Total pages in book: 171
Estimated words: 167204 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 836(@200wpm)___ 669(@250wpm)___ 557(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 167204 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 836(@200wpm)___ 669(@250wpm)___ 557(@300wpm)
Eyes widening, I say, “A controversial pick? He’s fucking impulsive and duplicitous. He’s too fucking slippery for us, Hex. A guy like that can’t be trusted.”
“There have been many Blue Bloods over time—some sitting at this table with us even now—who could be described very similarly. But he has gone above and beyond to get our attention, and while I agree that he’s a bit rough around the edges, I believe he’s also smart enough to adjust as he needs to. Given the level of effort he has put in and risks he has taken to get a chance to join us, it’s clear he is dedicated and that he wants it more than most. I believe he deserves our consideration.”
“All right. Considered. No.”
Hex looks at me. “That’s not consideration.”
“It is. We all have to agree, or he doesn’t get in. That’s the fucking rule, Hex, and there’s no way in hell I’m agreeing.”
“You don’t even want to hear the case for letting him in?”
“Nope. Nothing you can say will change my mind about it. I tried to fucking kill the guy. I think I made my position pretty clear.”
“All right, then. I guess we can all leave early this evening.”
I’m out of the chair before he dismisses us, leaving them behind so I can get myself a fucking drink.
I expect Hex might come in to talk to me, but Silvan comes in instead. “You all right?”
“Yeah, fucking fantastic.” I pour myself an expensive scotch and throw it straight back. “I need to get Brynn in an apartment where I can keep an eye on her.”
Silvan glances back to ascertain where Hex is, then he looks back at me. “I can help with that.”
“I need to know who’s coming and going to make sure…” I don’t finish my sentence, but I look toward the room, and he knows I’m wary of Hex interfering.
Silvan nods, crossing his arms. “I know just the place.”
I nod, looking up at him, finally feeling like I have at least a slight grip on things again. “We’ll talk somewhere else.”
He nods. “Sounds good. I’m gonna head out. I’ll see you later, Kill.”
When Silvan leaves, I pour myself a second drink, then I sink into the black leather chair nearby so I can enjoy this one.
Reid wanders in next. “You want to fill me in on this side quest I’m helping out with?”
“It’s immensely fucked up,” I inform him.
He shrugs. “I can handle immensely fucked up. You know my family situation.”
I crack a smile. “It might hit a little close to home. I know you can kill, but I need you to hurt someone and not kill her.”
“Her?”
I nod, meeting his gaze.
“Is it justified?” he asks.
“Some people would probably say no.”
“But you’re saying yes?”
“But I’m saying yes,” I confirm.
He considers me for a long moment, but finally, he nods. “Well, I trust your judgment. So, yeah. I’m in.”
Chapter Forty-two
Brynn
“I don’t know about this.”
Addison grins down at me, putting the last touches on my makeup. “I am. This was the best idea ever.”
“I can see why you feel that way. You get to wear a lab coat.”
Now that she’s done with my makeup, I stand and turn to look at myself in the mirror hanging up on the back of the door. I’m wearing the tightest baby pink strapless dress that has ever existed. It’s satin, and there’s a pretty pearlescent sheen to it, but it’s so tight, if I even try to walk, I feel the need to pull it back down.
Glancing at her, I say, “I’m beginning to think you just like playing dress-up with me.”
She smiles with teasing suggestion. “Well, you are a very pretty doll.”
I roll my eyes, then look in the mirror again.
Since it’s Friday night and we don’t have class tomorrow, we decided to have our Double Ryan night. But Addison invited Cassie and Cassie invited Annabel, and before I knew it, there was a house-wide open invitation.
Ten girls ended up wanting to join us, so instead of setting up in the smaller TV room on our floor, we’re going up to the floor above us where they have a huge sitting area and a massive TV. We’re making popcorn, and Addison made a batch of something she called brookies, and we’re all going to have an amended Double Ryan night.
We decided to replace The Place Beyond the Pines, though, given it was Killian’s pick, and when I asked Addison which Ryan Gosling movie she would like to be our second feature, she said there was only really one choice.
Barbie.
And to really get everyone in the spirit, she said we should all dress up as Barbies to watch it.
I’ll admit, the idea sounded fun.
Until she showed me the dress she picked out for me.
Nearly all my clothes are still at Killian’s apartment, so I’m pretty much at the mercy of Addison’s closet.