Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 108988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Spence stepped forward. “I take it that you’re acquainted with my brothers.”
Brothers?
West’s and Walden’s heads pivoted our way, and I saw the surprise there for a split second before both saw me. And they stayed on me. A chill went through me at the cruel and cold smile that was pulling at Walden’s mouth. “Please tell me you’ve brought us this gift. Please, please. I don’t even give a fuck about who else you are, just as long as you tell me that Miss Green is here for us.” His leer told me all the nasty ways he wanted to make me scream in pain.
West wasn’t as fazed. His eyes narrowed on Spence. “You’re a Worthing?”
Spence let out an aggrieved sigh. Very dramatic. “Finally. Someone fucking gets it. Yes. I’m a Worthing.”
West took in Spence’s two guards, who I guess were actually his brothers? Brother guards? Just brothers? Both were big, muscly, and didn’t look super smart. Thick necks. I was stereotyping guys with thick necks. John Cena was smart, so not all guys with thick necks were stupid, but these two guys looked like morons. There was no articulate way to explain the look. Just, moron.
“Wha—huh?” It was one of the brothers, though both seemed taken aback. The one with dark hair was flabbergasted. They swung their gazes on Spence at the same time, who gave each a resigned look. His shoulders slumped. “Tobias Worthing got my mom pregnant, and forced her to give me up. I wasn’t in the system. I was raised by my mom’s neighbor. I thought I was one of hers until my own high school DNA test gave me a surprise. Nice little things, aren’t they?” He bit out, glancing my way. “Identifying all of these little Worthings running around.”
The two guys continued to stare at him. The dark-haired one’s mouth hung open. “You’re our brother?”
“Dude. Dad had an affair.” The other nudged him with his elbow.
“Your father was Toby Worthing?” Tristian West had come closer.
Spence rubbed at his forehead, but made a show of focusing on West. “Yes.” He cast me a dark look. “Creighton Lane killed him.”
One of the brothers growled, low and guttural.
Spence seemed to pick up steam now that he said that last bit. His head perked up. He stood taller, straighter. “Before you ask, no. Cole Mauricio does not know who I am. I found out about my father five years ago. When my grandma, or who I thought was my grandmother, passed, I decided to come here. I approached my father, told him who I was, and it took a little bit, but after a while, he and I began a relationship. That ended two months ago.” He sent another murderous look my way, and he glared for a full five seconds before lowering his voice, returning to normal level as he continued talking with Tristian West. “I have been waiting for you or your partner to do something about Lane, and you still haven’t. I’m tired of waiting.” He motioned toward where my friends were locked up. “Lane took something of yours. Well, here’s something of his. This is me, if you haven’t figured it out, trying to speed this process up. Hurt the one person he cares about. That’s the whole reason he took your people, am I right?”
What was he talking about?
I didn’t have time to try and figure it out because as soon as he finished talking, Spence took a gun out and crossed the room, pointing it at one of the cells.
I opened my mouth. “Don—”
Bang!
I ended it on a scream and launched myself forward.
He shot—Palma screamed at the same time I did. A second bloodcurdling scream erupted from her, instantly making my stomach churn as Marshall dropped to his knees with an abrupt and violent thud. Heath scrambled, trying to go to him, but he and Palma still had their hands zip-tied behind them. Their tape was in place except Palma broke free a corner of hers. Her scream was too powerful, and a corner hung from her mouth, while the top of her lip was bleeding. Tears streamed down her face. She and Heath knelt down, but had to keep turning around to try and help Marshall.
Oh, god. Marshall.
I was caught by one of Spence’s brothers, and I wasn’t thinking clearly enough to get free from his hold. I tried jerking out of his arms, but he held tighter until my knees buckled. Marshall’s wide eyes met mine. Shocked. Scared. Blood drained from his face. He tipped backward. His chest was heaving while blood pooled on his shirt, spreading around him.
This was me. Because I moved in with them—this wasn’t just on Creighton. I should’ve gotten my own place. I shouldn’t have made friends.
This was all my fault.
“There.” Spence brightened, his cheerfulness like a dagger into my chest. “One down. Three more to go.” He aimed at Palma.