Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
We enter the building, following Ledger's lead as he guides us toward the elevator.
"We're only allowed in the waiting area until the baby's born," Ledger explains, pressing the button for the third floor.
Greer breaks into a radiant smile, her lips curving upward, showcasing her perfect set of white teeth. “I can’t believe I’m going to be an aunt soon.”
When we step off the elevator, there’s a man, clad with jeans and a worn-out tee, standing with a camera slung over his shoulder, his fingers deftly adjusting the settings on the device while his beady eyes seek us out.
My blood boils at the sight of him. The media revels in the affairs of Saint Pierce's most prominent figures. Dev sits at the top of the list with his billions and alluring nightclub, making frequent appearances in the gossip columns.
“Stay out here for a minute,” I tell Greer. “Let us get rid of this asshole before you go in.”
Greer acknowledges us with a simple nod, her expression stoic as the man looks on. Ledger and I move away from her, our strides purposely leading us toward the unwelcome guest.
“What do you want?” Ledger barks out at the man.
He holds up the camera, as if that’s a perfect excuse of why he should be here. “Let me just get one picture of the baby.”
Ledger smirks, inching closer as he puffs out his chest. “I think you should leave.”
I corner the man, making sure I’ve got Ledger’s back. I’m fully aware of the scene before me, and am ready to attack if the situation calls for it.
“Or what?” the man gawks.
“Or we’ll make you leave,” I say in a deep, foreboding voice. I move closer until I'm right in the guy's face. “Time to go.”
His gaze shifts to where Greer lingers just outside the waiting area.
I shake my head at the man. “Don’t even think about talking to my girl on your way out.”
I like calling Greer my girl. Feels good. Feels right.
The man listens and leaves, and I breathe a sigh of relief that he’s gone. Greer walks into the room, and I wrap an arm around her waist.
Devereaux walks into the waiting area from a sliding door, appearing exhausted. “Still no baby, but Chloe’s doing amazing,” he says.
We gather around him, clustering together as we listen to his words. He relays the story about how Chloe wasn’t feeling too well when she got home from the courthouse, and how he insisted he bring her in. While they were getting ready, Chloe’s water broke.
“And how are you doing?” Greer asks, resting her hand along her brother’s arm.
“Nervous. I’m so excited and scared all at once.” His hands fidget restlessly as his eyes dart back at the sliding door leading back to Chloe. His anxiety is present, and I can tell he’s worried about her well-being.
I slap a hand on his shoulder. “You’re going to be great. Now get back in there and take care of your girl.”
His smile is warm and genuine as his eyes light up. “Thank you.”
Greer gives him a hug before he heads back through the door.
“How’s the club?” I ask Ledger.
Ledger takes a seat and gives me a look that means something bad happened. I can always sense Ledger’s mood anytime I talk to him, and today is no different. “Not good. A woman was attacked at the club.”
“What happened?” Greer asks, taking a seat next to my brother.
“It was Posey, Bane Delgado’s fiancée”—he uses his fingers to make air quotes—“she was waiting in a room all by herself. She said the lights went out and someone ambushed her in the room.”
I take the seat across from Ledger and Greer.
“She didn’t see anyone come into the room?” Greer asks, her eyes widening as she pulls out her phone. “Has this made it onto social media yet?”
Ledger shakes his head. “Nobody knows. We made sure the story didn’t get out. Bane’s released from jail this morning, all fitted with an ankle bracelet this afternoon, and his fiancée is hanging out at Club Greed. By herself? Something doesn’t add up.”
Greer and I exchange looks as my mind tries to wrap around somebody getting attacked at the club.
“What did she say? Did you catch the person who assaulted her?” Greer fires off questions in rapid succession, leaving no doubt in my mind that she has many more ready to follow.
Ledger’s shaking his head. “She’s pretty shaken up, and no we didn’t catch anyone. Nobody on any cameras, and the VIP members were all accounted for. I don’t know what happened.” Ledger checks his phone and slides it back into his pocket. “I gave her my number if she thinks of anything else.”
“Has she reached out?” Greer asks.
He shakes his head. “No, not yet.”
“Maybe she will. I hate that this happened at my brother’s club. Have you told him yet?”