Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 80303 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80303 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
If only I could travel back in time. I would shake old me by the shoulders for getting to that point, to begin with. Things had gotten rough, but everyone in the world went through shit. Not a soul on this earth escaped this thing called life unscathed. We all had our traumas and pain to deal with. I hadn’t really gotten around to doing that yet, but I did have it in the baggage I was carrying. That had to count for something.
A knock snapped me out of my self-reflecting reverie. With one last look at myself, I turned and headed for the bedroom. I was glad that the dress didn’t rise up and expose my ass as I walked.
I didn’t want to wear the damn thing at all but both the doors I pegged as closets were locked. Short of hunting Judas down for what would be a pointless argument, or redressing in my clothes from yesterday, this was the easiest option.
I knew how to pick and choose my battles. One of the large bedroom doors swung open just as I stepped back into the room. My duffel bag appeared, but the person carrying it remained in the hall and out of sight. I was wondering when it would show up again.
“Are you decent?”
“Does that matter when you’ve already opened the door?” I walked to the bed and lifted the lid off the large, orange-ish-colored Louis Vuitton box.
Gavin stepped through the partially opened doorway and gave me a quick once-over.
“If there’s one thing, I’m sure of and two for certain it’s that no other man should be seeing what’s meant for Judas’ eyes only.”
I wanted to ask if he was being serious, but I knew he was. I guess we were going to pretend Diego hadn’t been lying in bed beside me less than twenty-four hours ago.
“If you say so.” I studied the mesh peep-toe pumps with confliction. I didn’t care much for designer brands, but I had to admit they were gorgeous.
Gavin approached slowly, his steps measured and purposeful as if I would turn and attack at any second. The duffel bag was set on the foot of the bed and then he stepped away.
“What’s missing?”
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand the question.”
He said that so politely, I lifted my head and finally looked at him.
I wasn’t used to this mature, older version of the cocky kid I’d known at Pesadilla prep. He was so manly and wearing another suit…professional. Trying to picture him with Audrey wasn’t nearly as difficult. They would look just as striking beside each other now as they were then. Even their loyalties seemed to align these days, go figure.
“From the bag,” I clarified, motioning towards the duffel.
“It was taken as a precaution. We can’t have you roaming around with any weapons. That would be dangerous for us and you.”
“But my phone and wallet are still inside?”
He laughed lightly and offered me a genial smile. “I like you, Rhiannon. I always have, so I’m going to clue you in on something you seem to be missing.”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
“Think of it as a friend helping a friend.”
“Gavin.” I sighed and crossed my arms, “We aren’t friends.”
His head jerked back in mock offense. “Of course, we are. You’re marrying my brother. We’re damn near family.”
I stared at him blankly. This is what happened when you lived in the land of delusions. Judas would have to physically chain my ass to the alter and force an “I do” out of me at gunpoint for us to be wed. Then again, he would probably get a kick out of that.
“Well, thanks for bringing me my bag,” I said dismissively.
“Rhiannon.” His voice was low, the tone gentle.
I knew right then I definitely did not need or want to hear whatever he was about to say.
“You know he’s been planning for this day since before you walked away.”
“Bullshit.” The denial came swift but behind it was begrudging acceptance. I just couldn’t let myself admit anything out loud. Then it was validated.
“The quicker you accept this situation for what it is the happier you’ll be. There’s an opportunity here, maybe you should take advantage of it.”
“Do you hear yourself right now?”
“It’s you who isn’t hearing me. Judas is a powerful man.”
“I’ve gathered as much.”
From the look on his face, he didn’t agree that I did.
“You don’t understand. There’s no one you can call to save you from him. No amount of money will buy your way out of here. The only thing trying to escape will do is get someone killed.”
“Why are you telling me all of this?”
“Because it’s the only thing I can do for you,” he replied quietly, “This can be a prison or a paradise. Make the right choice.”
He had to realize both of those options kept me exactly where I was right now, in Judas’ bedroom. There wasn’t any point in going back and forth with him when I already knew where he stood. If I were to take Gavin’s oh, so helpful advice the person who would benefit the most was the very one, he thought of as a brother.