Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 154882 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 774(@200wpm)___ 620(@250wpm)___ 516(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 154882 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 774(@200wpm)___ 620(@250wpm)___ 516(@300wpm)
“No one said the assassin was the clever one. For all any of us know, he was the grunt who received the call when the window of opportunity opened up.”
“Perhaps you were the clever one, Miss Blaine. The DID play. Damsel in distress. You run in to save the day, and filled with gratitude, Sunny allows you into the place where he’s most vulnerable. Where we are all most vulnerable.”
My jaw dropped. “Are you fucking with me right now? You’re accusing me of orchestrating the attempted murder of a man I didn’t know existed three days ago?!”
“So you claim.”
I barked a laugh, bobbing my head. “Oh, I see. You’re an asshole.”
Three gasps and a snort from Sunny broke into our stare down.
“Yes, I am,” Liam said smoothly. “Though I prefer cautious.”
“I’d prefer to leave. Now. If you don’t want the sketch, let’s not waste our time.”
Liam shrugged and his powerful shoulders lifted his shirt slightly out of his pants. The barest tuft of blond hair peeked through.
“You’re staring.”
“No, I’m not,” I snapped, yanking my attention up. “Don’t flatter yourself. I have no interest in over-primped jerks who accuse and call me a liar.”
He smirked. “Don’t flatter yourself, sweetheart. I wasn’t offering.”
“I see a bloody nose in your future, dude,” Sienna muttered.
Damn, my sister really was psychic.
“Whoa, slow up.” Sunny wheeled between us. “No bad vibes here. This is a happy day. One that’ll be marked in history as the day Sole Bellisario was snatched from the grips of Hades and rose from the dead. Angel, don’t mind my bro. It’s in his nature to be suspicious. If he was in touch with his feelings, he’d hug, kiss, and weep all over you for saving his favorite brother. As it is, this is how close he gets to a thank-you.”
“No, it isn’t,” Liam said, tone smooth. “I can manage a true thank-you. Tonight. Dinner. La Belle’s. My treat.”
“I’m good,” I said.
“What reason do you have to refuse?”
“Is it so hard to believe I have other plans?”
Liam slowly raked me up and down, shrinking me in my ratty clothes and holey socks. “Yes.”
“Future amended,” Sienna said. “I’m the one who gives you a bloody nose.”
Unaware of just how dirty and scrappy a fighter my sister was, he shot her an amused wink. “There’s no need to break my nose. I’m leaving,” he said, sidestepping me. “I’ll be back at seven to escort you to dinner. The invitation is not optional. Bethany, have them ready. Good morning, ladies.”
He set off a wave of goodbyes from Sole’s staff—all with much sweeter expressions on their faces than mine.
“Bye, Mr. Hunt.”
“Have a nice day.”
“Ass.” I turned on Sunny. “You’re his favorite brother, but I’m guessing he’s not yours.”
“Don’t mind him. His bite’s worse than his bark.”
I frowned. “Isn’t that supposed to be the other way around?”
“Not in his case.”
“Okay,” I drew out. “Well, since he doesn’t speak for you, I’m fine with handing you the sketch and being on my way. I won’t make it to dinner—”
“Ahem,” Bethany interrupted. “Mr. Hunt has requested your presence. I’m afraid not attending isn’t an option, as mentioned.”
“You can’t—”
“She’s right, Angel.” Sunny kissed my knuckles. “Liam would’ve sent word to Thatcher by now not to let you out of the building.”
Fuller’s grip was iron around my wrist, pulling me free and away from Sunny.
“But you can call down and tell him to let us go,” I cried.
“I can, but then you would leave. And why would I want that?”
His grin followed me bellowing around the corner. I may be his angel, but Sole Bellisario was not mine.
BETHANY AND TWO OF the house staff deposited me in the bathroom.
“What is wrong with you people? Let me go!”
“We apologize for manhandling you.” Fuller was as far from apologetic as you could be. “We’ll leave you alone to shower. Just tell me your dress and shoe size. I’ll also put a call into the hairstylist and manicurist.”
“Like hell you will.” I charged the door. Bethany blocked my path.
“Miss Blaine, your anger perplexes me. Everyone from the family to the staff owes you a debt we can’t repay for saving Sole and returning him home. All his brother asks is that you allow him to take you to dinner, and you can’t get out of here fast enough.
“You say there’s something wrong with us for showing you kindness or gratitude. By the looks of you, it’s been a while since you received either. If I were you, Miss Blaine, I’d cease with the hysterics and show your fall onto hard times didn’t drum out all sense of graciousness.”
I jerked back like she struck me. My retort sprang to my lips, hot and scratchy, where it died.
“You’re right,” I rasped. “Treating me to dinner is the least he can do, and the least I could accept. It’s just... I can’t afford to pay back new clothes, shoes, haircuts, and manicures.”