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)
“I am not one of your friends or cronies; you will speak to me with respect. I protect this family, and that’s your role as well. So it’s on good merit that I should think you’re handling whatever situation they might be talking about.”
“You never thought they were lying to you to disrupt our family affairs?”
He smirks then. “I consider all factors, which is why I’ve come directly to you.” He pushes past me, and it takes all my self-restraint not to pull him back and start beating my own father.
“Eli,” Jewel calls my name from the partially open door, and I see her shaking her head no.
My father doesn’t look back as he lets himself out, and I have nowhere to release this anger. Hearing anyone threaten Jewel is a sure way for them to find their way into a shallow grave.
“Your father wants me dead,” she says, stepping out in only the towel. “And if your father wants me dead…”
“It won’t happen,” I say definitely.
“Why?” she asks worriedly. It’s the first time I’ve seen doubt in her eyes. “Eli, he’s not wrong.”
I grab the back of her neck, pinning her in place and forcing her to look up at me. “If my father tries, I will stop him, even if I have to remove a few of his appendages in the process.”
She gasps. “Eli. We need to stop this before we get in too deep. You and I both know how this will end. Your family is trying to protect you, and you should be protecting them from people like me.”
“You’re not going anywhere. You’re going to be by my side.”
I love my father. But I can love him just as easily if he’s in the ground.
She looks agonized. “Eli, this is fake.”
My jaw tics. “But does it have to be?”
Her mouth opens and then closes.
I’m still furious, barely keeping it together. But one thing I’m certain of is I want this woman to be mine.
Not figuratively or temporarily.
Literally and permanently.
I want her engraved on my heart as much as she is on my skin.
“We’re not having this discussion.” She tries to push me away, but I grab her.
“So we figure out who your client is and take them out. It’s easy,” I say, and she looks at me like I’m a madman. “Tell me I’m not the only one who feels this way,” I insist.
She’s silent for a moment before she quietly says, “I will not be owned, and this has always been about business. Nothing personal.”
Liar.
I release my grip on her. “Sure.”
I storm past her, and she calls out, “Eli, where are you going?”
“Out.” I grab the first pair of pants and shirt I see. Once I’m dressed, I send out a group text. There are only three people who know about my arrangement with Jewel, and if one of them told my father, they’re going to pay in blood.
CHAPTER 45
Eli
Isee Ford and Hawke’s car first. Then, Dutton’s motorcycle. I’d texted them to meet me at one of our regular docks. Ford is leaning against his car, waiting patiently, and Dutton is on a phone call. Hawke seems to be practicing some boxing swings.
I slam my car door shut, furious that Jewel could so easily shut me down.
I’m not a man to be rejected.
But mostly, I’m not the type to be betrayed.
When I asked her if things could be different for us, the words were out before I could stop them. I didn’t even know what I was asking until it was already too late. But if she doesn’t agree, I can’t protect her unless I lock her up in a room and never let her see the light of day, which is starting to look like a good option.
“Dude, I’m too drunk to be here for work right now. I’ve been drinking all afternoon at your engagement party. Where did you and Jewel go?” Hawke whistles. It’s not until I’m closer that his eyebrows dip.
“Everything all right?” Ford asks, stepping toward me.
“We’ll speak soon,” Dutton says to the person on the phone, ending his call. He goes to speak, but I power toward him and throw my right fist into his face.
“What the fuck?!” Dutton exclaims. He stumbles back half a step before he’s steady again and coming at me.
“Did you fucking tell my father about Jewel?!” I demand, swinging again and again. He sidesteps one and then counters the next. My mouth explodes with blood, and I savor it. All my rage and pent-up energy finally have somewhere to release.
“I didn’t say shit!” he yells back, aiming his fist at my face. His square ring cuts my cheekbone, and I grab him by the shirt.
“You fucking liar!” I go to punch him again, but someone catches my arm. “What the fuck?!”
Hawke grabs me from behind and flings me away. I laugh like a madman as Dutton wipes blood from his nose and then readjusts his shirt. Ford stands between us like a referee.