Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
“Join us,” Judah tells me as he leans back in this chair at the head of the table.
To his right, there’s an empty seat, and beside that, Valen sits with a small smile on his face. To Judah’s left is Kai.
They’re all dressed in button-up shirts, no ties, but each one looks incredibly handsome. I settle in the chair that Judah points to, the one between him and Valen.
“Did you have a good day?” Judah questions as he flicks those hazel eyes my way.
“Yes, it was eye-opening,” I respond, allowing my eyes to dance towards Kai. He offers me a smile, and a slight nod before I look back at Judah. “I think it was much needed after everything that’s come to light.”
“And you’re not afraid,” Judah says, which confirms that Kai has told him what he shared with me. I’m glad he has because I don’t want any more secrets.
“Why would I be?” I look at Judah.
He shrugs. “Most women would be. This isn’t an easy life, especially when you’re not used to it. Violence isn’t exactly a choice you make. Being part of the organisation doesn’t allow many freedoms.”
“There are few choices in this life, and I’ve come to terms with it, Judah. I’m not a child,” I throw back. “But the truth is, I don’t want to run anymore. I’m tired of hiding.”
“Then there will be no more hiding,” Judah says. “You now know Kai’s story. And soon, you’ll learn Valen’s.”
I look over at the man in question, and he offers a nod. With the wedding getting closer each day, I know I’m going to need to learn all there is to know about my fiancé as well. I doubt it’s going to be all good, but whatever happens, I know I’m in this forever.
There is no escaping what was set in motion years ago. The families are strict about contracts, and my name sits on one where my father gave me away to the Veniers.
Just then, two of the staff I’ve come to know, over my time being here, walk in with steaming plates of food in hand. They set down all the serving dishes, along with shiny silver spoons. It smells delicious, and my stomach agrees with a soft rumble.
I haven’t eaten since this morning, so I’m ready to devour anything put in front of me. The amount of pasta on the table is shocking. With only four of us, I’m pretty sure a lot of it will go to waste. I hope the staff is able to enjoy any leftovers.
Three different serving bowls, filled to the brim with a variety of tagliatelle, spaghetti, and penne dishes, sit in front of me. Also placed on the table is garlic bread that fills the room with a buttery, herby fragrance, and there’s a smaller bowl containing gnocchi, one of my favourites.
I haven’t felt so relaxed in a long time. Judah takes my plate and dishes a spoonful of everything onto it. Once my plate is full, the guys fill their own plates. Then red wine is poured for each of us, and the peppery, fruity flavour bursts on my tongue when I take my first sip.
“Are you enjoying your studies?” Judah asks me, capturing my attention.
In the soft candlelight, his eyes shimmer with flecks of green in the soft brown.
“I am. I didn’t think I would fit in when I first arrived, because I don’t really come from this life, but it’s been eye-opening to discover that not everyone here is dangerous.”
“Even after Marco,” Kai adds.
Nodding, I sit back and recall that night. “It could have happened anywhere. He wanted more than I was willing to offer, and when he found out I was living here and promised to Judah, I think maybe he snapped.”
“There was too much information about you in his apartment for his interest in you to have been random. It’s obvious he’d been researching you for some considerable time,” Judah tells me.
I didn’t know this. They’d mentioned he had folders containing details of my life, but I didn’t realise he’d been collecting information about me for months, maybe longer.
“So, you think he knew I was coming to Black Hollow all along?” I look at Judah, my food now forgotten as I wonder if someone’s been watching Papa and me and for how long.
We could have been in harm’s way all these years. Spies could have been keeping an eye on us, and we were none the wiser.
“We don’t know what to think. We just need you to be aware that not everyone on this island is a friend.” Valen’s tone takes on a more serious rumble. He’s always been the fun one, laughing and joking with me, so for him to be so serious, sets me on edge. “But we are here,” he reassures me, taking my hand.