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)
“I know I don’t. I never asked to. Even now, I’m not asking to. What I’m telling you is, you’re safer here with me. I send you back, I’m placing more weight on my brother’s shoulders because he’s the only one I trust to keep you safe, and he already has Sid and Ally.”
I roll my eyes. “I’ve taken care of myself for thirty-two years. I don’t need you or your brother.”
“That might very well be true, but this is beyond the obstacles you’ve had thrown at you. The people who are involved in our world and in this situation aren’t like the street thugs you once told me you had to fight off to keep your sister safe. She’s graduated to people Clay and his friends are better off handling.”
“Okay, well, it’s time for me to graduate right along with her. Nobody will go to war for my sister like I will. Trust me, Brodi. You need to send me home.” I pause and suck in a breath. “You know what? Why am I asking you to send me back? I can afford to do it myself. I’m out of here.”
“Cee,” he groans.
Just then my phone rings. I turn my back on Brodi and answer the call. “Hello,” I bite out.
“Hey, sorry about that. What’s up?”
“What the hell is going on with you, Ally? Don’t give me any bullshit either.”
“I’m fine. Clay and Cane have been helping me out. It will all be fine.”
“What will be fine?”
“I can’t get into it over the phone. We can talk when you come back, but you don’t have to rush. Everything is fine.”
“If everything is fine, why aren’t you in Europe?”
“That wasn’t for me. I didn’t like it. I wanted to come home. I just didn’t know how to tell you.”
“Ally,” I drag out.
“Stop worrying so much. Cane showed me a picture of Gregor. Why don’t you focus on him? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you date before. I’m okay. Stop being a mom for once. I’m okay, sis.”
I huff and roll my eyes. I still feel like everyone is hiding something from me. Maybe I shouldn’t run back because I might hurt this girl if I find out what’s really going on with her.
I turn to look at Brodi. He pushes a hand through his hair as he looks down at his phone. I work my jaw and roll my eyes to keep the tears from falling.
“Ally, if something is going on and you need me, call. I’ll be on the first flight home.”
“Please don’t,” she says a little too quickly. “I’m a big girl. I have this handled.”
“I love you,” I sigh. “I’d never forgive myself if something ever happened to you.”
“I love you too. I have to go.”
She hangs up before I can even say another word. I purse my lips. There’s never a dull moment with that girl.
“Are you up for that meal?”
I lift my gaze to find Brodi watching me closely through his lashes. I check myself before I hurl my anger with my sister at him. Running my hand through my hair, I release a breath and my stomach chooses that moment to growl.
“Yeah, okay. I could use a beer or a stiff drink from the bar now that I think about it.”
“Come on, my treat.” He gives me a weak smile.
“Give me a sec to change.”
I still have on the paint-splattered T-shirt I’ve been wearing all day. I look a mess, if I’m honest.
“Take your time. I’ll be in the common area. I need to make a call.”
I don’t reply. I turn for the closet to find something to throw on and head to the bathroom. A part of my thoughts is still with Ally. I know she’s an adult now, but I still feel like it’s my job to make sure she’s a successful adult.
My mother had such big dreams for the both of us. I may have put my dreams off, but there’s no reason Ally can’t succeed. Other than her ability to land right in the middle of trouble. I’ve fought so many battles to keep her safe.
Sid and I beat down gang members to get my point across. My sister is off-limits. We had to move after that one time, we were all in danger, but for Ally, I’d do it all over again. I know Sid would too.
* * *
Gregor
“Hello,” my brother answers his phone.
“Clay, we need to talk,” I say into the phone as I run a hand through my hair.
“If you’re calling to add one more thing to my plate, I’m hanging up.”
I blow out a breath, feeling bad I’m not there to help him wade through everything that’s going on. My frustration rises. It’s like all this shit is snowballing.
“I don’t want to add anything. I’m just trying to find out what’s going on with Ally. Chloe’s starting to freak out.”