Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78236 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78236 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Taking me to a church and hoping I would marry him.
No is a simple word.
So what part of that word does a highly intelligent man like Crue not under-fucking-stand. I have told him several times I do not want to get married. I don’t intend to ever get married. So what the fuck kind of stunt was that shit back there? I rip at my hair. This man is making me crazy? The frustration has boiled over into insane exasperation. I am beside myself and going out of my damn mind.
This is it.
The final straw.
Absolutely no more.
My phone pings, and I rip it out of my pocket, half expecting it to be an email from the dumbass, and for once, I might reply and give him a piece of mind.
Instead, it’s a text message from Mr. Luca.
Mr. Luca: Turn to the news right now!
My eyebrows scrunch in confusion. Not any particular channel, just any old news? I decide to turn on the television before asking for further instructions as to what channel, but there’s no need. My jaw drops in shock because I know exactly whose mansion is in flames on my screen and I raise a brow while listening.
“In recent reports, it’s thought that the fire may be linked to criminal activity associated with the most recent case involving Matteo Torrisi. It’s no secret that his father was killed a little over a year ago in a shooting with a rival gang. Now the question remains… Is this once again gang-related, or has the opposing family in the recent court decision taken matters into their own hands? Stay tuned as we investigate further.”
“What the fuck?” I say as I put my hand over my mouth. What the actual fuck? Memories of our visit there and the calculated flow of Crue’s movements flood me. He definitely had something to do with this.
My phone begins to ring, and I answer.
“Have you seen it?” Mr. Luca asks.
“I’m watching it now.”
“What happened?”
“How should I know? This is the first time I’ve seen or heard about it.”
“This isn’t good. Maybe you should lie low for a little while longer.”
“Lie low? What do you mean? I was only taking a few days off after my case,” I argue.
“I know. But this is bad and could possibly reflect back on us. Let the board handle it.”
“Handle it? But it’s my client.”
“Was your client,” he corrects.
“You can’t tell me what to do,” I say.
“No, but it’s called good judgment, Rya. Trust me. Think rationally. Even if it’s just a week until the media settles.”
I sigh. My phone pings. “I’ll take it under consideration. I have to go. I have another call coming through,” I lie.
I hang up on him mid-sentence, and my eyes widen at the screen. And the many zeros that have just hit my bank account. Way too many zeros. Too generous for a bonus. Like I can retire and buy this building, if not the street, and retire as well.
What the fuck is happening?
Crue.
That’s what happened.
That’s what seems to always be the common denominator.
But considering only a few hours ago, I shot him in the leg, I can’t exactly ask him for answers.
Assuming he’s still alive, that is.
CHAPTER 58
Rya
I sit across from Angel.
I’m pissed off.
But I am trying to be as reasonable as I can in hopes that I don’t seriously stress a woman who’s about to give birth at any moment.
“He’s fine, just in case you wanted to know,” Angel offers as she picks at her fries. We’re having Five Guys again. This time, it’s just the two of us—and two bodyguards.
“I didn’t,” I reply. “How did you think I would agree to something like that?” I try to watch my accusatory tone.
“I told him you wouldn’t go for it. Trust me, I made the point loud and clear. But you know what he’s like.”
I breathe out a frustrated sigh. My nails click against the table in clear agitation, not at her but at this situation I find myself in now.
“I’m pretty sure he’s in love with you,” she says softly.
A cruel laugh creeps from my throat, and she stares at me as if I’m half-crazed. “The only thing Crue Monti cares about is power and where he can get more of it.”
She winces at my words. “The guy’s an ass. I am not going to defend him. But I’m also going to call you out on your shit as well.” She points an accusative finger at me. “Sex? That’s all you thought it was? Please. I have stood in the room with you two on more than one occasion. You can’t keep your eyes off each other. You are both like magnets drawn to each other with an insatiable need. He’s always mentioned you since you met as teenagers. You might’ve forgotten about him, but he most certainly did not forget about you.