Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 29845 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 149(@200wpm)___ 119(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29845 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 149(@200wpm)___ 119(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
Alarm bells ring in my head, and suddenly, I’m very aware that we’re alone. My chest constricts, my heart pounding like a drum. My skin prickles with cold sweat, a single bead trickling down my spine. “Why do you want to talk to me? How did you even know I was here?”
His story isn’t making any sense. I don’t think Chris would be out advertising what he did to my father. So…how did this guy find out?
“Your father, Cassidy. He told me you were here, and he practically begged me to come and see you.”
“How do you know my father? I’ve never seen you before.”
“Did he make a habit of bringing home people like…well…like him? You know, people he does business with? I bet you never saw Chris Cassella before the night he took you.”
“Fine. If you have something to say to me just say it before you get caught in here.”
“Your father is very sick. His chances aren’t good. I’m sorry.”
“What’s wrong with him?” I feel panic erupt in me. He might not have been the best father but he’s the only family I have.
“I’m not good with all the medical mumbo jumbo. All I know is he’s in the ICU and they don’t think he’s ever coming out.”
Oh god. “O-okay, thank you for telling me. You should go.”
He shakes his head. “He wanted me to tell you he wants to see you before he—you know—dies. Sorry. I can get you to him and have you back here before anyone even knows you’re gone.”
I frown. “I can’t go with you. I don’t even know you.”
“You asked me how I knew who you were. How else would I know if he didn’t tell me? This isn’t a trick. If you don’t want to go, I’ll just go back to the hospital and tell him you don’t want to see him.”
“I didn’t say I don’t want to see him.”
His lips curl up in a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “But that’s what it means, right? You know Chris the Collector won’t allow you to go. You’re his collateral. He doesn’t even know that your father is sick and you can’t tell him. I mean, what good is having collateral if the guy who owes you money is about to die, right? You’ll be worthless to him.”
Worthless? Is that even possible? I did wonder why he’d want to be with someone like me when he could have any woman in the world. Maybe he’s just having his fun with me until my father pays up and he can toss me aside.
But no. I can’t let myself think that way. I won’t. He’s been good to me. He’s been more than good to me. And…I’m starting to feel something for him.
“I think I should talk this over with Chris. If my father is really dying, he’ll find out and take me to see him. I’m sure of it.”
“You better be sure. If not, you might be signing your own death sentence. I know I wouldn’t take a chance like that. I mean, how long have you known him? Do you know anything about the things he’s done or the things he’s capable of doing?”
“No, but he didn’t kill my father, did he?”
“He might have if he didn’t have a hot little daughter for him to steal.”
“No, I don’t believe that.” I shake my head, refusing to let him get to me.
“You think you’re the first girl he’s done this to, don’t you?” He laughs, the sound impossibly loud, and it grates on my nerves.
“I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“What are you gonna do? I don’t think your father can wait for you, and I don’t know if I can get back here another day.”
I consider everything he’s told me, and there’s only one thing I can be certain about. If my father asked for me on his deathbed and I didn’t go, I’d never forgive myself. Besides, I do believe he found out from my father. That’s the only explanation.
“And you’re sure you can have me back here before anyone knows that I’m gone?”
“Yes, but only if we go right now.”
It’s a huge risk. I don’t know how Chris will react if he finds out I disobeyed him, but what choice do I have? Just as I’m about to agree to leave with him, I hear Chris come through the front door.
“Shit. If you want to go, I’ll come back tonight to get you. Just go out back with the dogs and I’ll get you out.”
“What the hell is going on here? Who the fuck are you?” Chris’ nostrils flare, his eyes turning cold and hard.
“Oh, man. Mr. Cassella, it’s an honor to meet you, sir. I’m new. Pete took me on to add a little extra coverage, but he was out getting coffee and I needed to use the john. I was just asking this girl what bathroom I could use…”