Total pages in book: 148
Estimated words: 142939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
“That would start a war.”
“People die all the time for all kinds of reasons.” True, but it can’t be him that does it. The Falco family can’t think it came from us.
“Get out of my room. I’m done with this conversation.”
Gilly stands, to my surprise.
A pang of disappointment fills me, but I shouldn’t be shocked. I’m okay for him to play with in the dark but nowhere else. A dirty secret. That’s what I am to him. At first I thought that it might be fun to sneak around with him. I guess what they say is true. Be careful of what you wish for. You just might get it.
“This isn’t over, Carina.”
“It most definitely is, Gilly. I’m not your little toy to play with when you want.” I lash out with my words. I know some of them are for Falco too. He came into my home and threatened me. Scared me.
“You’re not a toy.”
“I’ll scream.”
“Carina,” he warns.
“I swear it, Gilly. I’ll scream this whole house down. Then you'll have to explain to my brother why you’re always sneaking into my room. You tell my secrets, and I’ll tell yours.”
“You’re not being rational.”
“I’ve never been rational, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise to you.” I laugh. “Now leave.” I order him in a sharper tone this time. I know I need to get him out of here before my resolve wanes.
I don’t see it coming. Gilly’s hand wraps around my throat. His hold is firm but gentle, letting me know he’s in control. But is he? I don’t think he really is. Gilly pins me to the bed under him. I don’t fight him. Fear doesn’t shoot through my body like it should. No, instead my traitorous body fills with lust.
“Get some rest, but this isn’t done,” he repeats. “You’ll never be done with me.” He presses his mouth to mine in a hard, punishing kiss. “You belong to me.” He releases his hold on me and heads toward my bedroom door. “Cancel the date.”
He doesn’t wait for a response before he slips from my room, closing the door behind him. I want to throw something at the door, but I manage to get myself under control. Barely and mainly because my phone vibrates, reminding me of the task at hand.
Magic: Found him.
Magic: And the man from last night.
Me: They’re together.
Magic: Yep.
The first thing I did when I got back to my bedroom was pull security footage from our home and grab a full-face picture of Falco. I knew if Magic had it, she’d be able to track down the man from the other night.
Ocean: You know what you’re doing Rebel?
Neither of them ask about my family, but they know. It’s an unspoken thing. I’m sure once I handed over the picture along with Falco’s full name, Ocean took it upon herself to do a soft dive into the man. I wouldn’t expect anything less from her.
Me: Where are they now?
I don’t answer Ocean because, no I don’t know what I’m doing yet. My brother always told me when you don’t know what to do, you should be still and wait. So that’s exactly what I’m doing.
Magic: Strip Club
Of course that’s where they are. It doesn’t come as a surprise. She drops the location into the group text.
Magic: There are only cameras on the front and back doors. I know he went in and hasn’t come back out yet. I can’t see inside. Let me check the phones.
I head to my closet to change. I have to cut up some of my clothes, but when I’m done, I know I’ll have no problem getting in.
Magic: There are only three cell phones in that building.
I’m not surprised. I know oftentimes places make you leave your phone at the door. Unless you’re a big shot. I’m guessing one of those phones is Falco’s.
Me: I need a car.
Ocean: You’re going to the strip club?
I snap a picture of myself in the mirror and send it through.
Magic: Wow
Ocean: You look good with red hair. Did you just happen to have a wig in your closet?
Me: Always be prepared.
That’s another thing my brother taught me growing up. I bet he’d be surprised that I actually took in everything he said. I grab a long coat and put it on, along with a second phone. If I’m asked to leave one at the door, I’ll toss that one at them.
Magic: Back door is opened with a punch code.
A second later, the code pops up in my phone. I grab a knife. It’s the only thing I can sneak in and hide easily once I ditch the coat. I hate not having a gun, but Falco is going to learn who he’s playing with. I grab my laptop from under my bed and unarm my bedroom window.