Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 108165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 541(@200wpm)___ 433(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 541(@200wpm)___ 433(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
Jackson’s surveillance of their house has shown Molly at home since the video text. She’s locked in her ivory tower. Before leaving the restaurant, Jackson takes pictures of the new additions to Archer’s security team.
When he returns home, the only car in the driveway is Frankie’s. He hears a rhythmic knocking from the distance, closer to the house that burned down. He makes his way around the rubble.
Frankie’s going to town with an ax on the thick trunk of the oak tree, sweat dripping down her face and saturating her gray tank top.
“Chainsaw would be easier.”
She stands with a huff and drops the ax.
“Where are the folks?”
She swipes her arm across her brow. “They disowned me and headed home.”
He nods slowly. “And now you’re mad at the tree?”
“My brother blew his brains out a few feet from this tree. Then Steven hung himself from it. The house is gone. The memories are buried in soot. But this fucking tree remains unscathed.”
“What’s next on your revenge list? The wife? The husband? The dog?”
Her nose wrinkles. “Do they have a dog?”
Jackson shakes his head.
“The wife has a boyfriend. I think I should catch him cheating on her. It would devastate her more than her husband cheating on her. And clearly, I’m going to burn down their house at some point.”
“Cheating and arson. You’ll have quite the resume when you’re done with them. I’m concerned that your idea of getting him to cheat on her is seducing him yourself.”
She shrugs. “Is that a problem?”
He refuses to back down from the challenging gleam in her eyes.
“Maybe I should fuck Corinne just for good measure. Let’s blow up the entire family in a sex ring.”
“Sex ring? Doesn’t that imply the involvement of children?”
“Molly’s seventeen.”
Frankie’s head jerks back as she winces. “Are you implying you’re going to have sex with Molly? What is wrong with you?”
“What?” He slides his hands into his back pockets. “Is that too far? Is there a line you won’t cross to get revenge?”
“It’s not me. I’m taken aback that you’d do such an awful thing.”
He nods several times. “Is it awful because she’s seventeen or that I’m the one willing to fuck her?”
“Both.”
“Interesting. I have no issue with you spreading your legs for Archer or Corinne’s lover. It makes my day. Nothing weird about it at all. In fact, I don’t know why you didn’t try to seduce Molly’s boyfriend. You’re a MILF. You could pull that off.”
“I’m not a mother. And that’s different.”
Jackson ambles back toward the garage. “Keep telling yourself that.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
FRANCESCA
Archer: I’m sorry
After giving up on the tree, I glance at his message on my way back to the house. My hands are blistered to the point of feeling debilitated.
Me: I don’t think there are enough “I’m sorrys” for nearly getting me killed
Archer: You weren’t the target
Me: I don’t want to be collateral damage. I’m out
Archer: Can I see you?
Me: I’m out
Archer: You’re not that weak
“Fuck you,” I murmur.
Me: I’m not that stupid
Archer: I’ll do anything to see you again
Me: I have a boyfriend
Archer: Maybe you should set him up with my wife
I ease my achy, sweaty body into the wooden rocker on the porch and stare at his text.
Me: I’ll run it by him
Archer: Tell me about him
Me: He’s private
Archer: Good in bed?
Me: Not sure. We don’t use a bed
Archer: See me tonight
There’s nothing more dangerous than a man with something to prove, especially one who feels threatened by another man.
Archer: PLEASE
Me: Raincheck
Archer: I’m not that patient
Me: I’m not that submissive
Archer: You will be
“How do you feel about carnivals?” The door creaks when Eloise opens it.
I tuck my phone into my pocket. “I’ve never been asked that before. How should I feel about them?”
“A friend of mine asked me to assist her. It’s from six to eleven tonight in Rhodale. I could use a ride there. She’ll bring me home, so you won’t have to stay the whole time.”
“What does your friend do at the carnival?”
“Palmistry.” A conspiratorial grin steals Eloise’s lips. “She’s very accurate.”
“Maybe I could use a palm reading.”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
“Did you ask Jack?”
“Yes, but he said he doesn’t go out at night.”
I narrow my eyes. “Is that so? Past his bedtime?”
She laughs. “Perhaps. It’s just another mysterious thing about him.”
“Maybe nighttime is when he chops up the bodies.”
She glances at the garage and hums. “I’ve thought about that. He never stays past sunset when I invite him to dinner.”
“Exactly.”
“I feel bad for you, Francesca.”
I narrow my eyes.
“I like Jack, but I fear he’s using you for …” Her nose crinkles.
“Sex?”
She nods.
“What if I’m using him for sex?”
Her eyes widen as if the idea is unbelievable. “Are you?”
I think of our sexual encounters, which only once led to actual sex. I don’t count oral, just like I didn’t count it in high school with Aiden Walker.