Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
This can’t be how this ends. If I have nothing, Coswell should as well. I’m going to get out of this, and I’ll get my revenge.
“As they torture you and kill you. I want you to think of one thing. Coswell was always the better man and Zah never wanted you. You’re an entitled asshole and you’re about to get everything you deserve,” Hamilton hisses in my ear as he digs his finger into my bullet wound.
I try not to make a sound, but lose the battle as he applies more pressure. I scream and black out.
Zahirah
I tighten my hold on Aaron as Bentley spoons me from behind. I’ve been in bed since after dinner. I didn’t eat much, and I didn’t feel like doing anything else after.
Bentley and Aaron climbed into bed with me about an hour ago. I’ve been cuddling my son, needing to feel him safe in my arms. I get the feeling that’s how Bent feels.
He’s had us both in his embrace. I’ll admit, I feel safer in his arms.
“What happened to him? He was such a nice guy in high school,” I murmur.
“Baby, I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but I never liked that guy. There was always something off about him,” Bentley replies.
“Really?”
“Yeah, he put on a face for everyone else. However, I’ve seen it slip before. That’s why I was pissed off when he started showing interest in you.
“He has always given off this vibe … I don’t know how to explain it, but he didn’t belong around you, and I wasn’t having it. He didn’t back down like all the rest did when I told him there was no way.
“That’s why I broke his jaw. It was the arrogant smugness, like he could buy you, that set me off. As if you didn’t have a right to reject him.
“He swore he could have you if he wanted. That was the wrong thing to say to me. I blacked out and blinked. The next thing I knew, Hamilton was helping him to his feet,” Bentley says.
“Wow, I never knew anything about that. Truth be told, I didn’t know you were warning other guys off as well. I just thought guys weren’t into me.
“I didn’t mind because I was crushing on you so hard. Maybe if I wasn’t, I would have noticed.” I laugh a little, but it doesn’t sound right to my own ears.
“You’re out of your mind thinking guys weren’t into you. I threatened more guys than I’d like to admit. With Gilbert, I don’t think he wanted anyone to know. I remember him taking time off from school after.
“I only knew I broke his jaw because I saw it. I didn’t announce it to everyone because I didn’t want to get cut from the team or benched. All that mattered to me was that he knew.”
I go to say something else, but Bentley’s phone rings. He rolls to his side of the bed to grab the phone and answer. I kiss the top of Aaron’s head and bury my face in his hair.
“I have you on speaker, Fred. Zah is right here with me,” Bentley rumbles, causing me to sit up and look at him.
“Gilbert’s body was found. Someone worked him over pretty bad. His eyes were missing, as well as a few fingers and teeth.
“There were several bullet wounds. I’d say they tortured him before putting him down. Sadly, it looks like he had one more victim before they got to him. Zahirah, do you remember your roommate sophomore year?”
“Oh my God, Robin?”
“Yes, Robin Gensis. He strangled her to death. It seems she’s the one who helped him back into the country.”
“I just spoke to her a few weeks ago. She was doing great. We made plans to meet up soon,” I say sadly.
“I’m sorry for your loss. It looks like the threat is over. Manning won’t be bothering anyone else in this lifetime,” Fred says.
“I still want Zah to have security. Can you come in to have a chat with me tomorrow?”
“I’ll be there. Glad things worked out for you guys,” Fred says and ends the call.
I look at Bent with tears in my eyes. It’s over. I can finally live my life without worrying about when Gilbert will show up. No more calls to our podcast, no more showing up at my door.
“It’s over,” I whisper.
Bent palms the back of my head and kisses my forehead. I wrap my arms around him and break down sobbing. He holds me tight and begins to rock me in his strong arms.
“We can move on with our lives. He can’t ever threaten us again. It’s over.
“Breathe, baby, breathe. I was never going to allow him to hurt you, no matter what. I love you so much,” he says as he holds me.