Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 359(@200wpm)___ 287(@250wpm)___ 239(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 359(@200wpm)___ 287(@250wpm)___ 239(@300wpm)
Apparently, Judge is fielding some sort of threat. Whoever tainted the beignets is after me, and they also went to Solana’s house in an effort to track me down. It’s a realization that scares me because she doesn’t have the same level of protection I do. But she assured me Judge has people watching her, which is strange. And it pisses me the hell off that he’s been hiding this from me.
He mentioned something about Abel, but since Abel has already been captured and we’re attending his trial today, I know that can’t be the case. If it was him, Judge wouldn’t still have guards following Solana or lurking in the yard outside. It has to be someone else, though I know there’s no point in asking him. I can see that today when he comes into the room while I’m getting ready.
He watches my reflection in the mirror as I apply my lipstick and smooth my hair back. His annoyance is obvious, and I don’t have to wonder why. He’s taken notice Solana and Georgie have been visiting far more often, and I’ve been waiting for him to say something about it.
“Why aren’t you wearing your necklace?” His narrowed gaze roams over the empty space around my collarbones.
I meet his gaze in the reflection. “It wouldn’t do to have Santi see it and wonder where it’s from, now, would it?”
He grunts in response, dragging a hand over his face as if it never occurred to him. I roll my eyes but try not to let him sour my mood. Santiago finally agreed to let me come to the manor before we all leave for the trial, and I have no intentions of anything raining on that parade. Not today. Judge, however, has other plans.
“Are you going to tell me why your friends have been over almost every day?” He brushes my hair over my shoulder, his fingers settling onto the nape of my neck.
“I know this is a foreign concept to you, but my friends actually like me,” I tell him. “They enjoy visiting with me.”
“And that’s why they suddenly seem to be glaring at me every time I cross paths with them?” His thumb skates over the empty space reserved for my future husband, and I shiver.
“Perhaps you need to take some charm lessons,” I suggest. “Solana and Georgie love everyone. You must be the exception.”
He doesn’t respond, but I can feel his gaze burning into me as I apply another smidge of powder I don’t really need.
“Perhaps until they can learn to be polite, I need to limit their visits to the house.”
I turn around to glare at him. “Do you get off on making me miserable? Is that it?”
His jaw muscle ticks, and he shakes his head. “I don’t want you to be miserable, Mercedes. Quite the opposite.”
“You have a funny way of showing it.” I slam the compact on the vanity table shut and stand, shrugging his hand off my neck.
I try to escape into the bathroom, but he grabs me by the wrist and tugs me back to him. I’m expecting another argument, but when I look up into his eyes, there’s a softness I almost wish he wouldn’t show me. It makes it so much harder to maintain my emotions around him.
“Today will be difficult enough.” He strokes along my jaw, his eyes moving over my features as if he’s trying to memorize them. “Let’s call a cease-fire for now.”
I release a staggering breath, and he leans in, surprising me with a kiss. It’s different from his other kisses. He’s not branding me with his intensity like I’m used to. This is something softer. Something he’s taking simply because he feels like it at the moment. And goddammit if that doesn’t feel like another dagger to my heart.
“Don’t be nice to me,” I beg him as he releases me. “Please.”
“Why?” His brows crease together.
I square my shoulders and shake my head. “Because. I just… don’t want you to.”
The vein in his neck pulses an angry beat, but he doesn’t argue. At least for now.
“We’re going to be late.” He heads to the door, leaving me to follow him. “Let’s go.”
20
Mercedes
I’m a wreck of nerves when I squeeze Santi in the first hug I’ve given him in so long. A weird sound strangles my throat, betraying my emotions, and he pats me awkwardly in an attempt to comfort me.
“I’ve missed you so much,” I croak.
“I know,” he answers. “I’ve missed you too.”
I hold him at arm’s length, examining him. He’s still the same scarred man who crawled from the ashes of the wreckage that imploded our lives. But something about the way he carries himself is lighter. Though his eyes are no less intense.
“You look different,” I observe.
He shifts. “A lot has changed.”
I force a stiff nod, understanding tension still lingers between us as my eyes roam to Ivy. She’s sitting across the room with Elena, and I force a smile, hoping she can see it’s genuine.