Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 68858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
I laughed and turned my attention back to Joshua, delivering my ultimatum: he had one week to make payment or face consequences. “And clean that up.” I nodded at his pile of vomit that indicated he’d recently eaten spaghetti.
My brother and I left the warehouse together, leaving our men to clean up the mess.
"He's definitely going to make a run for it,” Elias remarked as soon as we were outside.
"Yeah." I agreed with a nod. "And that's why his family is about to experience a tragic home invasion within the next fifteen minutes."
“Should’ve sent Sergio with his camera.”
“Who said I didn’t? Angel tagged along too.”
My brother’s brow furrowed. “We won’t have much to look at it if you sent him. You know he only leaves the skin and Sergio can’t stomach that.”
I laughed, thinking of our cousin losing his shit for precisely that reason. He and Angel were the perfect comedic duo, which was precisely why I was sending them along with the trainee. I had always known Joshua wouldn't be able to come up with the money. His greed consumed him, causing him to use most of the coke for himself and sell off the rest at a much lower price to other addicts.
It didn't take much investigating to figure this all out. It was unfortunate that things had to end this way, but in this line of work, business was business. If I didn't make tough decisions, someone else would step in, undermining me.
I couldn't let one person get away with stealing from me, or it would set a precedent for others to do the same. Rules were rules, and I expected them to be followed. As we walked, my thoughts drifted back to Elena. She was always on my mind, despite my attempts to convince myself otherwise. I could only hope she was able to withstand the challenges of being my wife.
I was no fucking saint and had no desire to change who I was to appease others. What I would do, was give her a life many would envy, one that others had fought and died for. I wouldn’t let her suffer the same fate as her sister, no matter what it took, even if meant making her believe a nightmare was a delightful fantasy.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
ELENA
I woke up feeling disoriented, my entire body aching with the memory of his touch. The blackout curtains had been partially cracked, letting in a small stream of sunlight. He wasn’t in the room, and part of me was relieved by his absence.
Last night had been unexpected and I wasn't sure how to face him. It wasn't my intention to sleep with Mateo when we went out, or at all for that matter. But to be fair to myself, I doubted many women resisted him once they were in his bedroom, so I couldn't really be held accountable for my actions.
I sat up and looked around in search of my phone. I didn’t see it or the dress he took off me anywhere. What I did see, however, was an outfit folded on top of the ottoman that sat at the foot of the bed. It looked to be another dress—thankfully not as fancy.
The heels were another story. There was a silk ivory robe placed alongside them. Reluctantly kicking the comforter off, I tossed my legs over the side of the bed, my bare feet dangling. I gathered up the dress and heels Mateo had left for me, my heart racing as I hurried toward the bathroom. The door creaked open to reveal a room that matched the opulence of the rest of his home.
It was spacious, with dark marble flooring that shone under the gentle lighting. Deep, rich tones covered the walls, creating an atmosphere that felt both extravagant and intimate. Taking up one side of the room was a large walk-in shower with glass walls and polished gold fixtures. And on the other side was an equally impressive vanity, its long marble countertop adorned with neatly arranged toiletries. Above it hung an ornate mirror, its intricate designs reflecting the soft light from a chandelier suspended from the ceiling.
I thought my family was wealthy, this house was the next level. I hurriedly undressed and stepped into the shower, reveling in the warm water cascading over my body. The scent of expensive soap and shampoo filled the air, offering some solace in this unfamiliar place. Once I was clean, I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel, its plush fabric gentle against my skin. At the vanity, I noticed that all of the toiletries were clearly meant for me.
There was a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and even a selection of high-end skincare products laid out as if awaiting my arrival. I brushed my teeth, feeling slightly calmer with the minty freshness in my mouth, before getting dressed. Mateo's chosen dress was nice and soft, fitting me perfectly as if it were tailor-made. The floral pattern was vibrant, a stark contrast to the dark, moody ambiance of the bathroom and the rest of his home. I slipped into the black heels, taking a deep breath to steady myself.