Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 111537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 558(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 558(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
Halfway down the stairs, I run into Frankie. He’s walking out of the kitchen with a plate full of food, on the way to his suite. He stops, staring at me as if he hopes I would disappear. I know he’s still mad at me for taking Marlena. It’s not hard to deduce that he was attracted to her too. I don’t feel like a winner, only like a bad father. I’ve also just stolen from and lied to my intended bride, so I feel bad about that too.
“Frankie,” I say. “Can we talk?”
“I don’t have anything to say to you,” he snaps.
I plant myself in front of him, determined to say my piece. “I’m sorry that things worked out this way. Believe me, I didn’t have any designs on Marlena until she got into trouble.”
“That’s such a lie,” Frankie scoffs. “You wanted her from the day I brought her home. And guess what? You got her. You’re such a big man, why wouldn’t she go straight to the top?”
“I didn’t steal her from you,” I counter.
“Yes, you did,” he replies. “But you know what? It doesn’t matter. You’re always going to win and I’m always going to lose.”
“Don’t say that, Frankie,” I implore him. “I have to go away for a little while. But I want you to know, if anything happens, I’ve always loved you.”
That stops him. He lowers his plate and gives me a concerned look, devoid of all the hatred that had been there moments ago. “Is everything all right?”
“I can’t go into it,” I say hesitantly.
“Of course,” he mutters.
“It’s not me,” I assure him. “It’s Marlena who’s in trouble.”
“What kind of trouble?” He’s quick to ask.
“The violent kind,” I reply.
Frankie thinks about that for a moment, and then decides he’s on board with my plan. “Good. Get her out of here. I don’t want to see her hurt.”
“Neither do I,” I agree.
“So when will you be back?”
Our argument is over just like that. We’re back to being on the same team, taking care of the people in our lives. I want to share everything I know with him, but I’m well aware that the less he knows, the better.
“I’m not sure,” I say. “I’ll be in touch.”
“Okay,” he responds, easing past me.
We hug briefly, and I can sense that all is forgiven. It feels good to know that I’ve reconnected with my son, even if it’s for all the wrong reasons. At least we’re on the same page about getting Marlena out of harm’s way.
“One more thing,” I say, grabbing onto his arm. “Don’t tell her that we’re going anywhere.”
Frankie smirks. He’s seen this before. Not the exact same circumstance, but he knows that information is currency around here. He won’t say anything to her, but he’s letting me know he thinks I should. I shake my head, telling him it’s out of my hands. If I tell the truth, she won’t come along, and I can’t risk that. He shrugs, knowing he’s not going to win this argument. It’s an entire conversation of silent glances and familiar gestures. We both know what’s going on because we’ve been around the block a million times.
Frankie goes upstairs and passes Marlena’s door. She hasn’t come out yet, and I’m grateful for small favors. I pack a bag for myself because I don’t want to buy every damned thing. I have it stored in the trunk of the limo so that by the time Marlena comes downstairs, I’m ready to go.
“Shall we?” I ask, holding out a hand.
“I think this is good,” she observes. “Shopping will take my mind off Brandon until I can see him again.”
“My thoughts exactly,” I reply, giving her a practiced smile.
I help her into the back of the limo, and we’re off. We stop at a department store first so that we can purchase some basic items.
“I don’t need any more underwear,” she says suspiciously.
“Humor me,” I reply, snaking an arm around her waist and pulling her close. “I may want to rip them off you, so I want to make sure you have extra.”
She laughs, turning red in the face and slapping me playfully on the chest. “These aren’t even sexy.”
“If you wear them, they’ll be sexy,” I assure her.
Thank goodness she doesn’t complain anymore, and we’re able to purchase an entire week’s worth of underwear, socks, and pajamas. Then, I take her to one of the fancier boutiques where she chooses a few dresses. She models each one for me, and I can’t help but picture them all on the floor while I’m pushing up against her on the bed.
She looks good no matter what she’s wearing, and I tell her as much. The salesgirl isn’t impressed. She takes over and talks to Marlena about shape and cut, about how flattering the waistlines are and how much cleavage to show.