Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 105734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
CHAPTER 33
FRANKIE
The words on the screen are swimming in front of my eyes. It’s been a long day, and I finally got a chance to study. Despite my best efforts, it feels like I’m not gaining any ground when it comes to the exam. Every problem I work seems to magically disappear from my brain the moment I close the laptop. At this rate, I’m going to fail miserably, and there’s nothing I can do about it.
I rub my eyes, determined to continue until something sticks. If I can get just one concept under my belt, then I can call it quits for the day. But the thing I’m working on at the moment has so many moving parts, I feel like I’m going backward.
My phone beeps, and I pick it up. Part of being my father’s eventual replacement means I need to always be available. I don’t want to run the risk of anything going wrong if I’m supposed to be somewhere to talk to someone. I check it out of habit, but I’m not expecting what I see.
Sofia’s name shows up on the screen. My heart sings, but then I lance it with the memory of her betrayal. I’m not supposed to be excited to hear from her. In fact, I should be pissed. I wonder why she’s calling me. Surely, she realizes that we’re sworn enemies.
I don’t answer, and the phone continues to ring. After four vibrations, it shuts off, leaving me with a thousand questions. I don’t have to wait long before she texts me.
Sofia: We need to talk. My place in 10. Please.
That final please is what motivates me to go. I don’t think I’m going to be able to come back to my studies if I leave, but what choice do I have? She’s reaching out, and I still care about her enough to want to respond. I know this is foolish, but it’s all I must go on now. I’ve already decided my life isn’t worth much, and that I’m willing to sacrifice my entire future for my family. What is one more disappointment in the grand scheme of things?
I don’t want to take my bodyguards with me, but that’s the protocol I’ve lived with for most of my life. I decide to try using my newfound responsibilities by ordering the bodyguards to stand down.
They look at me as if I’m crazy, but they don’t try to follow me. One of them goes directly toward my father’s office, but I let him go. I don’t care if Dad knows where I’m going. He’s made it clear that he trusts me, and I’m about to test that trust.
I get into my car and drive down to the gatehouse. I wonder if they’re going to let me through or if they’re going to give me a hard time. My prayers are answered when the guard simply waves at me. I coast out onto the street with no questions asked, marveling at the autonomy my slowly growing power affords me.
It doesn’t take long to make the drive to Sofia’s place, although it’s not exactly ten minutes. Checking my watch, it looks more like twenty by the time I arrive. I knock on her door, my nerves a twisted bundle in my stomach. I want to see her, but I’m scared of it at the same time. Our last conversation wasn’t one I want to repeat. Hopefully, she has something else in mind, otherwise this will be a short trip.
“Frankie,” she says as she opens the door.
She looks stressed, and I can’t help but feel some pride in that regard. I’m the one who told her she’s going to spend the rest of her life looking over her shoulder. It seems like she’s taken that message to heart.
“Sofia,” I say, standing out in the hallway.
“Won’t you come in?” she asks, gesturing me inside.
I have an automatic reaction to her invitation that must be the product of my new lifestyle. I wonder if she’s got someone in there who’s going to jump me. This is her plan, to get me alone and have one of her work colleagues kick the crap out of me.
“I’ll stay out here,” I reply smugly.
“For goodness' sake,” she snaps. “I’m not a threat. Not to you.”
I sigh. There’s enough frustration in her voice to persuade me that she’s speaking the truth. I step into her apartment and watch as she closes the door behind me. A quick scan of the kitchen and living room lets me know that we are alone. I wonder again why she summoned me here, but I’ll let her get to that in her own time.
“How have you been?” I ask.
“Awful,” she moans. “What about you?”
“Pretty bad,” I agree.
She looks at me with the kind of adoring patience that I used to see all the time. It makes me wish that we could turn the clock back and forget all about our differences.