Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
I gather my things and slowly walk back to the hotel. I’m just about to open the door when a familiar voice says my name. I stiffen and turn to see my cousin David sitting in a chair in the outdoor dining area to my right.
He gestures for me to join him.
I have no choice since I don’t want to make a scene. I step around his chair and ease myself into the one across from him. “What are you doing here?” I ask, not bothering to say hello or make small talk.
“I’ve been here,” he says, a smarmy smile on his face. “I should thank you for picking such a lovely place to vacation. It’s made my duties of keeping an eye on you much more pleasant.”
How did I not know I was being watched … and by someone I know, no less? I can’t believe this man is related to me. My mother’s sister, my aunt Natalie, is such a good, kind person. Her son? Not so much.
I lean back in my seat, fold my arms across my chest, and wait for him to explain why he’s revealed himself to me now.
“You’ve been a bad girl, Taylor. Chandler isn’t happy you haven’t returned his texts or calls.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Does he expect me to want to have a conversation with him after he threatened Jack’s livelihood?”
David leans forward, arms on the table. “Jack is the problem. The senator doesn’t want to be embarrassed in public by you being seen with another man.”
I scowl at him. “That’s ridiculous. Nobody in Miami knows who I am. It’s just another excuse to try and control me. I’m doing what Chandler needs me to do. The rest of my life is mine to live as I want.”
He lets out a put-upon sigh. “You don’t believe that any more than I do. Listen to me for once. Do as he asks. We all have to bow to the man, so why make your life harder by being difficult?”
I blink and lift my sunglasses, perching them on top of my head. “You said we. We all have to bow to the man. Does he have something on you, too?”
David lowers his voice. “Do you think I enjoy spying on my family?”
“Yes,” I hiss out. “You’re obnoxious and rude, and you have a smile on your face when you needle me about my actions. I had … have no reason to believe you’re being coerced, too.”
“I admit I enjoy the perks of this job. The connections to important people, the way I’m treated for being the senator’s right-hand man. And maybe sometimes I forget I’m being forced to do certain things in return for him keeping my secrets.”
I am floored by the revelation. “You’re damn good at your job,” I mutter. But I’m still furious with him. Still hate him for being Chandler’s snoop and reporting my actions back to the man. “And you do like it way too much.” Which, in my opinion, doesn’t make him a good man forced into a bad situation.
He lifts his glass and takes a sip of water. “If this is the life I’m forced to live, you can bet I’m going to make the most of it.”
“Selfish.” I shake my head in disbelief.
He shrugs. “Call it what you want. Now, can I assure the senator you’ll be back in time for the festival? No excuses, no games?”
Five more days.
I nod, because I’m boxed in and have no choice. “Yes,” I say through clenched teeth. “Can I be assured he’ll leave me alone until then?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t speak for him when it comes to you. He does as he pleases.”
I clench my hands in frustration. “I need to go.” Before I get sick. I haven’t had a true bout of nausea since the yacht, and I don’t want to tempt fate by sitting with someone I despise with my stomach churning. I rise to my feet.
David does the same. “Think about what I said. Accept your fate and things will go so much easier for you … and the people you love.”
I walk away from the table and yank open the door to the hotel. The cool air conditioning feels good on my skin, but I’m still burning with anger and frustration. I pass through the darkened area with a seating area on my right and turn the corner toward the front lobby, walking right into a broad chest.
“Oh! I’m sorry—”
“Taylor.” Jack’s hands grip my forearms and steady me.
“Jack! I wasn’t paying attention. Sorry.”
“It’s fine. You look upset. What’s wrong?”
I shake my head, not wanting him to know David is here. I dread any confrontation between the men. Then again, I don’t want to lie to him either. It doesn’t take me long to weigh my options and make a decision.