Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 86226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Taking a few deep and calming breaths, I stand and head back to the house. Yes, Godwins are known for being dangerous. Phoenix might be crazy, but I seriously doubt he will hurt me.
Correction, he is crazy if he’s living in an attic watching televisions all day and night.
But if he wanted to hurt me, he would have already. He’s had the opportunity since we’ve been alone in the mansion together. I’m being ridiculous thinking he’ll kill me or something. I completely overreacted and now feel really stupid as I have to reenter the house with my tail between my legs, because I truly have no way of leaving right now.
Luckily, he’s not waiting in the foyer as I enter. I hope he’s returned to the attic and will stay there until I figure out a way to leave. I make my way back to the room I was staying in, my heart still racing. I can’t believe what just happened. I am being watched.
I close the bedroom door behind me and lean against it, trying to catch my breath. I scan the room for the hidden camera, but I don’t see any place it could be.
Is he watching me right now?
Of course he’s watching me right now.
I cower in the room’s corner to stay out of sight as I try to come up with a plan. I have no money, no car, and no way to reach the Eastside of Heathens Hollow. I consider calling my sister, but it’s late, and I don’t want to bother her with this right now. It could put her in an awkward situation. Phoenix is her brother-in-law. Maybe she knows he is staying here. But no way does she know he’s recording me. She wouldn’t allow that to happen without me knowing. But for the present, I don’t feel like pulling her into my shit—again. Especially not in the middle of the night.
But as I think about it, a nagging thought takes hold. Something about this situation doesn’t add up. Why would Phoenix be living in the attic, spying on everyone in the house? At Medusa Enterprises? This is his house, too. Why not sleep in one of the large bedrooms? Why not walk around the house freely? Why has there been zero mention of Phoenix living in Olympus unless no one knows? Is he hiding in the attic?
Sitting on the bed, trying to think, I search the room, looking for any signs of surveillance equipment. And sure enough, I find it. A hidden camera is tucked away in the corner of the room behind some crown molding. It’s too high for me to reach and somehow disable.
Disgust washes over me. I’ve been watched this entire time, and I had no idea. But now that I know, I have to find a way to never spend another night in this room. I can’t stay here any longer, not with Phoenix watching my every move.
I gather my things, packing as quickly as I can. I don’t know where I’m going or how, but I must leave. Maybe I can hitchhike? Or maybe the walk into town isn’t as long as I remember.
But as I make my way out the door and down the stairs, I feel a presence behind me. I turn to see Phoenix standing at the top of the stairs, looking down at me.
“Don’t go.” His voice is low and urgent. “Stay, at least for the night. It’s not safe out there.”
The rain is coming down, which is only going to make this walk even more miserable. “It’s not safe in here. With you,” I snap.
I need to keep my emotions in check. No way can he have any idea how much I’m quaking inside at this moment, how my legs are jelly, and I’m forcing them to stand.
But he’s terrifying, looming over me from the top of the stairs. Broad shoulders, barrel chest, a chiseled jaw, and piercing eyes. I remember him being tall and big, massive next to my smaller size, but in the positions we’re both in, he’s a giant.
“You can’t leave.” Phoenix shakes his head, his stormy eyes boring into me. “One night. We have breakfast together tomorrow and talk. That’s all I ask, and then I will help you leave, if that’s what you want.”
I solidify my stance. “Have you been watching me the entire time I’ve been here?”
“Yes.”
Well, at least the fucker’s being honest.
“But I will turn off the camera tonight,” he adds.
I hesitate, torn between my fear and my desire to escape, and reason. I don’t know if I can trust this man, but I also don’t know if I can make it on my own in the rain.
“Please.” His eyes are intense. “I know you’re scared, but I promise you’ll be safe here. At least for tonight.”