothing, just the audit process is painful and makes you wish you were dead.
After the older man disappears, I turn to Tanya and my heart sinks. She still looks scared, and the tears in her eyes overflow the moment I wrap her in my arms.
“It’s okay, sweetheart, he’s gone now,” I murmur into her hair. “And if that asshole knows what’s good for him, then he’ll never trouble you again. You’re safe now, I promise.”
Her body trembles and then begins to shake violently as tears stream down her cheeks.
“Stone, please take me away,” she sobs against my chest. “I can’t be here anymore.”
“Of course not, sweetheart,” I growl in a low voice before sweeping her into my arms, bridal style. “This place is a fucking snake pit, and I can’t believe that even happened. Come on, baby. I’m here now. You’re safe,” I soothe. Then with my precious cargo in my arms, I stride from the church and out into the scorching sun of Vegas. But still, my soul trembles because I have what I came for, but will Tanya accede? Will the curvy girl be mine, or was my effort ultimately futile?
12
TANYA
I don’t speak during the car ride back to the Corinthian because I can’t. What just happened? Did an elder of my church call me a whore because he thinks I’m pregnant out of wedlock? Did he scorn me for breaking my promise to God by having sex with a man?