Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 82945 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82945 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“Come on, Gareth,” Carson says, slapping my back. “Take a turn on the board.”
“No, thanks,” I say, shaking my head. Last thing I need is for something to go wrong and embarrass myself in front of Orin. “I’ll pass for now, but maybe later.”
“Ah, what, afraid of the ocean?” Carson’s grin sparkles. He’s baiting me in front of his father on purpose, the bastard. “You seem like a brave man.”
“Must be, coming here,” Nolan says with a laugh. “He has to deal with Dad’s shit for two days.”
“Easy,” Orin calls out. But he’s smiling. The easy comradery of their family feels like a temptation, too.
“I’ll do it.” Fiona stands, brushing herself off.
Both men turn to look at her. Carson and Nolan go still. Their eyes travel my wife. Carson in particular stares at her, his gaze moving from her lips to her chest, not bothering to hide it.
Leering at her, right in front of me.
Something sharpens in my stomach. At first, I don’t understand it. But then I’m standing and moving over to Fiona. I drape my arm over her shoulder. “This is my wife,” I say pointedly. “Fiona, meet Carson and Nolan.”
Neither man seems put off by my blatant display of ownership. Like a fucking gorilla banging my chest. Mine, mine, mine.
“Pleasure,” she says happily, as if she doesn’t notice the alpha struggle in front of her.
“Good to meet you,” Nolan says.
“Very good,” Carson echoes, smirking.
I want to kill them.
My blood boils. It’s irrational, I’m well aware, but I can’t stop my rage. Carson’s not even trying to pretend like he’s not staring at my pretty young wife in her lascivious little bikini like she’s here for his amusement.
I want to strangle him. Wrap my hands around his fat throat. Dig my thumbs into his veins until his face turns purple and he chokes.
Fiona is mine. She’s my wife, and these spoiled mafia fucks are looking at her like she’s a piece of meat.
Ready to be torn apart.
“Actually, I changed my mind. I’ll ride,” I say, stepping forward, drawing their attention. “I’ve seen these you guys fumble around out there already. I’m thinking I can show you a thing or two.”
Carson barks a laugh. “You do, old man? I’m not so sure. You might break a hip.”
“Ah, come on,” Nolan says, shaking his head. “Go easy. Let’s get in the water.” He walks off to the ocean.
But Carson doesn’t move. His grin turns into a spiteful smile. He knows what I’m doing—and he’s happy about it.
He got in my head, the bastard.
“It’s okay,” Fiona says, apparently oblivious to what’s going on. “I kind of want to see if I can catch a wave.”
“Stay here,” I say, gesturing her away. “You ready, big guy?”
“After you.”
I march past him down to the waves. Fiona stays behind, and when I glance back, she’s scowling death at me. I deserve that.
“Don’t mind my brother,” Nolan says, shoving a boogie board into my arms. “He’s just a prick.”
“I noticed,” I say as Carson approaches.
“Let’s see who can get the biggest one, shall we?” he asks, splashing some water into his hair. “Winner gets to ride Fiona. Sorry, I meant, ride with Fiona. Don’t worry, Gareth, I know she’s spoken for.”
“And don’t forget it,” I say before paddling out to the waves.
The water’s fucking freezing. My balls turn to ice the moment I’m out toward the break. Carson joins me, sitting up with a smirk.
“Your wife’s very pretty,” he calls out. “How’d you bag that one?”
“Luck and charm,” I say. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were getting a little too friendly back there.”
“Ah, come on now, Gareth. Don’t be like that. I just appreciate the female form. I’m only fucking with you.”
“Appreciate someone else.” I stare hard at him. “I want to be your family lawyer, but I won’t tolerate disrespect.”
He chuckles, but his laughter slowly fades. We stay together, bobbing up and down. Waiting for a wave.
“You know what I like about you?” he says finally, eyes narrowed. “You don’t have scruples. Everyone knows it. Gareth Kane, lawyer to criminals, willing to take on any case so long as it pays.”
“That’s my reputation?” I work my jaw, not happy about it. I’m fairly sure he’s baiting me, but here I am, taking it all over again. “That’s not how I see myself.”
“You’re a mercenary. But don’t feel bad.” Carson’s smirk is hateful. “All fucking lawyers are mercenaries. You don’t give a shit about anything but yourself. Meanwhile, my family and I, we care about each other. What makes you think we should trust you?”
“You have to trust someone, and I’m here. How many lawyers come visit their clients at the beach?”
“Not many,” he concedes. “But here’s the thing. I want you to do something for me. Something that will prove you’re loyal.”