Total pages in book: 266
Estimated words: 250787 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1254(@200wpm)___ 1003(@250wpm)___ 836(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 250787 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1254(@200wpm)___ 1003(@250wpm)___ 836(@300wpm)
I rub the back of my neck where my tracker once was. We all had them installed after we finished our training, but they cut Ashtyn’s and mine out when they kidnapped her and shot me.
“No.” I wouldn’t have told her anyway. She came to my room while I was packing my things. Our conversation from an hour ago is fresh on my mind.
“Are you leaving?” I don’t answer because saying yes will lead to more questions I don’t have answers for. “Please, Haidyn…don’t.” Her voice cracks.
I lean forward and gently kiss her forehead. “Be good, baby girl.” With that, I grab my backpack, sling it over my shoulder, and leave her sitting in my room.
I pass Saint standing outside my bedroom door, listening to our conversation, and when I get on the elevator, I turn to face him. The look on his face tells me what I already know. He doesn’t care if I ever return.
This isn’t about us or what I did. It’s about what’s to come. This isn’t over. We’re Lords—Spade brothers. Someone always wants what we have and thinks they can take it. And his biggest weakness sits on my bed.
I don’t know why Kashton hasn’t ever settled down, but I know why I haven’t. It’s too risky. Humans are vulnerable. Ashtyn proves that. Even thousands of miles away, she was still reachable. What if Benny didn’t have patience? What if he had acted when she first ran and killed her the moment she moved to Vegas? Or decided to kidnap and knock her up at any point over the past four years? He saw Ashtyn as an opportunity to attack us. And that greed is the only thing that saved her.
The door starts to close, and Saint rushes over to it, slamming his hand on it and forcing it to open. I square my shoulders as he steps inside the elevator. His hard eyes go to the strap of my backpack before they land on mine. “Running?”
I don’t respond. It’s better he doesn’t know what I’m doing. It’s not that he won’t try to stop me. It’s that he’ll want to go with me, and I won’t take him away from her. Not this time. I’ve seen the man he is without her, and he’s much better with her. Plus, Carnage is on lockdown now after what just happened. It’s the safest place for any of them to be. I have no doubt Saint will go on a killing spree just like Kash did when he thought I died. There won’t be any prisoners alive by the time I return.
He snorts at my silence. “I never thought you’d be like Adam.”
My teeth grind. Again, it’s not my story to defend. Saint can think what he wants.
Stepping back, he exits the elevator and says, “For her sake, I hope you stay gone.” With that, the door closes.
“He’ll forgive you,” Adam speaks.
“Doesn’t matter,” I mumble, looking out the window as we taxi down the private runway in the middle of the night.
“We should just tell him the truth.” He sighs, running a hand through his hair nervously.
I snort. “It’s too late for that.”
“I…” He’s unable to finish his sentence.
I’m not sure if he was going to say he’s sorry or if he wishes we had done things differently four years ago. The truth is, neither matter. He asked me for a favor, and I didn’t think twice to give it to him.
He closes his eyes, leaning his head back as the plane picks up speed. I pull my cell out of my pocket, unlock it, and make the call to give the heads-up that we’re coming. Then I’m going to pass the fuck out on this short flight. I’m not only tired but my chest is on fire. The fresh bullet hole feels like it’s burning. Devin gave me some pain pills, but I refused to take them. I’d rather feel pain than high.
FOURTEEN
HAIDYN
Less than six hours later, we’re pulling up to the most prestigious hotel and casino in none other than Las Vegas.
I hate this city! The people, the noise, it’s too much. I prefer the secluded life. Middle of nowhere, hidden in the mountains, woods, and a basement. I thrive in the darkness. It’s where all monsters feel most at home.
But here I am. I’ve been in this town for all of twenty minutes now. I didn’t expect to meet with the Kings, but the events that have taken place over the past four days have led me to their doorstep. Literally.
Getting out of the car, Adam and I walk up the fifteen steps and through the double glass doors. A man dressed in a black three-piece suit greets us. He reminds me of Jessie.
“Gentlemen.” He nods, walking over to a private elevator. “They’re waiting for you in the conference room.” The elevator door slides open, and we step inside, where he presses the thirteenth floor.