Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24538 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24538 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Gorev’s beady eyes watched me carefully, and he muttered, “Point taken. What else do you want?”
“His sister and her roommate—yeah, she wasn’t lying when your former boss roughed her up the other day, asshole—starting the moment we’re done here, they are off your radar. You’ll spread the word in your circles—the girls no longer exist. And no one is to sell to this punk. Just stay the hell away from him.”
“Is that all?”
“If I think of anything else, I’ll send you an email,” I retorted.
Then the fucker had the nerve to ask, “And what do I get?”
“Your life, such as it is. I imagine you’ll step right into the boss's shoes, right? The next low-level kingpin of San Diego,” I spat in disgust. “Do you understand the terms of this negotiation?”
Gorev studied me for a moment, then glanced at my companions before looking back at me. “Yes.”
I stalked up to him before he had a chance to back away, and my hand clutched his throat. “One more warning. If you think for one second that this is over when you walk away, think again.”
Gorev clawed at my hand as he choked, trying to get a breath through his constricted airway.
“You take one step too far, and I’ll know it. And you can bet your ass that the next time my hand is around your neck, I won’t let go until you’ve taken your last breath.” I chuckled without humor and added, “So to speak.”
I released him with a shove, and he stumbled backward until he tripped over his dead boss and fell on his ass. His eyes were filled with enough terror that I was satisfied.
“Move out,” I ordered, trusting Merrick to make arrangements to clean up the mess we’d left behind since he’d done it for himself when he was an assassin.
I needed to hold Sage, to let her goodness chase away the darkness that lurked inside me. Everybody has a wicked side, and it served me well when I had to make tough choices in the service of my country. And protecting my woman, taking out scum like Bartman, I considered those acts of service. But it would be a hell of a lot easier to see the bright side of life with Sage at my side.
12
SAGE
It felt as though I’d been waiting forever when Cash came over to where I was curled up on the corner of the couch and said, “Just got the all clear. Situation has been handled.”
“Did you talk to Arrow?” I jerked up, my hands clenched at my sides. “Is he okay?”
He nodded. “I got a text thanking me for giving you a ride to meet up with him at your place, so it’s safe to say he’s fine.”
“That’s all he said?” My brows drew together as I got to my feet.
“Phone records can be subpoenaed, ma’am,” he explained, leading me toward the stairs that led down to the garage. “He couldn’t write anything that would raise red flags if the situation doesn’t remain permanently contained.”
“Oh, right. I guess that makes sense,” I murmured, my heart heavy at the reminder of the risks Arrow and his friends had taken to keep Phoebe and me safe.
Deacon was loading Arrow’s duffel and the one Merrick had brought for me into the back of the SUV when we entered the garage. They didn’t waste any time once we were in the vehicle, and we were quickly on the road back to San Diego. I hadn’t gotten any more sleep after Arrow left, but now that I wasn’t worried about something awful happening to him, I could barely keep my eyes open.
I ended up sleeping the entire ride back to my apartment, my lids not popping open again until Arrow ripped my door open to pull me from the back seat and into his arms. He didn’t give me the chance to say anything before his mouth was on mine, his tongue demanding entrance. Twining my arms around his neck, I went up on my toes to press my lips against his, needing this kiss just as much as he did.
I was so focused on him that I didn’t even notice anyone else was in the parking lot with him until Huntley murmured, “I’m gonna head home to get a kiss like that from my wife.”
“I plan on getting a fuck of a lot more than a kiss,” Kade chimed in.
Stepping away from Arrow, I pressed my fingers to my lips to stifle a giggle as my cheeks heated. “Oops, sorry.”
“No apologies needed,” Huntley insisted with a grin. “It’s about damn time Arrow found a woman of his own to come home to. He more than deserves to have found happiness.”
“Yeah, he does.” I smiled up at the man I’d so easily fallen for.
Arrow brushed his lips against mine again before turning to his men. “I can’t thank you enough for all of your help.”