Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 44963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
I wonder if Luke’s gone too far, his voice getting deep.
Dad massages his forehead, then he stares at me. It’s a look I know well, complete focus. It’s how he looks at me when he wants me to be totally honest, like when he asked about the guidance counselor.
“Tell me you want this, Violet. You’re not confused. This isn’t a response to all this craziness. You felt it the second you saw him. You’re certain you want everything he’s said. A life, a family, a future together.”
I return his gaze, staring firmly, letting Dad know I mean what I’m about to say.
“I want it all,” I tell him. “I’ve thought it through. This isn’t a rash decision. You know I’ve always wanted kids. I never thought I’d find somebody who made me feel this way. Now that I have, I can’t imagine letting him go.”
Dad nods, then turns to Luke. “And you… is this real?”
“It’s the realest thing I’ve ever felt,” Luke says, husky emotion in his voice. “I never dreamed she’d feel the same. I thought I was losing my mind, but it’s real, Andrew.”
Dad sits back, closes his eyes for a moment. This gives me and Luke a chance to exchange a glance. His features are tight with worry, a rare sight for my man.
Then Dad opens his eyes, nodding. “You’ve always been mature for your age, Violet, and I know you. I know you’re telling the truth. I know you want this, and I know something else, too.”
A pause, then Dad looks at Luke.
“You’re a good man. I know life led you down a certain path, but you saved us yesterday. You saved us the night you spared my life. I know there’s still that kid in you, desperate to do good.”
“Your daughter brings it out in me,” Luke says. “With her, I know I can be a good man and live a decent life.”
Dad pauses again for a long time. “If you do this, Luke, you have to find a new job. I left that life for a reason. I didn’t want my daughter raised in that world. Your dad’s gone now. He doesn’t get to control you anymore.”
“Gone?” I whisper.
“Drank himself to death,” Luke says gruffly. “He wasn’t mourned by many.”
I ache deep within, fresh urges sparking to life inside of me, urges to make my man’s life sunny and bright.
“What do you say?” Dad asks.
“I’ll leave the life,” Luke replies. “I’ve got enough money to start a fresh business and find new work. I’m ready to start this new chapter. I’m ready to let the darkness die in the past.”
Slowly, Dad smiles. “The world’s a strange place, but I can’t ignore my instincts, and my instincts are telling me this could work. I’ve never seen either of you like this before.”
“You’re giving your blessing?” I whisper, hardly able to accept it, feeling like I might jump up and scream in joy.
“I am,” Dad says, “but Luke, if you ever hurt her…”
“I’d die before I did that,” Luke says fiercely, “and I’d kill before I let anybody else hurt her, either. I’ll leave the life and the paid work. You have to know that. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep Violet safe.”
Dad’s smile widens. “I’d expect nothing less.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Luke
“The deal’s done,” Massimo says down the phone.
I’m sitting on the porch of our rented Californian home, a two-bedroom bungalow with an annex. Violet and I have been staying in the bungalow for the past week while we make arrangements with the mob. Andrew has been in the annex.
This past week has been the most magical of my life, waking with Violet in my arms, talking passionately about the future, or simply lying there and holding each other. Sharing the warmth, the love, the evidence this miracle of a woman has melted away the ice inside of me.
“You won’t get any trouble from the mob,” he goes on. “As long as those files never see the light of day…”
“They won’t,” I tell him, “but don’t make threats.”
He laughs darkly. “After what you did to those men in the forest, I’d be a fool to do that. You could’ve killed them all. We want to put this behind us. The accountant doesn’t need to die if he doesn’t rat us out.”
The phrase rat is like a hook trying to pull me back into my old life. I want nothing to do with it. The future is too bright.
“The mob is dead to me. Dead to Andrew. Dead to Violet. We want nothing to do with you.”
“Then we agree,” Massimo says. “Enjoy your life, wherever you end up.”
I hang up the phone, sitting back in the chair, closing my eyes, and listening to the sound of frying bacon coming from the bungalow. I look through the window at Violet in her PJ shorts and tank top, standing at the stove. Sunlight shafts through the window and rests on her, highlighting her beauty, the gorgeous curves of her hips, her beautifully messy hair spilling down her back. She catches me looking, turns, and smiles.