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)
“Well, I’m here so you know we’re not going anywhere that involves hiking, rock climbing, or taking long walks,” Fredo says and laughs at his own joke.
Everyone groans as I chuckle, understanding my cousin and his dry humor. Fredo doesn’t always need his wheelchair. However, he gets exhausted when walking long distances and he’s not back to being able to rock climb like he used to.
“What? You guys are not allowed to be offended on my behalf. If I’m not offended by a joke I told, you all need to get over it,” Fredo scoffs.
“This guy,” Al says, and shakes his head.
Fredo winks at me. I give him a nod. His antics have officially changed the subject.
I glance at Oni. She has her head back and her eyes closed. Just like that, she’s fallen asleep.
I stand from my seat and nod for Emilia to switch with me. She gets up and I slip into the seat next to Oni. Tugging her into me, I allow her to rest against me and kiss the top of her head.
I hope this trip to the island is just what we all need, blowing off some steam and getting back to being able to trust each other with the truth. No business, no family, nothing to keep us from connecting the way we should.
Oni
“Oni, you ready?” Rico calls as I stand in the bathroom trying to calm down.
“Give me a minute.”
I sigh as I look at my reflection. I shouldn’t be this annoyed. Rico means well.
I can’t believe he planned this trip without me knowing. I mean, this place is amazing and I’m happy the gang came along, but how did I miss that he’s been planning this behind my back?
To be honest, I’m not angry. Frustrated, yes. Blindsided? Definitely, but not angry. I’m frustrated because he didn’t think to bring any of our men along.
We are never without armed men. I always have at least three of my guys with me. With the deals we’re in the middle of, I don’t think now is the time to go lax.
Then there’s the secret I’ve been keeping from him. A few weeks ago, Emory reached out to me. She may have been my best friend when I was younger, but it’s been years.
I know nothing about her. In all honesty, she and Mason were my closest friends and look where that got me. I just don’t have that same trust anymore.
I almost didn’t agree to meet her for lunch. When I did, she told me Mason and Lorcan have been pulling their old crew together. She thinks they’re going to make a move against me.
I don’t see how they plan to pull that off, but in case she is right, I prefer having our men around. I didn’t tell Rico because he has enough on his plate and I plan to handle it myself.
In fact, I would have been in motion today if my husband hadn’t whisked me away for this surprise vacation. We’re in a whole other country, so for now, I plan to brush it off until I get back.
Rico is right, we do need some time to relax. I can get back to business when we get home. The Sullivan brothers don’t have the means or the balls to come at me.
For all I know, Emory could have been their only play to get me off my game. Instead of being so frustrated, I should probably talk to Rico. However, if I say something now, he’s going to end this much-needed vacation.
Nope, I’m going to enjoy my husband. We can go off when we get home. Whatever the Sullivan brothers think they’re up to, we’ll shut that shit right down.
“Oni, baby, come on,” Rico groans with impatience.
Mind made up, I give myself a nod in the mirror. It’s been so long since Rico and I have kicked back and pretended to be ordinary people.
I turn and head out of the bathroom, ready to enjoy this thoughtful surprise. Rico is standing by the sliding glass doors of the bedroom, shirtless and in a pair of board shorts.
I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around him then kiss his back. He turns to face me and cups my face. Searching my gaze, he sighs in relief when he sees I’m no longer annoyed.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gotten mad at you. This was a great surprise.”
“You’re right. You do have responsibilities I should have thought about. Next time, I will ask what’s on your plate and if you have the time to take a break.”
“Next time?” I tease.
“Baby, we’ve been consumed with business. When was the last time we took a real vacation?”
“Last … oh wait, we had to cancel that. Okay, I see your point.”
He pecks my forehead, then the tip of my nose. I can tell this has been on his mind a lot. I can’t help but wonder why now.