Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97371 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97371 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“Not tonight, you sound exhausted. We’ll talk soon. Good night.”
“Good night, Dario.”
Chapter 29
Reacquainted
Gio
“Ladies, this is it. We only need to trigger her memory. I’m hoping she’ll do the rest,” I say to Nyla and Holly.
“You think it will work?” Holly replies.
“Yeah, I think it will.”
I’ve been sitting on a sleeper for years, waiting for the right time to wake her. All of my dolls have a purpose. Now is when I need them. My collection is almost complete. However, this one isn’t for me. I have my very own.
I remember seeing what Carleen is capable of. She was all but five. Her accident was unfortunate, but we all thought it best to leave the truth asleep, so to speak.
“Holly, I want you to work your way into the hostess position at Anima Mias. You can watch over her while there. She’ll become aware of the vacancy within the hour,” I say as I finish my text and put my phone away.
“Got it. Thanks for the opportunity.”
I nod and glance back at Nyla. She’s still trying not to make eye contact with me. I’m prepared to do this dance for as long as she wants. Patience has become my strong suit.
The ladies exit the SUV and I turn to Jace. I’ve felt his eyes on me this entire time. “What?” I snap.
“She’s annoyed.”
“When isn’t she? Let’s go, I have shit to do. We’re going to see that friend of ours.”
He grunts and starts the car, pulling off without another word. I’ll always be the villain, no matter how much I work to protect everyone.
I’m fine with that. I accepted the fact a long time ago. So be it.
Carleen
I sit catching my breath and calming my nerves. I’m a little pissed off. Fraya was a bit more aggressive than usual. I beat her ass after that one kick near my ribs.
I think it’s time I find a different type of workout until after the baby is born. I read that I could continue for at least the first trimester, but since I don’t plan to tell Fraya my business, this will be my last day.
“Hey, you.”
I look up, wiping my forearm across my forehead. Nyla and, to my shock, the woman from the coffee shop five years ago is standing in front of me. I gasp and jump up to hug the woman who changed my life and listened to me make a huge decision in my career.
“Hey, Doc,” she says.
I release her and hold her at arm’s length. She’s about my height, maybe an inch taller. She’s still as pretty as I remember. Her hair is pulled back away from her face in a messy bun.
Nyla looks between the two of us. “You two know each other?”
“Yeah, remember a while back I told you about that resident I met? She was totally cool, and we talked for all that time.”
“Oh, yeah. This was her? What a small world. This is my sister’s bosses’ brother’s business partner and best friend.”
“No shit, Doc. Is she serious?”
“It’s actually Chef now and the best friend is kind of my boyfriend these days.”
Nyla lifts a brow. “Oh really? I thought I picked up on something there.”
“Oh, that’s awesome. You took the leap with your career. How are things? Are you happy?”
A face-splitting smile covers my face. I’m more than happy. Much happier than I was five years ago.
“Yes, things are wonderful.”
“We have to catch up. You want to join us for this mixed martial arts class?”
“I just finished my kickboxing training. I was actually on my way out.”
“Oh, come on. Please, I’ve often thought about you and wondered how things went. Stick around, we can grab a bite after.”
I look to Nyla and smile. I’m in some pretty damn gorgeous company. I’m not insecure, I know how to give a woman her props and these two are a testament to the beauty of tall dark-brown women. Going out to lunch with them is sure to turn heads. I chew on my lip, it’s been so long since I’ve had time for new friends, I miss Blake and Toni has been busy.
“Okay, why not? I’ve always been curious about that class. I’d love to sit in.”
“It’s an awesome class, but I honestly love the range more. Quick and to the point.”
“You mean the gun range?”
“Yes, Ny and I go twice a week. You should join us sometime.”
I think back to Dario and his words that day we were here together. I’m leaving. This is the one thing I know you have to protect yourself while I’m gone.
“You know what, I might take you up on that too.”
“Cool, we’ll exchange information this time. Hopefully, we can stay in touch.”
“Yeah, I’ve wondered how things worked out for you too. I’m so happy to see you.”
“Shit, he’s always right,” Nyla says, almost to herself.