Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 154882 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 774(@200wpm)___ 620(@250wpm)___ 516(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 154882 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 774(@200wpm)___ 620(@250wpm)___ 516(@300wpm)
Sunny and Sienna were locked in conversation when I came out.
“—don’t get to choose,” she said. “I see what I see and feel what I feel, trusting that it’s the right information at the right moment.”
“Any other vibrations on Grant?”
“It’s weird about Grant.” Sienna massaged her temples. “I’m still seeing the same vision of the two of them at the café. The first time it was a warning, and I don’t think that’s changed. There’s more to Grant and that assassin. More to what’s going on here. I sense strongly that the revenge is tied to your father, Sunny. Did Grant and Sinjin ever get into it?”
Sunny shook his head. “Nah. Grant was a small-time loan shark when my folks were running things. He wasn’t worth their notice. It was me who took a cut of his business and Genny who kicked his face in. Dad had nothing to do with it.”
“We’re missing something. I’m missing something. Worst thing is my visions will get murkier the more I get tangled up in this. I can’t see my own future.”
“What about River Delaney?” he asked, blowing my brows up my forehead. “You were around him for months. The universe must’ve had plenty to say about him.”
“My River visions were interesting, though I didn’t make much sense of them and River wasn’t up for explaining.”
“Lay ’em on me.”
Sienna tucked her feet under her, comfy on the couch with a mug of Shonda’s homemade herbal tea blend. Sienna would’ve come with me if I left, but she would’ve done it with tears in her eyes. She loved it here—surrounded by people who listened and treated her gift seriously.
“I’d see him standing on a battlefield as the lone survivor. Once I saw him in an airplane hurtling to earth. That one scared me, but he pointed out he didn’t have money to fly anywhere, so that wasn’t likely to happen. But I guess that’s not technically true.”
Sunny leaned in, half coming off the armchair. “Did you ever sense that hatred in him?”
Sienna didn’t hesitate saying no. “I sensed darkness at the core of who he is. But that’s not a surprise. Everyone has a dark seed in their soul. Some let it lie and others tend it to grow. River’s may be more than a seed, but it’s not fed on hatred. That much I know.”
I cleared my throat. “I’m heading out now. We’re meeting River for brunch.”
“Laurel’s going too?” Sienna asked. “I thought this was a date.”
“It’s brunch. Besides, I want him to meet Laurel. We’re going to the park. It’ll be fun.” I drifted to Sunny. “We won’t be out too long. Laurel’s naptime rules our life.”
“Have fun,” he said simply.
I opened my mouth to say more, then decided not to press it. Sunny had been acting strangely since he came back from giving River the diamonds. I asked him what was wrong and he said things didn’t go as planned. No other explanation.
I didn’t understand the full history between River and the Princes, but I was content to wait until they told me. The guys gave me space to share my history when I was ready. I’d do the same.
Sunny kissed us both goodbye and sent us off. Hopping on the elevator, I rode it all the way down to the parking garage. River said he’d wait for me up front. With the second bombing and Genny’s attack outside her safe house, Thatcher increased security at the door. It was a bit awkward standing there with all those guys when I was fairly sure the Merchants classified River as a threat.
“You ready to meet River, baby?” Laurel and I passed into the garage, heading for the security gate. “He helped Mommy when I was first on the street. Gave me food and a safe place to sleep. I know he would’ve helped me take care of you too. There are a few women in River’s crew with kids. He would’ve kept you safe, which makes it hard to be angry at him. Whatever seed of darkness he’s nurturing in his soul, it’s surrounded by kindness and generosity too.”
“Miss Blaine?” Coates stuck his head out of the guard box. “Were you talking to me?”
“Oh no, I was talking to Laurel.” I waved her chubby fist at him. “We’re heading out. Can you open the gate, please?”
“Of course. I’m manning the gate today, but if you wait a few minutes, Wexler can escort you.”
“No, that’s okay. We won’t need an escort.”
Coates lowered his phone. “You’re going out by yourself? That’s not a good idea considering what’s happened in the last week.”
“Trust me, I’m staying away from darkened warehouses and bald men. We’ll be fine. My friend is walking with us, then we’re spending the morning in a park full of people.”
“All right, let me get this up for you.” Coates pressed the gate button. It rumbled up, clearing my way to the side alley and River. It was almost ten. He was up front or would be soon, then the three of us would spend the morning talking and getting to know each other without pressure or expectation.