Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49388 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49388 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
And right then and there, I know she’s going to be a handful, in more ways than one.
I can tell Grecia’s waiting for something to happen between us. I can’t allow it, though, because if I take her once, I know I’ll crave her again and again—like a junkie hooked on the high.
“Tarian.” Her voice comes from behind me, and I turn to look at her.
She’s standing in my bedroom with those wide, honey-colored eyes pinned on me. I’m not wearing much, just a pair of boxers, and I know she’s drinking in every inch of me.
“What is it?”
“Are we leaving soon?” she asks as she joins me on the balcony.
I sigh and turn to her.
“Yeah, listen, you don’t have to come with me. This is something I probably should do on my own. Heinrich isn’t the nicest man to be around.” My voice is low, and there’s a warning laced through every word.
I honestly don’t want Grecia near him.
“I like traveling with you,” she smiles, placing her hand on my arm. I shrug off her touch and immediately chastise myself for my response. “Sorry,” she mumbles.
“I don’t deal well with affection,” I bite out. “You know this.”
Grecia nods. “I know. Sometimes I wish you’d stop closing yourself off.”
“If you don’t like it, I suggest you head back to Tynewood.”
I say shit like this to her to make her see what an asshole I am, and how incapable I am of being in a relationship. But as soon as the words are out of my mouth, I’m hoping she doesn’t leave. There’s a push and pull between us, and I’m always the one pushing.
Leaving her on the balcony, I head back into my bedroom and grab a pair of jeans. Once I’ve pulled them on, I ease up the zipper and fasten the button before turning back to her. It’s easier to hide my feelings when we’re working together and she’s not tempting me with those soulful eyes and wishful smiles.
“I can’t go home,” she tells me. “You know I can’t face them yet.”
Nodding, I shrug on my T-shirt that has a massive Tool band logo splashed across the front.
“Then grab your bags. I want to head out now.”
Once Grecia leaves me, I open my emails and search for any new messages. I’ve managed to hack into Thane’s server and download his emails, but none of them have offered up any hints as to his current location. There’s a rumor that my uncle has returned to the States, but I’m waiting on an email from Heinrich to confirm whether that’s the case.
I open the message app that allows me to read hacked inboxes but find nothing of interest. I do, however, discover Mommy dearest has been active. She’s been trying to contact Hilary Durand, which makes me wonder what she’s up to. It occurs to me my mother might be hiding something from Thane, but if she is, I have no idea what it could be.
The sun has almost set, and the light in the room is dimming as I zip up my suitcase and carry it through to the living room. The driver should be here soon.
I hope I’ll get what I need in Amsterdam.
My phone buzzes, and I pull it out to see another email coming through. It’s the one I’ve been waiting for, confirming that Thane is back in the States, but Heinrich doesn’t know where my uncle’s headed.
I intend to go after Thane once I’ve been to Amsterdam to meet with Heinrich. The leader of the Dutch faction of the Sovereigns has some useful information about my family he wants to give me in person, and he’s told me he’s located Rukaiya’s biological mother. It’s not every day you learn you have a cousin that you never knew existed. I’m hoping if I do something good for Rukaiya, she’ll forgive me for walking away from Tynewood before we had a chance to get to know each other.
After this meeting, though, the only thing on my mind will be revenge. I intend to end Thane, so I can put the past behind me and focus on the future without worrying about the shit my family’s done to me.
The vibration of my phone alerts me to another new message.
Tonight, there will be a meeting of Elders. Bring the entertainment, and in return, we’ll give you information about your family and the woman you’re seeking. – Heinrich
With a smile, I open the front door just in time to see our driver pulling up to the curb. The heat of the day still hangs heavily in the air, and I shrug off my jacket, draping it over the suitcase.
When Jerome walks in, he shakes my hand. “Hey, man, good to see you again. I can’t believe you’re leaving already. We didn’t get much time to catch up.”