Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Irritation clocks through me, and I ignore it.
She walks slower this time, back to the table to sit. I wait until she has settled herself and then stride over to the water and kick any rock she may have touched to the middle of the creek. I learned a long time ago that being paranoid isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Returning, I note that color has returned to her pretty face, yet she’s still rubbing her arms. “Would you like to put the jacket on until Garik brings us clothing?” The jacket is marred deep red, which is why I had her remove it.
“No,” she says. “I don’t.”
The woman reminds me of a cranky kitten. Cute with claws. I lope her way and then also sit on top of the rough wooden table.
“I’m sure you at least knew one of those men,” she says quietly.
“I’m not discussing this with you.”
Her nostrils flare as she visibly fights her temper. I like that about her. I shouldn’t, but I do.
Her hair flies into her face, and she pushes it away. “I’m an attorney, Alexei. As such, I’m uncomfortable with even the thought of working for the, well, the mob.”
I understand that concern. “The mob has always existed, and getting rid of it is impossible since the organization is woven into society. Somebody has to lead it.”
“But you break laws.”
“That’s true, but I’m trying to fix some of that.” The life isn’t an easy one, but having protection in place is mandatory for my peace of mind. “Where are we on getting my funds released?” I change the subject.
She took several calls while we studied my case file. In fact, she partially dictated a brief in favor of her motion to release my funds while also organizing files at the same time. The woman is impressive.
“The hearing’s set for tomorrow morning,” she says. “I believe your stepmother is going to contest the motion. Otherwise, we wouldn’t even need a hearing.”
“Is my presence required?” I keep my senses tuned to our surroundings.
She glances over at my jeans and shirt. “Yes, but only if you can find something nicer to wear. I need the charming Alexei and not the killer. Can you manage that?” Her sarcasm is amusing.
I expect her to be angry and in shock after the violence at the warehouse. This spunk and the obvious intelligence she’s shown all day have been a surprise. I underestimated her when she visited me in the jail, a fact for which I am actually grateful. I require a smart mate.
I hear an engine first and then the crunch of tires on gravel, so I push myself away from the table and withdraw the gun from the back of my waist. Garik’s battered truck soon comes into view, and I relax, dropping my arm but still keeping a grip on the weapon.
He pulls to a stop near the firepit and jumps out of the old Ford with a backpack slung over one shoulder that he tosses to me. I catch it easily with one hand as he reaches back into the vehicle and emerges again with a long box of matches and an impressive can of accelerant.
I reach into the backpack and draw out sweats and a sweatshirt to toss at Rosalie. “All your clothes. I mean everything.”
She glares at me, gives Garik a look for good measure, and then pushes off the table to stomp toward the tree line. Amusement takes me again. Damn, she is likable, whether I appreciate that fact or not.
I yank off my shirt and kick out of my boots, jeans, and boxers before pulling on a long-sleeve shirt and a pair of ripped and worn jeans.
“You have to get rid of the boots?” Garik asks. “Those are fine.”
Again, paranoia is a good thing. “Yeah.”
“I didn’t bring you shoes,” he says, wincing. “I’m sorry.”
“No worries. You brought socks.” I tug out socks to cover my feet. I never considered how fortunate it is to have a friend or a best friend or an only friend about the same size as me. I’m taller than most.
He squirts the accelerant onto the clothing and then flicks a match. Flames instantly rise.
Rosalie emerges from behind the trees and strides gracefully toward the fire to throw her bloody clothing into the flames. I note a pretty pair of pink panties with a matching bra before the fire engulfs them. I need to buy her new clothes after this.
I look down at her feet. “The shoes too.”
She takes a step back. “No way. These are my favorite kitten heels. I got them on discount. I’ll wash them really good when I get home.”
If I can get my funds released, I’ll buy her all the kitten heels she wants. Whatever the hell a kitten heel is. “Now, Rosalie, or I’ll take them from you.”