Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 80207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
“He thinks the world of you, Alek.”
A grin spreads over my face. “It makes me feel invincible.”
“How do I make you feel?” she asks.
“Besides constantly turned on?” I ask teasingly. “You make me feel like the luckiest man alive.”
Everleigh’s expression grows serious again. “I want to open some kind of investment for Vincent. If something happens to us, I want him to be financially taken care of. My parents did it for me, and it helped a lot.”
“I’ll set up an investment for him tomorrow,” I say. I’ll transfer half of the funds I got for the assassination to my son.
Fuck, it feels good to be able to provide for my family.
Chapter 46
Everleigh
Alek has been constantly asking when we’re moving in with him. The man doesn’t understand it takes time to pack up an entire life.
Of course, he’s offered to bring men over to help, but that’s where I put my foot down. This is something I want to do myself.
During the day, I go to work, and at night we pack a couple of boxes. It’s become our routine.
I like taking my time, that way, I can get used to the idea of living with Alek.
Sitting behind the counter in the bookstore, I listen to Vincent talking to his cars while I place an order for new books. One of those books is The Art of War by Sun Tsu.
I want to read it and see why Alexei loves it so much.
My thoughts turn to the BBQ, and I must admit, I enjoyed it a lot. And Rosalie was right. Everyone seemed pretty normal.
I don’t know what I expected. Maybe guns and men smoking cigars while plotting the end of the world?
I let out a bark of laughter. What a stupid thought.
Anyway, I’m really impressed with Isabella and Ariana. I think what they do is amazing.
I didn’t talk much with Luca or Demitri. I’m a little wary of Luca and Viktor because of the titles they hold, and Demitri is just a quiet person.
When the doorbell jingles, I expect to see Alek and glance up with a wide smile.
My face freezes at the sight of Barry.
The bastard isn’t welcome in my store after he hurt April.
“Afternoon.” He smiles, and I see the creep he is right through his fake smile.
Standing up from my chair behind the counter, I move a little closer to Vincent’s corner. “Please leave. You’re not welcome in my store.”
Only then do I remember the panic button Alek gave me, and I quickly grab my keys.
“Hey now,” Barry says, his hands in the universal sign for ‘I come in peace.’ “That’s no way to talk to a customer.”
“You’re not my customer,” I say, my tone tight. “Leave.”
Instead of respecting my wishes, Barry saunters closer. “You’re being very rude.”
“And you’re an abusive asshole. I know you prowl up and down the street, bothering all the women.”
He lets out a burst of incredulous laughter. “Wow. A nice guy shows you some attention, and you make a big deal out of it. You’re all kinds of crazy, lady.”
He moves closer again, and just then, Vincent comes barreling around the aisle of books. “Is Daddy here?” His expression turns from excited to cautious.
Barry takes a step toward my son, and I hiss, “Stay away from us.”
The doorbell jingles and my eyes flick to Alek as he enters. There’s a thunderous expression on his face. Honestly, he looks a little unhinged.
Peter is right behind Alek.
Alek walks to Vincent, and picking our son up, he places him in my arms. “Someone want to tell me what’s going on here? From outside, it looked a little heated.”
“Barry was just leaving,” I mutter, scowling at the creep.
Barry looks at Alek, and when he daringly raises his chin, my stomach tightens.
Oh no.
“I’m talking to the lovely lady,” Barry says to Alek. “Mind your own business.”
My man’s eyebrow lifts, and his eyes narrow. “I am minding my business. You’re talking to my wife.”
Barry lets out a bark of laughter. “Nice try. She told me she’s a widow.” His eyes flick to me. “Unless you lied to me.”
“I’m back from the dead, fucker,” Alek growls.
I glance at Alek and explain, “He came in a week or two ago asking me on a date, and I kept saying no. Then I found out he went on a date with April from the coffee shop, and when she wouldn’t sleep with him, he gave her a black eye and a busted lip. He’s apparently been up and down the street, chatting up all the women.”
“Hey now,” Barry chuckles. “Don’t go spreading more lies.”
Alek moves so fast that I let out a startled shriek when his fist connects with Barry’s nose. Not even a second passes before he punches Barry again.
Peter stops Barry from falling backward, then Alek orders, “Take him outside.”