Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 35751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 179(@200wpm)___ 143(@250wpm)___ 119(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 179(@200wpm)___ 143(@250wpm)___ 119(@300wpm)
Instantly the two times we have crossed paths run through my mind, and rage fills my veins. “I will handle her myself. I know her. God, I know that fucking bitch.”
“Dylan, can we forget about her for now?” he says, trying to get me to calm down. That selfish bitch turned me into a neurotic freak who sent the woman I loved away out of fear.
“I think you two need some time to talk and to spend time learning about each other,” Esperanza says.
“I agree,” Harley says. “Come on, Esperanza. Let’s go chit chat while they talk.” I want her to stay, but there are things I don’t want her to hear.
“She was at the gala just last week with Harley and me,” I say when they leave the room.
“Did she say anything to you?”
“No, but she recognized something in me. It’s the second time we’ve crossed paths at social events, and it’s no doubt she was looking at a ghost from her past both times. She flinched and tried to hide it, but I ignored it. I assumed I was sneering at her or something.”
“Well, what are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. Right now, I’m boiling with rage. It makes everything I’ve known a lie and my life a lie.”
“I looked you up, and you’re extremely successful, Dylan. So whatever you’ve become, you used that focus to become the man you are.”
“She almost cost me Harley. Harley almost died because I pushed her away, and that’s not something I can accept.”
“You’re going to have to move past it. We all have flaws. Hell, I’m in my late forties finding love for the first time. I wish I’d met the love of my life when I was your age because there would be nothing I wouldn’t do to make her happy.”
“And keep her safe?”
“Yes, so speaking of that. What do you want to do about her kidnappers?”
“That’s another problem. One of my own was involved along with her cousin. I’m not sure which one of my employees, but I’m pretty sure it’s my head of security.”
“Why is it always our most trusted?”
“Same thing happen to you?”
“No, to Esperanza’s son. It nearly got him killed, and the bastard came here to finish the job and paid the price. We’re good at what we do.” He winks at me, and I don’t doubt it.
“Is there any way to get the footage from the night Harley was in town for the bachelorette party?”
“Yes. It will take a bit, but yes.”
“I want to see who was really following Harley that night. I want to be sure it was Tim, or to see if he’s being set up.”
“Smart.”
“I didn’t get to where I am by just taking everyone’s word for it, but I should have just kept Harley’s tracking device to myself.”
“On the next one.” I nod because there’s definitely going to be at least one more, maybe five.
The rest of the day is spent talking to Harley about our plans. I haven’t bought the ring yet because I thought it would give it away that she was safe. Now, we’re in the bar while my Uncle Liam is working, and I have a drink while my pretty little harlot sits in the corner, looking divine. I’m itching for that bastard to show up again, but I don’t think we’ll get that lucky. My location has been shared, and that’s intentional. I want my men to know where I am now that I have Harley and I know she’s well protected. It’s a matter of finding the traitor amongst the mix. There could only be three possibilities when it comes to the tracking: Russell, Timothy, or John.
I send a group text to my men. Head back to Dallas. I’m good here. I’m with friends and family.
When I get confirmation that they’re heading out, I walk over to the bar and speak with my uncle. “We’ll talk later.”
“Sure.”
Chapter Twelve
Harley
I rub my eyes, waking up from a restless night of sleep. Hearing Dylan talk about his plans with some of the Steele Riders and someone else set my teeth on edge. He’s risking a lot to protect me, and I’m afraid something terrible could happen to him.
“Stop looking at me like that, Harley. Everything is going to be fine, my love. I promised you forever, and I mean it. There’s nothing I won’t do to keep you safe, and I’m not going to let something like this go unanswered.” He cups my face and kisses me hard, pulling away fast with a grunt.
“I love you, Dylan. Will you be calling me?”
“Yes, I will, and I’ll be back for you soon. Don’t give them any trouble, and don’t leave me for one of these handsome fuckers, especially that asshole Blade.” There’s a scowl on his face that is too cute to take seriously.