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)
Some cars have sat right in auctions as our distributors bid to pick up their work. The system works for us. It’s not often that someone outbids one of our distros.
It’s happened once or twice, and the party has been dealt with. Most auction houses know our cars and will ignore bids on purpose to avoid problems.
I’m about to use Oni to take that business to the next level. I’ve got it all set up. She’s the final piece.
“You mentioned not living like this anymore. What happened?”
She puts her plate aside and slumps her shoulders. A sad look comes to her face. I have an idea what went down, but I want to hear it from her lips.
I need to know if Oni is as tough as I think. If she is, this is going to be a lucrative relationship for us both. I don’t bring many in close, but when I do, it means I see something in the individual.
“My dad was locked up for some BS. All our things were seized. He never made it out.
“My mom didn’t want my uncle’s help or whatever. After my dad was killed, he left and moved down here. He sends me money, but I can’t tell my mom or use it for anything nice enough to get her attention.
“I couldn’t even let her know I had the money for my ticket here. I had to let her use her last bit to ship me out. I’m going to pay her back,” she says.
“You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll take care of it.”
“Yeah, about that. I know you said you would be sending her money, but my mom wants nothing to do with your world. I doubt she will take it.”
“You let me worry about that. She’ll be straight. I take care of my own,” I reply.
“How long will I be one of you? What happens to me after this summer? What if I still owe when the summer is up?”
I allow my gaze to search her face. Reaching to finger a few braids from her face, I then drag my finger down the side of her cheek.
“I think you will be one of us for a long time, Oni. If you prove your loyalty to the family, you will have a place here long after the summer ends. For now, we’ll take it a day at a time.”
I think about leaning in to take her lips, but remind myself not to mix business with pleasure. I need Oni. If I’m going to impress my uncle this summer, I need her to do it.
I have plans. Big plans for Oni Raven and none of them involve having her in my bed or my arms.
“Come on, I’ll take you to your room.”
CHAPTER 3
Living a Dream
Rico
“This will be your room,” I say as I open the door for Oni to walk in.
I chose one of the rooms down the hall from mine. I keep telling myself I want to be able to keep an eye on her, nothing else. She’s safer close to me.
“Thanks. I wasn’t expecting all of this,” she says, moving farther into the room.
“Why not? Did you think I was going to stick you in a broom closet or place you in front of a fireplace?”
She shrugs. “I didn’t know what to expect. Certainly wasn’t expecting a queen-size bed and all this.”
Anything for my girl almost slips from my lips. I’m not even sure where the words come from. I’ve been enjoying my time with her, but things can never go anywhere between us.
She’s a fucking kid. In life, in my world, in age compared to me. I know I had to grow up faster than most, but I would still be three years older than her if I had been raised like a normal guy.
I lean into the doorjamb of the room with my arms crossed over my chest as I watch her. She’s spinning around as she takes it all in with her backpack held tightly to her chest. This time, I’m really getting a chance to take her in.
She has to be about five-five to my six-three. She’d probably fit right into my arms perfectly. I push off the doorjamb, wanting to find out. As I move toward her, I start to release the first four buttons on my dress shirt.
She freezes and looks up at me. Her big brown eyes are so pretty with their oval shape. She has long, natural lashes that bring your attention to the shape and reddish-brown hue of her gaze.
I drop my eyes to her lips. They are so full and plush-looking. I want to devour them right here on the spot. I wonder if she knows how pretty she is.
“I should probably get in a shower and some sleep,” she says softly.