Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
“You better be ready tomorrow,” I tell him as I lead Brielle from the dimly lit room. “Judah wants to meet with all of us.”
We have to discuss the events that will take place soon. As we all step up into our roles as Boss of our respective families, Jordan will take over from where Judah is now. There is no escaping where we’re all coming from or where we’re going.
“I was born ready,” Jordan informs us with a confidence that makes me smile. As much as I find him a mischievous little shit, he’s a good kid.
“I can walk on my own,” Brielle murmurs as she tugs away from me, and I allow her the space. We did little to her, less than we could have done, but I know Kai wants to test her tonight. “What is this party for, anyway?”
“It’s a dinner,” I tell her. “All the Underbosses who are soon to be taking over their respective organisations will be in attendance.”
“So there’ll be other women there too?” I’m not sure if it’s hope, or fear in her voice, but there’s a hint of something.
Keeping my gaze averted, I don’t look at Brielle, because I can feel her stare on me. I turn and make my way up the steps, and listen to her follow right behind.
When we finally reach the main floor of the house, I take her hand, even though she tries to pull away, and I lead her up to her room.
“You don’t have to be nice to me,” Brielle says, her voice breaking on the last two words. “I know you hate me, and I don’t blame you, but I need you to believe I would never do anything to hurt any of you.”
Coming to a stop inside her room, I turn to regard her. “I don’t have to believe you because you haven’t given me a reason to. I’m just here to get you ready for tonight.” I release my hold on her hand and make my way to the wardrobe. The moment I pull both doors open, I’m met with an array of designer dresses, all in her size.
“I’m not a doll that needs to be dressed,” she bites out, her anger clearly taking over, and it makes me laugh.
“I know,” I say without looking at her. “But for this event, you need to look…” I’m not sure how to phrase it to not freak her out. The women who will be in attendance tonight are all there because they were forced to be. Brielle is mostly going of her own free will. It’s new.
But, the dress code for any females within the company of the up-and-coming Bosses, needs to look like arm candy. As much as she’ll hate it, she’ll also have to accept it.
“I need to look like what, Valen?”
Her hand landing on my shoulder stills me for a moment before I pull out a hanger from the closet. The long, sleek black dress has thin straps, simple design, and the slit that will land at her left hip, and will go all the way down to the floor.
“I’m not wearing that.”
“You can and you will,” I tell her as I glance at her from over my shoulder. “Go shower, freshen up, and put some make-up on.” The order doesn’t beg for debate, but Brielle opens her mouth. “Now.”
We have to leave soon, and I’m not in the mood to deal with Judah and his frustrated sighs if we’re both late.
“You’re angry,” Brielle finally says, her voice softer now. “I get it. And I’m sorry you are. I should never have kept anything from you.”
I perch the hanger on the handle of the door before I turn to her. “No,” I say, “you shouldn’t have, but the past is just that, and we can’t change it. For now, you’ll find your footing by listening to us, and obeying our commands.”
Even as I say it, I’m unsure of what tonight will bring. There are men who will be in attendance, watching over all of us.
“And you get me out of it,” she says. “What do I get?”
The corner of my mouth kicks upward into a smirk. Lifting my gaze to hers, I answer, “You get to live.”
“So you’d stand by and watch Judah kill me?” There’s a challenge in the question. One that I don’t want to get into, but I have no choice because Brielle will push more and more until I’ve succumbed to her needs. And fuck, I so badly want to bend her over right now and make her scream my name. But that would make her think I have forgiven her.
I take measured steps toward her. When I stop inches from where she’s standing, I hold my hand out. “Jordan’s jacket,” I say. “You don’t want Judah to see you wearing that.”