Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 104252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
LaSalle might have forgotten about me because my brother is no longer one of his flunkies, but I haven’t forgotten about him. I’m still on the board, whether he knows it or not. I’ve kept my eyes open in here, knowing they may try to end me while I’m trapped.
However, no one here wants to try me. I took all four out the last time they did. I have become my own man in here. I am feared and untouchable. No one would dare.
“Do your job. I will do mine,” I say and stand dismissively from the table.
He stands to leave, shaking his head. I don’t care what he thinks as long as he gets the job done. My family is falling to shit on the outside.
I need out of here to claim my rightful place. With my grandfather dead, I don’t need a bride. I’ve had a long time to think about things and how to get what I want.
No one will see me coming. I grin to myself.
Cameron
“Come on, Justice. Focus. Keep your eyes on the ball, man. Not the girls,” I growl.
This guy has been a handful over the last year. He and Tim live to drive me crazy. They remind me so much of myself but with way less discipline.
Some days, I wonder why I took this job. These two are giving me gray hair and I’m only thirty-two.
Don’t get me wrong, M.H.D. Group has a family vibe, and they’ve treated me good over the last year. Amina is happy and I got to be there for the rest of her pregnancy once I came out of my head and took the job. LaSalle’s son had a lot to do with that.
His words that day at the camp’s football game rang with so much truth I thought I was being pranked. As I got to know everyone around here, I learned the kid is clairvoyant. I stop and listen to everything he says when he comes around.
I see him often with Uri. Uri. He’s another interesting character. All the Donatis are. If anyone here is a part of the mob, I’ve never seen it for myself.
Brad Monroe and Ellerie Hathaway are former professional football players. Nico Donati is a former professional soccer player, and as far as I know, Uri Donati and LaSalle Locatelli are businessmen. I’d say I made the right choice.
Learning of Symphony’s relation to the group explained to me why Amina was so sure I could accept this job without fear. I will forever be grateful to that woman. Sim and I have become friends because I get her.
We’re able to have long talks because, for me, it’s like talking to my brother. I know when she’s tapped out and how to help her cope. However, there is something about her I’ve yet to put a finger on.
When she’s around certain members of the circle they have around here, she gives off this dangerous vibe. I don’t know if that’s coming from her or if she’s modeling after someone like Cal. There are plenty of others she could be modeling after.
“Justice,” I bark when he almost takes a ball to the head because he’s too busy staring at the girls who have just entered the facility with Brad and Uri.
I grin when I see little Sammy racing across the green, heading for me. He stops and places his hand in mine. He gives my fingers a squeeze as he looks up at me.
“Hi, Cameron.”
“Hey, little buddy. What’s up?”
His eyes go distant and then he focuses in again. This is one of those days. I hold my breath, waiting for what he will say.
“You didn’t find us by accident. You were always meant to be here. Chance and Cade will be good friends of mine, but they are not meant to be like me.
“He will take their innocence if you don’t take their offer. It’s what they do. Let them.
“He’s a bad man. He deserves this. Your family is only the first he will target. He’s not meant to be my next; don’t leave him for me because I will protect my family, Uncle Cameron.”
The smile that comes to this kid’s face strikes fear in me. My mind is racing as I try to think through his words. Who will try to take my sons’ innocence? Who’s offer?
“I’m only going to tell you once. She’s off-limits. Don’t play with me, Justice. Stay away from my niece,” Brad barks, grabbing my attention.
I turn to find Brad standing between Justice and a pretty curly-haired blonde. I snort to myself. This guy is going to get his ass kicked one of these days.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of Ellerie chuckling as his shoulders shake. He has a bouquet of flowers in his hand as he watches on in amusement. I can tell you one thing, there is never a dull moment around here.