Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 28900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 145(@200wpm)___ 116(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 145(@200wpm)___ 116(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
“Does this have to do with our recent trip to Vegas?”
I nearly choked on my coffee. “What?”
“Are you itching to gamble away all the money you won?” My heart jumps out of my chest for a minute.
“Shit, I’d forgotten that I made out like a bandit that night.”
He raises his brow again, eyeing me suspiciously. Damn it, he is onto me. “Yeah, well. You can invest that and see about opening a restaurant, even if it’s not in Steeleville.”
“Thanks, bro. Are you going to the bar tonight?”
“Yes. I’m not going to let a bunch of lowlife drunks come on to my sister while she works.”
“We practically know every single one of them.”
“Yeah, but no one without millions and a steady character is good enough for my little sister.”
God, could he really know about Emiliano and me? “Wow, you’re really leaving options out there for me. Sorry, but it’s not every day that I run into millionaires, at least besides the Riders but you all don’t count.”
“I’d be wounded if I wasn’t your brother. Still. I want you to be happy any way you choose, as long as you’re safe.” I walk around the counter and give him a hug, which he easily accepts.
“You’re a pretty wonderful big brother.”
A month passes, and still no word from Emiliano. Not that I expected him to bother after New Year’s. He’s in the city full of secrets and lies. I don’t mean anything to him. Hell, the only reason he’d remember me is that he took my virginity. Then again, maybe he was used to that kind of thing.
I slam back my chair and make a mad dash to the bathroom, losing my guts as I cry. I don’t know how long I sit there, but I hear my brother come in with a cold washcloth. After cleaning myself and washing my face, I finally face my brother.
“Are you okay, Rox?”
“I don’t feel well. I think I’m going to call in. I hope Mary can fill in for me.” My frustrated and unsettled thoughts only make the matter worse.
“I’ll do it. You rest. I’ll bring you some Sprite and crackers.”
“What are you doing here anyway?” He’s supposed to be in his forge working on new blades.
“You weren’t answering your phone, and I got worried. I’m doing extra projects for the next couple of days and won’t be around.”
Good. As much as I love my brother, I don’t want him to see me like this, feeling sorry for myself. “Thanks, bro. I’m glad I’ve got someone still.”
“I know it’s hard with everyone finding someone. Trust me, I get it, but keep your head up, Rox. It’ll get better in time.” Don’t they always say it? So why hasn’t it happened? Why can’t I forget Emiliano? It wasn’t like we had a relationship. We had one romantic night. Nothing more.
“Thanks.” He gives me a hug and then leaves for about twenty minutes before coming back with my drink and crackers. I doubt that I need these. They can’t mend a broken heart. Rolling to my side, I fall into a deep, exhausted sleep.
It’s the middle of the night when my phone pings with a text. “Cyber?”
Why would he be texting me?
How are you feeling, Roxie? It reads.
I’m fine. Does everyone know I’m sick? It had to have spread everywhere if he’s texting me. I’m closer to him than the other Riders; well, except for my brother, but he doesn’t message me this late.
Pretty much, small town missing it’s small bartender. Ah, so a night of drinking is the reason.
Thanks for the concern. I’m fine. I type back, feeling even worse than I did before.
Okay. Get some rest. Things will get better soon. I wouldn’t bet on that.
Chapter 7
Emiliano
“Fucking glad you’re alive, my brother.” Gavin reaches over and gives me a gentle hug. I’m still in the hospital, but at least I’ve finally got my wits about me. I’ve been out for two weeks. Two weeks of pain and anger that kept me under. Apparently every time I woke up, I’d be pissed and worried about Roxanne.
“Thanks, Gavin. I’m sorry about Milan.”
“Hey, so we push it back. Big deal. All that matters is you’re alive. The rest of the shit can sit.” I look at him skeptically because he’s all about the numbers. He knows that every day a hotel isn’t running up to standards that it moves closer to failing.
“Please. I know you’re panicking internally.”
“I’m doing my best. Most of the hotels have little to nothing to do with us. It’s just the Vegas location and setting up Milan. I told you Milan can wait. We’re doing some video conferencing for the time being, so it’s okay. Vegas, you still have your operations manager Magnus running the show.”
“How’s that going, though? I can’t remember much of the past two weeks. Other than I put Magnus in charge until I get on my feet.”