Total pages in book: 148
Estimated words: 142939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
“You mean you’re going to speak to my father?” she asks, her voice tinged with something that sounds like anger.
“I think he’s made his intentions clear. No need to speak to him. But no one strikes at our family without paying the price. I’m going to hurt him, angel.” I crack my knuckles and pull on my pants. “I'm going to pick some of his men and send him their heads.”
She winces, but then covers it by schooling her face.
“Surprised?” I ask.
“No. I still can’t believe he did that.” She lets a hint of hurt enter her voice. “My own father.”
“Anyone who tries to hurt you will get the same treatment.” I cup the back of her neck and pull her to me. “No exceptions. No one will hurt you, angel.”
I stare at her mouth, at the way her lips part and her breaths grow shallower. “Do you want me to kiss you, angel?”
She wets her lips.
I take that as a yes and kiss her hard, my tongue sweeping against hers as she sways in my arms. I grab her, pulling her to me as I deepen the kiss, tasting and taking as she wraps her arms around my neck.
Fuck, leaving her is harder than I could’ve imagined. But it has to be done. Our enemies have to pay for what they’ve done.
When I break the kiss, she looks up at me with glassy eyes.
“Stay here, angel. I’ll be back soon.” I lead her to the bed and sit her down right as a knock comes at the door. “That’s Barker with the food. Barker is our cook and butler. He’s been with me a long time.”
She nods. “Okay.”
I go to the door, and Barker gives me a curious look. “She’s fine. You can meet her tomorrow. For now, thanks for the food.”
He gives me a nod. “Of course, sir.”
I roll the cart of food into the room and place it right in front of her. “Eat. I know you’re hungry.”
She reaches for a chocolate croissant.
“Eat. If you need anything else, just let me know. I’ll be downstairs.” I stride to the door as she takes a bite of the croissant.
She makes a mmm sound that goes straight to my cock and almost has me turning around. But I don’t. I won’t rest until I answer the threat to her life. With interest.
8
ANGELICA
I gasp, sitting up, my heart pounding. The sounds of gunfire haunt me. My eyes flick around the dark bedroom. The only light flooding in comes from the bathroom door that’s still open.
I’d left the light on in there before I’d crawled into bed after I’d eaten. I didn’t think it would be possible to sleep, but in case I did, I hadn’t wanted to wake up to utter darkness in a place I still don’t know.
My eyes go to the other side of the bed. Antonio isn’t there, but Diablo is. I reach over and pet his head. “What time is it?”
Diablo purrs loudly. I give him an extra scratch under the chin before I slip from the bed and pull back the curtains to see the moon bright in the sky.
“Has he even checked on us?” I ask Diablo. He stands, stretching as he walks across the bed before jumping down. “Or does he always stay out this late?” Diablo circles in and out of my legs before darting toward the door, wanting out.
“Why don’t we go have a look around?” I crack open the door and peek out. The hallway is empty. Diablo is out the door the second I open it. He’s quicker than I thought he would be. He’s down the hallway and turning in the direction of the stairs before I know it. I follow after him. The house is eerily quiet.
When I make it to the top of the stairs, I see a man dressed in all black standing in the front entry. He glances my way before quickly redirecting his gaze elsewhere but doesn't move from where he’s standing. Is he making sure no one gets out or in? I’m guessing Antonio has put extra security everywhere after today's events.
My ears perk up when I hear a female voice. I slowly make my way down the stairs, not wanting whoever is talking to hear me. I follow the sounds of the voice. My eyes spot a giant old clock on the wall, letting me know it’s two in the morning. It’s then I hear Antonio's familiar voice.
A knot starts to form in my stomach. Whatever could he be doing at two in the morning with another female? So many thoughts start to run through my mind. Is it because I didn’t give him what he clearly wanted? I suppose the better question is why do I care?
This should be what I want. He said he wouldn’t force me. He could go get what he needs somewhere else, and I won’t have to worry about it. A lick of white-hot anger flashes up my spine at the thought of him wanting someone else.