Total pages in book: 164
Estimated words: 152853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 764(@200wpm)___ 611(@250wpm)___ 510(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 152853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 764(@200wpm)___ 611(@250wpm)___ 510(@300wpm)
It’s in the fucking urn now sitting on the mantle over an unused fireplace. As if I need the constant reminder of Amanda Torrio, absentee mother and all-around venomous bitch. If anybody ever got what they deserved, it’s her, but now her daughter carries the weight on her already weakened shoulders.
“I’m kind of shocked right now. You even had somebody bring food in?” Tatum eyes me over the top of the refrigerator door before bending again, sliding things around on the shelves.
“The basics and then some. Believe it or not, I know what I’m doing. You’re safe here.”
“Easy for you to say,” she mumbles under her breath, probably thinking I can't hear.
“That's the whole reason you're here, remember?” I set the bags down before heading for the door again. I let out an exaggerated sigh. “This would go a lot faster if you'd help.”
Placing a hand on her hip, she says, “You told me to look around. Make up your mind.”
“Listen up.” Something about how I say it grabs her attention, and she closes the refrigerator before folding her arms across her chest, her foot tapping against the wood floor impatiently. There's the brat I know. If anything, it's easier to deal with her when she's like this. I know what to expect. “I think it’s time we set a few rules.”
Her sickeningly sweet smile leaves a bad taste in my mouth. “I agree.”
“No, I don't think you understand. I’m setting them, and you’re following them.”
Her arched eyebrow does something to me, the way it always has. My pride rears up, and all I want is to put her in her place. Nothing matters more.
“I know you aren’t used to following rules or listening to anyone of authority, but while you’re here, you’ll do as I say.” Okay, maybe that came out a little more authoritative than necessary, but apparently it does the job, because her mouth pops open before she releases a breathless laugh that causes me to raise my voice. “Tatum, you know damn well what your father expects you to do. He trusts my judgment, and I need you to do the same. Screwing up is not an option.”
“And I need a month in the Maldives and a hundred million bucks in my bank account and, oh yeah, a man who doesn't boss me around and expect me to fall in line just because that's what he wants.”
I grit my teeth to the point of pain. This woman knows every button possible to push. “You're here for a reason. This isn't a game or joke.”
“I'm sorry.” Touching her hand to her chest, she flutters her lashes. “Did I give you the impression I thought any of this was a joke? Have you not been paying attention?”
“Then maybe drop the smart-ass quips and get real. You're here because you want to drop off the radar for a while and keep yourself out of Jeff's crosshairs. Fair enough. But that means playing it safe, which is all I'm concerned with. I know it's coded in your DNA to go against me—”
“That's not true.”
“No? We've been here for a few minutes, and you’re already starting shit. On little things, fine. If it makes you feel better, treat me like the enemy. Although, try not to lose sight of the fact that I'm here with you, opening my home for your safety and peace of mind. The least you can do is take some precautions, but you’d rather dig your heels in like a spoiled brat who refuses to hear the word no.”
When her jaw juts out, it means she wants nothing more than to unleash it like a snake and swallow me whole. I won't pretend there haven't been times I've deliberately pushed her to that point—a man like me doesn't have many diversions, not when work has taken up most of my waking hours ever since Callum started giving me responsibilities. What can I say, pissing Tatum off is my favorite pastime.
“For example, if you go out, I go out with you. No exceptions.”
“That's bullshit.”
“No, that’s the rule, and that’s how things are going to be.”
“I'm not in active danger, Romero. You said so yourself. Nobody knows about this place. Nobody's going to find me here.”
“Doesn’t matter. Consider me your permanent shadow.”
“It's not going to happen.”
“Yes. It is. Unless you want to take chances and have your ex’s dad find you.”
Pain pinches her features, and a flash of regret makes me wish I never said it. Then again, this is what she needs to hear. There are real stakes involved. “You think he will be okay with you ignoring him forever?” I growl, watching her lose a little more of her nerve with every second. “I'd be surprised if he doesn't already have somebody out there looking for you, since he’s got it in his head that you’re the reason Kristoff never came home from that stupid fucking vacation you took. The longer you're silent, the more convinced he'll become and the crazier he’ll get.”