Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 77372 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77372 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
“You…” he started.
I held up my hand and his eyes grew wide.
“No, you,” I snapped. “The rules stipulate you don’t interfere with my jobs. So what happened in there was your fault,” I hissed quietly.
He leaned in closer, the heat emanating from his face warmed my cheeks. I lowered my eyes, not able to look at him and the intensity of his stare. He pushed off the wall and stood still staring at me.
“Fine,” he said bluntly. “Are you going home now?”
“Yes. I’ve been up since four thirty this morning.” I stretched my neck, wishing I was home right now.
“Then I’ll take you home.” He took my hand, but I yanked back. He pulled harder and held me tightly.
“You’re mine,” he barked. “I'm taking you home.” The feel of his hand in mine made my body cringe. I felt like I was betraying myself.
He dragged me to his car, a Bentley Continental. I began to laugh. Obviously, he would have one. It was all matte with black mags. He let go of my hand and walked over to the driver’s side. He held out his other hand and pressed a button that unlocked the doors. I stood, not moving.
“Get in, Addie,” he ordered. But all I did was stand there. Frustrated that money came so easy to some and hardly any to others. Some might think me resentful, but it was hard to swallow how much money affected my life. I was angry at how much I lost and how much my life changed. This wasn’t what I wanted for myself, but I had no choice. So I swallowed the bitter pill and became what I am. A broken soul. Don’t think I didn’t know, but I chose to ignore it and try to move forward.
“Addie,” he barked. “Get in!”
Still I stood. He groaned and came to my side, opening the door and pushing me inside. To say I was uncomfortable would have been an understatement.
“Where do you live, Addie?” he asked as the engine came to life.
“Astoria,” I murmured.
“The same house you lived in during high school?” he asked.
“Yes.”
The normal twenty-five minute drive took only fifteen, no doubt due to the car he drove. I told him where to turn and finally we reached my house. It was a simple home, nothing grand or special. It was the smallest in the neighborhood, with aluminum siding and a wire fence lining the front lawn. My dad’s car was there and so was mine. I usually used it, but I didn’t have enough money for gas these days.
The porch light was on. My dad always left it on for me until I got home.
“So, you still live here?” Daimon pointed and stared at my humble home.
“Yes, I still live here.” I loved my home. I had my best memories here. Backyard parties with family and friends, my mother sitting outside watching me play. Playing with Sofia and eating ice cream on the stoop. For me this was the best place on Earth.
“It’s pretty small, don’t you think?” he remarked. I shook my head, annoyed at him. I got out of the car.
“Addie?” Daimon rolled down the window and called out to me.
“What?” I hissed. He opened his car door and got out. He walked around and leaned on his car, crossing his arms.
“I don’t want you working there anymore,” he said simply as he looked at me.
“Well, you don’t control where I work,” I answered back. A thin line appeared where his lips were.
“I would like it if you quit there,” he said through his teeth.
“Are you asking me?” I asked, surprised at his behavior.
“Yes,” he said coldly.
“No, but thank you for asking.” I grinned and was about to leave.
“Addie,” he said more forcefully.
“What now?” I said exasperated.
“Tomorrow, tomorrow make sure you are free. That is our one date. Tomorrow you belong to me,” he said in a serious tone.
“But…”
“No buts, Addie. Tomorrow.”
Daimon stepped toward his car, got in and drove off. I realized how out of place he was in my neighborhood. I knew I should have fought harder to have a right to say on when we had our dates.
FIRST DATE
I woke up early and reached for my new phone, which now had a spot on my nightstand. Daimon still hadn’t called. I got up from bed and asked Sofia if she could cover for me because I had a ‘job interview.’ Daimon was a boss not everyone could deal with. She agreed without hesitation. I knew what she was thinking. She was getting herself mentally prepared to be part of our little restaurant life. The thing was, I wasn’t about to let her. She didn’t want me working at the bar anymore and thought I was getting a regular part-time job. I let her have her little delusion.
My phone chimed as I sat at the table having breakfast. I knew it was Daimon; I used the suspense sound on my iPhone and assigned it to him.