Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 99766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 499(@200wpm)___ 399(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 499(@200wpm)___ 399(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
He shrugs, wiping at the tears on his cheeks. “I’m sorry I yelled. There’s money on the table. From Sunday night too.” His eyes lock onto mine. “You remind me of Lacey. I just wanted to hold her. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
I want to scream in his face that he’s done nothing but scare me since the day I met him. I bite my tongue.
“Go on,” he says, giving my thigh a squeeze. “I’ll text you next time I need you to watch her.”
I climb off his lap, thankful to be out of his arms, but nearly topple over from dizziness. After I collect the money, I rub at my head that now has a knot. “It wasn’t Zella’s fault. Please don’t punish her. Please.”
He rises to his feet, swaying slightly, his dick tenting his slacks. “I could be persuaded not to.”
I stumble backward, raising both hands in the air. “I’m a virgin!”
“Oh, Penelope.” He chuckles. “I’m not a bad man.”
Liar.
“Please,” I beg. “It’s not her fault.”
His fingers bite into my jaw and he presses a disgusting, sloppy kiss on my lips. I freeze, horrified. A rank tongue plunders into my mouth, making me gag. He pulls away and smiles as though he thinks I’m the prettiest thing he’s ever seen.
“Apology accepted,” he says. “Go on before I forget I’m not a bad man.”
I don’t need to be told twice.
Fleeing from his house, I choke back the sob claiming me. I’m lightheaded from being hit and disgusted from his kiss. I hate Jack Henderson with everything in me. He deserves to rot in prison.
The police.
I could go to them. Tell them all about his advances and abuse. Maybe then he’d be taken away in cuffs. Zella would be handed over to Terrence. Everyone would be happy.
Before I can talk myself out of it, I head to the police station. I’m not a huge fan of the cops because one of my sister’s rapists was one, but I have to hope that justice will prevail. I claim a parking spot up close and then make my way inside, fighting wooziness.
“I need to speak to a police officer,” I tell the elderly receptionist.
Her eyes sweep over me, lingering at my cheek and nods. “Of course, hon. I’ll find someone available.”
After an hour of waiting, I’m called back to an office. A man with a receding hairline and thick black mustache offers me a seat.
“I’m Officer Browne. What can I help you with today?”
“I want to file a report.”
“For?”
“Kidnapping and child abuse.” I lift my chin, daring him to argue.
He barks out a laugh. “These are strong allegations. Who is it you want to report?”
Unease slides through my veins. He studies me with mild interest and a hint of amusement. I want to rip his mustache off.
“The man I babysit for. He’s kidnapped the girl and—”
“His daughter,” he interrupts. “Go on.”
I grit my teeth, glaring at him. “Granddaughter.”
He doesn’t flinch. “So her grandfather kidnapped her?”
“Yes.”
“Where are her parents?”
“Her mother is missing and her father is trying to get custody.”
He narrows his eyes at me. “Let me guess. You’re the girlfriend?”
I blink at him in shock. How in the hell could he have possibly known that? I’m stunned speechless.
“Listen here, kid,” Browne says. “I’ve been down this road more times than I can count. The dad is a piece of shit who isn’t allowed to see his kid. You’re dating said piece of shit. Probably knocks you around a bit based on the shiner forming on your cheek. You think you’ll somehow earn his love and affection if you help him win his kid back.” He shakes his head. “I can help you file a domestic violence report against the father, but I’m not going to put the child back in the hands of a monster.”
“N-No!” I shout out, tears quickly forming against my will. “It’s the grandfather!”
His lips thin out. “What’s your name, miss?”
Unbelievable.
This is why I want to become a cop.
Too many shitheads like this guy running the show and not getting anything done. What a disgrace.
“I have to go,” I choke out. “My dad is going to worry if I don’t get home soon.”
“How old are you, kid?” He arches a brow. “From the looks of it, not quite an adult. Tell me…How old is this boyfriend of yours? If he’s old enough to have a kid, he’s probably a helluva lot older than you.”
I don’t like where he’s going with this.
Quickly, I rise to my feet and hightail it out of there.
Fuck Officer Browne.
Fuck Jack.
Fuck everyone.
I’ll just have to gather all the proof myself.
Terrence
“What are your intentions with my girl?”
I roll my eyes at Jace. His massive frame blocks the doorway of Garrett’s loft, keeping me from entering. “Dude. Move.”
“When Garrett’s off rubbing elbows with rich fuckers, I’m the stand-in dad.” He smirks. “You know Penny’s a kid, right?”