Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 69488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
“I took over paying for her schooling,” Addie hissed.
“It doesn't matter who pays, which I’m glad to do because she’s your sister, therefore my little twerp of a sister-in-law. It’s who I am that gets her places. That little sister of yours is pissing me off in the worst way. I don’t like the way she has been treating you,” I growled.
Addie sat next to the box of ornaments and glared at me. “You don’t know Sofia.”
“Maybe you're right. I don't. But I do know you deserve a lot more respect than she gives you. At least your father calls every day. Sofia has gone from calling and Skyping every day, to texting once a week,” I bit out, angry that Addie, my Addie, allowed her little sister to walk all over her, especially after everything Addie had done for her.
“Daimon, don't interfere where you're not welcomed.”
“Baby, where you’re concerned, I'll do as I fucking please. You might let others treat you like shit, but I won't,” I growled.
We both sat silence in the living room, Drako by my feet, Addie on the floor next to the ornaments and the fucking annoying Christmas music quietly playing.
“You can be such an asshole,” she hissed, looking looked away.
“You are the one who chose to stay married to me, babe.” I grinned.
“Remind me again why?” she bit out, taking out the first ornament.
That was when the elevator rang. Man, I grinned from ear to ear; I couldn't have timed it better myself. “Why the hell do you have an evil grin on your face?” She pointed from across the room.
“Because you're about to see why you married me,” I said happily as I continued to smile, knowing it annoyed her. The elevator doors opened and Drako ran, barking toward the person. At least the little shit came on time, not like she had a choice. I made sure Ted brought her here, and yes, I threatened his job.
“Addie?” Sofia muttered.
“Sofia?” Addie stopped what she was doing and jumped over the box of ornaments.
“Drako, come,” I called out as Addie ran to her younger sister and pulled her for a hug. I watched Drako sitting at my feet, Sofia clearly uncomfortable as Ted stood behind her with her bags.
“What are you doing here?” Addie said happily. Fuck, hearing her happy was just what I wanted.
“It wasn't like I had a choice. Your husband's goon manhandled me,” Sofia said bitterly.
“Oh,” Addie muttered. Fucking little twerp.
“Ted, take her bags upstairs to the second bedroom, and while you’re at it, take her too,” I said grimly.
I hated watching Addie disappointed. I watched Addie as she smiled, but I knew that smile; it wasn’t genuine. It was hiding how hurt she was. Sofia came here not with the smile I intended, but rather with disdain. My irritation grew as Sofia left to go upstairs. Addie’s disposition turned ridged and cold, yet she smiled. Son of a bitch.
“Listen, Addie—”
“I’ll get some food ready for Sofia.”
“Addie—” I grabbed her arm.
“Thank you, Daimon. I’m happy she’s here.” Addie smiled that plastic smile.
A little while later, I sat at our dinner table while Addie kept asking questions about school. In my head, I pictured two girls running around my penthouse, giggling and preparing the Christmas tree that was so important to Addie. But instead, I watched my Addie ache at her sister’s change. The close bond they once had seemed to have dissolved. The exchange between them was ridged at best.
“So tell me about your exams?” Addie asked.
“Hard, really hard. I had to study for a whole week for one. But you wouldn’t know anything about that,” Sofia said coldly. That was it.
“Sofia—”
“Daimon.” Addie grabbed onto my hand, her eyes pleading.
“Fuck it. I lost my appetite,” I said under my breath and stood up to leave. I couldn’t watch Addie deal with her sister. I left them both, Drako mimicking my actions as he headed to the bedroom. I lay down on the couch, Drako mimicking my move, placing himself between the couch and coffee table. “That’s right, boy. Down there is not a place for either one of us,” I murmured to him as I pet him with the hand that fell over to the side. Drako whimpered to my statement. I knew he understood me. I had fallen asleep only to be woken up to the loud clash of something breaking. I rose, jumped over the couch and ran down the stairs to see Addie picking up what looked like our plates. She looked up and smiled, that fucking fake smile plastered on her face irritated me to no end.
“The dishes slipped out of my hand,” she said as she went back to picking the rest up. I went down each step, my anger rising.
“Your sister?” I asked through my teeth.