Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90642 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90642 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“You’re absolutely right about that. But you don’t have to worry. Even if Elena and I never build a traditional marriage, we’ll find a way to make our partnership work.”
Simon seems happy with that and starts talking about how he met his wife and how their marriage grew from a business proposal similar to what I have with Elena into something much deeper.
I’m only half listening. Mostly I picture Elena living in my home as my wife, bouncing around giving out orders and making sure everything is perfect, and maybe at one point in my life, I would’ve found that overbearing and annoying, but right now it only makes me smile. I want that woman in my life. I want her boundless energy and her deep empathy. Maybe I can learn something from her, something that will make me a better boss for my own organization.
“Enough of that,” Simon says and refills our glasses. “I asked you here for a favor. We have a delicate operation happening tonight, and I want you to push on your contacts in the CPD to make sure the cops aren’t paying attention to certain parts of the city.”
My eyebrows raise. “I’m guessing you can’t be more specific?”
“I’ll tell you the neighborhood and you tell me if this is doable. I’m not asking for too much. All I want is to make sure there are no patrols in the area. If any calls come in, I understand that they’ll have to respond.”
I grunt and sip the brandy, considering what I can do. “That’s possible,” I say at last. “But it depends on who’s working tonight.”
“Whatever help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.”
I nod and stand up. “I’ll make some calls.”
“Thank you, Brody.” He stands and we shake hands. “I hear that your family is stuck in red tape hell right now trying to get some permits in order. The rumors say the zoning board hates your guts.”
“Certain members,” I admit.
“Listen to Elena. I promise, she’s got the best political mind in our whole damn organization, and everyone likes her. If she can’t make your problem go away, come to me in a few months and I’ll see what else we can do.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
He nods and I leave. I take my time walking back to Elena’s house, strolling along the peaceful streets under big, wide leaves sprouting from old growth trees. It really is beautiful, this oasis of theirs, even with all the construction happening.
She’s waiting out front with her bags packed. A guard’s standing with her, a young, handsome man with good hair and a wide smile. He says something and she laughs, and my heart rate suddenly jumps as I pick up my pace. I don’t know what this feeling is, but I want to grab that guard’s throat and strangle him to fucking death.
I plant myself at my wife’s side. “You ready?” I grunt at her.
She looks up, frowning at me. “Hello to you too. Did you ever meet Matty? He’s been working on the oasis for a few years now.”
I nod at him. “Good to meet you. I’m her husband.”
His smile doesn’t falter. “I know, I was at the party. Well, I was lurking on a roof with a high-powered sniper rifle.” He mimes shooting a gun. “Fine times.”
“You should’ve come down for a drink,” Elena says, rolling her eyes. “You didn’t have to stay on duty all night.”
“I was scheduled.” Matty shrugs and runs a hand through his hair. I hate the way he looks at Elena, like he’s bashful around her. “Besides, I’m just a guard.”
“You almost got yourself killed during the attack driving that bulldozer. We appreciate you.” She squeezes his arm. “Next time, come have a drink.”
“Yeah, alright, if you insist.”
“We should get going.” I cut into her conversation, feeling like a fucking asshole. I don’t know why this is bothering me so much, but watching her touch him lights a fire in my heart. It’s all I can do to keep myself from breaking Matty’s fucking nose, and the guy didn’t even do anything wrong. He’s being perfectly respectful and hasn’t crossed any lines, and if he were talking to my own sister like this, I wouldn’t mind it one bit.
Except he’s talking to my wife. And she’s touching his arm. And it fucking pisses me off.
“Okay, rude,” Elena says, giving me another look.
I heft her bag up onto my shoulder. “Good meeting you,” I grunt at Matty, grab Elena’s wrist, and drag her along.
“What the hell was that?” she asks as I toss her luggage into the bed of my truck.
“That was nothing. I’ve got calls to make for your brother, that’s all.”
She leans against the driver’s side door and crosses her arms. I don’t like the look on her face one bit—it’s like she’s staring straight through me and she’s absolutely amused by what she’s finding.