Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Caleb chuckled. “Exactly. And Madison’s husband is a particular piece of work. Entitled, mean, vindictive. He’s got short-man’s disease.”
“Yep, and he’s up to something dirty as fuck. I need to figure out what.”
“You do, because I guarantee he’s already dug into you, your past, your family, your friends, and your exes. Anything he can use against you, he will. You need to be prepared to do the same.”
“I had this conversation with your sons and some of the other guys in the office. I’m on it.”
“Good. You’re staying in Pershing’s place?”
Matt nodded. “I’ll be watching over Madison, yeah.”
“You’ll also have access to her husband’s shit—his paperwork, his electronics, his safe…” Edgington shrugged. “I’d mine every bit of it like you’re looking for gold.”
“I fucking want to, but Todd Pershing’s entire place is surveilled twenty-four seven.” Then Matt remembered something… “Except his bedroom.”
For more than one reason, he was beyond grateful that Todd and Madison had separate beds.
“It’s possible he keeps a bunch of his shit in there.”
“It’s sloppy, but not out of the question.”
“He’s arrogant. He thinks he’s invincible and that his granddaddy will clean up any dirty situation he gets into.”
“He’s not wrong. That’s how he got away with murder.”
Caleb nodded. “Yep. So what’s your plan?”
“I’m forming one as we speak.” But he needed a little more time to think it through. And unfortunately, he’d have to confer with Ethan. For this to work, the little prick would have to cooperate.
“If you need an ear before you go…”
Matt stuck out a hand. “I appreciate the offer. I’ll let you know.”
“Who’s your ride and what time are they coming for you?”
“Hunter will be here at four-thirty.” And Matt hated cutting short his time with Madison for subterfuge, but Todd probably was having his place watched.
Caleb glanced at his phone. “You got just over four hours. Feed your woman, then make the most of every second.”
“I intend to. Thank you for watching over Madison. I felt better knowing that she was safe and wasn’t alone.”
“My pleasure.”
With a last nod, Matt headed back to the bedroom. He ducked inside to discover Madison on the mattress, a vision of silky, dark skeins, pouting lips, and pretty fucking nipples that begged for his mouth.
He kicked the door closed, then approached her, handing her the food, a spoon, and a bottle of water. “Get this down, honey. Once you do…”
As she took the container of yogurt and prepackaged bar from his hand, he raked her body with his hungry stare, unable to hide how badly he wanted her. “What will happen?”
In answer, Matt smiled. “Eat. Then…you’ll find out.”
Sighing, Madison opened the bar and took a bite, then unscrewed the cap on the water bottle and washed it down.
“Tell me about your visit with your dad,” he said into the silence.
“It was good. He looks better than I expected. I wish he wasn’t so down, but I understand. He hates the hospital.” She shrugged, then dug into the yogurt. “I just don’t want him home alone. Not only does he not have anyone to look after him following those tough treatments, he couldn’t defend himself if…you know, a Nash-type situation happened.”
That had occurred to Matt, too. “Todd would only send someone to off your father if he was desperate.”
“Well, a sane man wouldn’t. But can Todd really be classified as sane? He’s unpredictable. If I piss him off at all—something I’m prone to doing—he might send someone to hurt Daddy.”
Hospital security was no guarantee of her father’s safety, but Todd might think twice about sending thugs or assassins into a public place with lots of surveillance. “You’re right.”
“The rest of the trip itself was pretty uneventful, except Haisley and Nash. The tension between those two… If I didn’t know better, I’d swear something is going on. Nash didn’t say anything to you, did he?”
“No.” But Matt hadn’t asked. Other things on his mind. “Haisley didn’t say anything? You’re her best friend.”
“We barely had a minute alone, and when we did, she was tight-lipped.”
Matt shrugged. “They’ll work it out. Tell me what you think we can expect tomorrow when we reach DC.”
“It will be Sunday. That means family dinner. Rich foods on heirloom china and barbed conversation. Tons of fun… I’m worried they insisted I be there for dinner because Todd or Winston—or both—have something up their sleeve.”
Probably. “I’ll be there, too.”
She paused midchew. “I don’t know if Todd has told his family about my bodyguards. If he hasn’t, I don’t know how I’ll explain you.”
“That’s his problem, not yours. Where you go, either Ethan or I go. End of conversation.”
“What’s up with you two, by the way?”
“Damned if I know. Garrison seemed okay when he first joined the team. A little young and wet behind the ears, but not douchy. Then you came, and it was like he couldn’t wait to come onto you.”