Total pages in book: 177
Estimated words: 163387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 817(@200wpm)___ 654(@250wpm)___ 545(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 163387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 817(@200wpm)___ 654(@250wpm)___ 545(@300wpm)
Grandpa Astor huffed at his wife, who he was certain had helped her friend win the pot when she realized she couldn’t win it herself. The two women were always cheating to get their way. Then again, the stakes were high. Tonight’s game was like a fight to the death. It was men versus women, and the winners got to choose the name of their first great-grandchild.
As to the conversation going on around him, he didn’t much care, as long as the job was done. “Now, the kids will have some peace. They can start their new lives without worry.”
“The senator…” He looked over at his old friend, who was also looking at his own wife suspiciously, though he knew neither of them would dare confront their women on their thievery.
“He couldn’t control his house. How can he be trusted to run a country?” Grandpa Astor answered the question before it was asked as he picked up the hand that was dealt him.
This wasn’t the first night they’d spent like this, and it won’t be the last. The first time was almost twenty years ago when those animals violated that poor girl and took her life. Though she wasn’t of their blood, she had been one of them, the friend his daughter had seen as more like a sister.
He felt no guilt about the blood on their hands. Tonight, he was just pleased that his new grandson-in-law wouldn’t have to carry that burden. That his dearly beloved granddaughter could now live her life without that dark shadow following her for the rest of it. How dare she? Senator’s daughter. Filth!
He wasn’t fazed by the fact that no one at the table seemed bothered by what they had set into play, not like in the beginning when these things first became necessary. He knew and understood the heart of each and every one of them and knew the goodness that lived there.
They make a point not to use their obscene wealth for evil, not to trample those beneath them but instead lift them up where they can. But once someone crosses the line, there’s no turning back. Justice, their justice, is swift, accurate, and fair.
CODY
I slipped back into the apartment, still a bit unsettled about not only what I’d left behind at Susie’s place but the whole exchange that just took place downstairs. Who the heck is that couple, and why did they lie? And the doorman, where did he come from? Granted, I’m new here, so he may well be the regular guy. So why do I get the feeling that he’s more than he seems?
I shook it off as I made it to the bedroom, where Lisa was still fast asleep the way I’d expected. I took a quick shower and doused my head a couple of times to clear it, then stood looking down at her chest as it rose and fell and being grateful that I’d walked out of Susie’s place before things went too far.
Now that she wasn’t in front of me, angering the shit out of me, rationality ruled once again. As to the threats she made, I’ll just have to figure out how to thwart her in the future if it comes to that. As long as Lisa and I have each other, I’m convinced we can weather any storm.
“Cody?” She drowsily called out for me, and I slid into bed and pulled her into my arms.
“I’m right here, baby; you’re okay.” I was hoping to avoid that as well; that sound of fear in her voice was no doubt a sign that she was reliving the hour of the night before. The way she clung convinced me even more.
I had no intention of taking her, not after what almost happened. I just wanted to hold her close and give her the warmth and security she needed right now. That was my intent when I pulled her in and half covered her body with mine, shielding her from everything beyond me, sending the message that nothing could get to her through me.
I’m not dead, so I was very aware of the feel of her; her scent, even the way she breathed, makes me hard. But part of taking care of my woman is not being a damn animal when what she needs is tender, loving care. I was congratulating myself on a job well done even though I’d gritted my teeth hard enough to crack them in order to control myself and not show my ass like a degenerate.
I wasn’t aware, though, that someone else had come fully awake and was no longer carrying the fear that had followed her into sleep but instead was more interested in the hardness that pressed into her middle. At first, I thought she was cold, or maybe scared again, the way she clung to me, getting closer and closer.