Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19668 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 79(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19668 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 79(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
I didn’t have a long trip, but I couldn’t let him see my enthusiasm. If I did, he’d demand more than I’d ever give that man. The million was nothing, but I still didn’t want to give the prick a dollar on principle. She was twenty-one and brilliant. She graduated from high school at sixteen and then attended NYU, graduating in four years with a degree in business. Why she stayed surprised me. I believe fear was the motivation that kept her trapped. He was a killer, and associated with killers.
Chapter Two
Silas
I sat in the lavish living room of a man who shouldn’t need the money, but from the look in his eyes, he craved it. It didn’t matter to me because what he was offering had been something I’d been looking for over the past six months—or rather, someone. Yelena Topova. If I had her name that night, it wouldn’t have taken so long to claim my bride.
“Here are the documents. I’m sorry that we had to cancel dinner last week, but I had unexpected business matters that required my attention.”
“I understand.” There were rumors that I’d been introduced to several ladies while I was away. He had to believe she wasn’t the only prize available, even if she was. “You were busy assessing your options.”
“Yes, and I’ve decided that Ms. Topova is the most favorable choice. I appreciate you sending me the additional information.” He tried to keep my interest, which made me laugh. Nothing could take my interest away from Yelena.
“As I said she would.”
“Good. I’d like to get everything done today. You can see from the papers that my offer is acceptable.”
“It’s very generous. I’d still like to discuss the dock situation with you.”
“At present, I’m only interested in this matter.” I might not be a mafioso or thug, but I destroyed lives easily. Topov would be a cakewalk, but I refused to allow Yelena to be caught up in any wars it might lead to with the Bratva.
“Understood.” I nodded and sat on the sofa with tension building in my chest. She was taking too long to appear.
“Where is she?” I said, staring at the staircase, my hands rubbing my thighs. I wasn’t an impatient man. We had already missed six months together. Another day couldn’t go by where she wasn’t mine.
“She’ll be down in a moment. Women and their nerves,” he answered, but the shifty look in his eyes told me he was more nervous that she wouldn’t show up. He offered me a drink, but I raised my hand to stop him.
“I’m not interested in sharing a drink. I’m here for business.” The light sound of footsteps came from behind me instead of the stairs. Instinct sent my head on a swivel. I turned, and my heart stuttered. In front of me was the woman from six months ago. Her eyes were a bit hollow, sunken in by what appeared to be starvation.
“Business?” she asked.
My eyes darkened. I stood up and took her hand in mine. It was soft, just like the gasp that left her. The warmth from her touch burned into my soul. The night we met was nothing compared to today. “Business between your father and me, but you and I, it will be very personal,” I answered, my stare intent and hungry. Her eyelashes fluttered, her chest rose fast, and the pulse under my fingers raced.
“Yelena, this is Silas Harrison.” The sudden shift in his tone reminded me of the duplicitous bastards I’d met over the years. I didn’t take my eyes nor my hand off her, enjoying her beauty and the feel of her pulse against my fingers.
“Sit down, Yelena,” her father commanded. She immediately pulled her hand away and took a seat on the sofa. I sat beside her, eager to get this over with.
“Yelena, you and Mr. Harrison are going to get married.” She gasped lightly, but her reaction wasn’t as intense as I had expected. Her father was selling her to me, and she barely appeared fazed. The touch of my hand caused more of a reaction. Not that I was complaining, but I had questions.
“Um…when?” Her question was just above a whisper.
“You need to sign here, and it’s done,” he answered before I could process her reaction. Did she remember me? Our encounter had been fleeting, almost unforgettable to anyone else, but I couldn’t forget the look in her eyes as she clung to me in the hallway.
“Okay.” She took the pen, and I grabbed her left hand, stopping her. I didn’t understand why, when it was exactly what I desired. Her head turned upward, and those gorgeous caramel eyes looked into mine. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No. No.” I released her wrist, noticing the tiniest flinch from her. The banded bracelet didn’t cover the tinge of yellow that peeked from the edge. She had bruises that would be answered for when the time was right.