Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 64835 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64835 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
“What can I get you?”
I look up at the bartender as soon as I reach the counter and see him smiling at me. It’s a quiet night in here, and he’s clearly looking for customers. It takes me a minute to answer him, and when I do, I simply say, “Whisky. Neat.”
“Got you,” he nods, grabbing a glass and filling it for me.
He slides it over the bar, and I hand him some cash before scooting onto a stool and bringing the burning liquid to my lips. God damn Jagger and his moods, his twisted games. He accuses me of playing, but he’s the damned dealer in this game of poker. He’s back and forth, hot and cold, and I’m done trying to figure him out. We’re either something, or we’re nothing. We can’t be both.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
I look up from my glass to see a tall, handsome man sitting on the stool beside me. He has the darkest eyes I’ve ever seen, quite possibly black, and his hair is cut short. He’s wearing a crisp black suit and has a smile on his face that makes me a little uneasy, but I choose to ignore that feeling, because I’m very highly strung right now.
“Am I that obvious?” I say, taking a sip.
He nods. “Indeed, you are. Let me guess, man troubles?”
I playfully roll my eyes. “Something like that.”
“Well, I’ll give you some advice. They’re not worth your time.”
“Coming from a man, that’s some solid advice,” I laugh, taking another sip of my drink.
It’s strong, and I can feel the effects almost immediately.
“It’s because I’m a man that I can tell you to stay away. We’re no good.”
“Oh, I know.”
“You’re a beautiful girl, don’t hang your coat up on one mans door. Go and enjoy all of them.”
I give him a look. “You’re hitting on me, and I don’t even know your name.”
He grins, low and almost cold. “Perhaps I’m going to make you work for it.”
I roll my eyes. “Of course you are. I don’t work for any man, sorry.”
He chuckles and takes another sip of his drink, finishing it before waving down the bartender and ordering two more. He slides the alcohol across to me and I take the glass, not passing up a free drink. I’m not exactly rolling in cash, considering I don’t have a job right now.
“Thanks,” I murmur.
“What’s your name, or is that too much for me to ask?”
“Sherilyn,” I answer, quickly and effortlessly.
I’ve learned never to give out my name to any stranger.
Not after him.
The look the stranger gives me, has my skin prickling again.
It’s as if he knows I’m lying.
“And how do you spell that?”
Uneasy, I change the subject. “What brings you here, anyway?”
“I’m waiting for someone.”
“A girlfriend, perhaps?”
He grins leaning in closer to me. “Perhaps.”
Something about him is setting off all the alarm bells in my body. I should finish up this drink and leave, coming here was a very bad idea.
“Well,” I say, shooting down the whisky, causing a burn the entire way down. “I should get going.”
“You’re not leaving yet, are you? We’re only just getting started.”
His eyes scan over me, and I know, in this moment, I have to get the hell out of here. Something about him is screaming at me that I’m not safe. I trust my gut, now more than ever.
“I have to leave,” I mutter, scooting my chair back.
“Come now, Willow, we’re not done.”
I spin, staring at him. “How do you know my name?”
“He knows,” A growl comes from behind me, “because he’s been looking for you.”
Jagger appears in the corner of my eye, his focus on the man sitting beside me. The man turns towards him, a grin on his face. “Wonderful to see you, Johnny. It has been a long time.”
I dare to glance at Jagger, but he’s not looking at me. “We’re goin’ to leave now, unless you want this to erupt right here,” Jagger warns.
The man grins. “I was just having a drink, surely you’re not so overprotective of your little captive here that you won’t let her have some fun.”
Who is this man?
“Get up,” Jagger growls, reaching for my arm and curling his fingers around it before hauling me up.
The man grins. “I’ll see you soon, Willow.”
Jagger pulls me from the bar with such force I can barely keep up with him as he charges outside towards his truck. I see Bull parked behind his truck, with Angel in the front seat, both of them staring at me as Jagger stops at his truck, jerking the door open.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I snap, pulling my arm from his.
“You have no fuckin’ idea who that was, do you?”
I shake my head, confused.
“That was Manchez. You very nearly didn’t see the light of another fuckin’ day.”
My blood runs cold and my stomach plummets. That was Manchez? I was right there with the enemy, and I didn’t even know it. I swallow down the lump in my throat as Jagger shoves me into the truck. Then, he goes around the front, getting in and speeding off. Bull follows in his truck, and I sit in complete silence as Jagger calls him and gives him instructions to make sure we’re not followed.