Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 114584 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 573(@200wpm)___ 458(@250wpm)___ 382(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114584 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 573(@200wpm)___ 458(@250wpm)___ 382(@300wpm)
“This is going to be a bit different than what you’re used to. I don’t want him dead. I want to be the one to deliver that blow. I need you to find him and bring him to me.”
“Whatever you want. You know my fee.” I nod. “Then we’ll be in touch. I’ll get to work sniffing around. If you have any information or know anyone who might know where he’s hiding, pass the info onto me.”
I nod again and peer into his dark gaze. Even as a paid killer, I can see there are still shreds of a soul that lives inside him. He’s not as far gone as Xander or me. Not yet, at least.
“I mean it, Zeke. I want him alive. Don’t screw this up.”
“I won’t,” he growls and shoves out of his chair. He leaves my office without speaking another word to me, and his attitude is almost dismissive. I don’t like being blown off, but I’ll deal with it for now.
Even here, in this gigantic mansion, hidden away from the rest of the world, I still don’t feel like I can keep her safe.
Since arriving home, we’ve had two breaches. The men died at my hands, but I still don’t feel like their deaths are enough payment. I want revenge, and I won’t rest until all my enemies are dead, starting with Romero.
Tapping my fingers idly against the wood, I grit my teeth, rage festering inside me. The fucker could be out there anywhere, and all he’s doing is hiding. He hasn’t tried to contact me, not even to check and see if Elena is okay. Not that I’m surprised he ran like the coward he is instead of caring for his daughter. Most likely because he knows his end is near and as soon as I find him, I’ll be putting a bullet in his head.
I’ve abandoned the thought of making a big show at the wedding. The need to make him suffer has died down, and all I want now is to wipe him off the face of the earth and move on with my life.
While my need to make Romero suffer is gone, my obsession with his daughter has only grown. I’ve spent every minute I’m not working with her, tending to her every want and need. I’ve eaten almost every meal with her, held her every night in my arms, and have taken her on walks around the property every day.
She’s recovering well, and I’ve enjoyed taking care of her for the last three weeks. She has opened me up in ways I can’t even put into words. I enjoy her smiles, her lingering looks, and every touch, no matter how small it is.
My need to consume her, to strip her bare, and own her body all over again rises with each sunset, and sunrise. I want her, need her, and as soon as she is well enough, I will have her again. The seconds on the clock tick by as I reach the end of my workday.
Ha, I say that like I’m working in an office and not breaking kneecaps, and laundering money across the country. Bringing the glass to my lips, I down the rest of the amber liquid and let it coat my insides with warmth before placing it back on the desk.
Another day without a single lead on Romero, and another day without my revenge, I try not to let the bitter anger consume my emotions as I shove out of my chair and come to stand. In the end, I still have the most precious thing he owns.
His daughter.
Leaving my office, I lock the door and saunter down the hall, stopping in front of the door to our bedroom. Grabbing the iron handle, I twist it and pull the door open. As I enter the bedroom, Marie jumps up from the chair that’s beside the bed.
“Good evening, sir,” she stumbles over her words.
“You’re dismissed.” I wave off her fear. She is scared of me, and rightfully so. I don’t like her, but I tolerate her because I know Elena cares for her. They have become friends, and since that makes Elena happy, I’ll allow it.
“Okay,” she squeaks and scurries out of the room with her head bowed. With her gone, I turn my attention back to Elena.
Her adorable little nose is wrinkled as if she’s smelt something bad.
“You don’t have to treat her like that. She’s my friend.”
“I know, and I tolerate that, but she’s still an employee of mine, and when I tell her to leave, I expect her to do it.”
Crossing her arms over her chest, she says, “I guess. I just don’t like how scared of you she is.”
I almost laugh. “Many people are scared of me. You were as well once. I don’t trust her or anyone for that matter, so it’s better to be feared than not because if people aren’t scared of you, they think they can get away with things.”