Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 111416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 557(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 557(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
But she didn’t have to respond, her hesitation was enough of an answer for him.
“Hoooooly fuck,” he groaned. “It was because of being hit.” He stepped away from her and threw the ice pack into the sink.
Yes, he had been on the right track, but he finally pulled into the station.
Anger rolled off him in waves when he stalked back to her and growled, “Why the fuck didn’t they pull you? Why would they allow you to remain in that situation?”
“Because I didn’t tell them about it.”
“You didn’t—" His head jerked back. “Why the fuck not?”
“No one had gotten that far into the inner circle before. I had achieved what others couldn’t. I wasn’t going to walk away no matter what I had to do. I didn’t want to risk getting pulled from the job, Fletch.”
His nostrils flared and he sucked in an audible breath. “You left it out of the reports.”
“Yes.”
“He could’ve fucking killed you, Nova.”
He was stating the obvious. “That’s one of the hazards of the job. I knew that before I got sworn in. You did, too. You risk the same every damn day when you put on your uniform. You said that risk ruined two engagements.”
He blinked. “But the difference with me is if someone gets physical, I can fight back or at least do what I can to protect myself. You couldn’t. Or wouldn’t. Either way…” He shook his head like he was clearing it. “You took the head of the Pittsburgh Cosa Nostra out. Jesus fuck.”
She lifted one eyebrow and said slowly and carefully, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Everyone assumed it was a hit from a business deal gone wrong.”
He planted his hands on his hips, dropped his head and shook it.
He stood that way for far too long with his chest expanding and contracting. When he finally lifted his head, she couldn’t read what was in his dark eyes. Was he impressed? Concerned? Nervous?
“Do the Russos have any fucking clue that you took out Sr.?”
“If they did, I wouldn’t be standing here.” She said that with more confidence than she should. Organizations like the Russos tended to be paranoid. They didn’t hesitate to squash even perceived threats to protect themselves and their businesses.
“You’ve got some fucking balls, Nova.”
“I know you think that’s a compliment but as you know, I have a pussy and they can take much more of a beating than balls. Just one direct tap and you guys can be taken to your knees.”
His lips twitched. “That’s true, our damn balls are our weakness. Okay then, I’ll correct myself. You’ve got some pussy.”
“You’ve said that before but we were naked when you did.”
“Then let’s get naked and I’ll correct my mistake.”
“Not yet.”
His brow dropped low. “Are you not done talking about this shit? Impressing me with how fucking far you’d go for not only your job, but for a roundabout type of revenge? Because if I was any other guy, I’d be shitting my pants right now. I’m not sure if I should admit this, but… knowing you took out that motherfucker while no one was the wiser, turns me the fuck on.”
“Does it?”
“Fuck yeah. But I’m concerned, too, because you were right. This isn’t just about losing your job if anyone finds out. It’s about losing your fucking life. If they knew, the Russos would not let Daddy Dearest’s death slide even if it cleared the path for Jr. to be crowned head of the family. Simply out of principle alone. They never let a slight slide.”
“I’m well aware of that. This is why you are now the only one who knows.”
He lightly touched her cheek, now mostly numb from the ice. “Thank you for trusting me,” he murmured.
Since she didn’t want him dwelling on the truth she just revealed, she needed to find a way to lighten the mood.
One side of her mouth pulled up. “Okay.”
His turned down. “Okay what?”
“Tit-for-tat.” Maybe it wouldn’t “lighten” the mood but it would distract him from his concerns with the Russos and the fact that she lopped off the head of a very powerful snake. She could use a distraction herself. Even better, he’d been the one to suggest it.
He shook his head. “Tit-for-tat? You’ll show me your tits in exchange for me showing you my tats?”
“You’ve seen my tits and I’ve seen your tats. I’ll take you up on your offer.”
He frowned. “What offer?”
“Don’t act like you’ve forgotten, especially now that you know what I’m capable of.”
He released an exaggerated sigh and took a step back. “Fine. I’m a man of my word. I told you I’d give you a free shot.”
“It wasn’t free, I already paid for it.”
He tipped his head. “You’re right. You did. And I guess now it’s my turn to pay.”
“You can back out if you want, pussy,” she teased.