Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 61692 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 308(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61692 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 308(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
If only my dark prince would save me from this life, I’d take Adria with me and we’d be free. My sour thoughts disappear when my best friend shakes me from the dreams that will now be nothing but a young girl’s wishes.
“I just have to start fresh.” I attempt a cheerful response as I stalk into the kitchen, allowing her to follow me. She walks over to the countertop to pour boiling water into the mug I set out earlier. My favorite. Tea. It always seems to calm me down. “I mean… Andrea is looking for the culprits, and the police will arrest them, and it will be fine.” I shrug, making sure my fabrication is as believable as I can make it out to be because deep down I know the law will never be involved.
“If you want me to stay with you,”—she drags the words out on a sigh—“I can keep you company, cheer you up, until you find some hottie to do that for you.” She waggles her brows dramatically.
I know she’s trying to help, but it’s not. Thoughts of Lucio and the last time we were together burn in my mind.
“I better get ready for work. I can’t afford to get on my brother’s bad side this early on my shift,” I inform Adri.
She grabs her purse and heads for the door but stops to turn to me. “I’ll be around later. Maybe we can eat ice cream and drink cheap wine.” Adria smiles. I know she’s trying to make me feel better, and I smile, attempting to look normal with everything that’s happened.
“Sounds good. Thanks, Adri.”
She leaves, and I head into my bedroom and flop onto the bed. I need a long shower. Hopefully, it will calm my muscles and my tumbling thoughts. Pulling my phone from my purse, I glance at the time and note that I’ve got an hour to get ready.
Living in Los Angeles had its perks. There are the beautiful beaches, Napa Valley just up the road, but there is a dark side that nobody knows about. The side where I spend every day earning a living. The Gin Bar was every bit as elite as its competition. Decked in black and silver, it had been in my family for many years, from my grandfather to my father, and then on to my brother. He’s the owner, and he never allows me to forget it.
I try my father’s phone again, but it goes directly to voicemail. Leaving a message for him to call me urgently, I know he won’t get it. Right down to my soul, I know my father is no longer living. There isn’t any proof, no body to mourn over, but I have a feeling that even when we find him, he’ll not be able to give me that smile that would always set my nightmares to sleep.
I head in the bathroom and turn on the shower. Stripping down, I step inside and allow my mind to flit to Lucio. To the moment we first met, to the time he walked out of my bedroom only twenty-four hours ago.
He gave me all I needed in a partner. No promises of forever—at least, none that he voiced—just good sex. He preferred it rough. And as a brutal man in business, he was a fierce man in bed. My body hungered for what he gave.
With those thoughts weighing heavily on my mind, I lather up, massaging my tired thighs and calves. Working in the bar takes strain on my feet and legs, on top of the ten miles I ran today, and all I’ll want after my shift will be my bed. Unfortunately, my brother is as strict with me as if I were any employee in his bar and if he feels like having a late one with friends, I’ll have to work.
He’s always been different, a little more volatile, and I would imagine him being adopted. Not of the Lombardi bloodline because my father was stringent, but he was never an asshole.
Growing up with an older brother wasn’t easy, but with Andrea now an adult, he’s made life even more difficult. Once I rinse my hair, I step out of the shower and wrap myself in a fluffy white towel. In my bedroom, a light vibration comes from my bed, and when I pick up my phone, I see Lucio’s name flash on the screen.
“Hello?” I answer quickly, but I’m met with silence. “Hello? Is anyone there?” My chest tightens and my heart thuds against my ribs. “Lucio?” Seconds later, he hangs up. I set the device down, but as I do, another buzz comes through. This time it’s not a call, but a message.
Time has run out, little princess.
My heart rate spikes, threatening to choke me. I respond immediately, asking what he means. A gut feeling tells me this isn’t the man I’ve known since I was fifteen. This isn’t Lucio.