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)
“How long have you two really been seeing each other? I know it hasn’t been since the cabin or my wedding. This started long before that.
“You were talking. I get that, but something changed. When? How did you end up with Danny if this was happening?”
I flinch as Joshua snarls at the mention of Danny’s name. He’s still pissed about that. It’s one of my biggest regrets.
“That’s complicated,” I say. “I don’t know where to start.”
“Start with the truth. Neither of you has denied being married, not once. Be my family, be my friend. Tell me the truth,” Ven almost sobs.
Joshua stands and moves to Ven’s side. Deacon stands and allows Joshua to take the seat beside her. He wraps an arm around her and kisses the top of her head.
He murmurs something in her ear. She turns her head to sob against his shoulder. Although I know her pregnancy hormones are making this ten times worse, I couldn’t feel any guiltier than I do in this moment.
“I’m sorry,” I say in almost a whisper. “I never meant to hurt you. Danny was a mistake, but I love Joshua. Yeah, we haven’t told anyone, but I love him.”
“What?” Ven sobs.
“She’s right, we were keeping secrets, but I’m in love with her,” Joshua says. My heart swells hearing those words from him. I was so in denial when it came to his feelings for me in the beginning. “Let us try to explain.”
Chapter 27
Brokenhearted
Kelex
Five years ago…
I want a condo here in downtown Vander now that we’ve opened a new bar and grill. That way, I’ll be closer to work when I need to be, but True is only eleven, Cat is nine and Vernice just turned five. I still worry about them. I want to stick close for a few more years.
Tonight, I wish I were in Bridge Lake. I stand before the floor-to-ceiling window of my office in my Vander headquarters with my phone in my hand as I text Shawna. She’s home for the summer.
Me: I’ll try to come through to the race tonight.
Shawna: Cool. I’ll try to see if Ven can get Mom to let me go with her.
Me: Your mom still not letting you out of her sight?
Shawna: Gah. No.
Me: Get there if you can.
Me: I can’t promise I’ll make it, but I’ll try.
“You know that race house? The one Marquis has brought into Vander,” Jeff says, pulling my attention.
“Yeah, bad news all day. They run drugs through the drivers. I hope you’re not thinking about getting in bed with that shit.”
“Nah, just heard about it and was curious. Besides, I don’t have two million sitting around to throw away for a team and that’s just the buy-in. I’d still need cars and a team.”
I shrug. “Cars wouldn’t be a problem. I’m sure you could find a few guys from the old track, but again, those races are nothing but trouble.”
“I hear you. Just thinking of my options. Some heavy hitters run some of the teams just for fun. Might be nice. I’d get to rub elbows with the real money around here. Something to keep in mind. You know?”
I grunt, my attention on my phone as I continue to text. It’s crazy to know she’s here for the summer. However, I’m not sure I’ll be in town for much longer. I’m headed to Crete.
I could always take her with me. The thought brings a smile to my face. Pappoús would love her. He’s already a Skittles fan.
“Who are you texting?” Jeff asks, looking over my shoulder.
“Nobody,” I murmur and close the app.
I walk over to my desk and toss the phone down. Jeff called to remind me I promised to babysit his date’s friend. That’s the only reason why I haven’t committed to meeting up with Shawna and Ven.
I owe him one for covering my ass. One of Vander’s wives dropped in on me after reading too much into my interest. Jeff was happy to take her off my hands, and luckily, he didn’t ask why or how I knew her.
“Doesn’t look like nobody. Heart emojis for her name. Aw, shit. I think my boy is in love,” he croons. “Come on, who is she?”
I’m not going to share, so he can let it go. One thing I’m learning from Zoe and Blake, they’re a powerhouse because no one knows about them. I wish Shawna and I could be the legit version of them, so I’m keeping her to myself.
“You still thinking about joining me in Crete this year?” I ask to change the subject.
“I don’t know. A business venture just came up. I’m considering my options.”
“Cool, get to your bag. There’s always next time.”
My other phone I keep for calls from Greece rings. My thoughts turn to Achilles mentioning my younger cousin, Constantine, arriving in Vander and leaving almost as quickly as he arrived. I found it strange but thought little of it.