Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27242 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27242 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
There’s no way I’m getting out of this alive unless I escape. If I turn on my father, my stepbrothers will kill me once they have what they need. If I don’t turn on my father, my stepbrothers will kill me anyway.
Moving to the window, I inspect it. But it’s been sealed shut and the old fire escape ladder that my father insisted I keep isn’t in the closet. That’s probably courtesy of my stepbrother, Gabe. He’s the chess player, the one with a strategy for everything. Gary is the hothead. He’ll probably be the one that pulls the trigger when the time comes.
“Definitely not a good situation, Luna,” I murmur before realizing I’m talking to Ryker’s dog who isn’t here. She tried to protect me. I hope she’s OK. When Ian went to hurt her, I instinctively threw myself in the way.
Since the window isn’t an option, I step into the adjoining bathroom. There are no windows here but if I let the tub run and overflow, it would eventually create a leak and that would get them up here. Maybe I could get the jump on my stepbrothers. Two to one wouldn’t be great but I’d have the element of surprise.
What would Ryker tell me to do? Probably to sit by and wait for him to rescue me. But that isn’t an option. I can’t bring him into this fight. He’s the man I’m in love with and just the thought that something could happen to him puts a band around my lungs.
Before I can create any havoc in the bathroom, my bedroom door swings open. I cringe for a moment then realize it’s Gabe. He doesn’t like to get his hands messy. If it comes time to kill me, he’ll outsource the job.
“Brooke,” he calls my name sharply and gestures toward the seating area in my room. “Sit.”
If I can’t take on my brothers through brute force, I’ll have to do it by playing Gabe’s game and beating him at it. Taking a seat in the plush armchair, I can’t help but think about all of those times that my father would come up here after a long day. He’d recite endless notes for me to type and encrypt on the laptop.
Gabe sits too and pauses to pull off his glasses. He pretends to wipe them on his shirt sleeve. But I know that’s not what he’s really doing. He’s taking a moment to gather his thoughts before he speaks. When he finally places them back on, he says, “I know this is a difficult time for you right now, baby sis.”
Baby sis. He’s never called me that in his life and he’s never given a damn about me going through a hard time. He’s ignored me for years and only now when he wants something is he finally here.
I wait for him to say more as I fold my hands in my lap. My father’s endless training included instructions on how to sit during a negotiation. Posture should be relaxed but straight, communicating strength while putting your opponent at ease. It’s either information he never shared with Gabe or information my stepbrother is purposely ignoring.
“But we have to think about the future of Lancaster Enterprises,” he’s speaking softly, like I’m a wounded animal that might bolt at any moment.
“Did you pay Ian well?” My voice is casual, as if we’re discussing the weather. My father would be proud, and the thought makes me sick. But I have to knock Gabe off balance. I have to get him emotional or he’ll continue his calculated moves.
He narrows his eyes behind his glasses. “Far more than you’re worth.”
“Would Lionel agree with that?” I challenge. Nothing sets Gabe off like the mention of the man who rejected him as the future heir. With his intelligence, he expected to be named next in line automatically.
“Lionel is a pussy who built his empire on the shoulders of a worthless girl,” he sneers.
“Lionel is a brilliant businessman,” I argue. I’ve seen the bloodshed my father’s enterprise has caused. I’ve watched him buy out or bury anyone who would dare to stand against him. He might be brilliant to some people, but I know the truth. He’s a ruthless killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Still, calling him brilliant is sure to set Gabe off.
He stands then, towering over me. He launches into a rant about the shipping company and the many ways it’s been improved since he took it over. If you listened, you’d think he invented the shipping trade himself.
If I can push him over the edge, I can discover his big plan and maybe find a way to save my own life. “Aww, did daddy finally let you play with one of his toys? I bet that made you feel like a big boy.”