Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 57064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Joshua leans back, uncomfortable. “I looked into it, and as far as I can tell, there was no other contact. He acted alone,” Joshua urges, but I don’t know that it’s true. In my very bones, I don’t think Ivan was lying. There was someone else involved. Someone who wants Kiersten, and I’ve only made matters worse.
“No one came to her apartment,” Joshua adds. I told him everything, and Ivan did say if she didn’t go to the auction, they would go to her.
He doesn't understand, though. I can’t risk a damn thing when it comes to her. So I make the hardest choice . . . and do the right thing. “I’m done with her.”
Joshua gives me a look that says he doesn’t believe me. “Are you sure? Gabriel, I’ve never had a true conversation with her, but I see what she’s done for you. She made you happy and a better man.”
“That may be, but I can’t risk it,” I reply. “Me leaving? Well, men in our positions have done it before. But to leave with her? She’d be connected to me, and when the hammer falls . . . it would ruin her life.”
“Do you think leaving will be easy on her?” Joshua questions. Again, he leans back in his seat, eyeing me. “Your leaving could ruin her too. Ruin yourself as well.”
“I know,” I admit, although to which part I’m not quite sure. “But this gives her a chance, at least. I’ll give her enough money to start over. A new name, a new state. A fresh start without me tainting her life.”
Joshua says, “How much are you leaving her?”
“Pennies on the dollar,” I admit, the uncomfortable truth twisting in the pit of my stomach. “Liquidating my assets has been rushed. More than a few bastards are dancing on my proverbial grave right now.”
“Those missing pennies bought you your freedom in case something changes here before that case is closed,” Joshua reminds me.
Sucking in a breath and forcing my thumb to fucking stay still, I bite out the question that has kept me up at night. “Would you do me a favor? Not professional, no money, just . . . as a friend?”
Joshua nods, guessing my request before I have to ask it. “I’ll check in on her. I’ll make sure she’s safe.”
It’s the most I can ask for. It’s more than I deserve to ask for. “Thank you.” For the first time in days, I feel the hint of relief, although it comes with an agony and grief I’ve never experienced.
KIERSTEN
Present
For the first time in years, I’m actually nervous as I unlock the door to Club X. My palms are clammy and my stomach is full of jitters. Then again, most of the time, when I show someone around, they’re either an employee who’s here to make money or a prospective member. They don’t mean a damn thing to me like this man does.
With Gabriel at my side, though, I’m anxious. I hope he loves it. I hope he sees the pieces of us in this place. Maybe by now, he knows, or at least understands, that this is all because of him. Every square inch of Club X was a testament to what he did for me, what he taught me. They’re lessons that I’ve passed on for almost twenty years.
“When did you open this club?” Gabriel asks as we step into the entryway. It’s difficult to read him. He brought me flowers and insisted that we come here while the place is closed for him to see what I’ve been up to.
His energy is slightly off, or at least I think it is. It has been years, and although there are sparks and embers of what used to be, so much time has passed, and we both know our past is covered in ash. Even still, I find myself falling back to the young woman I once was.
“It took me about six months to decide how I wanted each piece to be,” I tell him, closing and locking the door behind us. We’re alone. It’s still far too early for any other staff or members to be here. “It cost more money than I ever imagined.”
His steely gaze moves around the room slowly. Rough stubble lines his hardened jaw, and I’m caught staring at him when he glances back at me. A blush creeps up, and I’m reminded of how much power this man has over me. How even after all these years, all I want to do is please him.
As he chuckles, letting his hand brush the small of my back to lead me forward, I distract myself with the details.
“Joshua helped me get it off the ground too, as a silent investor. He worked here for a long time as my security and leading the detail, making sure that the members obeyed the rules. I’ve learned more than a few things about him through that. I’m glad he’s found his wife.”