Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“What is wrong with her?”
“Spoiled little bitch.”
“I read her wrong. She fooled me back in the summer.”
“She’s a professional at manipulation.”
“It makes sense she questioned my house hunt, but why is she stuck on your job?”
“My job as a cop?”
“No, your new project. This is the second time she’s mentioned it.”
“Second time?”
“That Sunday by the pool, she mentioned it, and it struck me as weird since it’s not public knowledge.”
“Maybe she overheard?”
“Maybe?” She becomes suspiciously quiet.
“Ro?”
“Who was that man?”
“Kent?”
“Yeah.”
“Do not know.”
“You’re lying. You got a look at him and your body went solid. Stepped in front of me like a threat was in the area. It filled the air with hostility. He watched you like a hawk. It was hard to miss the vibe.”
“He’s no one.”
“Then why are you gripping my hand to the point of pain?”
I glance down and see her palm crushed.
“Fuck, baby, I’m sorry.”
“He’s bad news?”
I don’t answer, keeping my eyes on the road.
“He’s bad news,” she concludes.
“He’s an agent we’ve been watching. That’s all I can say.”
“And now Tera is mixed up with him. Isn’t that suspicious? She works in television media.”
“Yeah, babe.”
What I don’t say is that Kent Wallace is an ATF analyst and our chief suspect.
He’s a narc, a traitor, and possibly managing the movement of arms and drugs across the country.
And he laid eyes on my woman.
This was no coincidence.
24
ROWAN
“Finally, you’re here!” Jewls yanks me through the door. “She’s here, Polly.”
“Sure thing, Julianna,” the lady behind the desk responds. “We’re glad to have you, Miss Ellis.”
“Thank you, Polly?”
“Actually, it’s Sara.”
“Sorry, I thought she called you Polly.”
“In about ten seconds, you’ll see why,” Jewls promises.
The lady behind the desk rolls her eyes, but then looks at Jewls kindly. “Come on, you know the drill.”
“Yes, but my friend here needs the full experience.” Jewls prods me in front of her to follow Polly-slash-Sara down a large hallway.
I’d read about this medical spa, but none of the articles gave it justice. Upscale décor provides a serene experience. Our guide tells me about all the options the spa offers, highlighting their most popular services.
She leads us to a private room and motions to the oversized leather recliners.
“You never disappoint Peppy Polly.” Jewls settles in her chair with a grateful moan.
“The name makes perfect sense now.”
“Zanie will be right in.” Sara flashes me a smile. “Enjoy, Miss Ellis.”
“Please, call me Rowan.”
She leaves us and I sink into the plush leather. “This chair is heavenly.”
“I have two of them ordered for the house.”
“This is all great, but do you want to tell me why all the secrecy? If you thought I’d be insulted about a spa trip, this place is nothing like Rendezvous.”
“I wasn’t concerned about that. This is my secret sanctuary, and you deserve a little pampering.”
Before I can ask for an explanation, a lady in scrubs enters with a bright smile. “It’s my favorite soon-to-be-mama.”
“Rowan, meet my BFF extraordinaire, Zanie.”
“How many BFFs do you have?”
“Just like Polly, you’ll understand soon enough. Plus, Zanie is the one who discovered my pregnancy.”
“Ahhh, can’t take credit. You would have known soon enough.”
Zanie hands me a menu of treatments that makes no sense. “Have you ever had IV therapy before, Rowan?”
“Like needle IVs?” My voice cracks.
“Yes, it’s a miracle serum,” Jewls informs me casually.
“I’m not sure I’m the best customer for this.” I try to shove the menu back.
“Don’t be a sissy. It’s easy as pie.” Her southern twang kicks in.
“What exactly does easy as pie really mean? I’ve never made a good pie.”
“Stop changing the subject. I recommend the essential energy boost.”
I glance between the two ladies, Zanie grinning encouragingly. “It’s a good formula to help hydrate and boost energy.”
“I could use an energy boost. It’s been a hellish week.”
“Done! I’ll take my normal cocktail,” Jewls orders like she’s the boss.
“What is your normal?”
“My hush-hush weapon. It’s what’s helped me stay fabulous these last six and a half months.”
“A prenatal formula to help keep the mama on track. Especially the woman who insists on working two jobs and planning a superstar wedding.” Zanie pulls two bags out of a small fridge.
“Oh, Zanie,” Jewls drawls out dramatically, “I’m no longer a barmaid. My overbearing beast of a caveman has me barefoot and pregnant at home every night.”
I roll my eyes so hard I get vertigo. “There’s good reason for that.”
“I’m aware of the reason since he called me after your last doctor’s appointment.”
Jewls bolts up in her chair, which is alarming since her stomach is most of her body now. She gasps, “How did he find out about us?”
“He’s a cop, an investigator, and a former operative with combat experience. It took little to find me.”
“Ugh! What happened to loyalty and discretion?”
“Why exactly are we being discreet again?” Zanie preps Jewls’ arm and sets up her IV. She doesn’t balk, lying back.