Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“I know.” I walk toward her and grab her hand. “I’m sorry about that. We really did want all you ladies to have a good time. But what happened with Rachel… We feel terrible, and I want you to know that you’re safe here. You and the others. We don’t want you feeling stressed.”
“I know you don’t.” She squeezes my hand. “Thanks for the workout. I need a shower.”
I gaze into her dark-blue eyes. I wouldn’t mind seeing water slide over that tight, hot body. Over that sexy viper on her shoulder.
“How was your date last night with Sebastian?” I ask.
“It was wonderful. I had a great time.” She smiles and lifts an eyebrow. “Of course, I haven’t gotten to know you yet, River.”
Seb and Heather would be a great match for sure, but I’m not feeling any “bro code” at the moment. In fact, it’s every man for himself.
I lean forward and brush my lips over hers. “How about joining me in the shower then?”
EPISODE 87
BAD NEWS
Sebastian
Twenty Years Earlier…
My alarm rings at three a.m.
I set it just in case, but I knew I wouldn’t sleep, and I didn’t. I grab it and turn it off. Wouldn’t be a good thing if my mother woke up. She’s sober this week—at least she says she is—so she might actually give a shit if I take off in the middle of the night.
Today’s the day.
The day we put Brett’s plan into action.
And we start in an hour.
I rise and tug on a pair of old jeans and a black T-shirt. I walk into the hallway, staying as quiet as I can, and peek into Mom’s room. Her limbs are entangled around some random guy’s, and an empty bottle of vodka lies next to the bed.
So much for sober.
I’m not sure how I missed the sounds of that party, but my thoughts were elsewhere. Besides, I’m oddly content. No chance of her waking up and finding me missing.
I breathe in as I head into the kitchen and look for something with caffeine, though I’m pretty sure my nerves will keep me wide awake for what’s to come.
Mom and I live in a small rental in town. At least it’s clean. Mom may be a drunk, but she hates dirt. I open the screen door with care to keep it from squeaking. Once I’m on the sidewalk, I look back at the little house, the moon shining on the patched roof.
One day I’m going to live in a fucking mansion, and today will get me closer to that goal.
Present Day…
What a day…and it’s only early afternoon!
Sienna is on her way out of here with Brett as her escort, and I’m still coming down from the high of fucking Ariel Tanner. Damn, she’s one hot little southern babe. Honestly, she wasn’t on my radar at all, but she’s sexy and young, and I’d really like to explore everything she has to offer.
Then there’s Heather… Sexy as fuck with that viper on her shoulder, and a tomcat in the sack.
Plus that unfinished business with Emily the first night and then my afternoon delight on the catamaran with June and her vajazzled pussy…
Oh, hell.
Why choose?
No need to—at least not yet.
I need some Seb time. I would hit the hot tub, but I can’t count on being alone there, so I run a warm bath in my private suite. I add a few drops of lavender oil. Yeah, I like a little aromatherapy in my bath. Fuck, I’d take heat from Alex, Brett, and Riv if they knew.
I climb in the tub and close my eyes, soaking out the tension of the day as I inhale the relaxing fragrance.
Still, though, my thoughts race. River chose to stay and let Brett escort Sienna to catch her flight back to the States. Why? He didn’t say, and I didn’t ask. Brett, however, mentioned to me that River asked him to go to the hospital to find out what he could about Rachel and Ginger and why they left against medical advice.
If anyone can get the information, Brett can. That man has a way of thinking things through and getting things done that is damned near magical. And when that doesn’t work, Brett tosses a few Franklins, and most people end up talking—even those sworn to doctor-patient confidentiality. By the end of the day, we should have some leads on Rachel and Ginger.
I try to erase the thoughts and focus on relaxation, but unfortunately peace doesn’t come. After stewing in the tub until the water becomes lukewarm, I finally rise.
I have a phone call to make.
I dry myself in a lush white towel and then take care of my hair, squeezing all the water out of it and then brushing some leave-in conditioner through it. My hair is part of my rock-star image, so I take good care of it.