Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36221 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36221 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
“It’s going to be fine, little one.” Leone gives my hand a gentle squeeze. We’re sitting in the back of the car together. Lenny is driving, and another one of Leone’s men sits in the passenger seat. My nerves are all over the place, and I hadn’t even thought to ask the man his name. I actually don’t know a few of the guys that lined up to go with us. I feel like I should, especially if they intend to fight for my sister and me. They’re all in a separate SUV following us.
“I can’t ask these guys to put themselves in harm’s way, Leone.” I lean forward to speak to the guy in the front. “I’m sorry. I, um, didn’t get your name.”
“If something affects you, we all know it’s going to affect Leone, and that we don’t tolerate,” the man in the passenger seat says. He turns his head to face me. “I’m Tomas, by the way.”
“Zoey,” I say, even though I’m sure he already knows that. All of Leone’s men seem to know who I am. It shouldn’t surprise me with how seriously Leone takes my safety.
“Besides, pretty sure you’re going to be one of us soon enough.”
“I think I’d really like that.” I give Tomas the best smile I can muster right now. “Thank you, Tomas.” He gives me a nod before turning back around.
Leone lifts my hand to his mouth and kisses it. “Are you going to tell me why you thought Bentley should come along?” Leone asks, glancing over to my baby sitting in the seat next to me.
“Cause no one but him can get into that trailer without being seen.”
“How does that help?”
“Because of this.” I hold up the little box that snaps onto Bentley’s collar.
“What is that?” He takes it from my hand.
“I might have ordered it from that website you showed me with all the pet gear.”
I’d gotten a couple of cat houses for Bentley along with his favorite food and treats. When I came across the little camera you could snap onto your cat’s collar to see what they’re up to when you’re not around, I was intrigued. I decided to order it once I realized how big Leone’s house is. Bentley could get lost, and this might help me find him.
“Is that a camera?” He takes it from my hand, inspecting it.
“Yes, and it goes to my phone.” I pull it out of my pocket and click the app to show him. “Now we’ll have eyes on the inside.” A sexy smile spreads across Leone’s face. “He’s basically the James Bond of the cat world.” I reach over and rub Bentley’s little head, causing him to let out a loud purr.
“Very clever thinking.” Leone hands me the box back, and I clip it onto Bentley as we pull into the rear of the trail park.
I glance behind us and see another black SUV follow us while one keeps driving past. I’m guessing they will come in from another direction. This is actually a bit of overkill for one man inside of a pretty small trailer. This just convinces me more that Xanny is crazy when it comes to her opinion on Leone. He is one of the good ones. He might not follow the laws of the government, having his own code, but he’s a good man. No one will ever convince me otherwise.
“Sir?” Lenny asks as he pulls over to the side, putting the vehicle into park.
“It’s yours, Lenny,” he tells him. “Leave the keys in.” Lenny nods before he gets out. Tomas follows suit, leaving Leone and me alone.
“What’s Lenny’s?” I ask.
“The kill shot if one has to be taken.”
“Oh.”
“Does that bother you?” Leone’s brows pull together, and I can see the worry on his handsome face.
“I mean, I figured Carlov was going to … you know ...”
“Die,” Leone finishes for me.
“Yeah.” I try to hide my disappointment. I want him to die. He’s hurt Xanny already, and God knows how much more he’s done this time. I might not be as sweet and innocent as everyone thinks, after all.
“He’s going to die,” Leone says with unflinching certainty. “You want that, don’t you?” He smirks.
“He needs to.” I don’t want him hurting or killing anyone else. Carlov is a menace. He’s made his bed.
“Couldn’t agree more. It’s just a matter of how. Lenny would rather we take him alive, but we don’t know how things might play out, and a kill shot might be needed to prevent someone else getting hurt.”
“Oh.” I perk up at that. “Wait, why do you want to take him alive and then do it?”
When Leone pauses for a long moment, I start to put those reasons together for myself. The shed that sits towards the back of the property through a bunch of trees comes to mind. “Never mind.”