Total pages in book: 171
Estimated words: 159500 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 798(@200wpm)___ 638(@250wpm)___ 532(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 159500 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 798(@200wpm)___ 638(@250wpm)___ 532(@300wpm)
I close my eyes and exhale before focusing on the amulets hanging down Prophet’s chest on leather straps of various length. Is there anything I could say to convince him this was a mistake?
“Thought last time you had your fortune read, Brigid said you’re in a good place. Why spoil it? You think the violence won’t reach our people here?” I ask, gesturing at the nearby homes. “We could just stick to herbals and shrooms, like we did at the beginning. I know hard stuff brings more cash, but we were the ones who started undermining their monopoly in the area,” I mutter.
He pulls on my arm and leads me a few paces away, to a quieter spot. “I thought you’d be the one already sharpening your knife. This is an opportunity to reestablish ourselves as an important player. What we lost last year in that warehouse crippled our whole business. That van and its contents is payback for it.”
The old me would have provoked my boys to flaunt this win in the Butchers’ faces, but now my thoughts are scattered as I attempt to work out a way to salvage this mess. Clyde and I had a breakthrough last night. I don’t want our thing to end yet. It’s too soon.
“Yeah, we might gain, but we might also lose everything.”
Prophet cocks his head at me. “What’s that supposed to mean? Sounds like a lot of nothing to me. Since when are you not up for a fight?”
Shit.
Fuck.
“I didn’t say that. I just don’t think we’re ready, that’s all. What do you think they’ve been doing during the truce, huh? Planted flowers and went on picnics?” I growl out when Grizzly’s comments about the Butcher’s preparation pass through my mind over and over, until I’m lost in my own thoughts. It’s technically not using what I’ve overheard since it’s obvious they would have been preparing.
Prophet spreads his arms. “Let them show us what they’ve got. I’m done laying low, and the other guys are too.” He points to our brothers inspecting the van and talking with big smiles on their faces. All they see in the cargo is free money. I see a confrontation with Clyde and I wonder how to tackle him without breaking any of those lovely bones.
My phone pings in my pocket before I can come up with any sensible answer, because my brain is stuck on Prophet suggesting he plans to get his hands on Clyde.
Rage buzzes in me like a hornet, but my real feelings need to be contained, so I bite on the inside of my cheek until the taste of blood fills my mouth. Whatever we do, the honeymoon is over. “He shouldn’t have acted without approval. He’s just a prospect,” I add in a low voice that sounds strained even to my own ears.
Prophet nods, looking back at Rooster. “We’ll have that chat, but let him have his moment in the sun. Shit like this deserves the recognition. Remember how you set Clyde’s bike on fire? Crazy move, but you saw the opportunity, and what can I say? The look on his face was worth it.”
I pull out my phone and my stomach drops when I see a message from Clyde.
[Call me. NOW.]
I must have made a face, because Prophet gives my cheek a gentle poke. He’s being playful, trying to loosen me up and work out what’s bitten my ass, but for once in my life I do have something to hide, and his inquisitive gaze is a threat. “You look like you’ve just spotted the Grim Reaper.”
“Again, I don’t need protective runes, or amulets… you know I don’t really believe in all that stuff,” I say, frantically wondering how to excuse myself for long enough to make the call without arousing suspicion.
“And look who ended up with all their limbs broken last year,” he mumbles and pulls on his thick beard. I don’t need to have this conversation right now, but before I can release my anger, Prophet delivers the excuse I need straight into my lap. “You having trouble with your shy girl?”
“That… yeah,” I mumble, stuffing both my hands into my pockets.
Prophet reaches toward my top, and I only understand what he’s doing when he pulls a long hair off it with a smirk.
“Blondie?”
I groan and say nothing, but my heart speeds up. It’s ridiculous of me to worry. Prophet wouldn’t possibly be able to put two and two together, but it still feels as if Clyde’s shadow is already too close.
“Maybe you should give Carla a shot after all. That girl’s not shy, I can tell you that.” He smirks and we both glance at Carla climbing the van in nothing but her booty shorts and a wide smile. I can see why someone might be attracted to her—she has all the right curves, and a personality many guys enjoy. She also gives good head, actually, but that is beside the point, because getting wrapped up in some fake relationship in order to divert attention from whatever might be happening in my secret life is the last thing I need.