Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 72617 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72617 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
I’d just made it to the parking lot when I heard Dad call out to me, “Mia! Hold up!”
I stopped and waited for him to make his way over to me. “Hey, Dad. What are you doing here?”
“I had some things to go over with Wrath. We just wrapped things up, and I thought I’d come and check in with you.” He glanced down at my bag as he said, “Your mother said you were planning to stay here for a couple of days.”
“I was, but I changed my mind.”
“You good?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I’m just ready to get back to my own bed.”
“I feel ya there. Mine’s been calling me all damn day.” He studied me for a moment, then said, “Been nice having you around. Don’t make us wait so long to see ya next time.”
“You see me all the time,” I argued. “We just had dinner together last week.”
“It’s not the same, and you know it.” Looking at him with those pitiful puppy dog eyes made it hard to believe that he was the club’s most feared brother. “Your mother misses you. And for that matter, I do, too.”
“Okay. I’ll try to do better.” I eased up on my tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ve gotta go, Dad.”
“Be careful getting home.”
“I will!” As I started toward my car, I told him, “I love you!”
“I love you more.”
He stood there and watched as I got in my car, and he remained standing there until I had pulled safely through the front gates. It meant a great deal that my father cared so much about me, but I was concerned that his overprotective nature might make it difficult for me to get something started with Wrath.
But I refused to let my worry or anything else stop me from following through with my plan. One way or another, I would make my feelings about Wrath known—even if it meant upsetting my father.
When I got back to my apartment, I put my things away and got busy picking up the place. I hadn’t been home for several days, so I only had a few dishes to wash and a little dusting to do. Once I had the place looking presentable, I started fiddling with my fan.
I gave it a hard tug, then gave the cord a quick pull. When it started spinning, I quickly turned it off and gave it hard push to the left. I pulled the cord, and once again, it started spinning. That’s when I realized I had no idea what I was doing.
Out of pure frustration, I grabbed one of my throw pillows and hit the center with all my might, and the light flickered out. I gave the cord a firm tug, and to my surprise, it didn’t move. I was feeling pretty good about myself as I made my way into the bathroom. I looked up at the light and considered whacking it with my pillow, but I feared I’d knock the entire thing off the ceiling.
I didn’t want him to spend the whole night working, so I stepped up on my stool and barely unscrewed the light bulb, causing it to flicker. Hoping that would suffice, I put my stool back and returned to the bedroom. It was getting pretty late, so I decided to call it a night.
I changed into my sleep shirt, and as I crawled into bed, I remembered something my mother used to tell me—sometimes big things have little beginnings. I wasn’t sure if this was one of those times.
But a girl could hope, and I was certainly hoping.
CHAPTER 5
Wrath
Mia and I weren’t exactly close, but I knew her well enough to know when she was up to something. And the second she opened the front door, I knew something was up. She was all dolled up like she was about to hit the town. She was wearing a fitted sweater and mini-skirt, and it looked like she’d put on fresh makeup and curled her hair.
As far as I was concerned, she didn’t need the makeup or the fancy hair. She was beautiful without it. But then, she’s always had a strange effect on me. Just one look at her, and I’d find myself wanting to get closer, and if she happened to smile at me or even in my direction, I’d get this weird warm sensation in my chest.
I didn’t like the feeling.
I didn’t like it at all.
It was one of the many reasons I’d always kept my distance—which made me wonder why the hell I’d offered to help her out with her fucking lights. I silently cursed myself as I watched her eyes light up and a smile sweep across her face. “Hey. You came.”
“I said I would.”
“Yeah, but things happen.” She shrugged, then nervously motioned me inside. “Come on in.”