Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 73042 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73042 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
“You don’t think any of them have a partner who might know what he’s doing?”
Dad chuckles. “Of course. I’ll find somebody for you, sweetheart.” His face stiffens. “Are you sure you want to take this on? You’re still in recovery.”
“Yes, I’m sure. I just heard the same song and dance from Robin, but I need something to do. I’ve consented to stay here with you and Mom while I recover. But quite frankly, I’ve binge-watched just about all the Netflix I can stand.”
“You could catch up on your reading.”
“Trust me, I have. And I’ll continue to do so. But I’d like to use my brain for something. For something to give back to the medical community. To give back in gratitude for my second chance.”
Dad smiles. “I’m not sure I’ve ever been prouder of you, Raven.” Then he frowns. “I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Why?”
“Because I was most proud of you to see the fight in you when you were sick. The internal strength you had. I’m not sure I could’ve fought the way you did.”
I don’t believe my father for a minute. He’s the strongest man I know.
Except maybe for Falcon. Falcon, who spent eight years in prison. I was always convinced he wasn’t guilty, and according to the conversation I overheard between him and our brothers, I was right.
“I’m glad you’re proud of me, no matter the reason.”
“I sure am, baby girl. I’ll get the name of an attorney for you. It will get this whole process started if you’re sure it’s what you want.”
“I’m sure.”
I turn around, ready to leave my father, but then I look over my shoulder. “Daddy?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
“I love you too, baby girl.”
I close the door behind me and leave my father’s office.
He’s always called me baby girl. Even though I’m twenty-nine years old. Funny that he’s never called Robin that. Robin was more like his fourth son than his daughter.
I head to my bedroom to fire up my laptop.
And I see an email that makes me drop my jaw.
4
VINNIE
Anger crawls up the back of my neck. “You’re not serious.”
Raven Bellamy. I met her only once, and I was struck by her beauty. Even without hair, she rivaled the most gorgeous women in the world.
“Have you ever known me not to be serious?” Grandfather asks.
“That’s a little bit of a loaded question, isn’t it? I haven’t been around the last seventeen years. How should I know what the fuck you are now?” I cross my arms and stare him down. “Although if you want me to take out an innocent young woman—one who just got through hell—you’re more evil than I ever thought you were.”
Grandfather scowls. “And that’s how you speak to me?”
“Sure as hell is.” I look around the office. Those art deco paintings on the wall must be worth several hundred thousand dollars each. They’re gorgeous, but right now, each priceless square inch of those painted canvases hits me like a tiny poison dart. “What has our family come to? We’re killing for sport now? This isn’t business.”
“Sure it is.”
“Don’t give me that bullshit. Taking out an innocent young woman that has nothing to do with our family is not business.” I draw in a breath. “And I won’t do it.”
“Then I’ll never trust you, and neither will my men.”
“Maybe I don’t trust you, old man.” I sear him with my gaze. “Did you ever think of that? I could pull out a Glock right now and put a bullet through your eyeballs. Then I would be in charge, and I’d make the rules.”
Grandfather chuckles sardonically. “You’re not armed.”
He’s right. I’m not. No one gets into my grandfather’s office armed. But it wouldn’t take a lot for me to murder my grandfather. I glance around the office. There are lots of objects I could use as weapons—liquor bottles, letter openers, large books. Hell, I could crack his head open with the large brass lamp on his desk. But the most tempting thought is to simply strangle him with my bare hands.
I’m not going to do any of those things. I’m playing a part. Killing my grandfather might stain my reputation with his henchmen. So I take a seat and calmly speak.
“You don’t have to like Falcon Bellamy. But he’s Savannah’s fiancé, and she loves him. And I love her.”
“I love her too.”
I shake my head. “You have a fucked-up way of showing it. These people aren’t involved in our business. Falcon’s not, and his sister sure as hell isn’t. This may not have been the match you wanted for Savannah, but the guy you chose for her is dead.”
“Killed by your father,” he says.
I jump to my feet. “Yeah, killed by my father. You know what? If he hadn’t done it, I might’ve. Rather than see McAllister kill an innocent man—”
“Innocent?” Grandfather scoffs. “The man’s an ex-convict. Or have you forgotten?”