Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 83100 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83100 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
I glare at him. The jerk is meddling in business that doesn’t concern him.
His expression remains the same, and even though he’s playing with Gareth, he’s barely smiling.
“It was an arranged marriage. I didn’t think it would last,” I tell Reina. “I still don’t.”
If I expected a reaction from Kyle, I’m disappointed as he gives none, indulging Gareth by letting him run the toy car on his chest.
“But why?” Reina’s brows furrow. “Kyle seems like a great guy. He was the guard who was protecting you seven years ago, right?”
Of course Reina would remember stupid details like that.
“Let’s talk somewhere else.” I take her by the hand. “I came here for something urgent.”
Kyle brings out his phone and types while his other hand holds Gareth. My phone vibrates and I check it while still holding Reina’s hand.
Kyle: Don’t alarm her for no reason. I already took care of the man Kirill sent to plant something in the house. Don’t tell her to pack and leave because that will only put her in more danger. You can protect her better when you know where she is at all times.
I hate how right he is. Besides, knowing Reina, she’ll also think I’m the one in danger and wouldn’t budge from here, not to mention both her and Asher’s lives are here. All their friends and her entire social circle are in this place.
Typing back, I don’t look at him.
Rai: How did you know about this?
Kyle: Adrian told me about Kirill’s plans. He owes me one.
“Rai, what is it?” Reina tugs on my hand.
“Nothing.” I breathe out and smile. “Can’t I visit my little sister?”
She grins. “About time you come to visit. Let me show you around.”
Reina tells me about the renovations they did and how the fireplace is upgraded from the one I saw the last time I came here, which was years ago, as Reina likes to remind me.
We find Asher in the kitchen, picking beers, probably for him and Kyle. He smiles upon seeing me, and although he’s in simple gray slacks and a white T-shirt, he appears groomed and ready to step into court any minute.
“I’m sorry about yesterday,” I say.
“Don’t worry about it.” He offers me a beer. “Like you, I don’t want my son near that crowd.”
Although he doesn’t say it in a condescending manner, I know exactly what he means. Asher was brought up by one of the most successful lawyers in the country, and while he’s not the morality police, he’s not entirely comfortable with Reina’s criminal legacy. He just wants to live a normal life with his family, and I completely respect that.
“Thanks.” I motion at the beer. “But I’m not drinking.”
“Rai!” Reina grips me by the arm. “Are you—”
I place a hand on her mouth and drag her with me. “Excuse us.”
Asher smiles knowingly. “Take your time.”
As soon as we’re in an adjacent dining room and out of earshot, I let Reina remove my hand from her mouth.
She stands in front of me, placing a hand on her hip and tapping her foot on the ground. She really acts like Mom sometimes.
“Spill, Rai.”
“What?” I feign innocence.
“You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”
“What gave you that idea?”
“Thanks, but I’m not drinking.” She mimics the tone I used.
“Only that?”
“That’s the exact same line I told Asher as soon as I found out I was pregnant with Gareth. Also, you’re all radiant—your skin is glowing and your hair is shinier. That’s what’s different about you.”
“You’re imagining things.”
“No, I’m not. You also look at Kyle as if you want to ride him standing. I did that during my first trimester. The position isn’t exactly comfy, but it’s fucking hot.”
“Too much information, Rei.”
“Stop being a prude.”
“I’m not a prude. I just don’t like talking about these things aloud.”
“Which is the definition of a prude. So am I right or am I right?”
I can never win with her, so I sigh. “Yeah, fine, I’m pregnant.”
She squeals, jumping up and down like when she won whenever Mom played hide and seek with us. I guess Reina kept more of her child self than I did. That part of me died when I realized what it meant to be part of the brotherhood—that if I don’t kill, I’ll be killed.
“I’m not keeping it,” I say, low enough that I’m almost sure she didn’t hear me.
But Reina stops jumping, her expression more worried than judgmental. “Why?”
“Because…I just can’t bring a child into the world I live in.”
“What are you talking about? At this rate, you’re just wasting your life away.”
“I’m not wasting my life away. I’m building it. There’s a difference.”
“Okay, fine. But answer one question.”
“What?”
“Do you want children?”
“I…don’t know.”
“Have you ever thought about motherhood? About Mom?”
“I think about her all the time.” I clear my throat when my voice catches. “But I won’t be her, Reina. I will not give birth to children knowing full well they will suffer in the crime world.”