Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
“I have nothin’ to say to you, Briella. You shouldn’t be here, you don’t belong here, and you’re not welcome.”
“Says who? You? You’re the only one. Everyone else doesn’t have an issue with me being back.”
“Leave,” he grinds out, taking a step forward.
“Fuck, calm down, Prez. This doesn’t need to get ugly,” Cohen says, stepping around the couch to get closer to Alarick. “She’s here lookin’ for Magnolia, then she’s leavin’. I told her I’d help her. Doesn’t need to bother you.”
“Magnolia is a fuckin’ wreck and chooses to be that way, she’s wastin’ her time.”
“I’m right here!” I cry out, standing. “You could at least speak to me.”
Alarick swings those deadly eyes back to me and growls, “Magnolia is a fuckin’ wreck. You’re wastin’ your fuckin’ time. Go home.”
“She’s my sister, I’m not leaving until I’ve made sure she’s okay.”
“She’s choosin’ her life.”
“This ain’t helpin’ anyone,” Cohen says, putting a hand up. “Bri isn’t leavin’, Flick. You can’t make her. Best if you avoid contact until she’s found out what she needs to.”
Alarick looks to Cohen, and growls, “You know how I feel about her.”
“I know.” Cohen nods. “I fuckin’ know, but she’s my family too and I’m not goin’ to kick her out because you two have issues. Gotta respect that I’m makin’ my own mind up about this.”
“She doesn’t come to the club, she doesn’t come to my studio, she stays the fuck away from me. Clear?”
My heart aches at his words. It feels like it’s slowly sinking down into my chest.
“Clear,” Cohen agrees, his voice rough.
“We need to talk outside,” Alarick growls at him, then turns and storms out.
“Well,” I exhale softly. “This is all going very well.”
Cohen looks to me. “It’ll be okay.”
Then he follows Alarick out the door.
I very much doubt that.
“BRIELLA, IS THAT YOU?”
I narrow my eyes at the girl sitting in the corner of the café, and then smile when I realize it’s Karen.
Karen was Alarick’s first girlfriend, and they were together for a few months before he dumped her after receiving the attention from way too many gorgeous girls. Not that Karen isn’t gorgeous, he just wanted to see what other options he had. Typical young male.
“Karen?” I beam, walking over. “You’re still in town!”
She laughs and stands, “I am, crazy I know.” She throws her arms around me. “I never thought I’d see you back here.”
I roll my eyes dramatically. “Me either. I’m here to find Magnolia, have you seen her about?”
Karen purses her lips. “Actually, I did see her a little while ago. She was hanging out with this guy, I forget his name, but I think it’s like Brad or Brock, something like that. They were fighting on the street, and he kind of grabbed her and pulled her into his car. That was the last I saw her. I don’t know where she’s living, but I did let her friend Phoebe know when I saw her in town. So hopefully she checked on her. Have you not heard from her?”
“Not for a few weeks,” I mumble. “I’m worried something has gone wrong. It’s not like her to at least send me a text. She’s usually really good with checking in. Do you think that man she was with could have done something to her?”
Karen’s face goes a little pale and she looks worried. “Oh, gosh, I didn’t think of that. I thought they were just having a fight. I thought it was her boyfriend. I should have said something ...”
“No, no, it’s not your fault, Karen. I just worry she’s gotten herself into some trouble. You don’t happen to know where she works? Or even where he works? By chance?”
“I know she works just out of town at a butcher. I can give you the directions. I don’t know where he works, but I do know he’s friends with a guy I know, I can give you his number and maybe you can track him down? I’m happy to help, I’m not working at the moment and need something to distract me.”
“That would be amazing.”
“Have you caught up with Alarick since you’ve been back?”
I snort, shaking my head. “Alarick and I aren’t on speaking terms.”
“Really?” she frowns, pursing her lips. “That’s so weird. I always thought you two were super close.”
“We were once, until I left. He wasn’t happy about it. It’s a long story.”
“Oh. Makes sense. Though he doesn’t tell me much so I wouldn’t know. You know what he’s like. A silent man.”
“You still see him?” I ask, shocked.
I didn’t think Karen still had anything to do with Alarick since they broke up when they were just teens.
“Here and there,” she says, rolling her eyes but I can see the hurt in her face. “When he’s looking for a good time.”
Oh.
Right.
“You should tell him to go find it somewhere else; you’re way better than to be someone’s booty call.”