Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 51832 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 259(@200wpm)___ 207(@250wpm)___ 173(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51832 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 259(@200wpm)___ 207(@250wpm)___ 173(@300wpm)
There are things that are not gentle, or sweet in this world, but are sometimes necessary.
I need to remember that.
And so does Phillips, I think because I am still Kurt’s stepdaughter, trained to be his protégé. If it becomes necessary, I will bypass the arrest, and resort to my weapon as a resource, whatever that weapon may be, a fork if that’s all I have handy. Tonight, I have to go into this and say that I will do what I have to do, especially if it means protecting those I love.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Luke
The property is gated, in the middle of acres of trees, a true Colorado mansion.
At the entrance, we are required to show our invitation and IDs, before we’re allowed to follow the long drive to the house. A valet waits for us there, and I catch Ana to me and kiss her. “Stay close.”
“Don’t worry if I don’t. I know how to bring a man to his knees.”
I laugh and release her as both our doors are opened. I exit the car and toss the keys to the valet. “She’s new. Be gentle with her, or I won’t be with you.”
The redheaded dude smirks as if saying “fuck you” because he plans to drive the hell out of it. I step in front of him and stare a few inches down at him, putting on a show, of course. “If you think I can’t find you, you’re wrong.”
His cheeks ruddy up and he quickly, says, “Yes, sir. I’ll take good care of her.”
“See that you do.” I glare at him for impact and then round the car to join Ana, catching her hand to mine.
“Such a showman,” she says. “I’m impressed.”
I wink at her and we start the climb up several levels of stairs, walls of windows supporting the mansion with a red door to our destination. We reach it and yet another doorman greets us. He checks our invitation and then allows our entry. Once inside, a big bulky dude in a suit, with a buzz cut, and a dog face, awaits. Ex-military. I think. I know the type. Power hungry, and then some. He motions to a room to the left.
“You’ll need to step into our security booth and be cleared for entry.”
He means searched and no way in hell is anyone putting hands on Ana. Ana steps in that direction and when I try to follow, the man holds up a hand. “One at a time.”
“She’s not going alone,” I state.
“I’m fine,” Ana replies. “I promise.”
I hesitate and then step up to dog face. “If anyone touches her inappropriately, you’ll find out how little skill you truly have.”
He smirks. He has no idea how unfounded his cockiness is, but based on how this night is starting, he may find out sooner than later. He surprises me though and says, “Go with her.”
“Good decision,” I state, but I’m fairly certain he’s been told not to let us leave and he feared that might be exactly where this was headed.
Ana crosses to the room and enters. I follow and the man at the door shuts it behind me. There’s a curtain, and he points, “You first,” to Ana.
Ana glances at me and steps behind the curtain. I’m not about to allow her back there with some pervert alone. I step behind her and my eyes go wide when I find Kurt, wearing a suit, and acting like staff.
“Sir,” he says sternly. “One at a time.” He is the one winking at me now.
I don’t know if I should be thankful that he’s here, or wrestle him to the ground before he does something stupid. I step back. I can hear their hushed whispers, but make out nothing. Ana finally reappears, and says, “All clear. Your turn.”
I search her face and find her read calmer than before she saw Kurt, the exact opposite of what I expected considering his vow to kill Phillips. I round the curtain and face off with Kurt. He hands me a note. I open it and read: I am not going to kill Phillips here with all these people around. When have you known me to be that damn stupid? But I was not taking the chance of being drugged. I had to be here to protect Ana. That was non-negotiable.
I ball up the note and hand it back to him.
Kurt has a theme going on that works for me.
He wants to protect Ana and this time he did it right.
By being present.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Ana
We exit the main foyer of the house with our weapons intact, thanks to Kurt, and enter a spectacular room with a red bar to match the door, with guests in fancy garb milling about, many of which hold champagne glasses. A waiter offers us our own glasses and we wave him off. A clear head and empty hands work in our favor. A wall of windows presents us with a swimming pool, which is obviously heated considering this is Colorado and almost October, and it’s filled with crystal blue water. There are levels above us, cool, modern stairwells that allow travel beyond where we stand.