Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 69945 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69945 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
“I do.”
“Then I agree that the plan is a good one, but you need more backup.”
“She’ll never come if it’s not just me.”
“I can keep my people hidden.”
“No. It’s me she wants, so I’m the one she’ll get.”
“I’ve got a meeting now. We’ll discuss this more tonight. Do not make any moves until we do.”
“I don’t want to wait.” Every second that passed gave Lisa more time to hurt people and put Corey at risk. Except that moving fast meant Corey leaving even sooner.
That’s the best thing for both of you. You know it is.
“You used to be good at waiting,” X said.
“I did, but things have changed.” I’ve changed.
“We’ll talk tonight.”
I ended the call without saying anything else.
I hadn’t been at my desk long, but my leg had stiffened up already. I needed to get up and move around, even though it would be painful. I rose and walked to the sunroom.
Corey was there, looking freshly showered and fucking gorgeous in a worn pair of jeans that hugged his ass and a black sweater that looked perfect with his dark blond hair. He was standing by the window, and the sun lit him up like he was an angel. Surely no angel could do what he did in bed, but compared to me, he was a divine creature.
He turned when he heard me enter. “I thought you’d be in your office.”
“I was.” My instinct was not to mention the real reason I’d gotten up, but Corey never showed pity for my injuries, just genuine concern. “My leg got stiff. I needed to move around.”
He glanced toward the courtyard door. “Don’t tell me you’re going for a walk. You’re not safe out there.”
“I’m the one protecting you, remember.”
He sighed. “Please don’t take risks you don’t have to take.”
If he had any idea what I was planning, he’d be furious. I should tell him anyway, but not now, not until the last minute, once there was no turning back. “I’ll take care of myself.”
“Really.”
“I’ll try.”
“What are we going to do?”
“I am going to make sure Lisa and her people don’t get near you again.”
“So you’re not going after her.”
“Not today.”
“Dom, please. I want to know what’s happening. Do you think she’ll make another move? I…I can’t settle down, can’t do anything. I just keep waiting for a bomb to drop.”
I shook my head. “She won’t use a bomb. She’ll want to see me suffer first, and probably you too.”
“Jesus, I didn’t mean that literally.”
“Fuck. Sorry. I’m used to joking like that. I’m not used to people who don’t do crime for a living.”
“Right. I don’t exactly fit in here.” He looked so fucking sad.
“You fit in my bed just fine.”
He smiled. “That’s true. But it’s not going to get you out of talking to me about what’s likely to happen next.”
I did not want to have this conversation, and the real truth was that I didn’t know.
“Sit down.” I tilted my head toward the couch. “Do you want a drink?” I asked as I headed to the bar cart.
Corey frowned. “What time is it? I just ate breakfast.”
I should have eaten too, but I hadn’t wanted to see Beatrice. “Does it matter?”
“So we’re on airport rules here? Because I’m being chased down by your ex-wife and her minions, and you have to protect me?”
I shrugged. “You could say that, but I don’t believe in silly rules created for no reason except to control other people.”
“So what rules do you believe in?”
I considered for a moment. “Justice. Family first. Honor.”
I could feel Corey’s eyes on me as I poured myself some bourbon, then bent to open the mini fridge next to the bar cart. I uncorked a bottle of champagne then added juice.
When Corey took the mimosa, he shook his head before taking a sip, then setting it on the table in front of him. “How did you know what I always drink at brunch?”
“Intuition can be just as useful as being observant.”
“I might not have your skill in that, but I can be very useful.”
I poured my own whiskey and drank half before responding. “Yes, you can.” If I thought more about that, we’d end up right back in bed. “But I thought you wanted me to tell you all my plans and predictions.”
“I want to know you’re not putting yourself at unnecessary risk.”
I joined him on the couch, setting my drink next to his. “What I need to do is keep you safe and eliminate Lisa before she causes more harm. I won’t lose you.” I realized how that sounded. There was more there than I meant to give away.
Neither of us said anything, we just stared at each other. My chest was tight. I could barely drag in air. I’m not sure which one of us initiated it, but suddenly we were kissing again. His lips were so soft, his tongue so warm, pushing its way into my mouth.