Total pages in book: 159
Estimated words: 150546 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 753(@200wpm)___ 602(@250wpm)___ 502(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 150546 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 753(@200wpm)___ 602(@250wpm)___ 502(@300wpm)
“This—whatever that’s happening tonight. You think it has to do with Perdita?” Stella asks the question that I’m sure everyone is wanting the answer for.
My hands pause on a tight gray suede skirt that buttons to the side, and a black leather automotive drag racing jacket that hangs to my waist.
I toss them into a pile in the middle of the island before searching for my knee-high, heeled leather boots. “If I have to sit down there and tolerate that bitch, I’m doing it on my terms.”
River slides in from behind, her energy infectious. “So, what jewelry are you going to wear with this outfit?”
I face them. “Well, the severed limbs of an enemy, of course.”
Stella chews on her laughter as she disappears back into my bedroom, but River draws in close, handing me my phone. “Who could possibly piss off War?”
I take my phone from her, opening a new text message. “Oh, don’t worry. I know someone. I just need you to go and get him from the back entrance and bring him up.”
River lifts her shoulders in a shrug. “I can do that.”
Halen
I take my things into the bathroom and scrub up in the shower. I can’t let my mind wander too far, because if I do, it’s too hard to bring it back. Whatever is happening between us all, is bad. They haven’t said who attacked Perdita, but do they already know?
I swipe the condensation off the mirror and dry myself off, throwing a bunch of skin products over my face. I keep my towel wrapped around my body as I pad back into the room. Stella’s dancing recklessly to the music that’s playing, and River is still fighting with someone on her phone.
My phone lights up as I place my glass of tequila onto the desk.
I open the text.
Here.
My fingers fly over the screen.
I hope you’re wearing a bulletproof suit.
Ha… ha… Your psycho ass plaything has anger issues.
Actually, he doesn’t. He knows exactly what he’s doing and who he’s doing it to.
Sending River down so no one shoots you on the spot.
I get started on my makeup. “He’s here.”
River’s long legs carry her out my door. By the time it reopens again, I already have my foundation, contour, and shadow done.
My eyes meet his in the vanity mirror. “If it isn’t my favorite villain.”
Bas flashes me a wide smile, sliding between River and the door. Dressed in dark slacks and a button-up shirt with the top left open, you can see the defined lines of his lean chest. His black hair is ruffled on the top of his head in effortless waves.
The warmth of his brown eyes heat. “If it isn’t my favorite cherry…”
The small wand I’m holding stains a deep mauve over my lips. “Do you know why you’re here?” I trace my bottom lip with my thumbnail to clean the edges.
“Because as always, I’m whatever you need me to be.”
My eyes snap to his, before looking around the room.
I relax. “Exactly.”
His long fingers wrap around the bottle of 42. “I’m going to need this more than you, though, especially if I’m dealing with EKC’s finest psychos.”
“Four. There are four down there.” I grab my phone before we all follow Stella out.
Bas hisses through the alcohol as our heels click against the marble hall that leads to the staircase. “This is still classed as work, technically speaking.”
“Keep telling yourself that.” My hand moves aimlessly to the bracelet on my wrist, checking the clasp.
“You’re evil.” His arm falls to his side.
Stella and River stumble down the stairs in a fit of laughter, as we follow not far behind.
“Watch yourself here, Bas…” River jokes from over her shoulder.
Silence. “Thanks for the heads-up, little queen…”
Once we hit the foyer, the air grows tense the closer we get to the family room.
Petty? Maybe. Do I care? No. I probably get it from my mother.
The room falls silent when we enter, and to distract myself, I settle on where Priest is leaning against the doorframe on the other side. I pointedly ignore War, but I know he’s on the sofa near the fireplace, and I know Katsia is right beside him.
Movement from War as Priest’s shoulders harden when he sees Bas.
No movement from Vaden, but that’s no surprise. He never announces his moves.
“You got a fucking death wish?” I don’t’ know if War is directing his question at me or Bas.
Priest holds my stare. You just had to go lower.
Yup. Yes, well, I did.
“How are you doing, Bas?” Priest’s cool assessment remains stoic, as Bas sits on the curved sofa directly in front of him.
“You know, not too bad, considering…” His eyes widen on my brother, placing an ankle over his knee. Bas could say a lot of shit in this moment, but he won’t because if there’s one thing about Bas Blackwell, it’s that he’ll always protect my pop. “You know what, though, if I missed out on watching the show Halen put out on her Instagram story because I was too busy helping my dick warmer do her job—" His eyes settle on War. “—I’d be mad too.” He grins from behind his glass.