Total pages in book: 139
Estimated words: 132892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 664(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 664(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
“We’ll talk outside,” I said firmly, determined to stand my ground. When he didn’t move out of the way, I ducked under his arm, moving past him to lean against the porch rail.
“I’m sorry about Talia,” he said, studying me carefully. “Wish you’d waited for me, though.”
“I’d had enough drama,” I told him, shrugging, the memory of all those eyes watching me twisting my stomach. “And it’s not like we’re a couple.”
“My dick was inside you three hours ago,” he replied, eyes narrowing. “I don’t know what that makes us, but it’s fair to say we’ve moved past landlord and tenant. Usually when I take a girl out, I like to make sure she gets back home again safe. Hard to do when she disappears on me.”
“No,” I said shortly, making a snap decision.
“No?” he asked.
“Just . . . no,” I repeated. “I had fun, but the thing with Talia? That’s a deal breaker. I can’t have a crazy woman randomly attacking me all the time.”
“I gave her money and told her to get out of town,” he said, silently acknowledging the point.
“Oh, and I’m sure she’ll just go happily, because criminally insane people always listen to reason.”
Gage cocked his head. “You trying to start a fight? Because I can think of better ways to work off energy.”
“God, are all men so completely clueless?” I mused. “Brandon’s on my case tonight, too.”
“That fucker’s bothering you again?” he asked, freezing. “I’ll take care of him.”
I snorted. “You know, that’s kind of the problem.”
“What?”
“You’re too much like him.”
“What the fuck?” Gage asked, stepping toward me. He caught my shoulders, forcing me to turn toward him. “I am nothing like your ex-husband.”
“You’re both pushy as hell,” I snapped back at him. “He’s trying to protect me from you, did you know that? He’s been investigating you. Says you’re a criminal and that your club is a gang. Is that true, Gage? Don’t bother answering—you’re too good of a liar for me to believe you anyway.”
“Stop it,” he snarled, pulling me into his body. Then his fingers were in my hair, jerking my head back, forcing me to look at him.
“Stop what?” I asked with a sneer. “Telling the truth? Stop being afraid your crazy-ass girlfriend is going to gut me? Or did you want me to stop thinking for myself and do whatever you say, because I have to admit, I’m over it. If I wanted a man who gives me orders, I’d just go back to Brandon. At least I don’t have to worry about him getting arrested all the time.”
Gage’s dark eyes flashed. His jaw tightened, and for an instant I wondered if I’d gone too far.
“Oh, I wouldn’t count on that,” he said. “His hands aren’t exactly squeaky-clean.”
I stilled, his eyes boring through mine as I processed what I’d just heard.
“Excuse me?” I asked.
“You heard what I said.”
My thoughts raced as the implications hit me. Those fancy suits of his . . . he always said his family had money, but when we’d first gotten married, he’d only been able to afford a small ring. And the ring was important to him—he liked the idea of his wife wearing a rock. That’s why he kept upgrading it.
He’d been calling me, desperate to get back together.
My lawyer couldn’t seem to get the financial paperwork from his lawyer.
“Oh shit,” I said, eyes widening. “Oh shit . . . how long?”
“Years,” he replied. “At least, according to my sources. We’re still looking into it.”
“How is he getting away with it?” I asked, shaking my head slowly. Then I had a new thought. “Wait. What about our house?”
“What about it?”
“Did he pay for it with . . . you know.”
“No idea,” Gage said. “And no idea how long he’s been dirty. All I know is the word’s out—Brandon Graham is for sale.”
“But he’s a crusader,” I said, still not quite believing him. “I mean, he’s prosecuted motorcycle gangs like yours. He really believes in this stuff. A whole bunch of bikers went to jail—he won. And what about that serial-killer guy? He’s a hero, at least that’s how they see him in Seattle.”
“I said he was dishonest, not stupid,” he said. “A man like that with political aspirations? He’s not going to throw the big cases. It’s the littler ones. Going soft on a DUI, pleading people out with time served and probation. If he was obvious about it, they’d have caught him by now. Once he announces his campaign they’ll be looking closer. He can’t afford a loose end like you.”
I leaned into him, dropping my forehead against his chest. All of a sudden the pieces fell together, and I felt like a moron—I’d just been too busy building my business to notice.
“I’m an idiot,” I said miserably. Gage’s hand started rubbing my back slowly as I tried to process everything.