Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
A somber atmosphere takes over the room. Feeling almost silly, I divert my gaze as I focus on kneading the dough, grateful for the distraction. I love my sister, I’ve always been envious of her courage, but in truth, I felt left behind. Now I see her almost daily, as if time hasn’t affected us. But she’s established, and I’m… well, I don’t know.
She puts her hand over mine. I look at her. My sister isn’t overly affectionate, and it brings tears to my eyes.
“I never wanted to leave you behind,” she says earnestly. “But I had to do it for me, and I’m sorry it left you with that responsibility.”
I nod. “I already know that,” I say as I wipe a tear with the back of my hand. Oh my God, why am I crying? This is embarrassing. “It’s just a stark realization that I’ve only ever pleased others. I love our father and don’t hold it against him, but it’s a lot being here too. And it seems crazy with the new apartment and job. It’s happening so fast, but in a good way, I guess.” I smile brightly because I’m certain I am happy about how things are progressing.
She considers me briefly before saying, “Do you want me to call Dawson and tell him to stay away from you? I can make my husband do it.” She winks.
I choke out a laugh, grateful for her lightening the mood. And Dawson is certainly not the issue here. Although, he does take up far too much of my attention.
“I will do no such thing,” Crue says, re-entering the kitchen.
Rya glares at him as she taps her nails on the counter. “Oh, you think you can just say no to me?” She scoffs.
He stops and thinks about his answer. “If I say yes, does that mean I don’t get to fuck you tonight?”
“Hm,” is all the response she gives before she turns back to her papers, hiding a smile.
“What do you want me to ask him?” Crue questions as he steps up behind Rya and wraps his arms around her waist. “I want it stated that Dawson is a very clever man and will know it’s not a threatening message from me.”
“And dangerous, don’t forget that,” Rya adds.
“I think everyone in our world is dangerous, princess. Even you.” Crue leans in and kisses her cheek.
She seems satisfied by his answer.
“No, don’t say anything. He’s my boss, and I can respect those boundaries. I’m sure he can too,” I reply. Again, that isn’t my main concern. However, I immediately think of his tattoo, which screams complications and something next level.
“Are you sure?” Rya asks. “I can get Crue to kick his ass.”
He grumbles something in her ear, and she ignores him.
I wave her off with a laugh and add more flour to the dough.
I can totally deal with my boss.
I think.
CHAPTER 10
Dawson
“Imust confess, for someone who says he’s a happily married man who is fucking every second of the day, you seem to be demanding my time and attention a lot lately. Are you sure you’re not lonely?” I say to Crue.
He flashes a smile that doesn’t meet his eyes, and I know if any other fucker in this place said that to him, they’d be dead. We sit in his establishment around midday, which is also strange for Crue, almost always meeting in the early morning hours.
Various men and business partners surround us, snorting coke from the table. He takes a sip of his whiskey. And though often it’s business with Crue and me, we’re also friends.
“I didn’t realize a certain little Ricci is working at your store. What a small world,” he deadpans.
I shrug. “You know I don’t hire staff in the stores. I have competent managers to deal with that.” It goes without saying for my legal businesses, but my attention is always on illegal businesses and clientele. “But, surely, you didn’t call me all the way out here to talk about your new little sister-in-law?”
He considers me. “I’ve been made acutely aware that were anything to happen to her, I’d have to involve myself.”
I can’t help but offer a suave smile over the edge of my glass, and this seems to piss him off. “Wifey’s orders?” I taunt.
He grunts in reply.
I hold in my desire to laugh. Who would’ve thought a woman could control Crue Monti? Nor did I ever think he would actually settle down. But then again, I’ve met Rya and can see why it works. Contractually, yes. But to be so smitten? It’s a weakness. And yet, I’m genuinely happy for him. I wrote off any type of fairytale for myself a long time ago.
“Do you really want to discuss how Honey is settling in?” I ask as I want to know. Fuck, do I want to know what she’s up to, but I push away my interest. Because curiosity is not healthy… ever. The most I could offer was tattooing a part of her next to my cock. And I thought maybe that’d be satisfying enough, but she’s haunted my thoughts ever since.