Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 72308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
He stared at me, giving no admission of guilt.
“I can’t believe you helped him.”
“He’s my brother. It’s not that hard to believe.”
“But I’m your—” I couldn’t find the right word because I really wasn’t sure what we were these days. “Friend…”
“I understand why you won’t give Cauldron another chance, but Bartholomew is not the answer. You never should have gotten back in the game. You’re the first one to admit that it’s gotten you in the worst kind of trouble.”
I rolled my eyes. “You don’t know him.”
“I know him better than you—”
“Well, you don’t know him the way I know him.”
Silence passed. He massaged his knuckles. “Were you in love with him or something?”
“No.”
“Was that where it was headed?”
“I don’t have to answer your questions. It was fucked up that you interfered and got me stuck with Cauldron again. After everything he put me through, how could you want me with him again? You know better than anyone how much he hurt me.”
He said nothing.
“Just because he’s your brother? That’s a terrible reason to push me on him.”
“I never said I wanted you back with him. In fact, he asked me to convince you to give him another chance, and I said no.”
Now I was the one who turned silent.
“I said no because he’s fucked up too many times, and I’m not convinced that he’s really changed. Just wants what he can’t have.”
“That’s what you think?”
He gave a shrug. “I’m not sure. But you’ve been his guinea pig long enough.”
My eyes dropped momentarily, unexpectedly hurt by his confession.
“But that didn’t stop him from pursuing you, so maybe I’m wrong.”
I looked at him again.
“You want me to be wrong.” It was somewhat of a question, somewhat of a realization.
“I guess…but I know you aren’t.”
A knock sounded on my door.
I was in the kitchen cooking dinner, making a salad with grilled chicken and French dressing. I turned off the stove then walked to the peephole, my heart giving a jolt of adrenaline when I recognized Cauldron’s face on the other side. “Bastard…”
“I heard that.”
I unlocked the door and opened it. “Good.”
He was dressed casually tonight, like he had no plans to whisk me away to a fancy restaurant that wouldn’t impress me. He was in a long-sleeved shirt and dark jeans with boots, the cold air escaping his nostrils as icy vapor.
“What?”
“I’d like to come in.”
“I don’t remember inviting you.”
“I don’t have to be invited.”
I thought my iciness the other night would have driven him away, but it had only bought me a small amount of time.
“I paid for that luxury.”
I stepped away from the open door and returned to the kitchen. “I was making dinner. Do you want any?”
“Yes.” He shut the door and locked it behind him.
Presumptuous…but whatever.
I dished up two servings and placed them on the dining table.
He took a look around as he came into the room. “You got more furniture.”
“Yes. Just taken awhile for everything to come in.”
He took the seat across from me, and we ate in silence. My eyes were down on my food the entire time, but I could tell he was staring at me. I was in a loose sweatshirt with leggings, my makeup gone because I hadn’t left the apartment all day. It was one of those days when I felt like doing nothing.
“What were you and Grave talking about?” When I looked up, he’d eaten all of his food, and now he was just staring at me.
“Business.”
“What kind of business?”
“I have to kill someone tomorrow.”
Now that the conversation turned serious, I lost my appetite. “Why do you have to kill him?”
“If I don’t, he’ll kill Grave. We’re doing it together.”
I gave a slight nod in understanding. “This is the guy with the drugs?”
“Yes.”
“Bartholomew is in the same line of work…maybe he could help.”
“Actually, that was the price I paid for you.”
My blood suddenly went cold.
“He didn’t accept any monetary offer that I made. But he accepted that one. With Roan out of the way, he’ll be able to expand his distribution and take over new territory.”
“So, if you die…it’s my fault.”
With his arms on the table, he stared at me. “It’s my fault because I was the one who let you go. It’s my fault because I ruined the best thing that ever happened to me. It’s my fault—and mine alone.”
All of that made me uneasy. I might hate Cauldron right now, but I certainly didn’t want him to die. “Do you have a plan? A good one?”
“Yes.”
I gave a slight nod. “Grave is going to help you?”
“Yes.”
That made me feel better, but it also made me feel worse. I wondered if Elise knew about this.
“I’ll be alright, baby.”
I wanted to lash out and tell him to shut his mouth, but I had no control over the things he said and did anymore. I gathered the dishes and set them in the sink. I assumed he would leave now, so I walked to the front door and quickly realized he had no intention of following me. When I returned to the sitting room, he was on one of the couches, comfortable, like he intended to stay awhile.