Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 63866 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63866 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
That's not the problem, though. I could go to her, but she's spooked, and I need to find out why. When it comes to computers, I don't know a ton. I probably know more than the basics because of growing up with Z. Yet I’m still at a disadvantage because of how skilled Marks is with them.
"I thought we were trying to…" War trails off, searching for the right words.
"Be a family and share. Not be old-school fuckers who hide their feelings, and own our shit," Z supplies.
"Exactly." War lets Z lead the way on that one, leaning back in his chair. They’re like a tag team trying to shake me down for personal information.
I do trust them, but I’ve never been one to share much. I’m not a talker like them. I say what needs to be said and not much more. I don’t do all the bells and whistles when it comes to stuff. I’m short and to the point.
“Marks,” I finally say after the two of them basically guilted me into it.
“Is she okay?” War is quick to ask. He is more concerned about his wife, who is her best friend, than he is about Marks. “Did she do something?” And there it is. He knows Marks can be a threat. We all do; even Z has warned me to be careful with her. Even alluded that she could best him one day.
“She didn’t do anything.” I shoot him a glare. Z tilts his head at my reply, not agreeing with that. When it comes to Marks, Z needs to tread carefully. I think he’s getting that point already.
“Hold on. You and Marks? When the fuck did that happen?” War finally catches on.
“Now that the cat’s out of the bag, she’s been stalking him.”
“She’s not stalking me.” I immediately realize my mistake. I spoke too fast and defensively. Lock it up, I remind myself. Does it count as stalking if you're luring them in? Or if it gets you off? Because fuck does it turn me the fuck on thinking about her watching my every move. Thinking about how obsessed she might be with me. I don't understand it myself, but that's the reality.
"Is that how you were able to check in on her for us, Z? Was that Ronan?" War's attention snaps to me. "Don't tell me you have her locked up in one of your houses."
"She's fine." It’s a fair question. It’s also a legitimate possibility when I get my hands on Marks.
"That's not a no." Z chuckles.
"I don't have her," I grit out. I'm not irritated with him or the question. I'm pissed that I don't have her. I'm starting to debate if I should end this all and simply drag her home with me. Not sure that would go over well. Marks doesn't have a clue that I'm on to her.
“But you want to?”
“Not sure what I’m going to do.” I let out a long, deep breath. “I need your help.” I turn my head toward Z.
“I don’t know where she is. It was only because of you we know she’s okay.”
“I know where she is.”
Z’s brows rise in surprise.
“How the fuck did you find her?” I shrug. “All right, then what do you need my help with?”
“She’s spooked.”
“You are a scary motherfucker. I mean, you showed up with a hand.” Z shakes his head. War actually fucking chuckles.
“It’s not me that spooked her.” I rub my hand against the top of my skull, tension building in me. I’m not used to this shit.
“And that’s why she’s lying low.” Z puts it together.
“I want to know who might be after her.”
“You want me to make a fucking list?” He laughs. I don’t get what’s so funny. “Shit, you really want a list?”
“Is there a whole list?”
“That don’t like her? Sure, there is a whole country that doesn’t care for Marks.”
“And I thought everyone hated me,” War says. I ignore him.
“Who is she scared of?”
Z leans back. “I suppose that would be the better question.” I can see he’s thinking it over.
“There could be a handful of people that could spook her. It wouldn't be easy to find out which.” I smirk.
“Shit, what do you have in mind?”
“A trap. He’s going to set a trap.” War answers before I can.
“It’s time to hunt,” I say, standing.
Whoever is after her is already dead. Even if it's a whole fucking country.
Chapter Six
ELLIE
Can you be addicted to a person? That’s what this has to be. I get antsy if I go too long without checking in on Ronan, which I’m guessing is the equivalent to some sort of withdrawal. It’s stupid; I don’t know the man. I’ve only met him once, but it feels like I do.
In my head we had this whole movie moment the first time we met. Sparks flew and all that other good stuff that happens. It really kind of did happen that way if you think about it. He’d been there to save his sister and Tova. Shots were fired, and blood splattered across the room. Even Cosima stabbed a man. It was all on another level. Then there was Ronan. When our eyes locked, it was the most intense experience of my life. It was the first time I ever felt connected to someone on that level.