Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36221 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36221 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
A hiss comes from the castle. “Hush, Roadkill.”
“Xanny!” I shout. I hate it when she calls Bentley that.
“He started it,” she huffs. “That cat hates everyone.”
“Not true. He just protected Leone. He thought Doc was trying to hurt him.”
“Maybe he thought Doc was trying to save him.” Suddenly a growl comes from me. I put my hand over my mouth, not sure where that sound came from.
“And I’m done here. You know the drill. I left everything here you’ll need. I’ll check back tomorrow.” Doc starts packing up his tools while Xanny and Lenny bicker about cleaning up throw-up.
“All right, everyone out,” I say, slipping from the bed and walking over to the door to motion for everyone to move their booties through it. “I want a moment alone with my Leone.”
“We need to talk,” Xanny whispers under her breath when she passes me. I only give her a nod. I don’t know why it’s a secret, but right now, I don’t care. I need to be with my man, so whatever it is will have to wait.
“Thank you, Doc. I’m sorry if I was a bit much. I just love that man and only found him recently. I can’t lose him yet.”
“I understand.” He smiles. “Congratulations, by the way. I’ll accept an invite.” With that, he’s out the door. What a weird way to respond to a thank you. I close the door and lock it for good measure.
“Now.” I rush over to the bed and hop in before I rub my hands together. “Deal time.”
“Later. You need sleep.” He pulls back the blanket. I crawl in.
“I’m not that tired.” I yawn as I say it.
“Here.” He pulls me over to rest my head on his chest. “Rest, little one.” He kisses the top of my head.
“I’m fine. You’re the one who needs rest.” My eyes grow heavy. I open my mouth to tell Leone we never did open that box, but only a stupid yawn comes out again before sleep pulls me under.
19
LEONE
“You shouldn’t be doing that.” Zoey plies the fork from my fingers and brings a bit of waffle to my mouth.
“I still have one good arm, little one.” I take the proffered bit and chew.
“I know, but I want to take care of you. You always take care of me.” She smiles and cuts another piece for me.
“I always will.”
She smiles, her eyes lighting up as she brings another bite to my mouth. “Madge is so good at cooking. I’ve never wanted to learn, but she almost makes me want to reconsider. Then again, the last time I tried to make mac and cheese, I exploded the microwave. I still don’t know how it happened. I mean–”
“You left your fork in the Instant Mac bowl when you put it in. It’s metal. You can’t put metal into the microwave.” Xanny strides in, her blond hair up in some sort of fauxhawk with braids and twists.
Zoey’s mouth drops open. “Oh, you never told me that. You said it must’ve short circuited or been bad from the factory or something.”
“I know. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” She shrugs and pulls a plate of waffles over to her. “Thanks, Madge.” She waves two fingers.
“Of course, Miss Xanny.” She taps the side of her nose. “And thanks again for the herbs.”
“Anytime.”
I raise a brow at Madge, but I don’t ask any questions. I learned long ago that a woman like Madge has a lot of secrets and skeletons in her closet, and I don’t need to know any of them. Despite all that, it seems Xanadu has somehow managed to charm the tough old bird.
Lenny leans on the kitchen doorframe, his eyes on Xanadu. I haven’t told him to keep an eye on her, but I’m glad he is. Zoey trusts her, I’ve no doubt about that. But I need to know more about her motivations and her dealings with Carlov before I make any judgments.
“Glower much?” Xanadu shakes her head at me and stabs a large piece of waffle before stuffing it into her mouth.
“He’s not glowering. He just has a very stern resting face.” Zoey kisses me on the cheek.
Though I don’t say it, I have to disagree with her. I’m definitely glowering at her sister.
“I need to know everything you have on Carlov. Once I neutralize him, we’ll talk about you returning the money to Nick.” I shift in my seat, pulling Zoey closer to me, my bad arm aching as I use it to muscle her against me.
“Returning the money?” Xanadu says around a mouthful of food. “No way. I stole that fair and square. That’s for me and Zoey.”
“Xanny, it’s not our money. You can’t–”
“It is.” She slams her fork down. “I’ve done what I had to do to get it. And now it’s ours. We don’t have to live in that stupid trailer anymore. And fuck Carlov. Once we get out of town, we won’t have to worry about him. He’s not smart enough to track us anywhere. We can disappear. Live the life we deserve. Get away from all these assholes who think they can control us.” Xanadu gives me a pointed look.