Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 68858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
"You're going out?" His tone was more of an accusation than a question.
"Yes," I replied evenly, trying to ignore the ways his eyes crawled all over me. "I have plans tonight."
My grandmother turned toward me, a worried crease forming on her forehead. "Elena, dear, are you sure this is a good idea?"
I nodded, forcing a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine, Grandma. It's just dinner."
My uncle's expression hardened. "With whom?"
I paused, knowing their reaction to the truth would not be pleasant. "An old acquaintance."
"An old acquaintance?" His voice held a hint of disbelief. "Since when do you have connections in this part of the city?"
"I have friends here," I responded, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'll return later. Don't wait up."
My uncle gave a smirk, his eyes glazed over and making me suspect he had more than just wine to drink. “If you're not careful, you'll end up like your sister, Elena. Gone and remembered as--.”
"That's enough of that," my grandmother interjected.
"And what will you be known for, Uncle?" I gave him a slow once-over. "This?"
His smirk vanished as a shadow of something sinister flashed in his eyes. "Be careful how you speak to me, girl."
"What are you going to do if I don’t?" I challenged, frustration coursing through me. This man was a pitiful excuse for a human being. Every time I looked at him, all I saw was my father and it made me sick. I resented the fact that he was living in my parents' house and had done nothing to prevent their reputation from being tarnished. I hated he’d done nothing to find my sister but had the fucking audacity to speak on her name. I could see why she loathed him and made sure she never crossed his path.
When he didn’t speak, just stared at me with a slackened face, I turned to leave, my heart pounding in my chest.
As I reached the doorway, my grandmother called out softly, "Just be careful, Elena."
"I will," I promised, glancing back at her with another forced smile, avoiding my uncle's creepy gaze. I needed to get the hell out of this house. Keeping my pace casual, I headed for the front door. The timing couldn't have been better. Just as I pulled it open, a shiny white sedan pulled into the driveway.
It came to a halt as I approached, and a man I didn't recognize stepped out. His hair was neatly tied back in a ponytail, and though he wasn't much taller than me, his muscular build and immaculate suit made an impression. A gun was visible on his hip, and despite the hour, he wore sunglasses.
"Good evening, Miss Castello," he greeted me with an air of respect, his accent thick as he opened the rear passenger door.
"Evening," I replied hesitantly.
"I am here as a humble servant of Mr. Escuro. I will drive you to his location."
Who spoke like that? Humble servant? How fitting for a man known as the King of Vice. "Okay..." I trailed off, carefully maneuvering into the backseat, taking in the car's luxurious interior.
The leather seats were immaculate and plush, exuding the scent of a new vehicle mixed with a hint of cologne. As the car drove away, I took one final glance at the house. It was no surprise that my grandmother's silhouette could be seen in the window. I hoped she wouldn't fret too much while I was gone. The gravity of the situation I was about to enter into was starting to sink in, and all I could do was hope that Mateo's intentions, whatever they may be, would somehow coincide with my ultimate goal of finding Eva.
"We will be heading away from the estates," my driver announced as he took a left turn out of the driveway.
"Where is he having you bring me?"
"This evening, you will dine at Dior's," he replied smoothly.
"Alright," I said, lacking anything else to add. I had no idea what or where Dior's was, but it sounded expensive. My stomach was a bundle of nerves, making it hard to imagine eating anything.
I gazed out the window, watching the landscape blur as my mind wandered. My thoughts drifted to a few weeks ago when Eva and I had entirely separate lives. She would be getting ready for another night in this city while I prepped for a long night at the convenience store. We would leave our home together, her easily lying to our aunt about where she was headed. Underneath her hoodie and sweatpants, she'd be wearing a revealing outfit.
At the end of our cracked walkway, we would hug and go separate ways, unless we were arguing–which seemed to happen often towards the end. I closed my eyes briefly, taking a small, quiet breath.
When I thought of Eva, I couldn't help but think of my parents and the fact that they were all gone. Over time, I learned that the cruelest part of death was not being able to say goodbye. It's something you never consider until you have no choice but to face it – along with all the things you wish you could take back and everything left unsaid.