Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 101887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
I need to find out what this Alliance wants from me and what cutting off the Albanians will come to mean for me and the business. Every time I think about walking away, I think about Uncle Freddie and how much trust he had in me to leave me everything. I never want to disappoint him.
“Where’d you go, Baby Girl?”
“Nowhere. Just a lot on my mind. Are we having Chinese or taking a walk to our favorite Caribbean spot?”
“We can get whatever you want. My treat.”
“Sounds good to me. I’ll get my shoes.”
“I’ll be right here. You can tell me all about your trip.”
I laugh. This man knows I’m not about to share anything about my life with him. He might be the closest thing I have to a friend around here, but he still gets limited access like everyone else.
***
“That was amazing, as usual. I’m stuffed,” Byron croons as he pats his stomach.
“Yeah, that hit the spot. That jet lag might be setting in soon.”
“Where were you? My dad has been tight lipped like I was going to run after you or something.”
I give him a pointed look. It’s the third time tonight he’s tried to get me to tell him where I’ve been. It’s not going to happen.
“You can see yourself out. I’ll call you tomorrow. Thanks for dinner.”
“Come on, Danny. Why do you still treat me like this? I’ve known you for how long?
“I mean, damn. I found out about your books from some chick I was fucking. You didn’t even tell me that you were doing something so incredible.
“That cut deep. I thought I was one of the few you call a friend. I get it. Uncle Freddie and Dad raised us different. You have always lived two different lives, but I’ve been here.
“I’d do anything for you. When are you going to let me in?”
“Let you in as what?” I ask.
“For now, a friend. We used to be so close before—” He cuts off and looks away from me. Before his mother and brother died. I know that’s what he’s about to say.
I remain silent and he continues. “Maybe you’ll find you want more in time.”
Don’t get me wrong, the Hughes men are some good-looking men. They get it from their daddy. Lyric is the pretty boy of the brothers, but Byron isn’t anything to sneeze at.
He gives I can fuck vibes, but as he said, I’ve known him for so long I don’t think it’s a good idea to go there. His dad is now more like my mentor since my uncle has been gone.
Mixing this business with pleasure could cost me my life. My pussy doesn’t have that type of control over me. I’m safer with men like Ronan, who know nothing about this world and life.
I’ve never asked Ronan about his business, but I doubt he does anything close to the things I do for my uncle’s legacy. If I ever date, I want someone who will only know my soft side. While I’ll tell my partner who I truly am, I don’t think I would share the extent of that.
Byron is too close to the truth. I can’t be soft with him ever. To him, I always have to be Danika Peoples.
Danika doesn’t have emotions or love to give. I could never give him my heart because Danika doesn’t have one to give. Besides, in this world, the man I let into my bed has to strike as much fear as I do.
“It’s nothing personal, Byron. I do consider you a friend.”
“Yeah, I get it. As long as you know I’m here whenever you need. I mean that. For whatever you need.”
I hear the offer in his voice and think to let him hit to erase that kiss from last night. I feel like Ronan is still all over me—his tongue in my mouth, his hands on my body. I frown and push the thought of sex with anyone other than that man out of my mind.
I’m not in the mood for that type of disappointment. My body already craves Ronan like he has imprinted himself on me.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
CHAPTER 15
We Meet Again
Dean
Two months later …
“Thank you so much, Dean. I loved the first three books in the series. I’m looking forward to the next installment.”
“I hope I don’t disappoint.”
“Never, you haven’t written a word I haven’t loved. You have a fan for life in me.”
“Thank you, Tiffany. Make sure to take some swag, boo.”
She gives me the biggest smile and grabs a bookmark, pen, and poster. I return the smile and reach for my water before the next person steps up. I close my eyes and inhale. This feels normal.
Things have been quiet since I’ve been back. The meet with LaSalle was pushed back. Word on the street is that his people are having a little issue.