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)
“We will make sure that these people keep him safe and do not harm him.”
“Good. Because if they do, let me know.” Instantly, my fingers itched to hold my knives. The image of a room covered in blood hit my mind. My pulse quickened. The blood was a deep maroon, and there was lots of it in the room, splashing over furniture, dripping down the walls and soaking the floors. So much that, the coppery taste coated my tongue.
Stay calm.
Swallowing, I turned away and pushed through that thought.
Stop it. We don’t need to cut anyone today.
I looked at Blue.
She watched me with widened eyes. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. W-why do you ask?”
“You. . .swayed a little like you were about to pass out.”
“I did?” I looked at my lap. A little tea had spilled. I brushed the drops of liquid off my pants and put the cup on the nightstand next to me. “I’m fine.”
“I should stay in here with you tonight.” She pointed to the love seat on the other side of the room. “I can sleep over there.”
I shook my head.
“Or outside the room.”
“No. Your new room is down here between mine and Paolo’s. That’s good enough.” I gripped my hand and twisted my fingers. “You said the helicopter landed with the guys. Did you get a glimpse of them?”
“Oh, yes. Kazimir walked out with not even a limp. He stormed toward the hotel with King David by his side. Harlem Crew along with Boris, Jean-Pierre, and Louis were all fine too. I doubt there were many that died. However, there was something odd that I noticed.”
“What?”
“Everyone had drops of blood, bruises, and ripped clothing, except Giorgio. He was the only one that looked like he had just left an elegant dining event—newly pressed tuxedo, polished shoes, hair perfectly styled, and even a flowing cape on his shoulder.”
“What the hell?” I tapped my finger. “I wonder if he fought at all.”
“Me too.”
“What about Max?”
“That was the other odd thing. Maxwell was fine, but carrying a lemon tree.”
I shook my head. “That’s so Max. You never try to understand him. You just love and rock with him.”
“I immediately notified Baba like you asked. She has twenty men with her and is waiting for Kazimir by the suite.”
“Being that King David is with him, Kaz will remember to have nothing but respect for Baba.”
A worried expression covered Blue’s face.
“You don’t think so?”
“I do not think the Lion will ever harm Baba, but I am worried for Harlem Crew.”
I pinched my thumb over and over.
Blue cleared her throat. “I would like to go up there and make sure—”
“Mysh?!” Kaz’s voice boomed in the hallway. Doors creaked opened and then slammed shut. “Mysh?!”
I rolled my eyes.
How the hell did he know I was here? Was it the hotel’s staff? No one told them.
“Mysh?!” Another door slammed.
“Please get him, before he wakes Paolo.”
She hurried to the door and opened it. “Emily is in here.”
Seconds later, Kaz stormed into the room with his face drawn back into a snarl. His brows were furrowed. Drops of blood decorated his torn blue pants. His shirt was off. Those huge muscles on his arms bulged as he fisted his hands.
He towered over all of us, radiating fury and violence.
Blue reached for her guns.
As if hearing the movement, Kaz snapped his view to her. “Why are you still here?”
“Don’t talk to her like that.” I rose from the bed and walked over.
Kaz looked at Blue’s hand on her gun. “Why are you reaching for that? Do you need me to show you how to use it? I can if you want—”
“Thanks, Blue. We’re done.” I got between them.
Blue and Kaz continued to stare at each other.
For the first time ever, Blue glared at him and did not move. “Are you sure, Emily?”
I swallowed. “Yes.”
“Then, I will be outside.” Blue headed away.
Kaz called back. “Do not waste your time! You and no one else could save Emily from me!”
“I don’t need anyone protecting me from you.” I turned around. “I will whip your ass myself!”
The line of his jaw twitched. That big chest and those huge shoulders rose and fell. Three feet of space ran between us.
If he came close, I would knock him out.
Maybe, I do need that shovel.
To my shock, he closed his eyes and exhaled.
I tensed.
A minute of silence passed.
Then, he opened his eyes. “Mysh?”
“Yes.”
“There is a 3,000 square foot suite upstairs that is considered the jewel of the entire hotel. Cassina and Poltrona Frau, two high-end Italian design houses, decorated the space.” He placed his hands in his pockets, yet kept both thumbs out. “It has a stunning view, elegant furnishings, and comes with dedicated butler service—”
“That sounds amazing. Maybe you should go up there.”
“We are currently on the second floor,” he said it as if the very words tasted nasty on his tongue. “Full size bed. Simple furniture. Ugly view. This room is not even 400 square feet—”