Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 88263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
We’re close to each other, too close. I wish I could run to the other side of the room without looking like an idiot, but that’d only tip my hand and show him how much power he still holds over me.
His gaze remains fixed on something in the distance, like he’s studying a flaw in the far wall. Silence passes between us, and I start to wonder if he’s going to say anything, until he lets out a long breath.
“I’m looking for something too,” he says softly, staring down at the floor, not glancing at me. It’s the most genuine he’s seemed since coming back into my life. I clutch my bag against my side, struggling to keep the tremor from my hands. Whether they’re shaking with fear or excitement, I’m not sure. But the man smells good, despite just having worked out, and he looks even better.
Get it together, Keely.
“What are you looking for?” I manage to ask. “This isn’t some weird existential crisis, is it?”
“I’m looking for purpose.” He cocks his head to the side. “You might find that strange. I wouldn’t blame you. Maybe you could call it existential.”
“I do find it extremely weird,” I admit. “You’re part of a rich and powerful crime syndicate. I assume you have plenty to keep you busy.”
He nods to that, face softening. “But it isn’t enough. I have leeway within my family organization, it’s true. I can take on new business ventures as I see fit. But none of it matters to me. None of it fulfills me.”
“You think my little donut shop’s going to help? Because I can promise you, Nolan, it’s not going to.”
“Maybe,” he admits, looking at me again with that incredible focus. It sucks the breath from my throat. “But I’d like to find out.”
“How about we don’t.” I push away from the couch, putting space between us. My heart’s racing and sweat breaks out under my arms. “Instead, I’ll pretend you never tried to blackmail me, and you can leave me alone. That way everyone wins.”
“I don’t think so.” His head cocks to the side like he heard a distant shout. His expression focuses into something more thoughtful. “But now you have me rethinking my offer.”
“That wasn’t an offer. That was a gun to my head.” I pause, crossing my arms over myself, hugging my bag to my chest. “Wait, what do you mean, you’re rethinking your offer?”
He stands, pacing away, stopping in front of the fireplace. He hits a button and flames come to life. For a moment, he stares down at the fire, not moving a muscle. I almost think he powered down like some bizarre robot.
Until he breaks the silence. This man sure as hell likes to use quiet as a weapon against me.
“Maybe your donut shop isn’t going to fulfill me. You’re right about that. I’m thinking about this all wrong.”
I perk up. Finally, I’m getting through to him. “It’s a tiny business, Nolan. You can have so much more. Why don’t you move on to something bigger and better? Forget about me? I’m sure there are dozens of challenges out there that’ll occupy your mind.”
“It wasn’t really your donut shop that I wanted,” he says, almost to himself, like he didn’t hear me. Some of my hope dwindles and my stomach drops. “That shop is only a means to another end.”
“I don’t like where this is going.” I back away toward the entry hall. “Is this the part you kill me and cut off my head?”
He turns, piercing me with that gaze. “Stop joking for once and listen.”
My eyes widen. “Don’t get all mouthy with me.”
“You’re infuriating. Why do you think I’d hurt you?”
“Because that’s who you are.”
He flinches as if I hit him. For a moment, real sadness slashes across his face, and I cock my head in surprise. Why did he react as if I deeply insulted him by saying that? He admitted already that he’s a violent killer. We both know what he is and what he does, and yet hearing me remind him of that clearly didn’t feel good.
But he gets himself together. “I’m revising my offer.”
“I came here to make you drop your offer. I don’t want anything to do with you, Nolan. I don’t care what strings you attach.”
“Here’s where we stand now.” He comes toward me, hands clasped behind his back. “If you want to avoid getting evicted and losing your entire investment, this is what you will do. You will take my money. You will let me fund your business. And most important, you will marry me.”
I go still. I’m too shocked for my jaw to drop. Marry him? That’s got to be a mistake. An ugly laugh bubbles up from my guts. I can’t help myself—that’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard in my life.