Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87618 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 438(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87618 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 438(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
“Funny how life is sometimes,” I say with a shrug.
“Funny,” he echoes. “Yeah, sure, something like that.”
We enter the back room. Arsen’s sitting alone at a table with documents spread out around him. He’s reading something with a frown. A drink’s at his elbow. He nods tersely as Tigran leads me over.
“Patron,” I say respectfully. “I’m told you wanted to see me.”
“Sit down, you two.” Arsen leans back and rubs his face. “God, I’m tired. What a fucking week. Do you know how many bodies there are rotting in the Baltimore gutters right now?”
“A lot,” I venture, pulling out a chair and dropping down into it.
“A lot,” Arsen confirms. “Mantis is going hard on Los Sombras. Navarro’s dead. Half his leadership is dead too. I’m guessing half their Mexican counterparts will be dead by the end of the month. It’s a nightmare.”
I glance at Tigran. He’s staring at me but gives me nothing. “Are you angry about that?” I ask, not sure where this is going.
Arsen studies me for a long moment. “You’re not stupid,” he says finally. “You wouldn’t have put all this in motion if you didn’t have a choice. I assume you did what you did because of your new wife.”
I shift in my chair. I’d told them about pinning the watch on Los Sombras—but I hadn’t mentioned that it was Riley who took it in the first place.
“Something like that,” I admit.
“Fine. Keep the details to yourself. It’s better that way.” He lets out a long sigh. “Turns out that Black Mantis wants to become better friends. They’re happy with your work.”
I glance over at Tigran. Now he’s smirking at me, arms crossed over his chest.
“What’s he saying?” I ask.
“We just pulled in a big account, that’s what,” Tigran explains. “And you’re first in line for a payday.”
“Call it a bonus for hard work. When our new relationship begins to pay out, you’re first in line for a slice of the money. Congratulations, Alexan. Not only are you running your own crew, but now you’re stinking fucking rich.”
“Just like the rest of us,” Tigran adds, beaming now.
Arsen raises a glass. “Here’s to the future.” He throws back his drink. “Do me a favor and start planning some more jobs. I have a feeling you’re going to have a long and interesting career.”
“Let’s hope so.”
Chapter 42
Riley
Six Months Later
I jiggle the pick and feel the pins slip into place. As I move through the lock, I adjust the tension rod and slowly manage to get the door open. “You’re mine now,” I mutter victoriously.
The basement steps loom in front of me. At the bottom, an expensive carpet disappears into my private world. I cradle my pregnant belly as I sneak down, going as slowly and quietly as I can, which isn’t very stealthy, if I’m honest. I’m pregnant as hell and about as quiet as an elephant.
My heart’s pattering in my chest. My palms are slick with excitement. I creep down into my oasis, toes curling into the plush, soft carpeting. Gone are the spiders, mostly. Gone is the concrete and the storage space. Instead, everything’s soft and comfortable, lots of pale beige and soft reds, flowers in one corner, a bench against a far wall, a couch and a TV, and a little corner for my crafting supplies. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s all mine.
“I know you’re down here,” I say, eyes darting around. “You do realize you shouldn’t mess with your pregnant wife, right? I’m liable to pop at any moment.”
“You still haven’t found me yet,” his voice says, and I look over toward the utility closet. The water heater and the furnace are hidden away in there.
The door’s open ever so slightly.
Well, shit.
“Are you going to make me come in there?”
“If you want to catch me, you’d better.”
I breathe in deep and blow it out. Then I start grinning like crazy.
We started playing this game a few weeks ago. It’s like hide and seek, except with more filthy sex. We both figure when the baby comes, there won’t be much time or freedom to do weird shit like this, so we might as well have our fun while we can.
I tiptoe over to the door and slowly peer in.
Nothing. Empty.
“What the hell?” I say, surprised.
Then hands grab me from behind.
“Got you,” he says, pulling me against him.
I yelp loudly, and his hand covers my mouth. I struggle, elbowing him in the stomach, but his abs are like iron. He laughs, yanks my hair lightly, and kisses my neck.
“You scared the shit out of me!” I say, slapping his chest. “You shouldn’t do that!”
“Doctor said it was fine.” He grips my hair tighter. “And we both know you like it.”
He’s got a point. I really do like it. He’s a total freak and made sure it was safe to scare me before actually doing it. He’s way too protective and way too open about our sex life for my liking.