Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 89232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
A moment later, she appears in the entrance. Her stylish rain boots squeak on the floor as she goes to the stand and takes her umbrella. She steps over the threshold and opens the umbrella.
Turning in the doorframe, she says, “I learned a lot about business from Daddy. I should’ve been given a place in the company. You know what it’s like to be a woman. When it comes to business, we’re always shunned as if we don’t matter. If you could be a go-between for me and your brother, I—”
Ah. So this is the reason for the surprise visit. “Ryan will never give you a position in the company.”
The muscles around her eyes tighten. “I could fight for it.”
“Trust me, you don’t want to. You got your share. If you learned so much about business, why don’t you start your own company?”
“Mommy said that’s how you all would be, that you’d never let me take my rightful place.”
I don’t know what game she’s playing, but I don’t like it. “Let’s be honest for a moment. We owe you nothing. The only person who did was my dad, and he made sure to leave you financially comfortable. We don’t have anything more to say to each other.”
“It’s a pity that’s the way you’re looking at it. We could’ve been friends.”
If there’s one thing I do know, it’s that she’s not my friend.
“Goodbye, Daisy,” I say, shutting the door in her face.
Exhaling a long, shaky breath, I turn the lock and lean on the wood.
I may choose not to have contact with Daisy or her mother, but I’ll never be free from my past.
The message that pings on my phone proves that point with impeccable timing. The sound I selected for the alert tells me that the message came through on the phone Angelo gave me. Taking the phone from my bag, I consider not reading the text, but I can’t help seeing the words that show on the lock screen.
No sorry for my loss this time?
The phone shakes in my hand. What is wrong with him? Does he get off on terrorizing me?
Another text comes through. Thought so.
What does he want me to say?
And another. I suppose you’re celebrating. Champagne? Your favorite, right? I remember from your party at the casino.
Blood rushes to my cheeks while my stomach bottoms out. Reminding me of my weakness makes my face burn with shame. It’s that very weakness that compelled me to go on birth control last week. Even as I popped the first pill into my mouth, I told myself sex with Angelo would never happen again. How easily my body ruled my mind in a moment of passion scared me. That’s why I’m taking that little pill every day at the same time without fail.
My phone pings with another message.
You must be happy.
I can’t do this.
After switching off the phone, I chuck it on the kitchen counter. My other phone rings immediately, making me jump, but it’s the ringtone I use for Colin. I all but run for it, snatching it out of my bag.
“Hey,” Colin says. “Our meeting was cancelled. Too much rain. Some streets are flooded. Do you want to grab a bite to eat?”
“Yes,” I say too quickly. “That will be nice.”
“Are you all right?”
“It’s just…” I blow out a sigh. “Angelo’s father died. The funeral was today. He sent me a text message.”
“Why?” he asks, anger creeping into his voice.
“I don’t know. I think he likes to make me suffer.”
“That motherfucker. When will you listen to me, Bella? You need to cut that asshole out of your life.”
“Can we not talk about it?” I sink down on a chair. “Please?”
“You sound tired.”
“It’s been a tough day.”
“How about I get pizza, and we eat at your place? We can study a little if you’re up for it after dinner.”
“Actually, that sounds kind of amazing.” I wipe a hand over my brow. “I really appreciate it, Colin.”
I can hear the smile in his voice when he says, “That’s what friends are for. I’ll be over at six. Do you have wine?”
“Ryan left some bottles from the bulk he bought at a wine farm.”
“Open one so long,” he says before hanging up.
I glance at the darkening sky through the windows. Roch is no longer around. I remember what Angelo told him when he pushed me out of the boat. I deserved that push. I overreacted, not having been myself on that awful day. Angelo didn’t have to pull Roch off the job. It was a severe act, but I’m not complaining about the fact that he’s gone. However, I’m under no illusion that Angelo replaced him. There’s someone else watching now, someone I don’t know.
Jumping into action, I rush to the wall panel and push on the button to lower the shutters.