Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 88580 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88580 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
I’m already embarrassed and self-conscious about being a virgin. What’s he going to say when he finds out about that?
I bet he’ll laugh at me.
I limp down the beach, sticking to the harder surf. I’m in running shoes, a sweatshirt against the early chill, and a pair of shorts.
My physical therapist has been pushing me to take beach walks for months now, and I’ve been trying to make them a habit. A half hour out and back is the best I can do, but that sure as hell beats nothing.
My leg’s throbbing already.
At least it’s nice out. A good breeze, a little sun. I breathe in the smell of the sand and the ocean, trying to forget about Adler Costa and his incredible, stupid mouth.
Except I keep coming back to him.
Back to that orgasm.
By far the best orgasm of my entire life.
Which actually pisses me off even more. Why can’t he be bad at anything?
It’d almost be a relief if he fumbled around and failed to make me come.
Instead, the man was masterful.
The bastard.
I’m lost in thoughts, but up ahead I spot another lone walker. It’s a man, tall, wearing all black exercise clothes. He’s coming toward me, moving in the opposite direction. I glance away toward the water, hoping he just passes by without making any comments. I’m limping, and sometimes people mistake my awkward gait for an injury and want to help. They mean well, but it’s uncomfortable.
This guy’s slowing as he gets closer. I try to avoid eye contact, but it’s impossible. I glance over and he’s grinning at me, head tilted, like he knows who I am.
“Casey Kiernan?” he asks.
I stop walking, surprised. I don’t recognize him. Dark hair, dark eyebrows. I’d guess around Adler’s age, late thirties. Muscular, beefy almost, with a rumbling voice.
“Sorry, do I know you?”
“My name’s Tony Vetch.” His smile gets bigger at my reaction.
Tony Vetch?
As in, Adler’s nemesis?
Panic slams into my chest. This has to be some kind of joke—what’s a guy like Tony Vetch doing out for a morning stroll on the freaking beach?
I look around, terror ringing in my ears, and we’re almost alone. There’s a guy fishing not far away, and I think I spot a couple figures hurrying in my direction. Tony’s guys? I can’t be sure.
“Uh, hello,” I say. “It’s nice to meet you.”
His smile slips. He cocks his head, looking confused. “You really don’t remember me?”
“No, I—” I clear my throat. “I don’t think we’ve met. Adler’s talked about you a little bit.”
“That’s right, your husband. Congratulations, by the way, that must be really exciting.”
“Uh, thank you, it’s all very new.”
“I’m sure if Adler’s told you about me then it’s nothing but good things.”
I laugh awkwardly as he gives me another charming smile. This is so uncomfortable, all I want is to find a way out of our conversation.
“No, not really, but I bet you don’t have nice things to say about him, either. Listen, it’s nice to meet you, but I have a shift in a little while—”
“He has his own wife working the floor?” He snorts, good-natured, but there’s an edge to his tone. “He always was cheap, but that’s pushing it.”
“He’s not making me. I mean, I like dealing.”
“Good for you then. An independent type. That’s really good.” He moves closer. I take a step back and my knee almost gives out. If he notices, he doesn’t move to help me. I’m shaking and something feels very wrong about this.
Why is Tony Vetch out for a morning stroll all alone?
Why is he out at the exact same time I am?
“I don’t want to, uh, get involved in your feud with my husband. Whatever bad blood you two have is between you guys. It all happened before I ever met him.”
“You think that?” His eyes narrow and his smile slips. “You really don’t remember, do you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I take a few steps back. “If you’ll excuse me, my leg’s starting to hurt.” Way worse than before. It must be the stress of this meeting triggering my discomfort.
“Be careful, Casey. You have no clue who you married.”
“And you do?”
“Better than anyone in the world.” Tony’s smile is totally gone now. He’s staring at me intensely. “Whatever he’s using you for, don’t do it. Do you hear me, Casey Kiernan? Just leave it alone.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say, feeling confused and desperate.
Another voice breaks out over the wind. “Hey! You!”
Tony gives me one last look before turning around and walking in the opposite direction.
I stand there watching him go, head reeling. Why did he keep talking like he knows me? What does he mean Adler’s using me for something?
“Mrs. Costa. Hey, Mrs. Costa? Casey!”
I look over, startled.
Square’s standing there with Tattoo lingering behind him. They’re both concerned, frowning at me.