Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66334 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66334 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Rafe nodded. "Every single time."
“And the other one?” I asked, doing my best not to dwell on that or who among our guys was considered a top earner.
“I have people on him,” Rafe replied, his tone steady and reassuring.
Kinks grinned at that, her eyes lighting up with a mischievous gleam. “Aren’t they the best?” she said, clearly pleased with the arrangements.
The confidence in her voice was contagious, and it was clear that they had the upper hand, at least for now. The room felt a little less stifling, the danger a bit more distant, though I knew it was only temporary.
We were all sitting on one section of the expansive sectional, the soft leather cool against our skin. It was strange to have a moment where a ticking timer wasn’t hanging over our heads, counting down to the next threat or challenge. The scent of food wafted through the air. Kinks had platters brought up from her club’s kitchen, a welcome luxury in this bizarre, twisted place.
The guys had wandered off to a gaming room, identified by the neon sign above the doorway that labeled it The Cave. I could hear occasional laughter and the clattering of pool balls from the other room, where Jewels had joined them. Though Lana hadn’t said a word, her face as unreadable as ever, I could tell she wasn’t thrilled about the girl being near Ciaran.
Kinks, ever the keen observer, noticed as well. “You don’t have to worry about him, Lilly girl,” she said, a teasing lilt in her voice. “He may not be the sharpest tool all the time, but he’s not a hoe.” The joke was delivered with a wink, and Lana actually laughed.
“I’m not worried,” Lana replied, her tone light. “Just remembering the night that I saw him at a party, and she was there too.”
I glanced over at Lana, my interest piqued. I knew exactly which night she was talking about, but what did she remember? I leaned back into the cushions, curious and a little apprehensive.
“I completely get it. I get a bit stabby when chicks get too close to my pets. Lucky for me, I’ve got them trained well.” Kinks’ voice was light, but there was a glint in her eye that hinted at the darker undertones of her words.
Mel laughed, leaning forward with a smirk. “So, the three—or four—of you are together?”
Kinks nodded, her expression softening into something almost affectionate. “Indeed. Those three are all mine. I wouldn’t have made it this far without them.”
“How did you get this far?” Lana asked, her tone more serious.
Kinks shrugged, the movement casual despite the weight of her words. “Passed one test, got forced into the game, and decided I was gonna make the Syndicate my bitch. After that, I figured I’d help my sweet brothers with a little world domination.” She grinned, the playful malice in her expression unmistakable.
It was clear that she had fought her way to the top with a mixture of cunning, brutality, and an unwavering sense of purpose. Her confidence wasn’t just an act; it was born from survival and victory in a world where only the strongest and most ruthless thrived.
Lana leaned back, a small smile playing on her lips. “I’m a little in awe of you, to be honest.”
I nodded in agreement, feeling the same way. “So am I.”
“I think I’m in love,” Mel sighed playfully.
Kinks grinned widely, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Gosh, you can’t see it, but I’m definitely blushing right now. So, no hard feelings about me and Dolly causing a little chaos during our first meeting?”
“Dolly?” Lana asked, tilting her head slightly.
Kinks pointed across the room, where the axe she had tossed aside now hung on a pristine hook on the wall. Above it, a picture of Dolly Parton was prominently displayed. “Her,” Kinks clarified. “That’s Dolly. She’s a real sweetheart, but she has a bit of a temper when things get too calm.”
Hayven looked over at the axe, then back at Kinks, an incredulous smile forming on her lips. “You named your murder weapon after the Dolly Parton? That’s iconic, really.”
Kinks beamed with pride, clearly delighted by the reaction. “Isn’t it? I figured if I was going to be swinging something deadly around, it might as well have the spirit of a true queen behind it.”
Before anyone could respond, a voice called out from the other side of the room. “Kinks!” Aisha’s voice carried over the soft hum of the room, catching Kinks’ attention.
“Duty calls,” Kinks said with a dramatic sigh, but she flashed them all a bright smile before jumping up and hurrying off.
“That is so Kyrous' sister,” Lana said with a laugh as soon as Kinks was out of sight.
“She’s great,” I agreed, unable to suppress a smile.
Hayven leaned forward, grabbing an onion ring from the platter in front of her. “She’s been here a long time.”