Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
“I liked the darker one,” I admit. “It’s more comforting, and I feel like the darker tones would make it easier if I wanted to sleep.”
I don’t understand why he brought me out here or cares at all for my tastes. I know I have good judgment, which is why I’m paid for it, but this is the most peculiar “favor” I’ve ever been called out on.
“Perfect. Give me a few minutes.”
He strides back over to speak to the men, and I pull out my phone, scrolling through my work emails. I reply to one from the contractor, confirming time and place to begin on Monday.
I then switch over to my personal email, and delete a few spammy messages, but one grabs my attention. When I open it, my heart sinks.
You still owe me, bitch. Did you really think you’d get away with it?
A lump forms in my throat. Even without them signing their name, I know exactly who it’s from. Chills runs down my spine, and I delete the email and block the address.
I thought they’d given up. I haven’t heard from them in months, and I fell into a sense of security. But the harassment hasn’t seemed to cease.
“Everything okay?” Will asks, and I look up, startled. I hadn’t even realized he was standing in front of me. I push my phone back into my pocket with a forced smile.
“Yeah, of course. I was just emailing the contractors,” I reply as we fall into step on the way back to the car. “So, what? You just have money lying around to purchase a plane?”
His arrogant smile appears, and that single dimple forms. “No, I have it tucked away in an account like all trust fund babies. That’s what you expect from me, isn’t it?”
I scoff. “Would make sense as to why you have so much time to stalk me.”
“I’ll have you know, I worked for my money, and now I have more than I know what to do with.”
“Thus the plane?” I say with an eyeroll. He opens the door for me, and I slide inside.
“Thus the plane,” he replies as he closes the door.
When he shuts the door behind me, I let out a shaky breath. Suddenly, my hangover has very much cleared.
I can sense the driver watching me through the rearview mirror, but I don’t care. I hate how much power that email has over me. How unsettled it makes me feel.
Will slides in beside me, and the driver pulls away from the air strip. I don’t like how Will is looking at me now, and maybe it’s because I’m paranoid. I push away the email. My past has no hold over me anymore. I’ve started a new life.
“Where are we going now?” I ask with another tight smile. And I realize my mistake. Perhaps it’s because I’m feigning kindness that he senses something is off.
But much to my relief, he replies with, “Lunch.”
Luckily for him, I’m hungry.
CHAPTER 15
Will
Alina was chattier than normal on the drive to the restaurant, which was unnerving. I’m used to her ignoring, teasing, or snapping at me, the latter being my favorite. She asked questions about the plane, but I know she’s not interested in it. Something put her off, and I suspect it might’ve been an email or message she received because it only happened after she checked her phone.
We’re in the restaurant now, one that I must confess I’ve frequented quite a few times. She’s eaten half of her pasta with copious amounts of cheese and is nursing a glass of water. Ever since we sat down, she’s been quiet. That makes me even more uncomfortable than the chattier version of her from the car.
“So, let’s make a bet,” I suggest as the waiter brings over a side salad. I offer him a courteous smile as I reach for my water.
She takes another forkful and stares at me as she wipes her mouth. I see the spark of life appear in her eyes. This woman, if nothing else, likes a challenge.
“What type of bet?” she asks from behind the napkin.
The restaurant is filled with men in suits, which is perfect for the idea that comes to mind. I clock a man sitting at the bar. In fact, I noticed him the moment we walked into the restaurant. He happens to be the owner. A mischievous idea comes to me, and I can’t help but smirk.
“Let’s have some fun with it. If you fail, you come back to my room with me tonight.”
Her green gaze pins me. Honestly, I think that kind of loss is really a win for her, and it goes without saying it’s a win for me.
“What do I get out of this bet? I mean, you get me, but what do I get?” She taps her finger on her lip, and it draws my attention to that come-fuck-me mouth. I’m certain she’s doing it on purpose. “I can’t really think of anything worth it.”