Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
A soft smile formed on her lips. “Okay…” She fished into her pocket until she found the bag of pills. She took two out and placed them in the inside of each of her cheeks. “If I accidentally swallow…whatever.”
My eyes fell.
Tristan stepped outside with a few men, his hair just as greasy as it was before. He was in a black leather jacket and black jeans. At over six feet, he was a behemoth of a man. He stared at us down his crooked nose, annoyed that we were still in the car after seven.
Like I gave a damn.
“Thank you for everything,” she whispered. “You’re a good man, Cane. If you ever doubt your worth, just remember what I said.” She grabbed my hand and kissed my knuckles.
Now I would miss her even more than before.
She placed her hand on the door and took a deep breath before she opened it. With her back perfectly straight, she stepped out and stood tall.
I got out of the car and came to her side. Without thinking, I cupped her face between my hands and kissed her. It was a soft kiss, a delicate embrace that I’d given to her hundreds of times. It was full of respect, friendship, and adoration. This woman had become my friend, my muse. I wanted to protect her, and I felt powerless when I couldn’t. “I’ll never forget you, Bellissima. You’ll live forever.” I placed her hand over my chest. “In here.”
Her eyes watered, and I knew it wasn’t because she was scared.
I took her hand in mine and began the slow march back to Tristan. We were hundreds of yards away, and the walk was unnecessarily long. But I wanted to give her every moment that I could, give her fresh air for as long as possible.
Within the blink of an eye, we were face-to-face with Tristan and his crew.
His eyes were only for Adelina. “I’ve missed you, Adelina.”
She stared at him coldly, her hand still in mine.
“I hope you haven’t forgotten me. If you have, I’ll enjoy reminding you.” He extended his hand.
She didn’t take it.
His eyes narrowed. “This is off to a good start. I enjoy punishing you.”
My heart was racing fast. I could hardly breathe. I was lightheaded. I was sick. “Where’s the money?”
Tristan turned his expression to me. “I have to admit, I thought you wouldn’t show up today after I rejected your offer.”
Adelina’s eyes shifted to me.
“Twenty million dollars for one whore.” Tristan shook his head. “Didn’t put it past you to run. But your offer only makes me want her more.”
I wanted to pull out my pistol and shoot him right between the eyes. His goons would incinerate me, but it would be worth it.
Adelina’s eyes stayed on me before she looked away.
Tristan turned to one of his men. “Send the money.”
A man in all black worked a tablet, tapping the screen with his fingertips. Tristan stared at me as he waited, and I didn’t drop my expression. I met his fiery look with my own. The man finished up and handed the tablet over. “It’s done.”
Tristan held up the device so I could see. The money went through to my account. It was done. “Satisfied?”
I gave a slight nod.
Tristan handed the tablet back. “Now your end of the bargain.”
I didn’t drop Adelina’s hand. She’d have to make the first move. I would stand there as long as she needed me to.
Tristan snapped his fingers. “Come. Whore.”
Adelina’s expression didn’t change. She slowly pulled her hand away and took a step forward.
I felt weak the second she was gone. I felt dead the moment she was no longer mine. My world changed in that instant. It twisted and turned, making me feel sick. She was the center of my world for the past month. Now she was gone, just like the setting sun. But for me, it would be eternal night. My sun would never rise again.
Tristan wore a smile that looked like a grimace. “Good girl.” He grabbed her by the neck and pulled her to his side.
Both of my hands tightened into fists.
“Welcome home, cunt.” Tristan pressed his lips right against her ear. “I have a welcoming party planned for you.” He grabbed her by the hair and yanked on her scalp until she was thrown to the ground.
My body immediately lurched forward.
One of his men grabbed me by the shoulder and pushed me back. I was surrounded by five men, all with machine guns. One false move and I was dead. It wouldn’t change Adelina’s fate.
Tristan turned to me, his eyes narrowing. “The deal is done. Leave.”
I couldn’t move. I knew exactly what would happen to her once I was gone. The second she crossed the threshold, she would be stripped and pushed onto a bed. He would fuck her a million ways until she was sore and in tears. She might swallow both pills then and there.