Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 69610 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 348(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69610 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 348(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
“But, it’s still illegal and ....”
I let her go and lean back so she has a better view of me. “You don’t need to worry about it.”
My words are firm. Not mean, but enough to tell her that we’re not discussing this further. She pouts a little, which is fucking cute, but she nods and doesn’t ask any more about it.
“Was that redhead girl helping you?”
Charlie.
The girl who still hasn’t come home.
The girl who is, at best, in the hands of Trey and still alive.
And, at worst, dead.
Because of us.
“She’s helpin’ us, and that’s all you need to know.”
“Do you like her?” she asks, in a small voice.
I grin at her, and her cheeks go that gorgeous shade of red I love so much. “You jealous, baby?”
Her cheeks get redder.
Fucking sweet.
“No, I just ...”
“You’re jealous.”
“No, Malakai, it’s ...”
“Jealous.”
She can’t help it, she laughs.
And it’s a sound I’ve been waiting so fucking long to hear again. I’ll never tire of hearing that sweet sound escape her lips. Every time it does, a little piece of her darkness turns to light and leaves, and slowly she becomes the beauty I see inside her eyes every time I look at her. It changes her face. It changes everything about her.
She’s utterly fucking perfect.
“I told you once, and I’ll tell you again,” I say to her. “I am going to spend the rest of my life hearing that laugh, and that starts today. You clear with me, Amalie? There is no room for anyone else.”
Her lips part, and then she smiles.
Fucking big.
Fucking beautiful.
And that’s all the answer I need.
~*~*~*~
AMALIE – NOW
“I’m so nervous,” I tell Scarlett as the band and us set up the stage for the fair that starts tomorrow.
“Don’t be,” she says to me, smiling. “It’ll be fun, and the distraction we all need.”
“I know, but I’ve never sung in front of a crowd before.”
“You’re not singing much. Don’t panic. You’re amazing, Amalie. Seriously. Don’t sweat it. Just focus on your piano, and me, and don’t worry about the rest of them.”
I nod, but the butterflies are already swirling around in my stomach. I’m full of anxiety for the shows over the next few nights, but I’m also really excited. I’ve missed playing since we came home from being on tour. Scarlett enjoys her time out, because she doesn’t get bombarded twenty-four hours a day, she just gets to live her normal life, but I miss the excitement of being on the road, playing for massive crowds of people.
I take hold of the piano and start running all the wires across the ground. I bump into Isaac at the back and flush, muttering a sorry. He straightens and smiles at me. “It’s okay, no problem. How are you feeling about the show?”
“Nervous,” I admit.
“You’ll do great, I’ve been watching you play in the studio. You have a gift most of us don’t possess.”
I smile at him. He’s such a nice guy. “Thank you.”
“Listen,” he says, reaching up and rubbing the back of his neck, like he’s suddenly nervous. “I’m not sure where you’re at, or if you’re seeing that biker or not, but I was wondering if you maybe wanted to go to the movies with me?”
Oh, no.
Scarlett was right. He likes me.
And I have to tell him I’m in love with that biker he just mentioned, and I already feel terrible for having to do that. He’s a good guy, great looking, and would make any woman feel like she’s incredibly lucky, but unfortunately that woman isn’t me. Still, one thing I hate the absolute worst in the world is letting people down. I hate the look of disappointment, or embarrassment on their faces.
It takes a lot of courage to ask someone out.
How do I let him down gently?
“Isaac,” I say carefully, kindly. “I’d love to go to the movies with you, but it can only be as friends. I am seeing Malakai now, and I’m really happy. I’m so sorry. I’d love to be friends, though, if you’re interested?”
He stares at me, then smiles. He’s a really good guy. “Yeah, I could use a friend. And I’m happy for you, Amalie. You deserve to be smiling all the time. If he makes you happy then I’m thrilled for you.”
My smile gets bigger. “Well, I’m glad, because I could use a friend too.”
He winks at me. “Friends it is.”
“Friends.”
He gives me a thumbs up and walks off, and I exhale, fingers shaking as I continue running the wires. A tap on my shoulder has me spinning around, to see Scarlett looking down at me, grinning like a Cheshire cat. She doesn’t miss a trick. I give her a stern look. “Do not even, Scarlett Belle.”
“So many men after little Amalie’s heart ....”
I laugh. “You’re terrible. He’s a really nice guy.”
“I agree, he’s a super guy. Did you let him down gently?”