Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36007 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36007 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“I’m aware. I’ll be honest with you because I expect the same from you, I did some digging around about you after I busted Travis trying to steal a shipment from me. Not his first either.” I wince.
“If you know I don’t have money, then what could you possibly want from me?” I don’t think Vincent is a man who wastes his own time. I have something he wants. I just can’t fathom what that actually is.
“I want a wife,” he says with ease, like he's saying he’d like chicken for lunch. I must be hearing him wrong. If Vincent wanted a wife, I’m sure he could easily have one. I mean, does the man own a mirror? I bet women throw themselves at him. Not only is he drop-dead gorgeous, but he exudes power. It’s an irresistible combination.
“A wife?”
“Yes.”
“And what does that have to do with me?” I should probably see where this is going, but I can’t fathom it. He leans forward, his elbow resting on his knees.
“I want you to be that wife.” I snort a laugh because obviously he’s joking. But Vincent doesn’t join me. In fact, his face is as serious as can be.
“You want me to marry you?” I ask, making sure I truly understand.
“Yes, today in fact.”
“I’m so lost.” None of this makes sense. I close my eyes for a long moment. Did I fall asleep on the plane and I’m dreaming? Hell, I might still be in my bed and haven't woken up yet for the day.
“Then let me start from the beginning.” He stands, grabbing a stack of files off his desk and handing them to me. I flip the first one open. A contract sits inside. Vincent starts to explain the details to me of the mess Travis is in. I know within a few sentences this is bad. Really bad.
I’m going to be Julieta Castillo by the end of this day. I can feel it. Not only because Travis has gotten himself into a mess that really only Vincent can get him out of but also because Vincent is a man who always gets what he wants. That’s clearer to me than the contract in my hands.
5
Vincent
She’s even more breathtaking in person. A part of me thought maybe she’d get here and I’d come to my senses. That she’d open her mouth and I’d be annoyed by everything that came out of it. Yet I’m finding it’s quite the opposite. I’m captivated by her. I want her to talk more, but it’s me that has to keep asking the questions, mostly to get her to speak.
When I took her hand, I knew immediately that there was no going back. I am never letting her go. There is something that pulls me to her. I’m not sure what it is, but I will find out. I hate when things don’t have reason or when I don’t understand them. Especially something that now has so much control over my life.
“You’re just going to let him steal it?” she asks. “Then he’s clear with this Anderson person. Will his gambling debts be paid off?”
“Yes.” I’ve actually already let him do it. He’s made his drop already. His debt should be clear with Anderson.
As long as Travis doesn’t do something to fuck that up, everything should be settled. But I’ll be making it very clear to Anderson to stay away from Travis when he finds out Castillo Global will no longer be working with BNA Holdings. Then in a few months when the dust settles, I’ll let Graysen tell some of his government contacts what Anderson is up to. They can take it from there.
“And you’re not pressing charges? You’ll just take the hit or what? Report it to insurance?”
“I run a clean business. I’ll take the hit. A million in goods isn’t worth insurance fraud to me.” Her shoulders drop as she relaxes some. She doesn’t want to be married to a con, I’m sure. Not when she’s been trying to make somewhat of a name for herself. I respect her for that. From what I read in her file, life hasn’t been easy for her.
“Why do you need a wife so badly?” Her eyes drop back down to the contract again. She stopped reading it over when I started telling her what Travis had gotten himself mixed up in. I might have played up how rough Anderson and his crew could be just a tiny bit.
In all honesty, I’m not entirely sure what they would do to get their money from Travis if he didn’t pull through with the heist. I’m guessing Anderson isn’t running this underground gambling ring on his own. That someone higher up and way more powerful has pulled him in. I’ll find out soon enough. I’m sure whoever that partner is would hit harder than Anderson who is clearly having some money problems of his own.