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)
The last few months, she’s politely declined personal interviews, only giving professional statements on her business when contacted. All for this reason, she’s avoiding any situation that will open the door to her personal life.
“Craig’s arrest was public record, but most other details are sealed.”
Her eyebrows shoot up and her lips form a hard line.
“Whoever led you to him did you no favors.”
“It’s nothing personal, Ford. There are at least a dozen other ambitious reporters out there vying for a break.”
“The difference is morals. You will drag a good woman down to get noticed.”
“I’ll call her and explain.”
Ace hisses, inching closer to me. “This bitch is whacked.”
“As of this moment, you are barred from any contact with Rowan.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“Deathly serious. Your purpose and aim with Craig are a threat to Rowan. You follow through with any story, snippet, or morsel of lies that jeopardize the State’s case, we’ll sue your ass.”
“The First Amendment—”
“Tera, take this advice. Get away from this case while you can.”
“Why would I do that?”
I’m close to violating privacy laws, but if it stops this train wreck, it’ll be worth it.
“You said this isn’t personal. I’m breaking about a dozen different protocols, but here’s a fact. The last person who wormed themselves in the snare of Craig Johns ended up in the wreckage. After he beat her almost unconscious, he held her down and rubbed himself off on her chest. When he came on her face, she was forced to lick his cum while he watched.”
Her face goes white, and she stumbles into the nearest chair. “Oh my God.”
“She was violated and used against her will, which is sexual assault. That personal enough for you?”
Her eyes come to mine, pooling with tears. “I-I-I… Ford, I didn’t know.”
“While you’re climbing that corporate ladder, you may want to know who you’re in bed with.”
At this, I’m done, leaving as her first sob sounds.
“Think you got the point across,” Ace comments when we’re in the truck. “I’m still a fan of ruining her.”
“You mean Jay wants to ruin her.”
“My wife has Charlie on her side.”
“Ouch.” I wince, thinking of Charlie’s brand of desecration.
“Say the word.”
I crack a grin for the first time in hours. “Why don’t we let Rowan make that call?”
32
ROWAN
Shayla’s head pops up, her attention on the man walking through the bar. His eyes travel over her before locking with hers. Static electricity zings in the air, a hush falling in our group, watching the silent exchange.
It’s impossible to look away.
My insides heat as he steps up to the bar. His hand jets out, curling around her neck and bringing her mouth to his.
The kiss is short, but no less hot.
Singe your skin hot.
“Does it make me a rotten friend if I’m green with jealousy?” Ginger mutters.
“Whew, I need a shower.” Shelby fans her face.
“Who the fuck is that?” Tom barks coarsely.
“Shayla’s boyfriend,” I chirp.
“Since when does she have a boyfriend?”
“Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, pay better attention,” Harley sing-songs as she passes.
Collin releases Shayla, whispering something in her ear. Her eyes light up and she nudges her head our way.
“This section is reserved,” Tom grates when Collin takes the stool next to me.
“He’s with us.” I shoot him a reprimanding scowl.
“I’m calling Whitman.” He storms to his office.
“Ladies.”
We all let out a breath at Collin’s accent.
“Nice to see you again. I’m Ro—”
“Rowan,” he finishes my name. “I never forget a beautiful woman.”
My skin flushes under his praise.
I may be madly in love, but there’s no denying Collin’s sex appeal.
“Here you go.” Shayla slides a glass of amber liquid to him.
I do a doubletake when catching the glow in her expression.
“Thank you, baby.”
Swoon again! My stomach flutters in almost the same way as when Ford calls me baby.
“Rowan, wipe that gooey look off your face,” Shayla snaps.
“He’s charming,” I point out.
“I know that! Why do you think my panties disintegrate every time we're alone?” she sasses back.
My jaw drops at her bluntness.
I knew things were progressing with Shayla and Collin. She’s mentioned their dates a few times. However, she left out the pertinent details.
“Darling, you know I adore you, but you’ve shocked the woman into a stupor,” Collin states comically. “And I haven’t been properly introduced to your other friends.”
“Ginger and Shelby, this is Collin.” Shayla waves her fingers between them.
He stands, shaking both their hands.
A man whistles at Shayla, motioning to his empty beer bottle.
Collin’s eyes cut to the man, his expression hardening.
Oh boy…
“Honey, he’s a regular and it’s my job.” Shayla picks up on the intensity.
“Fucker needs to learn some manners.”
Shayla propels herself halfway across the bar and runs her lips along his. “Cool it.”
Then she’s gone and he blows out a breath. “That woman.”
“She’s something else.”
“That she is,” he agrees with a coy grin. “What is the American lingo? I’m a lucky arse?”
“Do you have a brother?” Ginger spouts.