Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
He steps closer, fixated on my mouth. “How so?”
The air shifts. A charged energy surrounds us, and I can feel the chaos swimming through my veins. “You just do,” I whisper. I take off walking to break the intensity forming between us.
He blows out a deep breath and walks beside me, not pressing me further. Which is a good thing because I seriously think he might have kissed me. And that would have been chaotic as heck.
“I’m sure you understand how important it is that I get out of jail immediately.”
Mr. Delgado’s dark eyes bore into mine from across the table. We’ve been sequestered in this small room at the Saint Pierce City Jail for the last thirty minutes, going over the intricate details of the case against him. Although I did my due diligence in researching Bane Delgado before our meeting, I feel woefully unprepared for the real-life version. He’s typically handsome—an aesthetically pleasing face, lustrous dark hair, lean muscles—but a sinister aura surrounds him. Like if you peeled back the layers you’d find the monster lurking beneath the surface.
“Yes, of course, Mr. Delgado.”
“Bane, please.” His lips tip up, but the way he says it leaves no room for argument.
“Okay…Bane. The arraignment is—”
“I need you to get it moved up.”
“That’s not possible.”
“Everything is possible.”
His confidence borders on arrogance, but in his world, I’m sure that statement is true. The Delgados’ enormous wealth most likely ensures whatever they desire is easily accessible. He’s clearly not accepting the gravity of this situation, thinking he can bend reality to his will. I mean, he’s wearing his orange jumpsuit like it’s Armani.
“Judge Phillips is known for being strictly by the book,” I say, maintaining professionalism, despite the mounting pressure. “No exceptions. We need to remain on his good side and—”
“How is your brother? Is he still happily in love?”
I tilt my head at him, his sudden shift in topic catching me off guard. Men like him thrive on weakness and I won’t show him any. “Could you stop doing that?”
“What?” He gives me an innocent look, but I detect the amusement in his voice.
“Interrupting me. If we are going to work together, I’d like for you to respect what I have to say.”
Surprise flashes in his eyes, and he leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Ah, so you do have a spine. Good to know.”
“Listen, Bane.” I lean forward. “I’m here to help you. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you get a fair and speedy trial. In return, I need you to refrain from making everything you say seem like a veiled threat.”
His eyes dance across my face, assessing me. “Maybe it is one, Greer,” he says in a low voice.
Seconds tick by as we stare at each other. Then, with a lighthearted chuckle, Bane breaks the tension between us. “I’m joking, Greer. Don’t look so serious.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I just need to get out of here. Sitting in jail is not an option—I have business to attend to, and a fiancee missing me.”
I can’t help but feel a flicker of sympathy for him as I close my files and slide them in my bag. It’s a tiny flicker, but at least it’s something other than wariness. “I’m sure Posey will be thrilled when you’re released.”
“I like that you’re speaking in positive terms. When, not if. I expect nothing less.” His eyes bore into me with unwavering intensity. “My family expects nothing less.”
I stand and slip my bag on my shoulder, pushing away the sense of unease settling over me. “That’s because I fully intend to make that happen.”
With a final nod of farewell, I turn on my heel and stride purposefully out of the room, leaving behind Bane Delgado and the unsettling questions that linger in his wake.
SIX
ROMAN
I arrive at Dev and Chloe’s place on Friday before anyone else. If I’m lucky, I can talk to Chloe about all these feelings I’m having about Greer rising to the top. I want to tamp them back down before they bubble over.
I stride down the cobblestone path leading to the restored Victorian home nestled in the hills of Saint Pierce and ring the doorbell. Chloe answers with a bright smile.
“Come in,” she says, moving aside so I can enter. “What’s with you ringing the bell lately?”
I shrug. “You and Dev are expecting a baby. I shouldn't be barging in anymore. Besides, last time I walked into your house, I saw a lot more than I wanted to.”
Chloe laughs at my reference to the time I walked into their house and Dev was naked, walking out to the pool to join Chloe. “Well, maybe it is better that you knock.” She shuts the door and we head into the large galley-style kitchen.
“I knew you’d show up first,” Dev says when he sees me. “Drink?” He holds up a bottle of Eagle Rare.