Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
“You know, maybe it’s not a good idea to talk in my car. Let me in, we can order in, or I can cook for you.”
“I’m already dressed. Let’s head out like we planned.”
“Why are you being weirder than usual? If you’re hungry, I can whip you up something quick. Then we can talk.”
“I don’t have much here … You know what, let’s just rain check this.”
“We need to get our stories straight. If my captain figures out I did this because I want you—” he cuts off.
“What?”
I release my arms to my sides and ball my fists. She said this was her brother. He doesn’t sound like a brother to me.
“Nothing. We need to clear this up. The fact that you’re my sister alone could be a problem.”
“I understand how big a problem this could be for you, for me, and for Mack. Our relationship never needs to come up because there’re no real records of our adoption.
“Mack pulled some big favors to protect us as kids. When he was finally able to send us to school as Salvados, he took a big risk. Trust me, Carson, I’m going to do everything I can to protect him and you,” Billy says pleadingly.
“You want me to trust you, but you won’t even allow me to come into your place. Do you have some guy in there or something?”
“Carson—”
“Baby, where are the towels?” I call, using my magic to throw my voice from deeper in the apartment by the bathroom.
I stifle a chuckle as Billy stiffens. She turns her head and glares in my direction. I know she can’t see me, but I feel as if she’s looking me in the eyes.
“Who the fuck is that?” Carson growls.
I don’t like his tone. I’m tempted to flood his body with water until it comes from every orifice of his being. If Billy didn’t seem like she cares about him, I would.
“That is none of your business. I’m a grown woman. I don’t have to explain anything happening behind this door,” she says as she turns back to him.
“You gave your virginity away to some stranger? Who the fuck is this asshole?”
“None of your business. I will call you later, Car,” she bites out.
She goes to close the door, but he sticks his foot in the way. My anger rises. I flash to the hallway of the bath and return with a towel wrapped around my waist and my hair damp.
“Never mind. I found them,” I say as I step into the room.
Billy spins around with her mouth open. She takes me in from head to toe. I can smell her sweet arousal from where I stand. She winces and I know it’s because of the fever.
“Who the fuck are you?” The asshole says as he pushes his way into the apartment behind Billy. She whips around toward him and folds her arms over her chest.
“I’m her old man. Who are you?”
“Ardan, please,” Billy sighs.
I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. She melts right into me, bringing a smile to my lips. I dip my head to kiss the top of hers.
“I know you from somewhere,” he says and narrows his eyes at me.
“He’s my neighbor.”
“The biker?” Carson says incredulously.
“The one and only.”
“Ardan, this is my brother, Carson.”
I note his wince as she calls him her brother. She may see him that way, but it’s clear he has some other idea. I can read the jealousy all over him.
“Good to meet you, brother,” I say, reminding him of his place.
“You’re unbelievable, Billy. You’re pushing me away for this guy? Eddy told me I was wasting my time. I just thought … it’s always been you.”
“I’m sorry I don’t feel that way for you. Car, this really isn’t a good time to do this.”
“Right, clearly, you’re busy. Don’t worry about me. Maybe it’s time I had a change of scenery anyway,” Carson says and turns to leave.
“Carson, don’t be like that. I’ll fix it. I promise.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep. There’s no way for you to truly fix what’s been broken.”
“Carson, Carson, wait,” she pleads.
“Let him go,” I say into her ear.
He’s not going to listen to anything she has to say. I can see it on his face. She turns on me with anger in her eyes. Carson walks out and slams the door behind him.
“Why the hell would you do that? I asked you to disappear for a reason. I never wanted to hurt him like that.”
“I’m not going to apologize for being possessive over my mate. What business of his is your virtue?”
“Ardan, I had it handled. He’s my brother. I know how to deal with him. I didn’t need you to come to my rescue.”
“Your brother,” I snort. “Your brother sounds a lot like he wanted to be the one to take what’s mine.”