Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27242 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27242 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
“Hurry home. I’ll make us breakfast,” I promise.
He kisses me one more time and gives strict instructions on locking up while he’s gone. I nod along and resist the urge to roll my eyes. No one knows I’m here. I have nothing to be afraid of.
As soon as he leaves, I let Luna outside then I slip into the shower. The hot water eases my muscle aches from being taken so thoroughly by Ryker. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of that man.
I only wish that we could stay together forever. At some point, I have to leave him. Maybe I’ll talk to him about it over breakfast. I don’t imagine he’ll let me go easily, but I have to make him see reason. Staying will only put him in danger too.
After my shower, I dress quickly. I’m already thinking about what I’m going to make for breakfast when I step into the kitchen. But something is wrong. The hair on the back of my neck stands up at the sight of shattered glass on the floor. I register I’m not alone just as I spot Ian standing next to the stove.
He’s wearing a leather jacket that costs more than my car and a triumphant grin, like he thinks he’s won the lottery. Hell, given what my stepbrothers will pay for me, he has won it.
He throws a large rock in the air and catches it. Up and down, he does it while his gaze never leaves my face. “Weird thing about glass houses. They’re easy to break into.”
Ryker
“Well, what do you think about this?” Brody turns his computer screen so I can see it. He’s gone into brainstorming mode and he’s trying to find a solution that keeps Brooke here with me.
If we can’t stay here, we’ll go somewhere else. With Brody to help us, we’ll relocate every few weeks or months. It’s not ideal but the only other option is a frontal assault on Lionel’s empire. If I try that, I already know that Brooke will go to him and negotiate for my life. She’d sacrifice herself for me just as quickly as I’d sacrifice myself for her.
“Brody,” Charlie’s voice floats into the room a second before the little pixie appears. She’s got my best friend wrapped around her finger, but I couldn’t be happier that he’s with her. She’s perfect for him.
He turns in the computer chair to face her, fully on alert. He always is the moment she calls his name. I’ve seen him drop everything for her and now that I’ve been with Brooke, I get it. She’s my sun, the one I orbit around. Everything and everyone else is inconsequential to me. All that matters is keeping my queen happy.
“There’s an alert on your tablet. It’s beeping, and I think it’s important. About the security system.” She passes it to him, her eyebrows drawing together in concern.
The look is mirrored on Brody’s face, and he lets loose with a string of curses. “Our security system was knocked out by the storm last night.”
Brody has my house, Colt’s house, and his own under constant video surveillance. At least on the outside. It’s smart given how many close calls we’ve had. Colt’s wife was almost trafficked while Brody’s wife was stalked. Apparently, we have a habit of attracting women who need us.
I didn’t even think about the surveillance before I devoured Brooke on the porch last night and a wave of jealousy goes through me. If he saw her naked, I’ll gouge out his eyes. I’ll take the eyes of any man who sees what’s mine. Brooke belongs to me and me alone.
“When did it go down?” My voice is strained from trying to keep my temper in check. It’s not my friend I’m mad at. It’s myself. I should have called him and had him turn them off for a bit.
“Looks like right as our phone call ended.” He flicks through a series of black screenshots and frowns. “It’s a signal issue so maybe it’s back on by—”
“Fuck, Brooke is alone.” Horror washes over me at the realization. I was counting on his system to alert me if there were any problems while I was gone. Without waiting for a response, I’m running from the house. The normally twenty-minute drive in my truck takes less than eight.
Luna is pacing on the porch like she knows something is wrong. There’s a tiny bit of blood on her head, as if she got hit with something. Crouching down, I inspect the wound. It looks minor. But my gut is all twisted up. Blood is around her mouth too but I’m not seeing any injuries. What the fuck happened?
“Brooke!” I yell her name as I stand and survey my house. One of the windows is shattered, near the kitchen. I hurry to inspect it, noting that the glass is inside of the house which means that someone entered the place. If I can’t get to her, I’ll never forgive myself. As it is, she has to be scared out of her mind. I did this to her. I left her alone.