Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 113639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 568(@200wpm)___ 455(@250wpm)___ 379(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 568(@200wpm)___ 455(@250wpm)___ 379(@300wpm)
“It’s so pretty. Thank you.” I smile and she stands holding her e-cig, her eyes taking me in. Finally, she says, “Get changed. I’d like to buy you dinner at the cafeteria, Eve.”
I blink then move as fast as my bare feet can carry me to the bathroom. Quickly I drop the towel and pull the dress on, my hands shaking. This is absurd. Why am I so nervous? Sighing, I assess myself in the mirror. The dress is cute. The color makes me look fresh, happy. After all the hot water and scrubbing of my skin, I have a healthy, pink glow.
“It’s going to be great. You’re having his baby, and she’s going to be nice,” I say to the girl in the mirror. I switch off the light and open the door going straight for my bag. I pull out a brush and try to detangle my hair then sweep it back with a rubber band at my neck. Throwing on some lip gloss, I glance down and stare in disgust at my bloody sneakers.
“Here.” Jason’s mom hands me some bright pink flip-flops. I look over at him. He holds up his hand for Ryder to stop.
“You okay?” His gravelly voice makes my face flush hotter, his green eyes taking in every single detail. I must pass because his full lips smile slightly.
And I want to die right there. Instead I say, “Yes.”
His mom reaches for her purse. “I’m going to take her to get some food. Take care of business.” She reaches down to kiss Jason.
“Good.” His eyes find mine. “Come right back.”
I nod. “I will.”
Ryder smirks and Rodney starts to argue that I should stay with him and his wife.
“She stays with me.”
Rodney opens and closes his mouth, running his hand up and down his tie. “Fine, but—”
“No.” One word and I smile with confidence.
“I’ll be back. Do you want me to bring you anything?” I walk up to him and again, as soon as our eyes lock I get this warm sensation like the first bite of a hot fudge sundae: that delicious warmth of the fudge followed by the sweetness of ice cream that makes you happy. We stare at each other until Jason grins again and reaches for me bringing my lips to his.
“No, Angel. Go eat a good dinner.”
I can’t breathe. He’s robbed me of myself and all I hear coming out of my mouth is the truth. “I love you.”
Someone coughs and I look up for a moment and back at him, his green eyes so alive with what I know has to be love.
“Ryder?” He releases me. “Send someone with Eve and my mother.”
I hear her huff. “God, here we go. Come on, Eve. The secret service will keep us safe.” She rolls her eyes dramatically at Jason.
“It’s not up for discussion, Mom.” He leans back farther into the pillows and grimaces for a second in pain.
“Jason? You need more pain medication.” She softens instantly and for a second, I long for my own mother. I blink back the tears.
“Don’t worry, Mom, I got this.” She nods and we walk to the door. Ryder follows and five Disciples stand when they see us.
“Sean, go with them.” He nods at him and that seems to be all Sean needs because he looks at us and I blink in shock. He’s like cliché bad biker guy. Medium height, dark hair that needs to be cut, and tan, weathered skin.
“You women ready?”
Jason’s mom rolls her eyes. “Come on, Eve. We need to talk.” She loops her arm with mine as she kind of glides me through the nurses’ station and into the elevator. Sean pushes the lobby button.
“Jason didn’t introduce us properly. I’m Leah.”
It’s as though I’m in a weird state of I don’t know what. Like my head is nodding and I’m talking, but everything is slightly muted and a little off.
“It’s nice to meet you.” There. I sound normal. The elevator opens with a ding. Leah once again loops her arm with mine. I’m actually grateful—it’s nice to have someone guiding you when you feel lost.
“I wish I could say this is the first time I’ve been to this hospital.” We enter the large cafeteria that’s surprisingly empty.
“Hey you,” Leah yells over to a Hispanic guy dishing out hot food.
“What the hell? You just love me, don’t you?” He grins at her. “Your usual, Leah?”
“Yes, of course.” Leah turns to me. “José, this is my son’s fiancée Eve.” Ashamed at how my heart skips a beat when she says it, I almost choke. I clear my throat and give him a smile.
“Well, he sure is luu-cky.” He winks at me. “What can I get for you, Eve?”
My stomach rumbles as I look at everything. “Can I have two slices of cheese pizza?”