Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“It’s coming along. Will the artist be here soon?”
“She’s on her way. You know how they can be. This one has that thing, though. I think we can take her places with the right songwriter,” he says as he gives me what I’m guessing is his sexy smile.
Nah, he’s too square for me. I think that’s what made me fall so hard for Ant. Even before knowing who his family was, I knew there was something dangerous about him.
I guess I did marry someone just like my daddy. Go figure. Eric is probably the kind of guy I should be attracted to. Yet my heart will never allow for that.
“Did you hear what I said?” Eric asks.
“No, no. This song is talking to me. Sorry, I zoned out.”
He shrugs and chuckles. “I asked if you thought about that date?”
“Oh, no. I’ve been busy. A lot of work has been coming in since that Grammy.”
“Ah, yeah. Makes sense. I’ll let you get back to it, but you let me know when things calm down and we can catch a bite to eat.”
I tuck my braids behind my ear. “Sure, will do.”
I’m lying my ass off. I have no intention of going on a date with him. I don’t care if I miss sex and cuddling. I want my husband. If I can’t have him, I’m good.
My phone rings, pulling my attention. Seeing it’s Kid, I answer quickly. I wait for her calls with bated breath as she keeps me updated on Ant and his life.
“Hello.”
“You’re never going to believe who just walked into my job and got hired as a bartender.”
“No way, really?”
I had been nervous when Kid first told me she works for Pit. I still haven’t shared with her Ant’s secret. She wouldn’t know that his brother had just hired him.
“Yes, ma’am. Walked in here and nailed the job after breaking up a fight… That your cousin was smack in the middle of.”
I groan. “Ven can’t seem to stay out of fights, can she?”
“I’m mad you knew I was talking about her.”
“Ha, you sure aren’t talking about Shawna. The sky would be falling and burning before that girl confronts anything.”
“I just thought you’d want to know what your husband is up to. Don’t worry. This will be the perfect opportunity for me to cockblock.”
“Kid,” I drag out.
“Listen, there will be a time when you can return to your husband. I want to make sure he’s not disease ridden when that time comes.”
“I love you. You know that, right?”
“Yes, and you love him too. So I’ve got your back.”
“Listen, the singer I’m writing for just walked in. I have to go.”
“Talk to you later, love.”
“Later, best.”
Chapter 9
Warning
Alexis
A year later...
I’m scared to breathe. When Kid called with the news of Thaddeus Pitman’s indictment, I thought I was dreaming. I was so nervous about booking a flight home, but the thought of finally being in my husband’s arms pushed me forward.
I know I have a ton of explaining to do, but I can’t help hoping Anthony will listen to me. It’s been three years, but I never stopped loving him. If I can make him see that, I can get him to understand all I’ve done for him.
I came to Sunnyside, the town on the other side of Vander City. Kid plans to meet me here and we’ll ride into Vander in the morning. I’ll need the support to make those final steps.
“Hi, I have a reservation for Lex Smith.”
“Ah, yes, here I have you. One night. I’ll need your ID and a credit card for the charges.”
“Hold on, one sec,” I say as my phone rings.
I hand over my information quickly and take my phone out. Not knowing the number, I get this sinking feeling in my stomach. I debate on not answering it, but I know I have to.
“Hello.”
“You think you’re on your way home?” The person on the other end says. The first thing that stands out is the distortion of the voice. “This is bigger than Thaddeus Pitman. He was just a means to an end. You think your family and your boyfriend are the only ones with corrupt connections?
“All I had to do was mention who your father and boyfriend are and Thaddeus was more than willing to make that call. This isn’t over. You don’t get to have a fucking happy ending.
“This is all your fucking fault. You step one foot into Vander or Bridge Lake and it all falls down.” With that, the nutjob hangs up.
“Excuse me, Ms. Smith. We have a package here for you. It arrived this morning,” the clerk behind the desk says, handing me a manila envelope.
I take it with shaky hands and open it. I pull out a ton of pictures. My mouth falls open as I skim through them. The pictures are of Anthony and all the people surrounding him. Pit, that fighter who lives in Vegas, the little singer, the tat guy, that former model, and Mayven.