Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
My brain is glitching as I process, I’ve just been told my mom was murdered, but I’m afraid to touch that one right now. I’m hanging on by a thread as it is.
I always thought she left, walked out because of Daddy’s mess. I can vaguely remember Daddy trying to stop her from going out. That was the last time I remember seeing her.
She was there one day and gone the next. That’s why I understood Ant. I’ve been there. I was younger than he was, but the lady with the pretty smile never returned.
“What happened to my mom?”
“She and her friends were in a car accident. The brakes were tampered with. Lester had been given a tip that she was in danger when she was with her friends. She didn’t take heed and…”
“The fight. He was trying to protect her,” I murmur as I remember that day. Suddenly a memory clicks. “He wouldn’t let her take me. She wanted to take me out that day.”
He nods wordlessly. My brain starts to stutter as my thoughts try to come together. I swipe my tears and shake my head clear.
“Could all of this be tied to Daddy and Nicky Knight?”
“It’s possible. I’ve been asking around to see if I can find that out,” Uncle Marvin says.
“Are you sure that’s wise? I mean, you are the governor and this all seems messy.”
“You let me worry about that.” He smiles and winks at me.
“Maybe we should leave it alone. I don’t think it matters anymore.”
It’s been two weeks and things have been quiet. Perhaps Scarlett’s arrest and the break-in at Ven’s had nothing to do with me. As that thought sinks in, I start to breathe again.
I want to put this all behind me. When Ant gets home, I’ll process what I just learned and then I’m going to move on with my life. Will I have a ton of regrets? Yeah, I think I will, but what can I do now?
“Well, give me a hug. Welcome home, Lex. You have to come by the house and visit with the little one. He’s adorable.”
“Thanks, Uncle Marvin.”
“Mayven, are you coming to the house for lunch? I think I have an hour.”
“Sorry, Daddy. Shawna is on the way. I want to spend time with her and Lex.”
Uncle Marvin smiles. “You girls have always been close. I’m happy your home, Lex. I’m proud of you girls. The ears and fists of Vander aren’t the worse you could’ve done.”
With that, he leaves with a knowing smile. My head is spinning. What the hell just happened?
“I didn’t know. I’m so sorry,” Ven says as she pulls me into a tight hug.
I return the embrace and break down. “No wonder he would never tell me. They killed my mom. I don’t even know who they are. It’s not right.”
“I know, but if any of them are still breathing, I’m going to find them.”
“No, Ven. This one is mine. I’m going to get the whole truth and I’ll handle this for myself.”
“I’m here whenever and for whatever you need.”
“I know. Thank you.”
This is a conversation I need to finish with her dad when I’m ready. I’m still in shock. The doorbell rings, pulling me from my musing.
I’m numb as I move to answer it. I wipe my face and pull the door open. Shawna stands there, looking down at her phone.
“Hey, Shawnnie,” Ven sings from behind me.
It’s like someone whispers in my ear for me to look up. I look past Shawna and move into action as I see the window roll down on the car across the street.
I reach beneath the table by the door and release the Desert Eagle. Without a second thought, I push my cousin out of the way and into the house. In the next breath, I fire.
I empty my clip at the people shooting at my home. Ven comes up, letting off as the car speeds off. Before I can yell at her to get back in the house, my husband pulls up like a madman with his guns drawn.
I run for the truck for my baby, my chest heaving. I’m trembling as I hold my son in my arms. Ant jumps back in his truck and takes off.
“Are you guys okay?”
“Yeah, that’s that car that’s been following me,” Shawna says.
“Someone has been following you?” Ven seethes.
“I thought so. I still get paranoid. I wasn’t sure at first.”
“How long?” Ven barks.
“Since my last date with Kelex. Two weeks?”
“Does Kelex know?” I ask.
“No, I didn’t say anything. Like, what can he do?”
I snort. “If your new boyfriend is who I think he is, a whole fucking lot and you need to tell him.”
Ven looks at me and pulls a face. Clearly, she still doesn’t know either. I shake my head to warn Ven off. This isn’t my secret and I’m not positive yet.