Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 74226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
I must be missing something. “You mean it?“ I look at Xander, but his face is blank. I can’t tell what he thinks about the idea.
Q glances over his shoulder like he’s checking in with Xander. “I mean, you should get out sometimes. You must be going nuts, being stuck here.”
Interesting choice of words. “I don’t know,” I mumble, which is the truth. I don’t know if it’s a good idea for me to be out in public where anything could happen. This is what my life has come to. Afraid to leave the house in case the other side of my personality decides to come out and wreak havoc.
It’s pretty clear he is not taking no for an answer. I know him better than to think he will now that he’s made up his mind. And it wouldn’t be bad to get out for a little while, either – I’m sick of looking at the same walls. “Okay,” I agree, though my heart is nowhere near in it. “If it’s all right, yeah, I’ll come out with you.”
“You don’t need to sound like you accepted a death sentence,” he snickers.
That’s just it. Lately, it feels like my whole life is a death sentence. I guess I need a night out more than I thought I did.
26
SCARLET
“What do you mean they went out?” I question, like I don’t know what Aspen is saying.
“Out, as in they went to a bar to drink some beers,” she explains, like it’s not a big deal at all.
“But why? I mean other than to find girls. Do you think Ren is done with me?” I’m almost certain that I’m overreacting… almost.
“I think you worry too much,” Aspen laughs. “They are just letting off some steam. Ren has been stressed and Quinton is dealing with a lot too. He thought he lost his best friend forever and now he is back. Let them spend some time together and trust that they don’t do anything stupid.”
“I trust them, it’s everyone else I don’t trust. What if some skanks just walk up to them and stick their tongues down their throats. What if someone roofies them and steals their kidneys?”
“I think you watch too much tv.” Aspen waves me off like I’m crazy.
“Maybe you don’t watch enough true crime!” I snap back. Does she not know about all the crazy people out there?
“The guys can take care of themselves, Scarlet. You don’t have to worry.”
“And what if Ren turns to River while they are out? River might still want to hurt Q.” That finally gets her attention. “I’m the only one who knows how to deal with River!”
“River hasn’t made an appearance in a few days. I think Ren has it under control now.”
“I had a run in with River two days ago and the reason Ren is more in control here is because there is nothing to aggravate him. What if some drunk picks a fight with him? That's all it would take.”
“Alright, now you got me worried too,” Aspen admits, biting her bottom lip.
“Do you know what bar they went to?” I ask.
“Yes, but I’ll only tell you if you promise not to go alone.”
“I’ll take a driver and a guard with me.” Now that I reimplanted the tracker under my skin, my dad gives me pretty much free rein on when and where I can go.
“Allright,” she says, but her eyes are still guarded like she’s not sure that this is a good idea. “They went to TopShot, it’s a small bar, downtown Main Street.”
“Thank you!” I give Aspen a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before I leave her room and make my way down the hall.
“Be careful!” She yells after me, a hint of worry in her soft voice.
“I will,” I yell back over my shoulder as I hurry into my room to grab my purse and slip into some high heel boots that go great with my skinny jeans and leather jacket. When I’m all dressed, I leave my room and make my way down stairs.
Once I’m in the foyer, I stand in front of Tony, one of the younger guards, who looks at me curiously. “I need you to come with me and be my bodyguard at a bar.”
“Alright.” He bobs his head. “When are we leaving?”
“Now.”
Tony nods again and follows me out the front door where one of my dad’s drivers is usually standing by. I get into the back seat while Tony takes the front. I tell the driver where to go, and he takes off right away.
Thirty minutes later, we arrive in front of the bar. The driver parks and Tony gets out to open my door for me. I step out, into the cool city air.
“Thank you,” I tell him while staring at two girls in short dresses and high heels entering the bar.