Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 72340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Her words still echo in my mind as I pull myself from the sad memories. Tears form behind my eyes, and although I am not afraid to cry, as I know it doesn’t mean I am weak, I don’t want to. I don’t want to cry over my mom or the debt I am paying in my father’s name. I want to smile, to be happy and move on from all of this.
Someday, I will. At least I keep telling myself that. For now, I will have to deal. It doesn’t stop me from wondering what my mom would think, though.
What is my father doing right now? My heart tightens as I think of him all alone. Will Enzo let me call him eventually? Let me check up on him? Will Enzo ever let me go? Doubts swarm me, fear owns me, and courage is the only thing keeping me going.
I burrow myself into my blanket as I let the uncertainties eat away at me. I can’t run, but I can’t accept my life here either.
There is only one other option I can see right now. I have to take him out before he can take me out. I have to kill Lorenzo. That’s the only way I can get away and make my father safe. My heart rate skyrockets at the mere thought of shooting him, it isn’t fair that he can point a gun at me and feel nothing. Just thinking about killing someone–taking Enzo’s life–makes me sick to my stomach.
A clicking sound startles me as the door to my cell opens. Eli walks inside, looking like he would rather stab needles through his eyes than come and deal with me.
“Get up.” His voice is gruff and is full of hateful promises. I know he will hurt me if I don’t listen to him.
I stand up quickly. My body aches with all the emotions that have been swirling through me. Living in this house gives me a serious case of whiplash.
Eli takes a few steps toward me, and I instinctively take one back. I bump into the bed, almost falling. Just as I steady myself, the asshole grips me by the arm, pulling me into his body.
“If it weren’t for your pathetic ass, his head would be in the game.” Eli wants me to hate him, to feel his anger. I can see it in his eyes and feel it in the way he grabs me. I want to bite my tongue, and I probably should, but something beyond me thinks it will be a good idea to talk back.
“His head is clearly in the fucking game, asshole. He killed a room full of people, and you didn’t so much as blink.” I glare at him, my blood running cold.
A wicked smile pulls at his lips. It’s one that causes my knees to rattle and my stomach to heave. I wish I could smack the look right off his face.
“Has he tried you out yet?” His hand travels down to my ass as he grips it harshly. I pull away from him, but he only tightens his grip. I cry out in pain as his fingers dig into my skin with bruising force, which only makes him chuckle.
Never have I regretted not taking that self-defense class the college offered as much as now. Even without skills, I will not let him do this without a fight. I start hitting, kicking, and scratching at whatever I can get my hands on.
“Fuck yes, Fight me. That gets my cock hard,” Eli groans as he shoves me against the wall, caging me in with his body.
Through the haze of fear and panic, a lightbulb goes off in my head. It might be the dumbest or the best idea I’ve ever had. I stop fighting altogether and instead wrap my arms around his large body and pull him close, knowing that’s the last thing he expects.
As I hoped, his meaty hands stop groping my body. I’ve confused him, and I use that distraction to my advantage and pull my knee up as hard as I can into his groin.
He releases the death grip on my arm and doubles over in pain. “You fucking bitch.” His voice comes out in a strained whisper.
I don’t wait. Spinning around on my heels, I run through the door like the room is on fire. I sprint down the hall and head for the steps that lead to the first floor.
My heart sinks into my stomach when I hear his heavy footfalls behind me. I look around in terror and see him following me. His face still contorted in pain, his hands clenched into fists like he is ready to use them… use them on me.
“When I get my hands on you… I’ll kill you myself.” His voice sounds as if it’s right on top of me. Not a moment later, the air is shoved from my chest as I land against the stairs. His body is against mine, and I can feel his erection against my backside.