Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 106312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 532(@200wpm)___ 425(@250wpm)___ 354(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 532(@200wpm)___ 425(@250wpm)___ 354(@300wpm)
CHAPTER 6
Jewel
The smart thing would be to pack all of my shit and leave the country. But the undeniable truth is, I’ve never stepped away from a challenge, especially from a man. Especially one who I’m being paid a large amount of money to fuck with. Tonight was a failure. I contemplate the events as I stare up at the ceiling of the hotel room.
Of course, I wasn’t going to let his thugs drive me straight to my apartment, so I booked a hotel in a different neighborhood. It should only be for a few days until I think of something. But does it really matter if he figures out where I live? I do believe Eli about one thing he said. If he wants to find me, he will.
I should’ve killed him. The moment I had the opening, I should’ve embedded that blade in his chest; then, there would have been no way he could’ve followed me. Sure, his men would most likely haunt me for the rest of my days, but at least I’d have finished the job.
I stare at my phone screen, furious at my situation. My client hasn’t sent me another message. The longer they have me stretch this out, the more my life is in danger. And besides, isn’t it pointless now that he knows my identity? Well, he sort of knows; he only has a first name.
I sigh, ridiculously pissed, and hit one of the two numbers I have saved in my phone. Craig answers on the second ring. “It’s late. Everything okay?”
“Hypothetically, what would you do if your identity was compromised on a hit?” I ask.
“I’d get the fuck out of there. I’ve never had it happen, though,” he says cautiously.
Fuck. That means I’ve majorly fucked up.
Craig has been like a father figure to me since my dad died, and he’s been a source of information to help me navigate strange situations in the business. But even I know this is a doozy. “Has your identity been compromised, Jewel?”
I consider his question.
I mean, technically, no.
Just a first name, right?
“No. I just had a close call, that’s all.”
“I don’t like the sound of that,” he growls.
“Yeah, well, it’s high on my shit list too. Don’t worry, I’ve got it sorted.”
“Who’s the target, Jewel? If there’s even a slight chance you’ve been compromised, it could be a matter of life and death.”
“Yeah, I know. Hey, I’ve got another call coming through, so I’ve got to go,” I lie.
“Jewe—”
I hang up and call the only other number I have saved. Rory answers on the eighth ring, and before they can even complain about the time, despite the fact that they’re a night owl, I blurt, “I need you to get as much information as you can on the Monti, Ivanov, and Taylor families. Dig further than the files you’ve already given me. Add in anyone else of interest I need to know about. You know I’ll pay your price.”
If we are going to play this cat-and-mouse game, I’ll make sure to be fucking prepared.
Eli Monti made a mistake letting me go.
CHAPTER 7
Eli
“Hey, that’s her, isn’t it?” Hawke says, nudging my arm. But I’d already caught sight of her from across the room the moment she stepped out from the kitchen. She’s now leaning against the bar, wearing a short black dress and high heels, her long legs crossed at the ankles. I can’t help but stare at those legs… so fucking tempting. She was equally tempting two nights ago in her black ballgown with the slit up the side.
Hawke and I stand at the entrance of the below-average restaurant while Ford parks the car. I haven’t waited to be seated in a restaurant since… ever.
She looks exactly how I remember her. I purposely memorized every inch of her face and sketched it countless times. I sent one of the sketches and her first name to a family friend, Will Walker, who is a renowned tracker in our inner circle. He’s eccentric, though, applauding my artistry and that perhaps I should’ve chosen a better path than following my father’s footsteps. I don’t know why he’s suggesting it, considering he gets his hands just as bloody.
It took him two days to find her, and I’ve now discovered everything I need to know about this little vixen who stumbled into my life by her own stupidity.
“So what are we planning to do here again?” Hawke asks, leaning in. No one asked my intentions when I let her go, and Ford was the only one I trusted enough to drop her off without conversing with her, as I instructed. Hawke has a big fucking mouth.
I ignore Hawke because I don’t answer to anyone, and besides, I haven’t yet decided what I’ll do with her.
A waitress approaches us, but it does nothing to draw my attention away from the lioness who is talking with the bartender. My teeth grind as I burn a hole in her back with my stare. How has she not noticed me yet? For someone who has heightened senses, I’m certain she must be ignoring me on purpose. I’m starting to wonder if it’s a good idea to strangle the life out of her after all.