Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 113142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 377(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 377(@300wpm)
Ally was finally able to tell me that Elena had suffered a stroke.
“I couldn’t save her,” she’d sobbed into the phone.
I had to tamp down my grief and use everything at my disposal to get to her. Elena had died two days prior, and the funeral was happening today. Ally had been alone and dealing with her grief, unable to get in touch with me.
When the plane landed, it was already past two, and I had missed the service. I knew they would be at the cemetery, so I instructed the cabbie to take me straight there.
I was a mess—still wearing the same clothes from the previous day, my dark jeans and T-shirt wrinkled and worn. My hair was wild, and I hadn’t shaved in days. My ink was on display, and I looked rough and haggard—Elena would have loved it.
I stood at the back of the mourners, finding Ally in the crowd. She was standing to the side, right at the front. Dressed in black, her hair pulled back off her face, she was pale, her skin dull and white against the black of her attire. She had her arms wrapped around her torso, as if she were holding herself in. I wanted to go over and draw her into my arms, but I knew it would cause a scene, and out of respect for Elena, I remained apart from Ally, waiting for the right time. Her mother and Ronald stood near, neither showing any emotion nor attempting to comfort Ally. Hovering close was Bradley. More than once, I saw his hand reach for hers, but she shook him off each time, moving to avoid his contact. Carefully, I circled the group, coming up across from them, lowering my head in reverence to the woman we were saying goodbye to. I kept my eyes on Ally, hoping when she finally looked up, she would see me. When the service ended and people started to disperse, I focused all my attention on her, willing her to see me.
I moved closer, ignoring the fact that Sarah had spotted me and grabbed Ally’s elbow, attempting to pull her away. Her plan backfired as Ally glanced over to see what Sarah was frowning about and, with a gasp, ran straight into my open arms.
I held her close, engulfing her tiny frame completely. She gripped my neck tightly, sobbing into my chest as I nuzzled her head, whispering words of comfort to her while I rocked her from side to side. Looking up, I met the baleful stare of the good doctor Bradley, who frowned before turning around and walking away.
“I’m here, Ally,” I murmured. “I’m so sorry, baby.”
“Adam—” she sobbed, sounding shattered.
Sarah approached us. “Alexandra, control yourself. We need to go to the club. There’s a luncheon, and we can’t be late.”
I gaped at her. Her daughter was on the brink of a breakdown, sobbing openly in my arms and trembling so hard I was holding her up, and she was worried about being late for a lunch?
I shook my head. “We’re not going to a luncheon.”
The bitch sneered at me.
“You, Mr. Kincaid, were not invited. You’re hardly dressed suitably for such things. I’m surprised you managed to pull yourself away from your hobby to make an appearance—as inappropriate as it is.”
I narrowed my eyes, ignoring her jibe about my work and my place here. “I’ve been in a place with no power or amenities for the past while, Mrs. Givens. I’ve spent the past thirty hours trying to get back here to be with your daughter. I don’t think how I’m dressed matters.”
“Really, well—”
I cut her off. “What matters is the fact that Ally is distraught and exhausted.”
“What matters,” she hissed back, “is that Alexandra stops this emotional grandstanding and pulls herself together. We will present a united front at the club. She can give in to these ridiculous dramatics later in private.” She reached out, attempting to grab Ally’s arm. “And you have no idea what matters here. Nor do you have any say.”
I stepped back, taking Ally with me, and glared. “I believe I do have a say. She isn’t going anywhere with you. We’re going home.”
Sarah glanced behind her, and I shook my head in disgust. Her daughter was an emotional wreck, and all she was worried about was what people would see, what they would think or say about our interaction.
“Don’t worry, Sarah,” I sneered. “All people see is me holding your daughter and us having a perfectly civilized conversation. Although, if you don’t back off, right the fuck now, they’ll get a show none of you will ever forget. I promise you that.”
Our gazes locked.
“Do you want to go to this lunch, Ally?” I asked quietly, not taking my eyes off Sarah. I’d go with her if that was what she wanted.