Total pages in book: 227
Estimated words: 220940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1105(@200wpm)___ 884(@250wpm)___ 736(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 220940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1105(@200wpm)___ 884(@250wpm)___ 736(@300wpm)
“You’ve told us fuck all since you stomped off from the scene.”
For fuck’s sake, won’t he just drop it? My fists clench, my impatience building. “I’d been fucking shot.”
“Flesh wound.”
“Fuck off, Danny.”
“What’s up with you?”
I swing around in my seat. “Why the fuck have the girls gone from being up my ass to kissing it?” It’s unbearable, not least because I feel more attention on me than there should be. I unconsciously slam my fist into the arm rest. And there’s the very reason Danny got out and sat in the back. I can’t reach him to knock him out.
“They’re worried about you. So what happened?” he pushes, raising his brows when I turn and give him a death glare.
I need to shut this down. “I saw the back door ajar,” I say, facing forward again, so he can’t see the lies in my eyes. “I checked outside and found Pearl smoking.”
“Naughty girl.”
James coughs, and I press my lips together as he divides his attention between me, the road, and Danny in the rearview mirror. Probably wondering if he’s going to have to make an emergency stop to split us up.
“I told her to get inside,” I go on. “Nolan came out when he saw the door open.”
“So you went outside first?”
“Yes. A car came at us. It all happened fast.”
Danny nods, accepting.
I don’t feel any relief.
“So how’s it going with the lawyer?” he asks. “I haven’t seen her since her sleepover a week ago.”
Allison. She’s been calling. Every-fucking-day. Texting. Checking in. I’m surprised. Especially after Rose told me she got her a cab and sent her home with news that my establishment was being used as a local dealing shop. “She’s great,” I murmur.
“I’m happy for you,” he says, sounding truly genuine.
“Me too,” James adds.
“Thanks.” Reaching for the volume, I turn the music up. New Order, Blue Monday. I settle back and look out the window, listening. Thinking. They’re happy for me. Translated: they approve of her age and the girls won’t cut off my dick. The problem? I may not be convinced that I’m the best choice for Pearl, but I certainly won’t mistreat her. I’ll worship her. Just like Danny does Rose, and James does Beau.
Would they ever believe I’m capable of that?
I look out the corner of my eye, seeing James’s hand lightly drumming the wheel. Look over my shoulder to Danny in the middle of the back seat, bobbing his head to the beat. I notice my foot tapping as James looks at my bumping knee and frowns before he looks at his hand tapping the steering wheel. I laugh, reaching for my smokes and lighting one up, passing them back to Danny.
“Fuck it,” James mutters, holding his hand out for them. Then he turns the music up, winds the windows down, and continues his drumming of the wheel.
And laughs with me.
We checked out the factories. Nothing. “Where are we going?” I ask, as James heads across town.
“It’s a surprise,” Danny muses. “Nearly there.”
“Where’s there?” I ask as James pulls over. I look up at the building. “Seriously?”
“Seriously.” Danny replies.
I sigh, dragging myself out of the car. “I don’t know whether to be excited or worried for you.” We stride toward the gate in a row, and I feel Danny’s eyes on my profile. I turn to find him smiling mildly at me. “What?”
“I miss this Brad,” he says, shoulder bumping me. “The sarcastic fucker who constantly states the obvious.”
“Jesus.” I move away. What’s got into everyone lately?
“No, honestly,” he goes on. “I feel like you’ve been absent.”
Me too. “I’m fine.”
“You’ll always be fine.” Danny reaches for my nape and squeezes as we come to a stop. “’Cause I’ve got you.”
I give him a questioning look. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“Otto asked me if he can marry Mum.”
Recoiling, I search for the murder on his face. “And what did you do?”
“Punched him.”
“Of course you did.” I roll my eyes and return my attention to the gate. I get it, he felt screwed over by his mom for years, and I know deep down he’s done resenting her. Wants her to be content. He’s aware of how much she suffered, and Otto makes her happy. He’s lucky there’s a man around to want to make her happy. Someone except him.
“After I said he could,” he adds. I shoot him a look, and Danny smiles, proud of himself. “I think she’s said no or something, though, because nothing’s been mentioned since.”
“Or she’s scared to tell you.”
“Otto would definitely tell me.” Danny squeezes my shoulder again. “See how I took your wise advice?”
“There’s a first time for everything.”
“I hope I can return the favor soon.”
When James turns toward me, I ask him with my eyes if he has any fucking clue what the fuck’s gotten into Danny. “Are we here for therapy or blood?” I ask.