Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97944 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97944 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
“You fucking think?” Christ. “You need to learn how to do your fucking jobs—”
“I’d watch your tone. You’re a hired bodyguard—”
“And I’m doing a better fucking job at keeping her safe than your whole department!”
“Enough.” Theo places his hand against my chest. “Tate was awarded four of the highest medals of honor a soldier can receive. He’s been through two tours, risking his life and going above and beyond the call of duty. His heroism and valor are exactly why he was hired. If anyone is equipped for this job, it’s him. Now, we’re wasting time when we should be finding this piece of shit.”
Detective Rochel nods. “I’ll keep you posted on any new information. In the meantime, it might be best we get Miss Parks to a safe—”
“Miss Parks is going to remain in my care.”
“I’m sure you’re capable, but we’re dealing with a—”
“I’m glad you’re finally taking this case seriously, but I have her best intentions in mind. I’ll keep her safe until you find him.”
Theo intervenes. “Call me as soon as you hear something. I have to go console my hysterical fiancée.” He turns to me. “We’re not done.”
“Didn’t expect to be.”
They leave together, and Mindy walks down, holding her hot pink bag. “Tell me. Is it bad?”
I think we’re past sugarcoating shit. “He disabled all the security cameras and was able to get to the penthouse floor. Theo found this outside the door.” I pick the rose up from the table, and her eyes go wide.
“And the officer?”
“I found him unresponsive in the parking garage by my SUV. He was covered in red roses, and my tires were slashed.” Fuck. She’s visibly shaking. I swear, I’m going to gut this motherfucker.
“So, what happens now?”
“We move. This place has been compromised.”
“Where? Everywhere we go, he finds us. What does he want from me? This is crazy. I’m nobody. Why is he going through all this just to get to me? What does he want with—?”
I pull her into my arms, holding her tight as she vibrates against my chest, her tears soaking my shirt. “I don’t know. But he’s not gonna touch you. I promise you that.”
“Why, though? I don’t understand.”
I pull back, bringing my eyes to hers. “For starters, you’re really special. I’ve seen you take down a plate of tacos. Who wouldn’t want a piece of that?”
She blinks, and a second or two passes before the right side of her mouth curls. “Did you just make a taco joke?”
“Not sure. Do you want to taco ’bout it?”
She stares up at me, and the glimmer in her eyes makes me fall even deeper.
“Wow, real classy. Not really the time to joke, in-queso didn’t know…”
Fuck, she’s perfect. My lips spread into a smile. “We gotta get you out of here. Up for a little adventure?”
“Is there riding involved?”
Perfect and hungry.
“Baby, I’ll even let you drive.”
Her smile is my undoing. Leaning forward, I take her lips, needing to taste her, just for a moment. “Now. My next question—are you claustrophobic?”
***
Mindy
I remember my dad taking me to the circus whenever it came to town. The illusion of it all amazed me. I always wondered how those women folded themselves into the magic box. Mostly, though, I wondered how they managed to be cut in half and still live. Not that anyone was cutting me in half, but when Tate suggested I turn myself into a human pretzel and hide in a small shipping container so the bellman could roll me out without being seen, I was all over it.
That was before. I’ve never been in such a small space and can officially say I am one-hundred percent claustrophobic.
I try counting, but it uses too much energy, and the air capacity is not impressive. Tate promised it wouldn’t be more than ten minutes, but it feels like hours have gone by.
The plan was for Tate to get into one vehicle while our “things” that being me, are loaded into another. We’ll drive to make sure there’s no tail and meet in a safe place where another car would be waiting. That’s when I get to pop out and yell, “Surprise!” If I’m conscious, that is. Just when my eyes start to fog over, the locks click, and the sun stabs at my eyes.
“Hey, you okay?”
“Surprise,” I sing without enough jazz. “Dammit, I wanted that to be more theatrical.” I attempt to unfold my feet, but they’re numb. Thankfully, Tate catches me before I tumble out of the box.
“Easy. I’ve got you.”
“Did the plan work?”
“I think so. But we need to keep moving.” He escorts me to a large truck and settles me into the passenger seat. Moments later, we’re speeding down the highway.
“What now?”
“We hide while the police seek.”
“Sounds fun. Do I get a weapon?” He cocks his head my way. “I mean, we always got weapons when I was a kid. Like a pitchfork… or a squirt gun.”