Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 130(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 130(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
“I know, I know. I fucked up,” Alejandro answers the phone after I dialed his number, still pissed at him for the stupid stunt he pulled.
“You did way worse than that, and you know it. Here’s what’s going to happen. You’ll make sure you release the funds so Cadence will get paid, you’ll apologize to your future sister-in-law, and I’m still breaking your nose the next time I see you.” I’ve had a chance to calm down in some aspects; the only saving grace for Alejandro is that he’s my brother. Had this been anyone else, I’d have gone a completely different avenue. I’d hit a man where it hurts the most—his wallet. Even if it meant buying up more real estate than absolutely necessary just to block his next move.
“Holy shit, you’re serious.” I hear him let a breath of air out, envisioning him pacing the floors, awaiting my phone call seeing as how I went silent on him.
“Deadly. Now send me Rachel’s number.” I walk out the bedroom door and move to Cadence’s phone I put on charge while she showered, knowing exactly what I’m going to do.
“I’m texting it to you now. Can I ask why you want it?”
“Because Cadence never signed a contract stating sexual favors were a part of her job at Dates for Hire. A fact each of us figured out too late, and I was a dick not to listen to her. Now that things are ironed out, I’m going to figure out exactly how this Rachel bitch got it in her head that she could loan Cadence out like she’s a runway for a jet.” It wasn’t necessary to tell Alejandro the whole story. I did it to rub salt in the wound.
“Oh fuck, keep me posted. The funds are released, too, by the way, and for what it’s worth, I am sorry. I thought it would be a good joke, not that anyone would get hurt or something like this would happen.”
“Appreciate it, but Cadence deserves it more. I’ll talk to you later. I’ve got shit to handle.” We hang up. In the palm of my hand is her phone. Adding to my lists of things to help Cadence out with is making sure she’s got a decent phone that has a battery that lasts. It’s halfway charged, and I notice while I walk back to the bedroom that there’s no code or thumbprint necessary to unlock it. Damn this woman, yet I’m the one about to break a cardinal rule, going through a woman’s possessions, and if it weren’t for wanting all of my ducks in a row when it comes to this woman named Rachel, I wouldn’t be doing it. It’s why I’m thumbing through her phone, running a search for the company name, Rachel’s, and contract on her emails.
“Bingo.” I hit the unopened email and pull up the file. I should have brought my laptop with me. Instead, I grab my glasses I use for reading fine print off my nightstand. There’s a fucking pair in every room at any given time. In the last six months, my eyes have shown my age when it comes to reading or being on the computer, never mind using my phone. I move to the couch that’s at the foot of the bed, sit down, and shoot a quick glance at the contract, not seeing a damn thing about any type of sexual activity outlined. I drop Cadence’s phone to the seat beside me, grab my own, and dial the number Alejandro sent me.
“Hello, this is Rachel with Dates for Hire. How may I help you?”
“Hello, Rachel, this is Santiago Martinez. I believe we have a bit of a problem.” I don’t say anything else, letting my name speak for itself. If I didn’t want this situation resolved as quickly as possible, I would have fed it to my attorney. Since it’s nearly Christmas, that wasn’t going to happen; plus, from the way it seems, Cadence is ready to put this behind her.
“And what would that problem be, Mr. Martinez?” The hesitation, the lilt in her tone, this woman has brass balls, I’ll give her that.
“I’m sure you’re aware my brother, Alejandro, sent me a gift last night. The issue with that is, she wasn’t contracted for what was supposed to happen, and after I read the contract, it almost seems like you were trafficking an unsuspecting woman. Now, I wouldn’t want an issue like this to get out to the press if it were my place of business. I’m not sure about yourself.” I make it known that I’m unhappy with the situation, a threat without making it blatantly obvious.
“I’m unsure what you’re talking about. Let me pull up the contract you’re speaking about. Would you mind if I put you on hold for a moment?” The smooth and sophisticated voice that answered the phone is nowhere to be found.