Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 106312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 532(@200wpm)___ 425(@250wpm)___ 354(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 532(@200wpm)___ 425(@250wpm)___ 354(@300wpm)
I want to bring him back to the now instead of leaving him to drown in whatever rioting thoughts he’s having. I don’t have that right, but what’s another few hours of playing house? Maybe even a few more days? Can’t I give myself that much time to decide?
I want to slap myself. What is there to decide on?
I’ve never failed on a hit, let alone run away from one.
“We need to talk about your father and what he said,” I say, ripping the Band-Aid off. His family is protecting him, and rightly so. But this idiot isn’t thinking clearly. Neither am I. I shouldn’t be convincing him to turn against me, but I don’t want to be the cause of him creating rifts with those who care for him.
Fuck, Jewel, when did you start growing a conscience?
“We’ll talk about that later.” He doesn’t listen to me; just waits at the door. “And bring your gun.”
“My gun?” I ask incredulously. But I understand the need for primal release through the barrel of a gun. Or maybe he’s finally taking me out to meet my maker. Though in my heart, I very much doubt that’s the case.
I throw my hands in the air because arguing with this man when he’s determined about something is like hitting my head against a wall. “Fine. But I’m not wearing the leather pants you like so much.”
He’s smirking as he holds open the door. “Do you really think sweatpants deter me from wanting to devour you, Jewel Diamond?”
“I think my gun might act as a deterrent enough,” I snap as I pocket said gun inside my jacket. The buzz begins the moment I feel its weight. It feels right and puts me at ease despite the text message I received. A subtle excitement fills me at the thought of where we might be going because I like adventures where my guns are required. But I don’t like this energy around Eli. I don’t understand it, and I’m not sure if I can tame it.
I follow him to the car, already feeling exhausted from the day. What a wild weekend. From wedding dress shopping to an engagement party I didn’t want, and now to a surprise destination that requires a gun. And knowing Eli Monti, the latter is probably going to be some kind of blood bath.
But the part that torments me the most isn’t even all this fake wedding shit. It’s the text message that now feels like it’s burning a hole in my pocket.
Seven days to kill the man who has made my life hell and made me feel alive in equal measure. Who has held captive the only possessions that have meaning to me. And the only man who has seen me for the carnal, reckless woman I am, and instead of shunning it, he encourages it.
I have a feeling tonight is going to be one of those nights.
CHAPTER 47
Jewel
He’s silent on the drive, not providing me with any explanation. I note that it’s not just his lip that’s been split but his cheek as well. His shirt is torn at the shoulder, and the unapproachable energy that crackles around him is palpable.
I don’t want to push any further because part of me wonders if it’s because of my rejection of him. Earlier tonight, he asked if this thing between us could be real. But I’m too scared of the prospect of rejection, to be laughed at for falling for his mind games, to genuinely believe it could be. This is probably because Eli feels like his father is too close to discovering the truth. If they know our marriage is a sham, who knows how they’ll react. It’s best for both of us if I squash the delusional thought of us being together. Eli’s simply covering his tracks, and I’m over here fooling myself that this man might actually care for me.
I can’t tell Eli about the text message. The moment I do, I make myself vulnerable. He might kill me right on the spot.
I try not to laugh at him, mentioning that he was trying to protect me.
Don’t fall for it, Jewel.
The second he realizes I might really kill him, he’ll get rid of me.
I either use the element of surprise to my advantage or I… Or I what? Don’t make the hit?
My thoughts get away from me as I consider what my future might look like, and I immediately shut it down. I can’t fantasize about these types of things. It’s too cruel. I’m expected to look through a scope and shoot him in a matter of days. No, I don’t even have my favorite sniper rifle. I’ll have to do it close-up with my handgun so he’ll know exactly who his Grim Reaper is.
An uneasy feeling runs through me, and I try to shove it away.