Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Thankfully, Kristine doesn’t stick around but leaves us alone to talk privately.
“What did you want to say before she brought the tea?” I ask.
Jimmy quickly shakes his head. “Nothin’.”
“Do you need anything?” I try to pry it out of the stubborn fucker.
“No.” He gives me half a smile, looking tired as hell.
“Are you getting enough rest?” I ask.
He nods.
“So there’s nothing you want to tell me?” I give him another chance. Jimmy’s one of the few people I have patience for. He came over from Ireland with his father and has been loyal to the mafia since day one. He’s one of the few good ones left. “We’re family, Jimmy. You can talk to me about anything.”
His smile grows a little. “I know.”
When it’s clear he’s not going to talk, I let out a sigh. “Stubborn fucker.”
This time he chuckles. “I’ll be back at work–.”
I instantly shake my head. “You’ll come back to work when I decide you’re ready.”
Jimmy glances at the time, and for a moment, he looks anxious, but then he says, “Kristine’s goin’ to throw a fit if I don’t take a nap.”
Rising to my feet, I lock eyes with him. “Take care of yourself, Jimmy. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks, boss.”
Walking out of the house, I pull my phone out of my pocket to call Will. I glance up and down the street, thinking Jimmy could’ve lived in a much better neighborhood if he didn’t drink and gamble his money away.
“I’m around the corner,” Will answers.
“Good.” I end the call and watch as a bus stops up the road. A couple of people get off then Will pulls up next to me.
Getting into the car, I say, “The warehouse.”
Chapter 8
Kiara
There’s a permanent burning sensation in my stomach as I stand across the road from Byrne Enterprises.
Lifting my eyes, I look at the impressive building where I thought my dreams would come true. My gaze locks on the top floor, and I try to make out any movement behind the windows, but it’s too high.
What am I going to do?
I can’t remember how many times I almost called the police since yesterday afternoon.
I can’t risk Mom’s life. God only knows what Finn is capable of.
The realization that there’s no one I can go to for help hit around midnight. It was staggering.
I’m alone in this nightmare.
Lowering my eyes, I try to force a smile to my face, but it threatens to dissolve into tears. I swallow hard on the hopelessness and fear swirling in my chest.
I’ve never felt so tired before, as if all the life has been drained from me. Finn can do anything to me, and there’s nothing I can do to stop him. And I have to pretend I freaking like it.
God.
I shake my head, unable to fathom that man touching me and just allowing it to happen. Yesterday it was a kiss. What will today bring?
Closing my eyes, I suck in a fortifying breath of air before crossing the street. The threat of Finn killing my mother tightens its restraints around my heart with every step I take closer to the entrance.
How am I going to get out of this mess?
Will resigning be enough to get rid of Finn?
Probably not.
I don’t have enough money to run with Mom, and I can’t leave Dad behind.
Shit.
My breaths speed up as I reach the entrance. My eyes dart around, feeling like I’m being hunted.
Breathe, Kiara.
Entering the building, I don’t have a single ounce of strength to smile. Before I can reach the reception counter, Denise’s eyebrows furrow with worry. “Hey, still not feeling better?”
I nod, swallowing hard on the lump in my throat. “But I’ll be okay.” I hope.
“You should’ve taken the day off. I can manage alone.”
I contemplated calling in sick but don’t know how Finn will react. I don’t want him coming to my apartment.
“Don’t worry. Want some coffee?” I ask to change the subject.
“You sit down. I’ll make us some.”
“Thank you.” Taking my seat, I place my bag in the lower drawer. As Denise heads across the lobby floor, Liam and Will come in. She pauses, a bright smile curving her lips. “Morning, Mr. Byrne.” Then she turns her smile to Will. “Mr. Gillen.”
“If Liam wouldn’t fire me, I’d tell you how pretty you look today,” Will compliments her.
Watching their banter does nothing to lift the dark cloud hovering over me.
As I glance away from Denise, it’s to lock eyes with Liam. Frowning, he walks closer but stops a safe distance from the counter.
It’s only then I remember Denise telling me he doesn’t like being touched.
And yesterday, I ran face-first into him without apologizing.
“Sorry for plowing into you yesterday,” I quickly get the apology out of the way.
“Do you feel better?” he asks, his eyes inspecting me way too closely.
I force a numb smile to my lips. “Yes. Thank you for asking.”