Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 68308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
It's crazy that our family is feared by everyone, yet love is abundant in our homes. That said, there is a good amount of violence that goes on when dealing with the family business.
Then you have Kinsley's parents who handle her with sterile gloves, as they would anyone who came to the hospital. Fuck, the random people that show up at the hospital get more attention from them.
"I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me," I tell her.
"Fine, I guess I'll learn to deal with you."
"I'd appreciate that."
"You're welcome." I bark a laugh.
"Now keep your ass in that seat. I'll get your door." She lets out a small huff, but I know she’ll sit still. For as much as she protests, she loves the attention I shower her with.
"Jax…"
"Bunny, it's better we rip off the Band-Aid and let everyone know. The sooner it's out there, the sooner it's old news." As much as I want everyone to know she's mine, I care more about her being comfortable.
Besides, it’s for the best. If whoever was in that warehouse saw her and they know Kinsley’s with me, that can offer a layer of protection. They’ll know she isn’t just some random girl in this city. That if they so much as touch a hair on her head, they’ll pay the consequences with their life. These are the times that all the rumors about the Marino family work in our favor.
Kinsley Blake now belongs to the Marino family. She belongs to me.
Chapter Sixteen
KINSLEY
“That kiss was a bit much.” I touch my lips. “I bet they’re all swollen now.” Jax kissed the hell out of me. I felt it all the way down to my toes. I’d forgotten for a second I was standing outside of his car in front of the school.
He tends to have that effect on me. I may act as though it’s annoying, but I’m loving every single second of his attention. That’s new to me. I never wanted attention before, but maybe I’m not used to it, and Jax’s is different; he’s different.
“Don’t girls pay to make their lips swollen?”
“Are you saying I need to get my lips done?” I stop walking to stare up at him. People move around us, not wanting to run into Jax. You’d probably bounce off him and fall backwards onto your ass.
“No, I’m offering to be at your beck and call to keep them extra puffy.” I never would have pegged him for being so clever with his words.
“All right, you smooth-talked your way out of that one. I’ll allow it.” I keep walking. Jax throws his arm over my shoulder, tucking me into his side. I do have to admit it's nice that people hurry out of his path.
The day goes smoothly, and no one says anything to me about Jax, but he is also constantly at my side. He only left once, and it was so I could pee. Pretty sure he held himself back from going in with me.
I'm not sure if this is his norm with me now or if he's worried about whoever killed the girl. The thing is, I'm starting to wonder if I saw it. It almost feels like a dream when I think back to the moment, but I know it's real because Jax saw it too.
He has no choice but to go to practice after school, and I do my normal routine and go to the media room to work on homecoming news. Homecoming is always a big deal at Golden Prep.
Of course, Jax's name is on the list. I bet he would have been on it every year if not for the rule that it’s seniors only. My eyes scan over the girls names, and Alice and Celia are both there. I still need to figure out what the deal is.
What would happen if I left Jax’s name off? It’s such a stupid thought, but I have it. Jealousy over a man is so new to me. If I’m feeling it this quickly, there is a likelihood of my heart being broken.
“Are you going to homecoming?” Blair asks, rolling her chair over next to mine, fiddling with the heart on the choker around her neck.
“I’ll be at the game for sure.” That’s when the homecoming king and queen will be announced. The dance is always the next day.
“But not the dance?” She props her elbow up on the table, clearly bored. I want to ask what’s up with her, but for all I know, she’s avoiding going home. I can understand, and I wouldn’t want people asking me about it either.
“I’m not really a school dance kind of girl.” I have never thought about going to one of the dances. I’ll have one of the other media classmates cover it. I can’t and don’t want to go to everything. Especially events that require that much socializing. I’m sure it’s great if you’re into that sort of thing.