Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
“You smell nice,” she says.
“Thank you.”
“Bella, why don’t you tell Lizzy what you want for your birthday party? She’s helping me to plan it and we could use your help,” Dante says.
I wipe my mouth as Bella gasps, pulls away slightly, and looks at me excitedly. My heart swells. I have to make this the best party ever. This little girl deserves it.
“I want a superhero party. I want to look like the pretty girls on Uncle Gio’s phone,” Bella says.
I look to Gio and lift a brow. His cheeks turn red. I cover my mouth as I try not to laugh.
“What is she talking about?” Dante asks.
“I have a picture of Lizzy on my phone dressed as Nubia,” Gio mutters. “Bella was playing a game on my phone earlier. She must have seen it then.”
“Nubia, as in the Black Wonder Woman?” Dante asks.
“The very same.”
Oh my God, the picture of my sister and me from Halloween last year. How the hell did Gio get that photo?
“Do I even want to know how or why you have that picture?”
“Not really,” Gio mutters.
“Let me see it,” Dante says. “I mean, I want to know what we’re talking about here for the party.”
“Sure, that’s why you want to see it. Google Nubia and that will give you plenty of an idea.”
“Gio, let me see the damn picture before I kick your ass,” Dante growls.
Bella gasps at my side. Dante seems to remember himself and shifts in his chair as he adjusts his tie and then his cuffs. I pause to think all this over.
Why is seeing the photo so important to him? Gio is right, he can Google Nubia. Bella wraps her little arms around my neck as she sits up on her knees.
“Never mind. We don’t have to have superheroes. I’d like to have a skate party and books. I love books. Maybe we can give everyone a book to take home so their daddies can read to them like mine,” Bella says softly.
“I’m sorry I lost my temper, princess. You know Daddy and Uncle Gio can get into it sometimes. That doesn’t mean you can’t have your superhero party.”
“In fact, I think I have enough to throw you the perfect party. I know exactly what to do,” I say.
“Really?” Bella says with big eyes.
“Absolutely.”
“I’m sure she will do her best, Bella.”
“I think it’s going to be awesome. She’s the Book Queen, she can do anything. I’m going to be a good girl. I promise. If I’m good, you’ll stay my best friend, right, Lizzy?”
I’m taken aback by the question and the tension that fills the room coming from all three men. I search Bella’s hopeful face.
“You could throw an entire tantrum and I’ll still be your friend, love. We all have moments, real friends don’t leave because of them. You don’t have to worry. I’m not going anywhere,” I say and run a hand over her hair.
Dante clears his throat. I look to Gio and Jace and they look as if they’re going to explode. Bella wraps tightly around my neck and squeezes.
“I’m so happy I met you. This has been the best day ever,” she says in my ear.
“Fix it, Dante or I finally will,” Gio says through his teeth.
A shiver runs through me. Again, it’s like I’m caught in the middle of something I know nothing about.
Chapter 7
Lies & Manipulation
Dante
“You mistake my kindness for a weakness,” I roar into the room as Bethany strolls into our home after midnight.
She jumps as she startles. I’ve been sitting in the dark waiting for her arrival. With each hour, my blood has been boiling. I can’t comprehend why I’m going through this shit. Women would line up to take Bethany’s spot.
A ring on my finger has never stopped the advances. I know I would have no lack of company. I frown at the thought. I’m not looking for someone to warm my bed. I need someone I can trust.
“It has been brought to my attention that I can no longer trust you,” I seethe.
“Me? Do you know how embarrassed I was today?”
“You weren’t too embarrassed to call my father. Now, were you?”
“What else was I supposed to do when my husband cut my card off in the middle of a purchase?”
“The purchase of a ninety-five-thousand-dollar truck you did not need. Did I not just give you a Range Rover? No, that wouldn’t matter. You just keep taking and taking and taking.
“You know what kills me? You walk around like you run this fucking company or as if you’re the head of the family or some shit.
“You think I don’t have eyes and ears?” I take a calming breath before tossing a drug test at her feet.
“What’s this?”
“You’ve been acting as if you’re on drugs, so before I take your ass to a psychiatrist, I want to know if you’re using. I can’t have you placing my daughter in danger.”