Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 119597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
“We’ll get used to it.” He rests an elbow on the windowsill, taking it all in with a determined glint in his eyes.
City life. It’s right there, so damn close, whispering promises of adventure and new beginnings. With every passing second, my excitement grows for the world beyond these walls.
Distant mountain peaks dusted with snow loom over bustling city streets. Outlines of buildings congregate in clumps, capturing the late afternoon light and throwing shadows across the urban landscape.
Even through the glass, the sounds filter in—a distant siren, the muted hum of traffic, the occasional burst of laughter from the sidewalk below—so different from the stillness of Hoss.
If I close my eyes, I can imagine the scent of food from nearby restaurants, the exhaust from cars and, if the wind is just right, a faint hint of the sea.
“Is it what you thought it would be?” I stare at a world we’ve only seen in movies and books.
“Everyone appears safe and at ease. But it feels like we’re standing on snow-covered ice, thin and cracking beneath our feet, with darkness waiting below.”
“A cynical perspective.” I glance at him. “This isn’t Hoss.”
He grunts. “This room feels like a prison. I’m ready to get out there and find out what we’ve been missing.” Our eyes lock. “What are your thoughts about living in Sitka?”
“Frankie has a job waiting for her there.” I shrug. “It makes sense. Is one city better than another? You want to make vodka, and I want to fly planes. Does it matter where we do it?”
“Monty is in Sitka.” A deep growl vibrates in his chest. “He looks at her like she’s still his wife.”
“She is…on paper. But things have changed. She’s with us. Are you questioning that?”
“Fuck no.”
“Official closure between her and Monty will happen. Until then, I’m not threatened by their marriage status. Are you?”
“No, but she’s adamant about him helping us transition.” Frustration lowers his voice. “I don’t see that divorce happening anytime soon.”
It’s a precarious balance.
Over the past nine months, his love for her hasn’t waned. In every look, every gesture, his devotion is fucking glaring. And it’s not just her he shows concern for.
Kody and I are dressed in the nicest clothes we’ve ever worn in our crisp button-down shirts, dark denim jeans, and leather boots, with every thread in perfect condition, free from holes and signs of wear.
I haven’t felt this clean or put together…ever. And it was all purchased by him.
His willingness to assist us, to ease our integration into the world, suggests kindness.
Or ulterior motives.
Denver’s generosity was never without strings.
“Maybe he’ll rescind his help now that he’s read her journal.” I grit my teeth. “I hate this, relying on him for anything. But I also know we can’t give her everything she needs right now.”
We don’t have jobs or money, and the thought of her going hungry again is out of the question.
“She’s our responsibility.” He frowns at the window. “It should be us providing for her, protecting her.” He meets my gaze. “We’ll make our way and build something for ourselves, for her. But for now, if he continues to help us keep her safe and fed, then…we swallow our pride.”
It’s a bitter pill.
“This is just temporary.” His eyes shift to the bathroom door. “She loves us. Remember that.”
Our unbreakable bond has carried us this far. I don’t even know where to begin to establish work and earn money, but we’ll figure it out. Someday, the reliance on Monty will be a distant memory.
In the meantime, I can’t shake the feeling of being caught in a web of manipulation and hidden agendas, each thread pulling in a different direction.
Frankie’s explicit writings about her sexual relationship with Kody and me will undoubtedly enrage him. As much as I’m wary of the influence he might wield, I also worry about his jealousy and what kind of man that can twist him into.
“Let’s just wait and see how things unfold,” I say, even as the uncertainty of it all sits heavily on my chest.
As we turn back to the window, we’re interrupted by a rap of knuckles on the door.
The hospital staff don’t knock.
We’re out of our chairs before the door creaks open.
Shoes click against the floor as an unfamiliar woman strides in.
A stunning woman.
As her gaze sweeps over us, my skin heats and tightens.
There’s something about her that commands immediate attention. A dangerous allure. It’s in the way she appraises us, in the confidence distilled into each step, each lingering look as she floats closer, swaying her hips.
I don’t think Kody is breathing. He shifts, trying to mask an involuntary response.
“Hey there. I’m Sirena Fisher.” Her smile suggests she’s no stranger to the effect she has on men. “You must be Leo and Kody.”
Her blue eyes lock with ours in turn as she extends a slender hand, an invitation to touch her golden skin.