Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 142764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
“Are you doubting me, Marshall? I think it’ll work just fine. My only concerns are Maybel and the effect that it will have on her, but in the end, it’s your decision. If you want to go through with it, I’m happy to help.”
Worried about me? Happy to help?
They might as well be speaking a foreign language right now. I thought they hated each other? Why are they acting all buddy-buddy? The tiny hairs on the back of my neck rise. Something is going on, and I’m going to get to the bottom of it.
Drew releases a long exhale and scratches his fingers up over his head. It takes me a second to process what he's wearing once I get a decent look at him. Slacks, a button-down with the sleeves rolled up showing off his impeccable forearms.
He dressed up far more than usual. I like seeing him both ways but really prefer his blue jeans, letterman's jacket, and black combat boots. That’s the real Drew, the one I’ve come to know. A hot rush of heat flames my skin all the way up to my ears as I think about those damn boots and the way he made me ride them that day.
"I’ve thought the decision through, Seb. There’s no other way. Maybel and my mom will never be safe with him alive. There’s no other option. He needs to die.” His words shock me, and a tiny gasp escapes my lips. Shit.
As if they heard the sound, their gazes snap from the counter, and they twist around. They both look like predators seconds away from attacking. Well, guess there's no time like the present to walk in. Ignoring the words I just heard Drew speak, I cut around the corner with a big fake-as-shit yawn to give them some privacy, even if I plan to question Drew the second I get him alone.
“Fancy seeing you here,” I greet.
Sebastian gives me a wavering glance, but Drew stares at me for a long moment, his eyes roaming the length of my body, lingering over the T-shirt I’m wearing that’s now rode up on one side showing off a piece of bare flesh, down to the joggers that hang low on my hips. It’s nothing more than comfortable clothing. There’s nothing sexual about it but he’s looking at me like a man looks after a woman he’s hungered for his entire life.
"Bel," he says, but it sounds more like a warning.
I’m momentarily consumed by the thought of him being a killer. Could he really do something like that? Kill his own father? There has to be another way to do this.
“You okay?” Sebastian interjects, his voice dipped in concern. I realize then that I’ve completely fallen off the deep end and should probably speak now.
I smile and walk closer to the island where they are sitting. "Of course. What's going on? Why aren't you two murdering each other?"
Seb snorts like whatever I’ve said is hilarious, then he’s out of his chair, shoving the stool back under the counter. I’m not shocked.
“Oh, we were just about to get the knives out and start throwing them to see who has better aim.”
“Seriously?” I pretend to be shocked, when in reality I wouldn’t even be a little bit surprised if I walked in on them doing something like that. They have a long, turbulent history of fighting, at least according to Drew. Throwing knives would probably be a tame reaction from both of them.
“Don’t worry, Bel. You saved his life. Next time, though…” He winks. “Anyway, I'm leaving before I have to dismember him. Don't forget I can kill you and make it look like an accident."
“Oh, I’m so scared.” Drew laughs, seeming unfazed by the threat. Are they really joking around with each other? I swear the other day they were at each other’s throats but now it seems everything is okay? Maybe this has something to do with the conversation I walked in on?
I look between the two of them, shaking my head. What the hell is going on?
“As you should be, and will be especially if you bring her home late or if something happens to her.” He gives Drew a pointed glare and then walks out without any further explanation.
Weird.
“First, are you two okay? Second, what are you doing here? And why is he talking about you bringing me home late?”
He walks around the island and straight to me. I swear I can hear buzzing in my ears. The intensity of his gaze on me short circuits my brain. I can’t think when he’s this close to me. He smiles and my stomach tightens with excitement. Once close enough he snakes an arm around my waist, dragging me inside his body. The warmth of his body is both soothing, and exciting and I lean into his touch almost desperately.