Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
I thought I’d give it some time and then I’d say I couldn’t reach him or something before breaking things off. Eric can be persistent, so I thought this was the best way to handle him. Then I smacked right into Anthony.
“I’d say this was destiny, baby,” Eric rambles on.
I say nothing. I don’t know what made me introduce them. I was stunned.
Part of me was fighting to not jump into Anthony’s arms. He looked so angry. Maybe it’s time I set him free, even if I don’t plan to marry Eric.
“You know, if I weren’t a self-confident guy, I’d be nervous after seeing that guy,” Eric says, his voice betraying his words.
“Nothing to worry about. That’s water under the bridge,” I say, the words tasting like ash.
“I’ll have my lawyer draw up those papers ASAP. We can catch him before he leaves town.”
“Aren’t you flying out tomorrow?” I say absently.
“Not until late tomorrow night. I can be there with you to get the signature if you like.”
“No, I’ll take care of it. Maybe he can come by the session or something.”
“Right, you’re writing for that new singer. You’re booked for the studio tomorrow,” he says the words as if he’s relieved.
Gah, how has this become my life? Every time Ven has asked me to come back to Vander to go in on her business and start a motocross division, I’ve wanted to run back. Don’t get me wrong, I love making music and have penned a number of hits, but I miss home more than I ever thought I could.
“Hey, babe, I can’t come up tonight. I need to go home and pack for my trip,” Eric says, breaking into my thoughts.
I want to know who invited him up. He hasn’t been up to my apartment in the year that we’ve been seeing each other. I hope he didn’t think our engagement earned him a pass. If ever I wanted to call my father and tell him to fix his shit, now would be that time for sure.
I wonder if he could have turned this around. Before his death, Kid said he still ran in the same circles even as his patterns were changing. Vander’s shadows, the people who move the city but aren’t seen.
I know my father was involved in things that could get Anthony some serious time. Probably not as much time as my father would have served himself, but still nothing light. I rub my temples as my thoughts weigh me down.
“That’s fine. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say politely to Eric.
Stepping out of the cab, I head into my apartment building. As I ride up in the elevator, I close my eyes and swear I can smell Anthony’s cologne. I pull the card from my purse and stare at it. It’s a simple navy card with silver writing. Bold and strong like the man himself.
“I miss you so much,” I say into the quiet of the elevator.
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. I want my life back, but I can’t hold him back. If I can’t return, it’s time I let him go. Maybe Eric is right, and this is fate’s way of making me set my husband free.
Chapter 12
Nothing Matters
Anthony
I’m still pissed about the Skittles situation. I don’t like all the trust we’re putting into this Danny dude. He could turn the tables at any time, but I also know it’s not time to reveal who I am.
Shawna seems to mean a lot to Skittles. I know the feeling. Pit and Leo have no idea how much I care or what I’d do for them. Scarlett can drive you crazy, but if some guy ever put his hands on her, I’d take his life without thinking.
That leads me to another thought. I heard everything Skittles said, but my mind keeps telling me the picture is much bigger than what we’re looking at. I shake my head clear. I have no doubts we’ll handle whatever is going on.
I look down at the text on my phone and then back up at the door I’m standing in front of to make sure it’s the right one. It’s late, I’m not trying to ring the wrong doorbell. New Yorkers are different.
There was a time when I would protect the woman behind this door with my life. If she were in danger, I’d turn the world inside out for her. Now, knowing she’s on the other side of this door, my mouth fills with a bitter acid-like taste.
I contemplate shitting on her doorstep and leaving. Fuck signing her divorce papers. She can figure that shit out on her own time.
I force myself to ring the bell before I decide to do something crazy. Leaning against the doorjamb, I wait. When she cracks the door open, my breath is taken away.