Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
She’s the glue between them. From what I’ve learned, they’re from three different worlds. Mayven is the one who bridges the gap.
“Hey, Shawnnie. What’s up?” Skittles says into the phone.
After listening for a few beats, Skittles growls into the phone. “Well, fuck them. You’re amazing. I see I’m going to have to come see that bitch. I warned her to stay out your face.”
I shake my head and smile. She’s always ready to step up to the plate for those she loves. I honestly almost spilled the truth.
I turn back toward the view as she walks back into the house, tossing more threats around. I’m lost in thought as the door closes behind her.
We’ve been here for three days and I’m trying my best to be normal, to be a part of the group. No one has made me feel self-conscious about my burns. However, I skipped the hot tub gathering after the first night of strip poker.
Although they weren’t, I felt like everyone was staring at me that night. It’s early, but I need a drink. My mind is heavy with so much. So much that I don’t realize someone else has joined me until Pit speaks.
“Does she know how dangerous hanging with you can be for her?”
I turn to look him in his green eyes. Oh, yes, Mr. Vander. William Pitman knows everyone’s secrets. I learned this a few weeks ago.
Blake knows more about this guy than I do. My godfather warned me to keep hidden anything I didn’t want used against me later on when it’s convenient for this motherfucker’s use. Pit holds up his hands as I narrow my gaze at him.
“I come in peace. I’m only looking out for her. Here’s what I know about you.
“You model under the name Kelex, but that’s bullshit. You are a part of the Kylix family. K-Y-L-I-X,” he spells out loud. “You guys have reach all the way from Crete, where y’all have several fronts. It looks like you may run shit someday, but that’s all shit that’s being sorted out in Greece, outside my reach for now.
“However, I do know your family has some dirty-ass hands and she could be in a shit ton of trouble by being around you,” he says.
“Well, let me clear some shit up for you. Yes, I am a Kylix. My family holds power in Vander and Greece. I, however, earned everything I have, including respect.
“Don’t ever come at me like I won’t set your shit straight in a heartbeat. I may not want this shit, but it’s in my blood and it comes out whenever needed.”
I inhale and look away from him to stare at the mountains as I tamp down my anger and think more clearly. Skittles has been a lifeline to me whether she knows it or not. She’s not a part of that world and she’s always willing to allow me to just be.
I need that. When I’m calm enough, I continue. “I care about her. She’s the only one keeping me sane through all of this. So you don’t have to worry about her safety.
“I’ll end a motherfucker for even thinking about hurting her. She’ll always be safe as long as I’m breathing, and she doesn’t have to be none the wiser about it. You just worry about the bed your ass is climbing in.
“Blake Knight is just as bad as my dad. You know he and my grandfather are very good friends, right? Birds of a feather. You don’t want this world, Pit. Find another way if you can; I’m trying my best to.”
I respect my godfather and love him, but I know who he is. He keeps his distance from me for a reason. I’ve known all my life he’s watching out for me, but our time together isn’t frequent, especially after my mother’s death.
“How’s that working for you?” he grunts.
“Not good. Right now, I hate my dad. I don’t think he likes my ass much either. You would think I set myself on fire just to ruin his perfect life and family. I know it’s deeper than that, but sometimes it doesn’t feel like it.”
“Sounds like you need her more than I do,” he grumbles.
“What?”
“Nothing,” he replies and slaps me on the back. “Your secret is safe with me. Just keep your promise. That shit doesn’t touch her door. Otherwise, I have a cure for your Mr. Hyde.”
I snort. “Yeah, I got it. She was right. We’re more alike than you think. Come on, I need a drink.”
Chapter 7
Heartbroken
Kelex
A year later…
I can’t even pretend to imagine the pain Mayven is in. My heart aches for her. The way she screamed the night her mother died will always stick with me.
The call came in while we were hanging out. All I could do was hug her and be there. She’s been a wreck since.