Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
My mouth crashes against his, and I kiss the everloving shit out of my man. When I pull back, I meet his eyes and whisper, “Thank you.”
“Anything for you, baby.”
He starts the engine, and as we drive away, I don’t bother looking at the house where I grew up.
I’m done with them.
I place my hand on Callan’s thigh and stare at him as he drives to the apartment.
He’s the only family I need.
Chapter 40
Callan
I would’ve loved nothing more than to kill Harrison, but I had to settle for a couple of punches.
Christ, it felt good to make the fucker bleed.
Parking the car outside the apartment building, Lily and I get out of the SUV.
The doorman’s face lights up with a smile when he sees her. “Miss Harrison. Welcome back.”
I need to change her fucking last name.
“Hi, Bobby. We’re just here to collect my belongings and will be in and out and couple of times.”
His smile falters. “I’m sorry to hear you’re moving. You’ll be missed.”
She gives him an appreciative smile before we head to the elevator. During the ride to her floor, Lily hooks her arm through mine and leans her cheek against my bicep.
Noticing she looks a little nervous, I ask, “What are you worried about?”
“That they did something to my paintings out of spite.”
Christ. Then I’ll end them.
When the elevator opens, we hurry to the front door, and the moment we burst into her apartment, we rush to her art studio.
I switch the lights on, and seeing her beautiful paintings standing proudly against the wall with zero damage to them, I let out a relieved sigh.
“Thank God,” Lily gasps.
She walks closer, and I watch as she touches each one with love, as if they’re her children.
I glance at her art supplies and ask, “Do you have boxes we can pack everything in?”
“I have a couple from when I moved in. They’re in the guest room. I’ll get them.”
When Lily leaves the room, I pull my phone out of my pocket and take a photo of each of the pieces before sending them to Eloise.
Callan: I thought you’d appreciate seeing these.
Just as Lily comes back with the folded boxes and tape, Eloise replies.
Eloise: Tell me you know who the artist is!!!
Callan: Lillian Harrison.
Eloise: Can you put me in touch with her?
Callan: Come over for dinner tomorrow night, and I’ll introduce you.
Eloise: What time?
Callan: Seven. PS: The photos don’t do them justice.
Eloise: Will the paintings be at your place?
Callan: Yes.
Eloise: It’s a date.
I put my phone away and get to work helping Lily pack up her art supplies. It takes a couple of trips to the SUV, and I manage to fit some of the boxes with four paintings into the back of the vehicle.
“Keep packing, baby,” I tell Lily as I open the door to the driver’s side.
“Okay.”
I watch as she walks into the lobby so she can continue packing while I take the first load to my apartment. Climbing into the SUV, I start the engine and head toward The Ritz.
Even though Lily and I worked until well past eleven last night, we’re up early to get the last of her belongings from the rental.
We’re driving to Hastings-on-Hudson when I say, “I want the rental agreement you signed.”
“Okay.”
My eyes flick to my woman, and seeing the tired lines on her face, I say, “Once we get home, you should take a nap.”
She shakes her head. “There’s too much to do.”
“The unpacking can wait.”
“It’s not that. Remember, I’ve booked a stall at a market for Saturdays so I can sell my art? I have to make sure the paintings are ready.”
Fuck, I forgot.
As I park the SUV in front of a dilapidated house, I turn in my seat to face Lily.
“One thing I’ve noticed is you don’t share what’s happening in your life. It has to change, baby.”
She gives me a remorseful look. “Sorry. I’m not used to talking about myself.”
“Work on it for me. I need to know what’s happening with you at all times.”
A smile curves her lips, and her love for me shines from her eyes. “Okay.”
“Things have been crazy lately. Will you be ready in time for Saturday? Is there anything I can help with?”
She shakes her head. “Just you supporting me is all the help I need.”
Taking hold of her hand, I lift it to my mouth, and press a kiss to her skin. “I’ll always support whatever you want to do.” My eyes flick to the house, and I mutter, “Let’s get the rest of your belongings.”
After we’ve climbed out of the SUV, I struggle to suppress my anger as I look at the piece of shit Lily was planning to live in.
Jesus.
If she didn’t come to my place last night…if she kept thinking I ended things…fuck…she would’ve stayed here.
She would’ve disappeared without a trace.