Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 68858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
“Have you not heard anything I’ve said?” I replied, frustration creeping into my tone.
“Listen, babe, Mateo Escuro doesn’t casually tell a woman he’s taking her to dinner.”
“He doesn’t do dinner, period,” Melody added.
“Mel’s right. He just jackrabbits them into the headboard and then they disappear.”
I turned away from the mirror and toward where my phone sat on the bed, my heart skipping a beat. “I’m sorry, what do you mean they disappear?”
“Exactly that. He fucks them once or thrice and then they’re gone,” Peyton said bluntly.
“What Peyton means,” Melody clarified, “is that he doesn’t date exclusively. The few women he’s been seen with aren’t from here. They’re all models or something he collects when gallivanting around the world.”
Even though I knew I shouldn't let their words affect me, I couldn't help re-evaluating myself in the mirror. Doubt began to seep in as I compared myself to these other women. I was a far cry from ugly, but I also wasn’t on their level and lacked their confidence.
“So, he’s never been engaged? That’s unbelievable. He’s in his mid-30s.”
“None of them have. It's what makes the Escuro men so elusive and desirable. Any woman who captures a ring from one of them will be immediately catapulted into a life of luxury and security,” Peyton explained. “And just an FYI, you’re just as gorgeous as any of those other women."
“If not more so,” Melody added.
I appreciated their attempt to soothe my insecurities, but the doubt lingered. Melody's voice softened as she shifted the subject. "Have you taken your medication today?"
I nodded, then remembered they couldn't see me. "Yeah, I took it," I assured her. Checking the time, I saw it was already 6:20, and my nerves twisted tighter. "I have to go soon."
"Remember to share your location with us," Melody urged. "And don't let him take your phone."
Right. I wasn't sure how I'd prevent that exactly, but I'd worry about it later if I reached that bridge. "It'll be in my clutch."
"Condoms. Bring them with you and make sure he wears one," Peyton layered in.
"Excuse me? I don't even have those, and that won't be necessary."
"She isn't sleeping with him, Peyton. Jesus," Melody interjected.
"Hey, I know the guy sticks to premium outlets, but still, better to be safe than sorry. You remember what else we said?"
I couldn't forget it. They'd been lecturing and advising me for the past forty minutes. "I know to be careful. And I know he isn't a nice guy. The last part is a given."
One of them scoffed.
“El, listen, he was brought up by one of the most despicable and revolting men of our time. He's currently in the process of inheriting an empire from this same vile man. He's involved in everything from laundering to kidnapping, trafficking, and drugs. That’s just some of the obvious stuff. And the police either work for him too or are too chicken shit to get involved. Saying he's not a nice guy is an understatement," Peyton drawled.
Now probably was not the best time to mention that he had given me a hand as a sign of, how did he word it? Devotion.
"Just to play devil's advocate, most guys around here don't fit the description of 'nice.' They operate by the rules of the underground. My father may not be handing out hands as gifts, but he's a crooked lawyer who for sure has blood on his. He does love my mom and me though," Melody pondered aloud.
"Yeah, Mel's right. Your dad was a ruthless boss. And you know my dad is good at hacking; he's probably gotten a few families killed. So, we're both right."
“I hate we can’t creep and watch over you. You’ve got to be careful, Elena," Melody pled.
“And whatever you do, don't be swayed by his dreamy eyes, charming dimples, and giant dick,” Peyton warned.
“Seriously?” I huffed exasperated. “I get it. I know to be careful,” I assured them just as I heard voices drifting up from below.
I withheld a sigh, knowing I needed to go down and face the first obstacle of the night—my uncle and grandmother. I ended the call after one last round of assurances. Seeing it was now 6:40, I couldn't delay any longer. I grabbed my clutch and gave myself one last once-over in the mirror before heading toward the door. Bracing myself, I stepped out of my room and began making my way downstairs.
CHAPTER TWELVE
As soon as my heels touched the first stair, the conversation beneath me ceased, as if I wasn't meant to hear whatever was being discussed. I gripped the railing and continued, wishing I could walk right out the door without a word, but regardless of my opinion of my uncle, it wouldn't be right to do that to my grandmother.
I reached the bottom of the staircase and took a deep breath before making my way into the informal living room. My uncle's stern gaze met mine immediately. He had what could have been his eleventh or twelfth glass of wine gripped in one hand. I’d picked up on his drinking habit very early on.