Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38276 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 191(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38276 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 191(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
"That all sounds kind of lonely," I whisper to myself, careful not to say it too loud. I blink away the pity in my eyes because I know it's not what he wants. It just hurts that he didn’t receive the love that he deserved as a child. Part of me is angry that Callan turned to crime because he didn't have anything to his name and no parent to shield him from that. I wish I could go back and hug the scared child he must have been.
“It was at times. Luckily, I was young enough that nothing stuck to my permanent record to derail the life I wanted. Plus, I was placed in a facility that allowed me to meet Niko. He’s the brother I never had. I would die for him, and I know he would do the same for me.”
"He seems so…. cold," I carefully offer.
"He can be, but most of it is because he doesn't want anyone to see the hurt inside that he carries. I know it’s there because I’ve felt it myself. The way we grew up changes you. Niko grew up harder than most of us, but then his story is a little worse.” My mind balks at the possibly that Niko could have had it worse than the story that Callan glossed over. What would a life like that do to a man?
“I would have never guessed,” I reply, unsure of what else to say.
“Niko cares for Emilia, but I'm not sure he will ever let his guard completely down. Still, Emilia is safe with him. He will move heaven and earth to protect her."
"A woman needs more from a man than just the security, though," I reason.
"What do you need?"
"Love," I say, shocked the L word is so quick to fall out of my mouth.
"Do you truly believe it exists?"
"My dad loved my mom so much that he has never married again. I don't think he's even dated. He always said that he already had the best there is, and there's no substitute for that. That’s what I want. A once in a lifetime kind of love with lots of babies. I even want the white picket fence," I laugh, only slightly embarrassed.
"I've never seen anything close to that kind of love, Zoe. When I hear your belief in it, I want it too."
"You deserve that kind of love,” I respond, feeling heat creep into my face.
Callan stares at me, his face intent and then his lips crush mine.
It’s a searing, mind-blowing kiss, making me admit that every time he kisses me feels like the first time. It’s always so good that it erases anything and everything that has happened in the past. By the time he pulls back, my body is on fire, and I’m starving for more of him. If Callan pressed me now, I would deny him nothing. Yet, he surprises me by pulling back to kiss my forehead.
"I'm giving you time because you asked, not because I want to," he says, his voice hoarse and full of hunger. I smile as he pulls me closer. I know he's telling the truth because I can feel the hard outline of his cock pressing against me. I turn to look at him.
"You're nothing like I thought you would be," I tell him.
"Is that a good thing?" he asks.
I can't answer him at first because of the massive yawn that escapes me. "It's a very good thing." My eyes are heavy now that I'm not distracted by his lips. I don't fight to keep them open. I burrow in against his warm chest instead. I feel him kiss my forehead and smile.
"Get some sleep." I barely register his words as my body relaxes. "I'll watch over you and make sure you're safe."
With those words floating in my head, I let sleep claim me.
Chapter 15
Callan
I knew if I called Marco Dean that he might be able to help me. I assisted him awhile back with some tax issues with his corporations. Marco’s got his finger on the pulse of Miami and will know just where I need to go to find what I need.
I’ve already talked to Dave at the garage. Zoe’s car is a piece of junk. I’m actually surprised it hasn’t died on her already. The thing is a death trap. There’s a long list of things wrong with it. It’ll cost more than the car is worth to fix everything.
The wheel bearings are bad on two tires, the brakes were spongy and when Dave checked the master cylinder, he found it’s leaking and needs replaced. All four tires were worn past the indicators. The biggest issue is that the frame of the car is rusted, likely from the salt air, but there’s a crack in it. It could possibly be welded, but chances are the entire frame is too weak to hold a good weld. Plus, the engine has over two hundred thousand miles. There’s also signs of a severe oil leak. It’s just a matter of time before it dies. There’s no way I’m going to allow her to sit in rolling junk—let alone drive it around.