Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Six months, I can do six months. I’ll be two million dollars richer, and I can tell him to kiss my ass in the end. That’ll work for me.
“It’s not like our relationship can last more than six months at a time anyway,” I mumble.
He places his mug down, climbing onto the bed until we’re face to face, nose to nose. His hot breath fans against my lips. This is the Brodi I know. I can sense his need for dominance right on the surface.
“Only thing standing in the way of me dragging you down an aisle today is the world of hurt I’ve left you in. I have no questions about who I want to spend the rest of my life with, Cee.
“This time, it’s going to take my flesh on fire from the inside out to tear me away from you. Unless…unless I truly can’t fix what I’ve done and that look of hate isn’t able to fade.
“Although, I can promise you. I’m here to do whatever it takes. Six months isn’t nearly long enough for all of the love I have for you,” he breathes.
Run, Chloe. Abort, abort!
I’m getting my shit and running in my head, but my body and heart have me rooted to the bed. His heat has wrapped around me like an embrace. His words are chipping at the ice around my heart.
On this episode of American Greed, we have Chloe Sinclair. A million dollars wasn’t enough. She sold her soul to a sex god for an additional million and lost everything. Including her sanity.
I swear, I hear the words in the voice of that guy from the show. Still, I know in the depths of my mind it isn’t the money—it’s my bleeding heart—that causes me to speak my next words.
“The only thing I can promise you, Brodi. There’s another ass whipping waiting for you if I so much as try to open my heart to you and you hurt me… not that you’ll have a chance. For now, I’ll stay, but I don’t know about anything else.” I shrug.
***
I’ve stepped into another moment of insanity. I’ve agreed to stay. I think to call Sid, but I’m too embarrassed to share any of this with her. I’ve been keeping Brodi a secret from her for years.
My thoughts go to my sister, I’ve had a few missed calls from her. I need to check in. Especially since it looks like I’m not returning to New York anytime soon. She should at least know I’m not there.
I look at the time. I believe we’re three hours ahead of Europe. I pick up my phone and dial Ally, she should be home or maybe out with friends. A smile comes to my face, at least she’s young and can make a happy life for herself.
Maybe she’ll find herself a nice guy who will treat her the way she deserves. I’ll kill him if he doesn’t.
“Hey, Chloe. I’ve been trying to reach you for days. What’s going on?”
“I had to take a trip. I’m not sure when I’ll be headed back home. Is everything all right? Things worked out with school, right?”
I’ll strangle Brodi if he didn’t keep his word. Guilt twists in my stomach. I was so wrapped up in my sorrow, I didn’t think to check in to make sure everything was okay.
“Well, about that. I’m in New York.”
“I’m going to fucking kill him. He can’t keep his word on shit.”
“Wait, calm down. I’m assuming you’re talking about Cane’s brother.”
“Who the fuck is Cane?”
“Um, Clayton’s youngest brother. You’re with the oldest one, right?”
I sigh and reach for my temple. I’m too young to allow Ally and Brodi to give me a stroke. I try to relax so I can figure out what’s going on.
“Yeah, I am.”
“They did take care of everything with school. Clayton found out… well, he got me out of some trouble right on time. I’m here in New York while he cleans everything up for me.”
“Ally,” I groan.
“It’s going to be okay. I promise.”
“My head hurts. How’s Sid?”
“I haven’t seen her much. Clayton keeps her pretty busy. God, that dude is possessive. I didn’t know she was dating anyone. That engagement ring is so fire. I wish someone looked at me the way he looks at her.”
“Ally, focus,” I snap. “So she’s fine? You have seen her?”
“A time or two. Yes, she’s fine. Chlo, are you going to tell me what’s really going on? I appreciate the cavalry you sent in, but how did they know to come?”
I chew on the inside of my mouth. I don’t have an answer for her because I don’t know what she’s talking about. Clayton did seem to be a step ahead that night, but I don’t even know what kind of trouble Ally has gotten herself into.