Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 67975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
"It has helped so much, even if Cova doesn't want anything to do with me right now. Plus, having King home, it makes it feel not so empty..."
Got to admit, having King back has helped. It has made a fuckin' world of difference to our lives. He has balanced out the bad and replaced it with a whole lot of fuckin' good. Now, we have one more obstacle in our way before we can finally fix all the damage that has been done.
Once Dax has gone, it'll be normal again.
Everyone can be happy once more.
At least, I hope that's what'll fuckin' happen.
"Got to tell you, it's lookin' a lot like Aviana's uncle might just be the top dog in this show."
Briella rolls and stares at me, her eyes wide. "Seriously?"
"Yeah, babe, seriously. Found some shit at Bryant's house, linkin' it all back, and it turns out it's lookin' a whole lot like he's the ring leader. Could be wrong, but it could explain a lot when it comes to Aviana and her family."
"I know you said Avi was okay, but do you believe that?"
Not goin' to lie to her anymore, even if the truth is harder to deal with. "Look, there have been some things come forward that have suggested that maybe Aviana isn't as safe as we thought, that maybe it's all just a big set up. Hard to tell, and I can't promise you anything, but we'll find out what we can."
Briella frowns, and then exhales. "I let her down. I should have gone after her a long time ago."
"We've all made mistakes, don't take yours to heart. There is nothing you could have done to prevent what happened with her family."
"No, but I could have gone looking for her. I should have trusted my gut, and I didn't. She could be anywhere now..."
I press a kiss to her forehead. "We'll find out what happened to her."
Fuck, I hope it's good news.
How much more can one person possibly take?
28
BRIELLA
"It'll be okay," I tell Merleigh. "They're nice, and we have a lot of fun at our cookouts. I promise you, it's going to be a great night."
Merleigh rubs her arms and glances around. It has been ten days exactly since we got them here, and it has been a hell of a ride. Cova has good and bad days, but mostly good in the last few. She doesn't say much to anyone, but I think she's finally past the worst of the drugs leaving her system, so it's an uphill ride now.
She's still determined that she's in love with Bryant, and part of me thinks it's going to take a lot more therapy to get her to believe otherwise, but we're doing our part. She comes out of her room here and there, but mostly she stays inside, hidden from the world. I talk to her every day. I drop off photos of our family, and I tell her stories. She acts like she's not listening, but I could swear her eyes softened just a touch when I went in this morning, and she didn't yell at me once.
I have to believe that's her finally coming around.
Tonight we're having a cookout. The place is heavily guarded, due to everything that's happened in the past few months, so I'm sure it's safe for Cova to come out and join in. I've told her she's welcome and left it with her. I can only hope she decides to take me up on my offer.
Merleigh was excited to join in, though a little anxious. It has been a long time since she's been to any sort of party, and she's not sure if she'll fit in anymore. Her words, not mine. I assured her it'll be great, and together we are joining the party.
I've dressed her in some of my clothes, and I did her hair.
She's stunning, and I honestly don't think she knows it. She would have to be one of the prettiest girls I've ever laid eyes on, and that's saying something. I'm friends with a lot of gorgeous women, but she takes the cake.
"I'm worried I'll make a fool of myself, or say something stupid, in front of all those men."
Merleigh squirms at the thought, and I place a hand on her shoulder. "It's going to be okay. I promise you that. They are great people, and they're not going to judge you in any way."
She nods and takes a deep, shaky breath. She glances around at the fire, and all the men starting to sit around it. The smell of our dinner cooking on the grill makes my stomach rumble, and I'm looking forward to a night off. It's been a long time since we've enjoyed ourselves. I've invited Karen and also Waverly. I think Merleigh will like them, and the more friends she can have, the better.