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)
I’ll happily fall into the darkness for these kids to keep their mother. My thoughts suddenly go to Shawna. I don’t know what happened between us. I once thought she’d be my saving grace, the one to keep me from falling down the rabbit hole.
Then one day, in the blink of an eye, she was gone. I never made things official between us. I couldn’t. However, I thought we were building toward more. I wanted more.
“Call me if you need me,” I say, standing.
My mood has shifted from sad and melancholy to bitter and foul. I don’t know how much good I’ll be at charming anyone.
My phone rings as I make my way to my waiting car. I’m already dressed in my tux. Seeing it’s Jeff, I answer.
“What’s up?”
“I was wondering. You know that club we talked about, the one with the cars and things?”
“Yeah, I thought you were steering clear of that.”
“I’m seeing some benefits. Besides, with the right team, I could win it all and return the money. All I need is the right investor. You know anyone with that type of cash to spare?”
“Not that I can think of at the moment, but I have a lot on my mind. Give me some time to think about it and I’ll get back to you. You need some cash, bro?”
“Nah, I’m just trying to make a few moves to be like you when I grow up. Don’t sweat it.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, it’s nothing. I’ve got it. You going to see Basil anytime soon?”
“Pappoús has his hands full. I’m going, but I’ll be in Athens most of the time. I’m not sure I even want to go to Crete.”
“You know, all will be well for all of us when he promotes you here.”
I snort. “That shit is so far from my mind. I’m not living out some mob fantasy, bro. All of that died for me as a boy. Listen, I have to go,” I reply, my mind still heavy from my talk with True.
Shawna
“I want to talk to your cousin. You should do me a favor and invite her out to the races,” Danny croons as he stands behind me.
He lifts a gift box in front of me, revealing a diamond bracelet. As if that would get me to drag my cousin into his world. I refuse.
I’ve messed up enough getting involved with him. I shut the box, not taking it from his hands. I don’t want to get into it with him, but I’m not bending on this topic.
“She’s busy. I don’t want to bother her,” I say.
“You know, you’re really starting to irritate me. You won’t let me fuck you, which would be a privilege for you, by the way. You have an answer for every fucking thing I say.
“I’m getting sick of this shit. Do what I say, Shawna. Get your cousin to come for a race. I’m not asking again,” he growls.
“Okay, don’t. As a matter of fact, don’t bother calling me either,” I snap back.
He grabs my face and pushes me back while he moves forward. I grab his wrist, and a little voice in the back of my head tells me to break it. However, I hesitate, and now he has me pinned to the wall, my face in one hand and my wrist in the other.
He gets right up in my face. “Do you even understand the shit I have on your mother and uncle? Keep playing with me, little girl. If I wasn’t being told to keep you around…” he snarls in my face. “Just keep your fucking mouth shut and do as I say.”
My mind races. Could he really harm my family? I know I’ve talked too much at times.
What the hell have I gotten myself into? I jumped out of the pan and into the fire. I’ll keep my mouth shut, but I’m not bringing Ven around.
Fuck him.
Chapter 33
Tame Who?
Kelex
“Is everything okay? You don’t look like yourself,” Zoe says as she joins me.
“Yeah, I’m good. Let’s just do this.”
“Aww, love, I thought you’d be in a better mood. I guess I’ll have to enjoy this by myself.”
“Enjoy what?”
“Pissing your father off.”
“What?”
“He’s here tonight. Seeing you with me is going to burn right through him.”
Blake has mentioned in the past that my father isn’t going to like the fact that Zoe Gataki is an active part of my life. Some old grudge or something. Knowing I get to piss him off brings a genuine smile to my lips.
“Oh great, we won’t have to wait long,” Zoe purrs.
My father is straight ahead of us with two women at his sides. One looks to be around my age and the other looks like she’s fighting to hold on to her youth. Sorry to say she’s failing.
“Joshua,” My father croons.
“Ulysses,” I mumble.
“This is how my son greets me?” he says with a false smile on his lips.