Total pages in book: 160
Estimated words: 151097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 504(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 504(@300wpm)
Hope bloomed in my chest as I took an unconscious step forward. “What is it?” I asked.
Did it really matter? I’d do anything to save Roshaun.
“We can discuss that later,” Ocean said after glancing at his watch. I didn’t even recognize the fucking brand, but the price tag could probably buy a house. “Right now, I need you to get in the truck for me, baby.”
My belly dipped. “What?” The wind picked up, so I wrapped my arms around myself. I’d barely noticed the frigid temperature until now. “Why do I have to go with you if I’m just going to work for you? Can’t I just come by your office in the morning?”
As soon as I voiced the question, I knew it sounded ridiculous. Did mob bosses even have offices? Technically, Ocean was the underboss. He was second in command to his father, who was the actual Boss, but everyone knew who was truly running things.
Ocean didn’t respond right away. Instead, he reached behind him and removed his hoodie. I didn’t catch on to his intention until he stepped forward. Eyes widening, I stepped back, but he kept coming. When he grew tired of the cat and mouse, he grabbed a fistful of my corset and yanked me forward before forcing the hoodie over my head.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I whispered as soon as my head popped through the hole. I was drowning in the incredibly soft material—drowning in him. Ocean smelled diviiiine.
“We’re not done with our discussion,” he said, ignoring my gratitude, “and I’ve been exposed for too long.”
“Can’t you just email me?” I asked as I backed away again.
Ocean dragged me right back and said, “Get used to being near me, Coby. The position you’ll be filling requires constant and close contact. I’ll be your only company until I’m sure you’re loyal. Now get in the fucking truck.”
“I—”
“Get…in the fucking…truck.” His order was delivered with enough dominance to make my nipples painfully hard. “I don’t like repeating myself.”
Gulping, I reminded myself that my brother was slowly dying a few feet away. Hunter would tell my silly ass to get a damn grip. Ocean was fine and rich, but not kill-my-brother-and-get-away-with-it fine and rich.
“I’m just trying to understand,” I pleaded. No way I was going anywhere with him without the assurance that he wasn’t going to dump my ass in the sound later.
Ocean suddenly pulled me close until I was wrapped in his strength and his heat. “No harm will come to you,” he promised with a kiss to my cheek. My thong immediately dampened. “But until the debt is paid, you belong to the Fola, and unless I decide otherwise, you are mine.” There was a thoughtful pause, and then he added, “But I wouldn’t count on that last part happening.” My belly dipped. “Come willingly, and your brother lives,” Ocean warned. “Fight me, and he dies.” I peered up at him to find him watching me. “And then I take you anyway.”
“Those aren’t choices,” I argued. “That’s like telling me to choose between a cage and a cell.”
Ocean pinched my chin, and then he stared at my lips. “One has the potential of being comfier and more enjoyable than the other, mo aingeal.”
“How generous.”
“No.” I gasped at his tightening grip when I tried to look away. “The first lesson you’ll learn about me is that I’m a greedy motherfucker and I always get what I want in the end.” Without warning, Ocean lifted me into his arms and carried me over to the Denali. The back door was already open as one of the goons stood sentry by the taillight.
“Wait!” I screamed when Ocean tried to dump me inside the truck. To my surprise, he actually paused. “My brother?”
One nod from Ocean and the paramedics rushed forward.
I felt helpless and sick as I watched them load my brother up on the gurney before carting him back inside the club.
I should be going with him.
Once the paramedics disappeared with my brother, Ocean lifted a brow expectantly. Knowing there was no more reason to stall, I finally submitted to his will, and Ocean exhaled softly like he was relieved before carefully placing me inside. My ass and thighs immediately sank into the rich leather while Ocean took the time to buckle my seatbelt. Our gazes met once more when he was done, and I found it impossible to breathe with his face only a few inches from mine. His pupils were completely blown while he stared at my lips again.
Instinctively, I knew he wanted to kiss me.
And…to my woe…I still wanted that too. My fingers slowly uncurled from where they were clenched around the hem of my shorts, and then I was reaching for him when he suddenly swore in that language again and jerked free of the Denali.