Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 70185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
That’s when I learned that he’d rescued her from her homeland after some asshole tried to burn her alive because of a missing dowry or some such crap. I didn’t even know those things still existed, but according to Monique, he’d sent her out of the country to the States, enrolled her in school, and here she is today.
It’s hard to believe that someone had tried to harm the beautiful soul that puts up with my husband’s craziness while smiling at me reassuringly.
But I don’t want her thinking that she has to repay him for the rest of her life, and coming here every morning because I’m throwing up seems a bit excessive. Marcus doesn’t give a fuck.
All of that I could deal with, but now my buddy was abandoning me. Justice was the only thing keeping me sane these days, but I guess he, too, had had enough.
MARCUS
“Carl, what’re we gonna do about this?”
“There isn’t much we can do. We have to give it to him.”
“I know that, but….”
“What is it?” I stepped into the room where the two of them were so busy whispering they didn’t hear me coming.
“Shit, and damn, can you make noise when you walk?”
“What’s that you’ve got there, Monique?”
“Um, it’s a summons.”
“A what?”
“Paul’s mother is suing for grandparents’ rights.”
“I see! Carl, call the DA and get that woman, her son and whatever lawyer they have working for them down to his office in an hour. Justine does not hear about this Monique, got that?”
“Why are you only telling me? He tells her shit too.”
“Yes, I know, because she tricks him, but you’re like a leaky faucet.”
“Is it because I’m a woman, you prick?”
“That’s exactly right. Now, go upstairs and keep her company. No calls for her. If anyone gets to her while I’m gone, I’ll take it out of your ass. Carl, let’s go.”
“Coming!”
PAUL
“I don’t see why I have to be here. This has nothing to do with me. My mother is the one suing her.” I was putting up a good front, but inside, I was jumping for joy. Finally, she was going to be taken down a peg or two.
I’ve been waiting weeks for this, and it’s finally here. I didn’t like how that bitch was getting too big for her britches, like she forgot where she came from. She was nothing without me, not even with her fancy degree.
I would’ve left her alone if she’d gone her way and stayed out of my sight, but she had to go and marry my boss, making me a laughing stock at the place where I was once looked up to.
It appears that most people didn’t recognize her from that night, or maybe because she didn’t use her last name, not many from that night at the party put two and two together. But then someone started spreading rumors, and it was all anyone would talk about for weeks.
People were laughing at me and whispering in the hallways. Some of them didn’t even care to hide that I was the butt of their jokes. They openly laughed in my face, and all because she’d implemented a few new rules that I’d vetoed before.
Whoever heard of giving men and women one-year maternity leave? How would anyone get anything done if we went around doing that shit? But she’d made that one of the new policies, and everyone was singing her praises.
Then the talk turned to the fact that she’d married up. Meaning he was better than me? Why? Because of his money, his looks? Or because of his time spent all over the world supposedly helping people?
He still had to settle for my leftovers. I’d like nothing better than to rub that in his face, though I can’t for obvious reasons. If I plan to marry his sister or stepsister, then I have to stay on his good side for now.
But once I marry into the family, we’ll just see how she’s still going to act like she’s so high and mighty. I hate the fact that she’s doing better than me. That she landed on her feet so easily.
I heard feet heading in our direction and fought to hide the smirk that wanted to break free. Everything changed, though, when instead of Justine, a very pissed-off-looking Marcus Devereaux the fourth walked through the door with that mercenary-looking guy who’s never too far from his side.
I bet the pampered prince needs all the protection he can get. It’s obvious he’s not too tough without that guy behind him. But he looked pissed, so I got myself under control and tried to look as bored as I possibly could, given the situation.
MARCUS
“Carl, show him.” I waited for Carl to show the DA the little badge that gives me carte blanche in any corner of the world. No, my money didn’t get me that privilege. Putting my life on the line three-hundred-sixty-five days of the year did that.