Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
My heart beat fast.
She turned the first card over. “Two of Spades.”
Fear surged through me. “Last time you said that low numbers represent danger.”
She nodded and didn't look at me. “This means death, blood, and danger.”
“Could it be. . .a metaphor?”
She slowly shook her head. “This is death.”
“Who's death?”
“No one in particular.”
“Baba, I need more than that.”
“Honestly, Emily, all I have heard is the word, war around these halls. Death comes from war. I am not completely surprised that this card came up.”
“So. . .this is good?”
“Not at all.”
I let out a long breath.
“Are you ready for the next card?”
I whispered, “Barely.”
She flipped the second one over.
Another Two of Spades stared back at me.
My breath lodged in my throat.
Baba twisted the jeweled stick in her hand. “Apparently, lots of death will come.”
“But, why is it double cards?”
“Death is coming soon.”
“How soon?”
“Very.”
“Baba, I need more.”
“I am not a GPS or clock, Emily.”
“But, you can help me out.”
Baba's other hand gripped the edge of the desk, telling me that she did have a good idea.
“Come on.” I gritted my teeth.
“Death will come today. Lots of it.”
My voice cracked. “Today?”
Baba nodded. “Are you ready for the final card?”
“I don't know.”
“We don't have to flip it over.”
“Oh, I think it's too late for that. You already fucked up my day even more with the other two.”
“These are your cards, Emily. I have nothing to do with it.”
“Still, you need to start flipping over nicer things.”
That sad smile spread across Baba's face. “One day all of your cards will be filled with diamonds and hearts.”
I twisted my fingers in my lap. “You believe that?”
“I do.” She nodded. “I see beautiful days ahead of you.”
“But now. . .you see war and death?”
The sorrowful smile disappeared. “Lots of it.”
I directed my view back to the last card. “Okay. Let's see.”
She flipped that over.
My heart dropped.
Another Two of Spades looked back at me.
“Oh, come on.” I bit my lip.
“The time to act is this morning.” Baba touched the card with the jeweled stick. “Not this afternoon. Not tonight. Your enemies are coming, and it won't be to talk.”
“Kaz and I are holding a meeting to get the troops together and figure a strategy out.”
“Do so, and do it fast.” She set the stick down and rose. “I will be packing my things.”
“We are leaving?”
“A vision came to me, while I read your cards.”
I stood. “What was it?”
Worry covered her face. “It appears your lion has big plans, and he's already putting them in place.”
“Are these good or bad plans?”
“That's not an easy answer when it comes to the Lion.” She pointed her stick at the door. “If I were you, I would hurry to that meeting.”
“Fuck.”
Chapter 14
Everyone
Emily
I ran back to my suite with my men, but the conference room was deserted.
Next, I raced upstairs.
Blue stood by Paolo's door like an obedient soldier. She kept her hands to her side. Both of them held a blue gun.
Four other guys guarded the space.
I slowed my pace, unsure of how much she knew. Instantly, I wished I had asked Kaz and Max more questions about last night.
The news of another personality had taken precedence over the smaller details like. . . how many people fucking knew I was that crazy?
What if they all know? Will they treat me differently?
Swallowing down my worry, I continued her way and drank in this woman that I enjoyed keeping at my side.
Today, Blue had dressed for business, wearing a tailored black suit, black tie, and white shirt that fit her slim figure perfectly. Simple, yet elegant.
The sides of her head were freshly shaved. The long blue strands in the center were twisted into a tight bun on the crown.
Her black high heels were expensive, spiked, and deadly.
But her face was what captured my attention. She actually wore make up today. Cherry blossom red painted her lips. She’d brushed up and tweezed those brows, making them smooth and almond shaped.
Alright, Blue. Looking good.
When I came close, her rosy perfume hit me.
I need to get out of this damned robe and gown and match her energy.
Blue spoke, yet kept her view forward. “Good morning, Emily.”
I stopped in front of her. “You're looking gorgeous this morning.”
She blushed. “Thank you.”
“How did you dress so quickly after Max woke you up?”
She didn't look my way. “I was already up, when Max came by.”
Already up? Did anybody get rest last night?
“But, did you get any sleep?”
“Not much.”
“Why not?”
She turned her view to me. “I was worried about you.”
Fuck. She knows. Who else?
“I. . .” Blue stirred and moved her view from me. “I wanted to be near, when you woke up, but Kazimir and Maxwell forced everyone to head to their rooms. They pretty much threatened violence.”
“Everyone?”
“Boris, Harlem Crew, some of the French—”
“How many people know I'm fucking crazy?”
Her jaw twitched.
My stomach twisted. “Let me make this clear, Blue. Max is back, but you're still my number one.”