Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Her eyes bulge at the news. “Oh fuck, that means…”
“Oh fuck is right. She’s come here for Major.”
“How did I let you talk me into this?”
“Buck-up, buster, and lose the crank,” Harley quips, rounding the corner.
“I understand exactly how you felt that night at Ace’s.”
“Calm down, we’re old pros at this now. Plus, we’re staking out a condominium. Oh, good, her spot is empty.” She passes the two designated parking spots for Darla’s unit.
Darla’s profile online may have been dripping with self-importance, but it proved to be useful. We know when she moved here and the name of her firm. It gave us a hint of the area of town she’s most likely living. It was obvious she would require an upscale and low-maintenance place, which meant a condo. There are only two around. Harley lucked out on her first try, impersonating a flower delivery service. The receptionist from this building easily gave up Darla’s unit number. We made plans to check it out after the guys left for work.
Why? Who knows?
I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding and sink into the seat. “Can we go home now?”
“No, we’re already here. Let’s watch for a while.”
“Watch for what?”
“It’s after midnight on a Saturday, and she’s not home. This is a good sign. “
“How so?”
“Because maybe she’s out trolling at a bar. Or better yet, on a date.”
“Or maybe she’s working late while simultaneously planning the next ambush.”
“Wow, you’re quite the cynic. Really thought spending the day behind locked doors with Major would loosen you up.”
“I’m loose!”
She side-eyes me with a small shake of the head. “He needs to up his game.”
“He doesn’t need to up anything.”
She flashes me a knowing grin, her blue eyes dancing vividly in the dim light. “From the look when Major left for work, I’m guessing it was a mind-blowing and life-changing day.”
The memory of my afternoon pops into my brain. “Always.”
“I love those kinda days.”
“Pretty soon, you can have these sex-filled days in the privacy of your own home.”
“Yeah, it’s surreal to me.”
“It’s as real as it gets since next week is the walk-through. Dreams are coming true.”
“The dream is a lifetime with Achilles. It’s what I’ve wanted for as long as I can remember. The house is a bonus. I’d gladly live in a shack if it was with him.” Her voice goes flimsy and her face takes on that expression that is reserved for Achilles.
It’s sweet, and my heart swells for her, but it’s too much. “I’m happy for you, Jay. But if you ever say something that sappy and disgustingly syrupy again, it’s my job as your best friend to throw up on you.”
She opens her mouth to reply right as headlights come into view. A red BMW drives into the spot, and Darla folds out of the car wearing gym clothes. The sports bra and leggings cling to her hard, muscular body. When she bends into the back seat and retrieves her bag, I recognize the emblem.
Harley nor I breathe until the elevator doors close and she’s gone.
“Great!” I toss my hands in the air. “She’s successful, toned, gorgeous, and rich.”
“She was at the gym? At this time of night.”
“Which means she’s probably a health nut, too. Another reason she’s perfect for Major.”
Harley twists in her seat, clamping my hands in hers. “Listen to me, Julianna Keller. Don’t you ever say something like that again. Major is in love with you. He despises that woman.”
Whatever she says next is drowned out because there’s movement outside the car, and a dark shadow falls before a man’s face fills my view.
I freeze in terror for a split second before I let out an ear-piercing scream and yank Harley to me. She screams, too, scrambling for the door and rolling us out. My hip takes the brunt of our weight, knocking the wind out of me.
“Run!” I grunt, pushing her to safety.
Big, strong arms wedge between us, tearing us apart.
On instinct, I kick out, only to be suspended in the air while my assailant holds me.
“Calm your shit down before someone hears you.” My cries die and I open my eyes to spot Harley in the same position with a look that can only mean one thing.
We’re busted… again.
My gaze goes over her shoulder and catches Talon’s smirk.
“Dammit!”
“Gotta say, you girls don’t disappoint.” Ford’s voice drips with humor as he sets me down.
“What are y’all doing here?”
“We followed you. Your turn.”
“We’re… there’s this case…” My quick-wit betrays me, shutting down with no viable excuse.
“There a reason you’re stalking Darla’s Strauss’ condo?” Talon asks, still grinning widely.
“You know she lives here?”
“Yep.”
“Since when?”
“Since Major called me tonight from the station. Which was about an hour before you two sprockets snuck out.”
“Told you wearing these was over the top.”
“Don’t blame me. You’re the one who bought the stakeout outfits.” Harley points to her black beanie.