Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 96808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
He wraps his hands around my throat, but I keep reaching for the gun. He reaches between my legs and rips my swimsuit. Tears fill my eyes. This can’t be happening to me.
I didn’t even notice him following me in here. I think I’m going to be sick. With the hand not searching for the gun, I try to push him off.
My brain is in shock as I finally find the gun and grab it from under the desk. I release the safety, then lift it to his temple and pull the trigger all in one breath. The shot doesn’t make more than a hissing sound as a silencer is on the end. I sit shaking as I stare down at the body on the floor.
“Oh my God,” I choke out.
I look up at the mirror that hangs behind the desk. Snot bubbles are coming from my nose, and tears are streaming down my face. I can feel myself shutting down.
Just then, Rico and Mario burst through the door. Rico runs for me, freezing as he rounds the desk and finds the body on the floor. The rage that fills his face makes him look like a monster has taken over his body.
Mario is the first one to snap into action. He pries the gun from my hand, then rushes to lock the door. Rico tugs his shirt off and begins to pull it over my head.
They are talking, but I can’t hear anything they’re saying. My ears are ringing. Rico cups my head and pulls it into his chest. I inhale him deeply and begin to relax.
I just took my first life. Oh my God, I have a body on my jacket. Uncle Claude’s words come back to me. Don’t let them get you into anything I can’t get you out of.
I did what I had to do.
Rico
“I’m excited to finally start planning for our future. The engagement party is going to be ah-mazing. Everyone who’s anyone should be there. Don’t you think so?” Juliana prattles on.
Meanwhile, I’m doing my best not to tell her to shut the fuck up. I lock gazes with Mario and notice the panic in his expression. I quickly shoot him a text.
Me: What’s wrong? I sent her inside. Relax.
Mario: That’s not the problem. I lost sight of that asshole. The guy in the gray and white short sweatsuit.
I look up and glance around the crowd. I don’t see that guy either. When I noticed him earlier, I had wondered who had invited him.
“Where are you going?” Juliana whines as I start to walk off.
“I need to make a call,” I toss over my shoulder and keep moving.
Something isn’t sitting right with me. Oni went into the house to meet me upstairs. That cute little dress had my thoughts on last night.
I wanted to get a little time to hold her in my arms, maybe get a little taste if we have time. However, that guy is now out of sight as well. No one should have gone into the house, but Emilia has gone overboard with the number of people she’s invited over.
“I had my eyes on him and then some guy intercepted me, asking me if I saw his girl or some shit and I lost him,” Mario says as he runs to join me in the house.
“Oni was on her way to my office. Let’s start with finding her. Then we can look for him. I want to make sure she’s safe.”
We jog up to the third floor without another word. As soon as we hit the landing, the sounds of a commotion can be heard coming from my office. I take off running without a single thought.
Just before we get to the door, a loud thump sounds, causing my heart to pound harder than I’ve ever felt. Mario and I burst through the door at the same time. The first thing I see is Oni’s reflection in the mirror. Her tearstained face grips my heart, causing my feet to move me to her before I can take the entire room in.
I get around the desk, ready to draw her into my arms, but freeze as I see the body lying on the floor. We won’t need to go searching for that asshole. He’s lying on my office floor with his brains blown out.
Rage fills me. This motherfucker came into my father’s home and violated what’s mine. He forced my baby to take his life at only sixteen.
I may have made sure Oni could protect herself, but I never meant for something like this to be on her conscience so soon in her life. Maybe that’s the problem: bringing her into this life opens doors like this. This is my fault.
“Baby, are you okay?” I turn to Oni and ask as the strange sound of her sobs draws my attention.