Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16498 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 82(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16498 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 82(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
“He was no match for the corn.” Hunter shrugs, and I nearly collapse as intense relief flows through every molecule of my being. “The nice couple who owns the grocery store locked me in the back room, and I called Uncle Marco’s emergency number. By the time Tony arrived, Jason had already run off.”
“Did that motherfucker touch you?” I have to know he didn’t hurt her.
Hunter shakes her head. “No.” She runs her soft hand down my chest, and I finally draw in a deep breath. My first since I woke up this morning and found her missing. “But he scared the living heck out of me.” Too bad Jason got away before Marco’s men arrived. Actually, maybe it’s for the best. I’m glad my wife won’t witness her uncle take care of the situation. It won’t be pretty when Marco shows the asshole the error of his ways.
“Don’t worry, cara.” Marco’s anger fills the air around us. If he hadn’t attempted to kidnap my wife this morning, I might feel sorry for Jason. “He won’t get away with it.”
CHAPTER
EIGHT
HUNTER
Both my husband and uncle are Neanderthals. It’s been two weeks since the near kidnapping, and they’re taking turns smothering me. I don’t know what happened to poor Jason, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t pleasant. After all, it’s common knowledge that stabbing my uncle in the back isn’t conducive to a long life.
While we wait for the builders to complete our new home, we’re staying in one of the guest cottages on Uncle Marco’s estate. My new in-laws were a little shocked when we video-called them to announce our marriage, but they immediately started treating me like one of their children. Mom Russo calls me at least once a day to check in and see if she can do anything for me, and the entire family is making plans to come to Las Vegas once our house is ready.
Brendan’s dealership opened a week ago, and he’s been working extra hours to make sure everything goes smoothly. While he’s gone, I do my schoolwork and take walks around Uncle Marco’s property. Pretty soon, I’m going to lose my mind if I don’t find something else to keep me busy.
“Honey, I’m home.” Brendan walks through the front door and smiles at me.
“How was your day?” I know he’s been stretched thin between work and home.
“Great.” He hugs me close and kisses me until my knees go weak. “I sold an expensive fucking vehicle to one of your uncle’s friends today.”
“Oh?” I lean back. “Who?” Though I doubt I’ll recognize the name. My uncle has always kept that side of his life from me.
“Callan Miller, some corporate lawyer from Miami.” It’s hard to think with my husband doing wicked things to my body. “He wanted a special edition with bulletproof glass for his woman.”
“Who?” I lost track of the conversation.
“Never mind.” My husband smiles down at me. “I’d rather talk about your day.”
“My day was pretty boring.” I squeeze his waist and melt against his strong body. I’m not going to lie. I love feeling his strong arms holding me close. “I missed you.” I sigh as his warmth wraps around me.
“I’m here now.” He runs his tongue along the base of my neck. “And I’d kill to love you until we both pass out, but I have a surprise for you.”
“Another surprise?” Brendan has been showering me with presents since we got married. I’m spoiled rotten.
“This surprise will help ease my mind.” He leads me out onto the wrap-around porch.
I blink several times, wondering if my mind is playing tricks on me. “A puppy?” I squeal and run over to the four little black masses wiggling around on the porch.
“That’s right.” Brendan points at the tiny tan and black German Shepherds. “For protection.”
“I’ve always wanted a dog.” I kiss his chin before running over to them. “Can I keep them all?”
My uncle walks up the porch steps. “I told you.” He shakes his head at Brendan. “My soft-hearted niece will want them all.”
Brendan kneels next to me. “Let’s negotiate. You can have two of them. Your uncle is taking the other two.”
“Oh my.” I laugh as one of the little guys licks me under the chin. “I don’t know how I’ll choose.” The little stinkers make the choice for me. The smallest of them adopts me. She won’t leave my side and even growls at her brother when he tries to step in her way. “This one.” I hold her up. “This is Bandit.” Then I grab the little troublemaking brother and hold him up. “And this is Smokey.” Brendan blinks several times, staring down at the two puppies.
“I should’ve known you’d name them after your favorite fucking movie.” My uncle laughs and turns to Brendan. “She’s probably seen that movie five million times.” Uncle Marco walks over and points at the other two puppies. “Keeping with your theme, I’m going to name these after my favorite characters, Bert and Ernie.” I roll my eyes at the silly expression on my usually stoic uncle’s face.