Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Gregor fucking Hennessy. The eldest son who I’ve heard whispers of. The one who had fallen out with his father. For the first time I’ve ever known, the district’s gossip is wildly accurate. Looking at Clayton’s gray eyes as he watches Sidney, I don’t know how I missed this.
Clayton’s hair may be much darker, but the face. He and his brother have so many similar features. The eyes, the nose, and that mouth. Those mouths are made for sin.
Over the years, I’ve tried to tell myself Brodi was just a dream, none of it ever happened. It’s the only way I know how to breathe. I’ve wiped him from my thoughts and my memory. It’s the only way I could stop the bleeding in my heart.
I resent him so much for this. For not staying buried under whichever rock he was under. I turn away from watching Clayton ogle my friend to look out the SUV’s window.
I know that look, Sid doesn’t stand a chance. If Clayton is anything like his brother, she might as well place her heart in his hands and walk away. It will be useless to her.
She will never own it again. I just hope Clayton takes better care of hers. It’s too late for mine. I gave up wanting love or believing in it a long, long time ago.
The SUV stops, pulling me from my musing. I just want to go home and soak in a hot bath. Just the knowledge of Brodi making a reappearance in my life has every single muscle in my body tense. I close my eyes, reaching for my temples to try to release some of the pressure.
“This isn’t my home. You told me you would be taking me home,” Sid says in a tired voice. I can feel her exhaustion from the back seat where I’m sitting.
She sounds how I feel. My emotions are all over the place. First, the bullshit with Brodi—which I’m still wrapping my head around—then my accounts and Ally’s tuition. Oh, let’s not forget the warrant for my arrest.
In all honesty, I signed those papers because of Ally. If I didn’t have my sister to worry about, Brodi or Gregor, whatever the fuck his name is could kiss my fucking ass.
I don’t even know how all of this is supposed to help matters, but I trust Sid with everything I am. If she’s willing to do this, then I trust her instincts. She has always had better instincts than I have. Although, when I open my eyes to see her glaring at Clayton, she looks as wary as I feel.
“Yes, I did, and I have. Our New York home,” Clayton says.
“Wait, what?” Sid shakes her head slowly.
If I wasn’t so pissed, I’d laugh. Clayton reaches to tip her chin up with his fingertips. I shudder in my seat. I’ve had that exact move done to me more times than I’d like to remember. It must run in the family too.
“I told you to read the contract, Sidney. If you would’ve read the contract, in its entirety, you would’ve read that you’ll be living with me,” he replies to her, placing a kiss on the tip of her nose.
“Excuse me?” Sidney breathes with knitted brows.
I feel for her. I’ve been there done that. Brodi had me trapped like a charmed rat just like Sid looks right now. Then it hits me. If I’m here and I signed that damn contract… fuck.
“Oh, this is priceless,” I huff. “I’m guessing I signed up for the same crap.”
Clayton has the nerve to chuckle as he moves out of the car. He doesn’t answer me, which pisses me off more. I already know the answer, but I’m fuming just the same. Sid turns toward me, but I roll my eyes, turning away from her.
I don’t want her to see what I’m barely hiding. I’ve been trying to hold it together all night. I thought we’d never leave the little engagement party Clayton orchestrated.
I start to climb from the SUV, needing fresh air like I need life. Clayton holds his hand out to help me. I take it and step down. Looking around, I note the opulence of the buildings surrounding us.
I keep my focus straight ahead as Sid takes her time getting out of the car. Wherever I’ll be spending the night, I just want to get there and pass out. I can process this all better after I’ve had some sleep. In the morning, I need to call my sister and see how things are and what I need to do next.
All of our shoes echo across the sparkling floors as we move into the lobby. I’ve set a brisk pace, causing Clayton to hurry a dazed Sid along. I feel bad, but I need to be alone as soon as possible.