Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 30987 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 155(@200wpm)___ 124(@250wpm)___ 103(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30987 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 155(@200wpm)___ 124(@250wpm)___ 103(@300wpm)
“Morgan’s work is unique and beautiful, like her. People from all over the world pay to have something permanent etched into their skin by her hands. It has more meaning than anything I’ve done.”
“No one was suggesting that anything you’ve done has value,” Helena says.
Ouch. That was a pointed barb.
“Mom,” chides Morgan.
“Don’t worry about it,” I interject. No need for us to have a fight before even the breadbasket is laid on the tablecloth. “My art is not for everyone. It sells well, though, so some people find it appealing.”
This is met with silence from the Hoffmans. Morgan sighs and begins to change the subject when John pulls a sheaf of papers out of his pocket. “For the record, Helena and I strongly disapprove of any union between the two of you. You have known each other for little more than a week, which is hardly enough time for a person to get to know a dog let alone decide on a marriage. This is a contract stating that in exchange for two million dollars, you will leave our daughter alone forever.”
“Dad!”
“Hush, Morgan, your father is doing this for your own good,” chastises her mom.
“I think your daughter’s worth more than that.”
“I’m going to cause a scene,” Morgan warns.
John glares at his daughter, but the threat works because the paperwork disappears inside his coat. “Fine, but this won’t be the last time we discuss this.”
“Oh, it will be because we’re done here.” Morgan throws down her napkin and gets to her feet. “Come on, Eros. We don’t have to waste our time here.”
I stand and tuck her arm into the crook of my elbow. Her parents remain at the table, fuming but not willing to say a word because that would cause a scene.
At the elevator, Morgan presses a hand to her stomach. “I’m going to be sick.”
I grab a passing waiter. “Where’s the bathroom?”
At their direction, I hustle Morgan down the hall.
“I just need a minute,” she says, giving me a wan smile. “This is why I hate meeting my parents. They always do something that makes me feel terrible.”
“Maybe you’re pregnant.”
Her eyes widen. She hadn’t thought of that possibility. “Already?”
“At the rate that we’re going, it would be more of a shocker that you weren’t.” I smooth the hair away from her face. “I’m happy either way. Why don’t you sit in the women’s lounge, have a glass of hot water, and wait for me to get the car? When I’m out front, I’ll text you. How’s that sound?”
“Perfect.”
I kiss her on the forehead. “Wait here. I’ll send someone in with some bread and water.”
Before heading downstairs, I take a quick look inside the restaurant and see Morgan’s parents still at their table. I signal for the maître d', who comes over. “Here. My girl is in the lounge. She’s not feeling great. Can you take her in a hot water and some bread? Also, this is to make sure that those two don’t bother her.” I hand him two Benjamins. “That enough?”
“Consider it done.” He pockets the money. “What is your car? I’ll call the valet for you.”
“I didn’t park with the valet. They were occupied, and I didn’t want to be late.” I’d actually worried about making a bad impression on the Hoffmans. The elevator is quick considering the height of the building, and I'm deposited on the parking level in no time. My mind is focused on getting the car, which is why I don’t notice the four men that appear out of the shadows when I step outside the glassed-in elevator lobby.
They have me surrounded before I can even step onto the paved parking lot. One of them grabs for me. I swing at him, striking his cheek. I manage to get another punch in to another guy and a kick in the gut to a third, but two more men appear, and suddenly I’m on the ground. I punch and roll and head butt, but they manage to truss me up and carry me into a waiting van. The door slams shut and zooms forward. I break free from one of my captors and lunge for the driver when the blunt end of a gun strikes me on the side of the head. My vision blurs. I blink and try to shake it off.
“Careful, don’t kill him,” I hear a voice shout.
“He’s killing us!”
I elbow someone in the eye. They scream, and that’s the last I remember.
CHAPTER 22
MORGAN
“Thank you, really I don’t need any more bread,” I tell the server, who has once again come to check on me. I have been here for over thirty minutes now.
She brought me warm water and bread. I’d tentatively sipped the water and ate the bread, but after a few minutes I ended up drinking and eating all of it. My stomach had finally settled. But now where is Eros? I thought he’d be back by now. Maybe I should head down and meet him out front. Oh God, what if he ran into my parents and they are having it out?