Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 113639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 568(@200wpm)___ 455(@250wpm)___ 379(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 568(@200wpm)___ 455(@250wpm)___ 379(@300wpm)
Unable to look at her, I stare at the white apple logo on the box. Opening it up, I glide my fingers over the silver.
“Thank you.” It’s comes out raspy with the lump in my throat.
“He told you we already put our numbers in, right?” She smiles as she glances over then back at the road.
“He did.” I grab the oh shit handle on top of the door as she cuts someone off to merge onto the freeway. I stare at her but she doesn’t even look fazed at all the honking. Taking a breath, I recross my legs and let go of the death grip as the whole day starts to take its toll. Rubbing my forehead, I remind myself that I’m going to be Blade’s whore so there is no way I should have any guilt about spending his money. But now I’m not so sure. Dolly and Doug are actually cool. I’ve never had any friends. I had my dad and Benny… until I didn’t. I never went to school because we traveled all over the United States. What little education I got was from my mom before she died and my dad when he had time.
“Every girl needs a phone. And don’t worry. I’ll make sure Jason pays for the service.” She lights a cigarette and zips down our windows. The warm air caresses my cheeks.
She still doesn’t have the radio on and I hate silence, so I fill the empty space with my voice. “What’s the deal with Doug?”
She inhales and blows out the window. “You know, shit family, drugs, and being poor. I met him in cosmetology school and we got close. He acts crazy, but deep inside, Doug is one of the saddest, most loyal guys I know.”
I glance at her. “He hides it well.”
She nods. “He does, and he’s getting better, but sometimes he can… well, get really dark.” She shakes her head as if trying to erase whatever image passed through it. “Then again, who doesn’t have dark moments? He also was my biggest supporter when I was with Edge and he helped me get through the break-up without taking a bottle of pills.”
“Wow, that’s awful.” I glance at my bag, then out the window at the traffic.
“Yeah, love fucking hurts. And being in love with one of the Disciples is like being in a relationship with a rock star or athlete.”
Admiring my nails, which are painted a pretty pink, I wonder if that is what my life will soon be like.
“You look hot by the way.” She tosses out her cigarette on the freeway.
“Thanks. It was all you guys.” Looking down at my sheer pale pink T-shirt and black skinny jeans, I give her a small smile.
“That’s not true. We helped, but you definitely have your own style.” She eyes me, zips up the windows, and turns on the air.
“I’m obsessed with those boots. I’m going to get me a pair tomorrow.”
I smile. “Yeah, they are pretty fabulous. And they were on sale.” We both laugh. They were $500 on sale. But they are what I’ve always dreamed of having. Black high-heeled lace-up boots. Awesome.
“So, Eve, I’m not staying tonight. I want to give you a heads-up on what to expect and how to deal with Crystal the bitch.” She zooms down the off ramp exit and stops at a light.
“Crystal has been around for years. She’s a whore and a bitch. That being said, she thinks she’s Blade’s old lady, so she’s going to freak out about you.” Her small bow-shaped lips can’t help but smile.
“You are everything she’s not and that is why you are perfect for Blade. But if she gets nasty, don’t be afraid to tell Blade or one of his guys. They are all loyal and they will protect you.” She sighs. “I hate to say this because I hate him, but go to Edge if Blade is not available. He will protect you. He owes me that at least.”
I snort. “Why would she hate me? He’s got her stupid poster hanging in his room.”
We speed down a country-like street. I see a couple riding their horses. Looking back, I say, “Did you see that?”
She looks in the rearview mirror. “What, horses? Girl, we’re in the equestrian area. You are going to see horses all the time.”
I shake my head. “I don’t understand. Where are we?” Looking around at the grassy park we’re passing, kids play in the field and sure enough, another guy on a horse approaches.
She chuckles. “I know it’s crazy, huh? Blade’s Grandfather bought his land when he got out of Vietnam and it’s been passed down. This area of Burbank has huge lots, so there are a lot of horses.”
“And they don’t get upset about the Disciples being here?”
“Nope, like I said we’ve had the land for sixty-plus years and the guys are good around here. Now in Hemet, that’s a different story.” She does a sharp turn into the gravelly road headed toward the compound.