Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 104729 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104729 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
“And no one is backing her up?”
“I was.”
“What is her father’s role in this plan?”
His lips form a thin line, not answering me.
“Does he approve?”
“He agreed reluctantly. He didn’t want her to do this, but he knows his daughter, and he knows once Nix wants something, she gets it.”
I flick the knife in my hand, twirling it around to decide if this is enough information. I’m not surprised by what he is telling me. I knew there was a plan, but a part of me had hoped I wouldn’t have to kill her.
I still don’t.
Except he killed my brother, so it would only be fair for me to kill the one person who means something to him.
The idea holds weight but still tastes bitter in my mouth.
“What are you going to do to me now?” he asks, wondering if I’m going to torture him for more information
I could.
I could use this moment to find out more, but I am a man of my word. I told him if he told me her plan, then I wouldn’t hurt him more than I have to. Death not included.
As much as this is an opportunity that shouldn’t be passed up, I won’t.
Turning to Cristian, I give him the nod. He returns the sentiment.
He knows me.
He knows my word is gold.
He knows I never go back on it.
And in that way, I am honorable.
Without a backward glance at the man still sitting naked in a chair, tied up and bleeding from his leg, I walk out of the warehouse and toward the car.
Gunfire rings through the air as soon as I open the door.
It’s done.
Now to catch a bird.
7
Phoenix
The rapid beat of my heart should be enough to make me wonder if I’m in a bit over my head.
The thing is, stubbornness is a trait of mine, so regardless of my body trying to warn me, I refuse to let it. Even though my brain screams at me to pick up the phone and call this entire thing off, I don’t.
I’m sure George is in place by now—and even if I want to, it’s probably too late to turn back. I just need to put my big girl panties on and walk out the door.
One more glance, and then it’s time.
I head over to the mirror in the foyer of my hotel suite.
Everything is as it should be.
All the pieces of my façade are in place.
My dark brown hair is pulled up in a messy bun with slight wisps framing my face to give me a sexy beach vibe. My dress has a plunging neckline that dips almost to my naval. I’m not one for jewelry, but today, I have a diamond pendant that falls low in the valley of my breasts.
Nothing is left to the imagination in this crisp white form-fitting dress. If this doesn’t distract him, I don’t know what will.
According to what George said, the guns we’re looking for are imperative to my father’s survival. He will not have enough inventory to give his client without this shipment. Not only has the client paid in full, but he’s also one who’s not to be trifled with.
No. This could be my father’s last chance. He saved me when I was nine. This is my chance to return the favor.
To save him.
I’ll find the guns, then he’ll give them to the client, and everything will be okay.
It’s a solid plan with a bonus that maybe when I’m in Alaric’s office, I’ll be able to find something else incriminating to use against him in the future.
This can kill two birds with one stone.
This Phoenix can at least hope.
After I double- and triple-check that my outfit and face are to my liking, I head out the door. My hotel is close to the pier, so instead of getting a ride, I walk. Yeah, my heels are probably too high for the trek, but it’s an excellent way to expend some of my nervous energy.
Throughout my walk, I check my phone. George hasn’t called, and neither has my father. I didn’t expect them to, but still, it doesn’t settle my stomach not knowing whether everything is going to go as planned.
The air, although warm, isn’t unpleasant, and a gentle breeze picks up as I get closer to the docks.
There’s a chill in the night air once there.
Small goosebumps form on my arms from the breeze coming off the ocean. But even as cold as it is, it’s not cold enough to ruin my outfit by wearing a coat, however it appears my nipples have a different opinion as they have pebbled into hard peaks beneath my white dress. It probably will add to my allure, or at least that’s what I hope as I approach the boat.
His boat isn’t a boat, but rather an enormous yacht. The thing of beauty gleams against the night sky.