Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 23400 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23400 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
I cleared my throat. “I thought it would be a good idea to let everyone relax for—”
“I don’t pay you to think.” He stabbed his chubby finger in the air. “I pay you to count the numbers and open up the place while I’m gone—”
“Speaking of pay.” I held the star in front of me. “My check is two weeks late, Rudy—”
“I don’t have it this week, but be sure that next week I will—”
“Rudy, you do have it. I’m the one that counts the money. Remember?”
“Several emergencies came up this week that—”
“I need my money, Rudy. You know that most of my checks go to my father to help pay for my mother’s nursing home bill.”
“Listen, Mariah. I can’t pay you right now. There are things that are outside of my control.”
I was about to counter that argument when I spotted a tall man stepping through the opened door. His designer suit barely concealed the bulk of his muscle.
I raised my eyebrows.
Who is this?
Power and danger radiated from his huge frame. His short black hair waved and curled. His blue eyes were cold and hard like the center of an iceberg.
Fuck.
He scanned the room like a predator searching for prey.
Then, he locked those deadly eyes on me.
Oh no.
I gulped in fear.
Although terrified to be his gaze’s target, I could not deny that he was absolutely gorgeous. He had the high cheekbones of a prince—sharp and sculpted. His mouth looked soft, yet authoritative like those lips could stop wars.
I froze like a dear trapped in headlights.
Two men entered behind him. Tall and fierce. Dark hair and dark eyes.
Not knowing the men were behind him, Rudy continued to argue with me, “There’s these guys that I owe money to, so you will have to take a number and stand in line, Mariah.”
The man in the doorway spoke, and his voice was warm silk on my eardrums. “That’s right, Mariah.”
My body shivered at his saying my name.
The man moved his view to Rudy. “Get in line.”
“Oh!” Trembling, Rudy turned around. “G-gabriel, w-what are you doing here? I-I told your father that I would c-come around this evening.”
“You did.” Gabriel prowled forward and stopped a foot in front of Rudy, completely towering over my boss. “But, you told my father that last month, and the month before that and the month before that.”
Vicky whistled from the couch. “I don’t know how much Rudy owes, but I would be happy to pay you back with my pussy.”
Gabriel kept his view on Rudy.
My boss raised his shaking hands. “I-I swear to God I will give your father the money this evening.”
Gabriel raised one finger and slowly wagged it. “I’m not here about the money.”
“W-what?”
“You told your son Savio about the shipment and now it’s gone.”
“What?” Rudy shook his head. “Never. My son and I had nothing to do with the missing gun shipment last week.”
Gabriel grinned, setting my nerves on edge. “I never said the shipment was guns or that it was last week.”
Rudy inched back. “My son and I h-had nothing to do—”
Fast, Gabriel grabbed Rudy by the neck and tightened his grip.
“Ah!” I dropped the Christmas star.
Rudy’s face turned red and his eyes bulged.
Oh my God!
I stepped back and looked away, unable to watch anymore. Gurgling noises sounded. Then, a boom crashed.
I shivered.
Vicky chuckled. “Rest in Peace, asshole.”
What?
Petrified, I slowly turned around.
Rudy lay dead on the ground. His eyes were wide and empty. The terror of death decorated his face. His head had landed hard on the pointed crystal star. Blood dripped down the star and pooled on the carpet.
In my head, I screamed. My stomach twisted. I hugged myself, needing to hold on to something.
“Ladies, this place will be under new management.” Gabriel faced the couch and gazed at them. “However, you all are off for tonight with pay. There’s a mess that needs to be cleaned. Your new manager will meet you tomorrow afternoon.”
R-rudy is really. . .dead. . .
A cold shiver ran up my spine.
Vicky raised her hand. “What about Rudy’s son, Savio. He’s a violent asshole. I don’t want to be caught in the middle of some war.”
“I have that taken care of, sweetheart.” Gabriel gave her a sexy smile. “Enjoy your evening. My partners at the door will hand you each a nice stack of cash for your trouble.”
As if it was just another day, they rose from couch and headed in that direction. None of them looked shaken by Rudy’s death.
I can’t be here. I just. . .can’t. . .
Still trembling, I slowly walked forward. I didn’t care about the money. I just needed to get out of the brothel and away from Rudy’s corpse.
But, then Gabriel stepped in my path.
“Excuse me.” I tried to walk around.
He gently grabbed my arm. “Everyone is off tonight. Except you.”
I did my best to get control. “Y-you want me to show you the books?”