Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24659 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24659 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
“Why? What’s going on?” Now there’s concern in his eyes, and I know my brother. He might be a hard man, but he would never allow a woman to be in danger.
I take my time explaining to him my conversation with Tim this morning and how she’s tied up with the Shapovals. I’m irritated all over again thinking about it, and the need to keep her safe is bearing down on me.
“Do you think they’ll come after her?” Boone asks like he’s reading my mind.
“I don’t think they’d let something as precious as her go. Especially if they used a few dollars’ worth of food as an excuse to whore her out.”
My jaw clenches just thinking about it, and I have to remind myself that she’s here and she’s okay. I got to her in time, and now I’m going to make sure she’s protected.
“I’m sorry, I wouldn’t wish what I went through on anyone.” He comes over to me and squeezes my arm. “Are you okay?”
“I should be asking you the same.” Reaching out, I give my brother a hug, and he stiffens at first before he relaxes and hugs me back. “I’m glad Phoebe is okay.”
When we release, he nods and lets out a deep breath. “I’m okay now. I’ll just feel better when she doesn’t have that mark on her face. Every time I look at her it reminds me of almost losing her.”
“Give it some time and I’m sure it will be better. In the meantime, I need your help.”
“With what?”
“Can I get your contact at the Feds? I need to point them in the direction of the Shapovals so I can keep Demi safe.”
“Absolutely. I’m sure they’d be thrilled for a chance to take them down.”
“My only hope is that they don’t expect me to use Demi for bait,” I say, and the look Boone gives me tells me he’s on my side about this one.
“Let’s make some calls.”
He walks over to his desk, and I take a seat as we get to work on keeping Demi out of harm's way.
Seven
DEMI
“Tomorrow’s your birthday!” Phoebe claps her hands together.
She’s been peppering me with questions since the guys left and has been extra kind even with everything that’s gone on. Especially with what went down with her father and me. Not that anything happened, but still. I’m sure it could be strange to her. Hell, it’s strange to me.
From the excitement in her eyes, you’d think it was her birthday and not mine. She’s really chipper for a girl that was attacked only yesterday. I suppose having someone in love with you the way her husband seems to be with her could put anyone on cloud nine. I know I would be.
I couldn’t help but be a bit jealous of the two of them together. He was so worked up over his wife, and I was even a bit jealous of how Curt was worried over his brother too. They all care for each other, and I long to have something like that one day. No one has ever worried about me like that.
“Yeah, but it’s no big deal.” I try to brush it off. I know birthdays are big for a lot of people, but they never have been for me. I don’t want to get myself excited over nothing. Expectations only ever bring disappointment. I learned that very early in life, and now I expect nothing. It’s probably why I’m surprised when someone is kind to me.
“No big deal? You better have cake at least. How old are you turning?”
“Eighteen.” Her brows lift all the way up her forehead at my response.
“Why the look?” I try not to fidget as she stares me over.
“Nothing. I thought maybe you and Curt might have something going on?”
“What?” I shout a bit too loudly. “Why would you think that? He’s been nice to me. It’s nothing more than that.”
There is no way someone of Curt’s caliber would ever be interested in me. We’re from two different worlds, and I could never belong to him. I’m sure people would judge him if he was with me. I mean, I was technically a hooker, and I might still be for all I know. I have no clue where I’ll end up tomorrow or the day after that.
“Nice?” She lets out a small laugh. “He was a bit of a dick when I met him. He didn’t want me marrying his brother, but he came around pretty quick.”
“Why didn’t he want you two to get married?” It’s clear the two of them are madly in love. What more could you want for your sibling?
“Well, in all fairness, my husband did kind of bribe my parents to marry me.” Now she’s the one shrugging like it’s no big deal. I guess we all know her father is a jerk at this point.