Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75640 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75640 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
A plan I would’ve probably put into action if it didn’t completely contradict my primary mission of doing whatever it takes to ensure her safety.
Like I said before, that takes precedent over everything.
Including whether or not she actually likes me.
I loathe the idea that she doesn’t, but I’ll fucking deal as long as she’s properly taken care of, which is what the stupid test was doing. We needed to make sure she didn’t suffer anything internally and head trauma is always a better to be safe than sorry situation. I’ve seen what happens firsthand when people make the mistake of assuming rather than assuring.
It isn’t pretty.
And it damn sure isn’t the type of shit I want for Arley.
The driver of the red vehicle positions it at an obnoxious angle – occupying multiple spaces – and quickly kills the engine. As soon as he emerges from his car, he flashes me a grin that matches his parking.
Crooked and annoying.
“Morning, Wahl!” Reynolds enthusiastically greets.
His seemingly warm sentiment is met by a small head tilt and question, “You bring me a peace offerin’?”
He shows me more teeth.
More of his mouth.
More of his excitement.
I swear to God, if he hasn’t brought me exactly what I asked for I will redirect all of my fucking frustrations to him. His ass will be limping into his favorite champagne room for at least a goddamn month.
One simple push of his keys pops the trunk to his vehicle to reveal to me the reason he will be walking out of this place in one piece versus pieces.
Crossing over from where I’m leaning against my truck is followed by assisting in the relocation of the target to the nearest pillar. Despite being bound and gagged, he thrashes his body around, hoping to break free or possibly just slow down the inevitable. A single strike to the stomach ceases the flailing and sparks loud groans to propel themselves against the duct tape covering his mouth. Slamming him into the structure instantly alleviates a bit of the agony that’s wreaking havoc on my system and upon feeling the first hint of relief I have in hours, I decide to do it again.
And again.
And again.
And each time his stout frame crumples, my own stands a little taller.
Higher.
Regains the bit of honor that was lost when he had that wire around Arley’s neck.
Visions of what that probably looked like begin to creep into the front of my mind only to be surpassed by imagining how terrified she must’ve felt.
How helpless.
Pinning him to the pole by his neck is done at the same time I grunt an order, “Grab the rope from the back of my truck.” Reynolds quickly fulfills the command while I increase the pressure around the target’s throat. “Look at me.” His hooded eyes threaten to close, prompting me to squeeze harder. Bang him into the pillar once more, this time in a more helpful fashion. “You wanna live to see another day?”
He nods to the best of his ability.
“Then this is how it’s gonna go. I’m gonna ask you some questions and you’re gonna give me some answers. Understood?”
The male attempts to bob his head again.
“Good.” Reynolds returns with the requested item and swiftly swaps positions with me. “Now, there are a few ground rules you’re gonna wanna keep in mind.” Unknotting the bundle precedes me walking around the column to be behind him. “Lie to me?” Reynolds lowers his hold to allow the rope to be wound around the attacker’s neck. “And I’ll back my truck into you.” I lean over his shoulder and speak directly into his ear. “Try to lie to me?” The initial tying occurs next. “And I’ll back my truck into you.” Forcefully yanking it around as I secure the object in place is attached to another set of statements. “Lie to me by omittin’ somethin’? And I’ll back my truck into you.” Once I’m finally finished, I swing my large frame back around to be face to face with the man responsible for hurting my best friend. “Waste my time?”
“And he’ll back his truck into you,” Reynolds confidently tries to add from where he’s standing to my side.
“And I’ll kill you.”
My target’s eyes instantly widen indicating we truly have an understanding.
I spin on my heels, pull the keys out of my pocket, and head for the front seat. The second I’m inside, I get the engine roaring, letting the sound that’s reverberating around the secluded area sooth me while simultaneously frightening him.
Meeting the man’s gaze in my side mirror, I command, “Take his tape off, Reynolds.”
The pain in the ass that’s always looking for a strip club buddy obediently does what he’s told.
To no surprise, the bound man idiotically begins shouting at the top of his lungs. “Hellllppppp! Helllppppppp!”
“Wrong choice.” I state and slowly begin reversing his direction. His screams swiftly get louder and higher pitched until my foot shifts back onto the break. “You wanna scream? ‘Cause I’d be happy to give ya somethin’ to really scream about.”