Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73191 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73191 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
“The clubhouse.” Her eyes light with mischief, a playful glint in her eyes.
“I need to head there too. Is there a reason you want to go? Dare I say it’s because of Milo?” She wiggles her brows, and I mockingly laugh, but it comes out more like a nervous chuckle.
“He took my book and I want it back,” I say, shaking off whatever she’s insinuating.
“And does he do that often?” She looks at me, puzzled.
“No, he just…” What am I going to say? He wanted to service me? No. “I just need it. I’m bored, and that book was providing entertainment.”
“Okay.” She shrugs and steps past me, grabbing her keys.
I slip on my sandals and follow her out. “Do you enjoy working there?” I ask.
“Yes, though it’s changed. It’s cleaner now that Milo runs the place.” That makes me think of his room and the pristine white bed sheets. It was so odd, but I didn’t really put much thought into it.
Until now.
Now, Milo is a source of unwanted turmoil in my head. He is in there like glue that is impossible to remove.
I want to remove him.
Why? Because I’m married.
It may be a loveless marriage, and it may have been over a long time ago, but I’m still married. And even though I’ve left Cody, until it’s official, I won’t cheat on him. I won’t stoop to his level.
“Cody is back,” she mentions, and my body locks up in shock. “Morris told me. Just wanted you to know.” I’m not sure what to say to that. I haven’t seen or heard from him since I escaped, and I’m thankful for that. He is the last person I want to see, and soon, I’ll have to talk to someone about getting a divorce. But I really need a job first. I need income to even begin to pay for a lawyer.
“I want you to know how thankful I am for you,” I tell her. “I promise I will pay you back… for everything.”
“It’s no issue, really. I enjoy having company. Plus, I was going to throw all those clothes out anyway.”
“You bought me new underwear,” I remind her.
“Yeah, I guess you can pay me back for those if it makes you happy.” She laughs, parking her car in front of the clubhouse and getting out. I climb out, too, and we walk next to each other as we head around the back. It’s late, and there’s a fire lit in the firepit where almost everyone is gathered.
“Lissie, that you?” I turn to see Mason holding two drinks in his hands as he walks out of the enclosed area where the bar is located. In two large steps, he has his arms around my shoulders, hugging me. “It’s good to see you.” He pulls away and nods to where everyone is sitting. “Come say hello.”
I notice his vest no longer says “Prospect” on it. He’s obviously moved up in the club. I spot Milo straight away. He has a woman next to him, but he pays her no attention as he sits there listening to something Aiden is saying. Milo’s gaze, however, is trained on me. There are a few people I don’t recognize, but most of them I do. It feels awkward, as I know this place is invite-only. And usually, when I’m here, I read to Milo and then leave, so there’s no other socialization.
“Prez, you see Lissie is back.” Mason passes Milo a drink and sits down beside him.
Milo says nothing, and everything goes quiet, but once he realizes how awkward it is, he starts talking. “Why are you here?” His voice, the only sound besides the fire crackling.
“I want my book back,” I reply, straightening my shoulders to try to stand tall. I feel the eyes of his men on me.
“Why?” he asks.
“So I can read it, obviously.”
He shakes his head. “That’s not the real reason. Now, why do you want it back?” I grind my teeth at his stubbornness. I know what he wants to hear. “Use your words, Elizabeth. Why do you want it back?”
“Because I want to pleasure myself with all the smutty scenes I read.” I place my hand on my hip, and his smirk only grows as someone whistles. He taps the small space next to him as Mason moves over. I try not to think of the flush of blood that rushes to my cheeks, knowing everyone just heard me say that.
“Sit.”
Stepping through the middle of the circle, I stop when I’m standing in front of him. “Give me my book back,” I demand, holding my hand out.
“Sit,” he repeats, and my annoyance flares.
“Book. Now.” He looks away, ignoring me.
Huffing, I turn around and walk to his bike. I know he’s watching me from his spot by the fire. I lift my leg, ignoring the twinge it delivers, and kick his bike. It falls over onto its side.