Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“Looking for something?”
I don’t turn at his question, combing through my jewelry bag.
Ford brushes my hair to the side, his lips trailing across my shoulder. Goosebumps pop at his touch and I curse myself for being so apparent.
“This may work.”
A flash of silver crosses my vision before cool metal meets my skin. “Saw this last week and knew it was perfect. Congratulations, Rowan. Proud of you.”
My fingers pebble over the rivets of the chain, coming to a pendant. The shape and texture are immediately recognizable.
I shove him aside and rush to the closest mirror. The bite mark is long forgotten as I stare at the platinum initial hanging at the base of my throat. It radiates, catching the light in a way that has tears springing to my eyes.
My grandmother taught me a lot about jewelry. She was a collector.
These are not crystals or gemstones. These are diamonds.
Then I catch sight of the baby blue box on the bed.
“Oh my God, Ford. This is… it’s too—” my voice cracks and the tears spill over.
He pulls me to him, swiping the tears and grinning proudly. “I’m sorry I couldn’t give you this last night at the actual party.”
“You sent flowers.”
“One of the biggest nights of your career, flowers weren’t enough.”
“It’s too much.”
“You’ll get used to it.”
“It’s exquisite.”
“Like I said, saw it and knew it was perfect for you.”
“Dinner with the girls doesn’t sound like much fun anymore.”
His grin grows. “New plan. Enjoy dinner and drinks. When I get my shit done, I’ll come get you and then our night can start.”
A thrill speeds through me, and I tilt up to meet his lips. “Sounds like a wonderful plan.”
“Where’s the damn button?” Jewls struggles with the side of her seat until it scoots back and she’s able to get her stomach behind the wheel.
Harley chews her lip, her face splotching until she bursts into laughter.
“Bitch, watch yourself. My husband drove last and, obviously, he’s larger than me.”
“In every way but one.” Harley snorts, falling to the side as Jewls tries to smack her with her purse.
“It’s a nice car, Jewls.” Carson runs her hand over the leather.
“This is a beast. I don’t know what Major was thinking. My car was fine.”
“I wish a man would surprise me with a top-of-the line SUV.”
Jewls huffs, side-eyeing Carson before pulling out of the drive.
I inspect the inside of the new SUV Major had delivered last week. “It is beautiful.”
There’s silence before she squawks, “Fine, I love it. It’s beautiful and flashy with every bell and whistle on the market.”
“And safe,” Harley adds.
“And safe,” Jewls mimics. “Don’t dare repeat any of that to Major. He’s in trouble.”
“Why the attitude?”
“Because my overprotective husband bought this without discussing it with me. We are moving into a new house in less than a month and are about to add two children to our lives. We should save money, not make it rain.”
I snap my head between Carson and Harley, biting back my giggle.
“Making it rain? You tossing stacks in the air?” Carson howls.
“No, smartass. Just being responsible,” Jewls grumbles.
“Major has the money. Let him spoil you. Besides, if anyone’s tossing stacks, gawk at Rowan’s necklace. My brother did well.”
My hand automatically flies to my pendant. “You noticed?”
“Hard to miss that.”
“It was a present.”
“You don’t say?” she replies mockingly.
“That sparkle almost takes away from the human teeth indention in your neck,” Jewls chirps, winking at me in the rearview mirror.
My jaw drops and I pull my hair back over my shoulder.
“The beach waves and make-up are a nice touch, but I can spot a mark.”
“Umm, Ford was…”
“Stop.” Carson’s palm is in the air. “Whatever lie you are about to spew is unnecessary. I know you are having sex with my brother. We leave it there.”
“Why did Addie and Shayla decide to meet us?” I move to change the subject.
The air changes, Jewls turning up the radio to an old song. “Love this beat.”
My skin prickles with the obvious. “What is going on?”
“Nothing.” Carson bobs her head a little too forcefully.
“Harley?”
She avoids me altogether, singing the tune.
I leap through the opening and switch off the radio, bumping Jewls’ arm. She swerves, squeaking, but stays in the lane.
“Jesus, watch out for the fetuses!”
“Those fetuses are about to hear their mama get an earful if you don’t tell me what’s happening.”
“Whoa, Hollywood, calm your tits,” Carson laughs.
“Not feeling humorous right now.”
“Best tactic is to rip the Band-Aid off,” Harley tells them.
“Fine, she’s ruining all the fun.” Jewls waves her hand at me. “We looked into Tera. She’s a bad apple. Tonight’s mission is to uncover more intel and determine the next steps.”
“What the hell is a mission?”
“It’s an operation, plan, job… Haven’t you picked up anything from the guys?”
“Yes, but why are you talking like that?”
“Because it’s fun.” She shrugs.
“Can someone speak English?”
“That day by the pool, Tera was entirely too condescending and confident. When Jewls told me about your conversation at the spa, I called a contact at the television station. We went to lunch and I plowed her for information on Tera. All of it is interesting.”