Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 96402 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96402 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
The truth.
Would any of this have happened if I had told the truth? If I gathered Paris, Frankie, and Bella together that night like I planned and told them their lives were in danger? If I spent the last bit of money I had and hired a private investigator? Jack Sharpe could not be trusted, but someone could’ve helped me. They could’ve staked out the farmhouse, traced the letters, dug into the backgrounds of everyone connected to Cavendish.
All things an orphaned farm girl with only a bow to her name couldn’t do. But no. I ripped up a hank of grass and flung it. I let them scare me with threats and promises to reveal the truth of the body at Black Widow Hill that even I was afraid to know.
Bella was dead because of me. A truth so simple I couldn’t escape it. This was my fault, and there was no punishment I could endure that would grant atonement.
“What are you doing out here?”
I jerked. Whirling around, I landed on Jeremy crossing the bank, heading for me. I quickly wiped my face.
“What are you doing here?” I returned.
“I always come out here.” Jeremy stretched out next to me, propping back on his elbows. “I’ll say something for Bedlam, you’ve got us beat on this view. It’s nothing but bush and trees around Hunter’s Crest.”
I studied him. Was this what we did now? Small talk.
“You’ve got other things going for you,” I said slowly. “You’re three times as big as us. And you’ve got a zoo.”
“Caged wild animals suffering for the enjoyment of pasty gawkers. You’re right, I should run back to paradise.”
I might’ve cracked a smile if it was two years, two Letter Men, and too many losses ago. “Agreed. I don’t like zoos much either. Strange thing for a farmer to say,” I admitted, “but every day and everything we did was to ensure our animals were happy. Gran would say our job was to serve them, not for them to serve us. In return, we were allowed to benefit from what they offered. Life isn’t like that outside a farm,” I said, gazing out over the beautiful, perilous drop. “Out here it’s about nothing more or less than serving yourself.”
“That’s a dark worldview, de Souza. No wonder you’re out here crying alone.”
“Am I wrong, I ask the guy currently using me for his own ends.”
Jeremy grinned. “Touché. I’ve got no room to talk.”
We lapsed into an almost comfortable silence.
“It’s not about you and me, you know,” Jeremy spoke up. “We’re both serving someone else’s ends. We just happen to be caught in the middle.”
“Are you saying you won’t benefit when your father gets whatever he’s after from this town?”
He shrugged. “I’m saying that’s nothing to do with me or you, but this shit with the Bedlam Boys”—his tone changed—“that’s personal. I hope you have something for me.”
“What? Since we spoke less than twelve hours ago?” I spat. “No, I don’t have any verifiable information for you right now, Ellis. For fuck’s sake, you noticed I was crying. Does this really seem like the time for your vendetta?”
“I’m helping you.” Jeremy threw an arm around my shoulder. “It’s called a distraction. You said you’re not contractually required to help teach Banks a lesson. You’re right, but I’m hoping you can see your way to helping me out of the goodness of your heart. That guy told the world I was fucking my own brother,” he hissed. “If anyone deserves what’s coming to him, it’s Roan Banks.”
“Jeremy—” Something moved in the corner of my eye.
Cairo stalked around me, moving in front of us with a sneaking silence that would’ve impressed me if it wasn’t for the ferality in his eyes matching the beast his mimicked. He narrowed on the hand resting on my shoulder.
“Cairo...” Words failed me.
Cairo knew I signed the contract. While I knew he was still questioning if he could trust me. What he didn’t question was who I belonged to. I didn’t have to ask how he felt about finding me in a cozy spot cuddled up with his enemy. It was written in the snarl peeling back his lips.
“Leave,” he hissed.
“I would,” Jeremy sang, pulling me closer. “But someone has to comfort your girl. Poor thing was crying out here all alone.”
Rage welled up my throat, bitter and hot. “Don’t.” I shoved him off. “I’ve had enough of being caught in some soulless ass’s game. I’m not serving anyone today.”
“Whoa, easy. You’re right. I’m sorry.” He rubbed slow circles on my back. “I care about you, Rainey. I just want you to be—”
Cairo pounced. Jeremy was up and slashing his blade through the air before the cry was out of my mouth.
“You keep waving that toy like it’s going to protect you.” Cairo didn’t spare a look at the thing. “I can promise you, Ellis, you come near her again, nothing will.”