Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 110360 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110360 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
My phone had been ringing nonstop. Brooke fielded what she could on the business front. But when my sister called for the millionth time, answering was my only option.
“I’m alive, but it might be a while before I come home,” I stated rather than bothering with a greeting.
“What the fuck?” Jenn breathed across the line. “How long is a while?”
Yeah, because that was the part that mattered.
Wrapped in a hotel robe, I padded down the penthouse hallway. It was the definition of opulence, with marble floors polished to a mirror, an obscene chandelier in the foyer, and lavish floral arrangements in crystal vases on every surface. Two men had died protecting me; luxury felt wrong on every level.
Come to think of it, maybe that was why I’d finally caved and picked up Jenn’s call. Arguing with her was at least a comfortable distraction.
“I don’t know. A couple of weeks, a month…maybe longer,” I added just to poke the bear.
“I have a family, ya know?”
Ah yes. Her favorite blade, sharpened by travel sports, carpool lines, and bedtime routines. Meanwhile, I was the Beck family Cinderella: untethered, childless, selfish for having a career despite all that it provided.
“Based on the amount I pay for your kids to go to private school and attend every volleyball tournament in the northern hemisphere, I am well aware of your family.”
“Don’t you dare throw that in my face. You pay for those things so you don’t feel guilty abandoning me here to shovel literal horse shit and cook cream of wheat and bacon three meals a day while my kids grow up without their mother. Fifty-fifty. That’s what we agreed on. But this year alone I’ve been here close to eight months. Jesus, Lofton. Terry and I have a cruise booked with the kids next week.”
“Gee, I’m sorry that me almost getting killed has inconvenienced your vacation plans.”
I startled as the bedroom door opened. Brooke tiptoed out, her face as haggard as I felt. As she silently pulled the door shut, I caught sight of Zoey napping under a plush white duvet, one tiny foot sticking out.
That poor, traumatized baby. I couldn’t imagine how this kind of trauma was going to shape her future. I was a thirty-two-year-old woman and knew it was going to be a long time before I felt any semblance of normalcy again.
In silent question, Brooke narrowed her eyes at the phone.
“Jenn,” I mouthed.
“Hang up,” she snapped. And it should be noted, she did not mouth this response, but said it at a decibel that guaranteed Jenn not only heard it, but felt every drop of her disdain too.
“Fuck off, Brooke!” my sister shot back, also spoken loud enough to render me a completely unnecessary participant in the conversation.
Brooke leaned into my side, putting her mouth near the phone. “Tell me, Jenn, does Terry have a job yet? Or is he still cool with Lofton paying for his toilet paper?”
“And who pays your bills?” Jenn retorted.
“Me. By working. You should try it sometime.”
Shaking my head, I ducked away from Brooke, knowing all too well how quickly this conversation could escalate into World War Seven. We were only six months removed from World War Six, so I wasn’t eager to dive back in.
“Stop. Please,” I begged. “The last thing I want to do is fight right now. I’m sorry, okay. Trust me, I don’t want to be here anymore either.” My voice cracked and Brooke’s head snapped up, no doubt ready to catch me if I were to crumble—again. Avoiding her scrutinizing gaze, I walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows. LA was sprawled out beneath us. From that height, the city was gorgeous, but I’d never hated it more.
“Then just come home,” Jenn said.
“It’s not that easy. This is the second time someone has broken in. It’s no coincidence. Someone is after me and they don’t care who they hurt in the process. If they got through Marty and Derrick, what do you think they would do to Dad?”
“Shit,” she breathed.
“Exactly. A new security team is coming today. Collin didn’t have anyone who could replace Marty, but he swears these guys are the absolute best when it comes to a stalker—or whoever this is. I’ll talk to them and see what they think about me coming home.”
My sister sighed, her frustration softening. “I’m not trying to be a bitch. This is just… a lot.”
“Believe me, I know.”
“Dammit, this isn’t why I called. Are you okay? Your manager told me you were okay, but then I saw a report online that you had been hospitalized with a gunshot wound.”
“Stop believing the crap you read online. I’m fine. I got a few stitches in my forehead and a scar that will hopefully end my career.”
“Don’t say that.”
“Oh, I’m not just saying that. After last night. I’m done. You can go home and raise your girls. I’ll take care of Daddy and spend the rest of my life in hiding. It’s a win-win.”