Total pages in book: 17
Estimated words: 16040 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 80(@200wpm)___ 64(@250wpm)___ 53(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16040 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 80(@200wpm)___ 64(@250wpm)___ 53(@300wpm)
I respond to several emails and make a few calls to check on the construction of my latest warehouse. My men are on their way to her father’s to grab her shit. I’d rather leave it there, but I can’t do that to her. She’s got things from the mother she loves. It makes me sick knowing that he took her at her lowest, promising to love and care for her.
My phone rings, taking me away from thoughts of Phoebe. “Speak.”
“Sir, it’s Mathers. We have a problem with the new building. A fire broke out an hour ago.” I pull my cell from my face to look at the time. It’s only eight.
Most of the construction on the building just finished. We only have a small section left before it will be ready for inspection and use. “What? How the fuck did that happen?”
“I don’t know, sir. The fire department is here. I called you as soon as we got everyone out.” Many of the people there were the construction workers who came in early to avoid the hot sun.
“Shit. Is everyone okay?”
He sighs and I think the worst, but then he answers, “Yeah, but the construction crew believes it’s arson.”
“What? Why?” Fuck. I pace my office, my head spinning with possible arsonists.
“The location that caught fire wasn’t a spot they were working on,” he informs me.
“Shit.” A lone thought comes to my head. I fired that fuck the other day. Destroying one of my buildings is an excellent way to get back at me.
“The fire chief and the investigators want to speak with you.” Of course they do. It’s going to be a big fucking problem. I don’t have time to be doing this, but I can’t act reluctant to comply, or they’ll think I did that shit. Instead, all I want to do is spend time with Phoebe, filling her with my babies and making her come for me.
“I’m on my way.” My building is in Springfield. I’m going to have to fly there on my private jet. There’s no time for anything else. Fuck. What I am I going to do with Phoebe? My head pounds as I consider all my options. As much as I want Phoebe at my side, I’ll be on the site, speaking to the investigators and employees. It would be pointless, and I might fuck someone up for looking at her. Then again, leaving her here will be painful and possibly dangerous.
I dial my head of security as I pack up my briefcase. “Diego, I need the perimeter swept. Someone tried to burn my new warehouse down. I’m leaving my most precious possession here. Keep her safe.”
“Of course, sir. How long will you be gone? Do you need a bag packed?” he asks.
“No. I’ll be back sometime this evening.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’m going to be back tonight,” I reiterate. “Make sure she’s safe.” Phoebe’s my everything, but I have to go.
“I’ve never let you down with Griselda.”
I scoff, “That’s because you’re in love with her. One day you should work up the nerve to tell her.”
I rush out of the house and into my vehicle. My will is so weak when it comes to Phoebe that if I steal a moment to say goodbye, I won’t leave at all or worse, will take her with me. I know that’s freaking out of the question. If anyone comes after me, I won’t be able to protect her adequately.
As I make my way out of the estate, I look back to see her looking through our bedroom window. I close my eyes and force that image down. A longing in her eyes matches my own. I can’t see those bright babies from a distance, but her entire expression gives away her sadness.
Damn. I don’t know how I’m going to handle being without her, even for work.
Chapter Five
Phoebe
I happen to look out of the bedroom window and see him drive away. My world just spun off its axis, and he left me here without a word. In fact, he walked out of the bedroom before I could even remember where I was this morning. Now, I’m alone in a freaking mansion in some suburb of Chicago. I’d been so focused on him and why he took me that I forgot to pay attention to any signs or mile markers. I’m seriously the worst person to be in charge of keeping me alive.
Feeling defeated, I go into the bathroom and take a shower. Once I’m out, I go into the closet and see what he’s picked for my collection. I grab the first sundress I find. I know they’re not going to let me go anywhere, so I might as well be comfortable. The smell of bacon hits my nose. I’m almost down the stairs when one of the guys who helped nab me stands at the bottom.