Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90433 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90433 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Ty.
She stepped outside into the humid Alabama sunshine and turned to find her father shutting the door. The decades of age he wore on his skin hadn’t surprised her. She’d seen countless pictures of him over the years online and in the mainstream media. What had surprised her was the feeling that no time had passed. He’d spoken to her as though she was still a teenage girl under his thumb, not a woman in her mid-twenties who’d been on her own for years. His commanding way of speaking sent her straight back in time to when she’d lived under his control. She’d nearly fallen into old habits and called him ‘sir,’ but Ty’s warm, strong hand in hers kept her grounded in the present.
No one controlled her anymore, especially not the man who’d exploited her for her entire life, and she refused to pretend he did, even for the sake of this mission. They’d find a way to access her father’s computer without her falling back on old patterns of blind obedience.
She had a direct view of Ty through the window. If she kept her father talking and outside long enough, Ty should be able to upload the virus without a problem.
Shit.
The door opened, and one of her father’s security goons strode in. He shut the door behind him and leaned against it, blocking Ty’s exit and killing his chance to access the computer. Her stomach sank.
What the hell were they supposed to do now?
Ty typed something into his phone, then leaned back against the couch. He propped an ankle on his knee, looking for all the world like a relaxed man with nothing on his mind. Was he freaking out? Did he have a plan? Being separated from him was killing her.
“My dear, there is much to discuss.”
Kelsie blew out a breath. Panicking wouldn’t help anyone, especially Ty. She’d do what she came to do and keep her father occupied for as long as possible to give Ty a fighting chance.
“If you’re going to threaten me or Ty, you’re wasting your breath,” she said as her father turned from the door. “Ty’s business is tied to the Hell’s Handlers MC, and there is no way in hell they’ll tolerate blackmail.”
“I should have kept closer tabs on you throughout the years.”
“Excuse me?” The balcony had no protection from the sun. It beat down on her without mercy, making her T-shirt stick to her back.
“Had I known what you’d turn into, I’d have brought you back years ago.”
“I’m not back. I’m only here to refuse your offer in person. I won’t marry Andrew Tinsley. Not for anything in the world.”
It was a lie. If there were a legitimate threat to Ty or his livelihood, she’d do it or anything to protect him, but she wouldn’t go quietly, and the club had convinced her it wasn’t necessary.
Her father sighed the same way he’d done when she was fourteen, and he found out she’d failed a geometry exam—the weighted sigh of paternal disappointment. It’s good to know he cared enough to be disappointed. “Kelsie, I’m going to destroy them… the entire club.” He said the word ‘club’ in the most mocking tone imaginable. “We’ll start with Mr. Daxon’s business and move on from there. I’ve done my research and know a number of businesses are linked to their gang.”
She shook her head while keeping Ty in her peripheral vision. He hadn’t moved from his casual posture. Holding up a hand, she said, “Didn’t I just tell you not to bother with threats?”
“You did.” He tilted his head, studying her. “And it’s not a threat. This is what will happen if you do not get on board. I promise you.”
His words grated against her instinct to protect those she loved.
Loved?
Do I love him?
Her breath caught in her lungs.
Oh my God.
She loved him.
“It’s over, Kelsie. Stop wasting everyone’s time. You can save Mr. Daxon and his gang a whole lot of pain if you see reason and come home.”
She scoffed. “So, I can marry a man who’s a known abuser? Who has somehow skirted charges of sexual misconduct from multiple women?”
“Sexual misconduct,” her father said, shaking his head as he chuckled. “Women who were mad they couldn’t get their hands on his fortune trying to make trouble for him.”
“Oh, my God.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “You did not just say that.”
She moved her hand, and movement in her peripheral vision distracted her from blasting her father for his dangerous statement. The security guard keeping tabs on Ty held a hand to his ear, spoke rapidly, and then ran from the room.
Her heart pounded.
Ty was alone in the office.
He wasted no time springing up from the couch and darting to the computer. If her father turned around now, it’d be game over. The security guard could return at any time.