Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 142728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
“Perfect,” I mutter, grabbing a mug and pouring steaming black brew into it.
“You missed a wild night at Crystal Ball Friday,” a soft voice says behind me.
“Morning, Swan.” I turn and force a tight smile. Not a lick of guilt touches me for taking the night off. “I could say the same about you last night. Cece and Mona got into a fight over their lockers.”
She crosses her thin arms over her chest and rolls her eyes. “I wouldn’t have gotten in the middle of that, anyway.”
Grinder pushes through the dining room door and heads straight for the coffee. Inwardly, I groan, not in the mood for another lecture. I scan the area. Too late to escape. He already saw me. But maybe there’s someone else I can sic him on.
“Morning, Grinder. Is Serena with you?” Swan asks.
He gestures toward the hallway. “In the living room with the girls. I didn’t want her walking all the way down here.”
“I’ll bring her some tea,” Swan offers, scurrying behind the counter to search for supplies.
“Thanks, sweetheart.” Grinder takes a quick swallow of coffee. “Seems mean to have my coffee in front of her at this stage. I’m gonna finish this here.”
Lucky me.
Swan chuckles. “You’re a good man.”
As soon as she leaves, Grinder focuses his attention on me.
“Don’t start,” I warn. “I’m not in the mood.”
“Are you ever?” he asks. “What are you afraid I’m gonna start?”
“I don’t need any life advice today.”
His lips quirk into a knowing smile. “Guess not. From what I hear, you’re quite…skilled.”
I don’t want to contemplate the implication of his statement.
Then it hits me. Did Emily give Serena details about the other night?
I glance down at my boots, trying to wipe the smirk off my face.
“Glad things are going well,” Grinder says. “But I’d be remiss if I didn’t warn you.”
Here we go again. “Warn me about what, old man?”
“Keep calling me old, you little shithead. You’re gonna be my age one day. Ain’t gonna be so funny, then.”
I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from laughing. “You’ll still be older.”
He pokes me in the chest. Older or not, Grinder’s got some weight behind the gesture.
More people pour into the dining room but Grinder ignores the increase in noise.
I glance down at his finger and raise an eyebrow. “I have too much respect for you to kick your ass, Grinder. But don’t push your luck.”
He grunts and drops his hand. “I know you’d never intentionally hurt her but if you break Emily’s heart, I’m gonna break something of yours.” He slides his gaze over me as if he’s picking out which body part he’ll snap in half.
“Overstep much?” I cross my arms over my chest.
“That girl’s had it rough. And she’s been a good friend to Serena. So yeah, I’ve got strong feelings on this subject.”
“Correct me if I’m wrong, Father Time.” I tap my finger against my chin in a slow, dickish way. “But haven’t you been busting my nuts for months about the need for me to rust or ride? You encouraged me to spend time with Emily and now you’re threatening me when I’m taking your advice?” I’m more annoyed than angry. Maybe a little amused by the seriousness of his lecture. “You going senile already?”
He ignores the dig and holds up his hands in an unconvincing show of surrender. “I said what needed to be said. Just because she doesn’t have any family besides her sixteen-year-old sister doesn’t mean no one’s looking out for her. That’s all.”
“I’m aware.” I hold my hands up to my eyes like a pair of binoculars. “I’m the one you asked to stake out her house when we were worried Grillo might harass her, or did you forget that?”
“I didn’t forget shit.” He glances at the coffee cup in his hand, sets it on the counter, then claps my shoulder. “You’re right. I’m sorry. That was harsh. I worry about Emily. She and her sister are all by themselves. I feel guilty I moved Serena so far away from them.”
I stand there and blink. Pre-prison Grinder apologized to no one for anything. And I’m shocked he’s even acquainted with guilt let alone able to identify the emotion out loud.
“Whoa.” Rav sneaks up behind Grinder and wraps an arm around his shoulders. “You threatening a brother? Over a civilian woman? What’s this club coming to?”
“Mind your business,” Grinder growls, shaking off Rav’s arm.
Rav’s like a perv with a porno when he butts into a conversation. He scratches his head and a devious smile flashes over his face. “Emily’s that banging redhead, right? She’s who you two are beefing over?”
“There’s no beef, jackass,” Grinder says.
“Didn’t she wear a dress that went down to her ankles to Teller’s wedding?” He cringes. “Girl that uptight needs a good yank on her ponytail.” Rav grabs a fistful of air and jerks his fist to demonstrate.