Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 137326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 687(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 458(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 687(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 458(@300wpm)
Since Uncle Kayden caused quite a stir last year and got banished from the organization and the state, he’s lucky to be alive.
But then again, his much younger menace of a boyfriend, Gareth, wouldn’t allow it and provided him the protection of the Russian mafia.
Also, even though Kayden got banished from Vencor, he still owns half of the Davenport empire. He has considerable influence over directors and would take my side when it’s time to bring Grant down.
“You know the precise solution to this clusterfuck,” he says after I finish talking.
“I’m not letting her go.”
“I was going to suggest neutralizing her.”
My fingers tighten around the phone, wishing I could reach the other end and punch him. “That won’t be happening.”
“She’s a weakness that will cause your downfall.”
“Just like Gareth was.”
“That’s different. Gareth is self-sufficient and comes from a strong family that would start a war to protect him. She’s a nobody. Grant knows that and will eliminate or use her to cage you further under his thumb.”
“You’re underestimating her.” Dahlia might not have Russian mafia ties and come from an empire like Gareth Carson, but she’s the strongest person I know.
She’s been through so much shit, but she’s always, without fail, bounced back up, ready for another fight.
“You’re overestimating her.” Kayden’s deep voice carries in the silence like a knife. “You’re also presenting your weakness to Grant on a silver platter. Take my advice and eliminate her before it backfires. If you can’t kill her, send her to a different coast or, better yet, country. If you care about her, surely you know she won’t survive in that world. Do you wish to create another version of your mother? An aimless ghost who survives on pills and talks to fish?”
“She’s not Helena.”
“Right now, she’s not. Do you think Helena was always like that? She used to be cheerful and antidepressant-free. She used to have a soul, but it was crushed into the dust of time. Just like everyone else’s.”
“That won’t happen to Dahlia,” I insist in a clear voice, even though his words stab me in the chest. “If you’re done being a pessimist, I have a plan I need your help with.”
“Which is?”
“I’m going to throw Grant a bone, give up some influence in the upcoming business deal I’ve been planning in secret in exchange for him staying away from Dahlia. I want you to approve it.”
“Fucking fool.” His voice vibrates with disapproval. “If Grant knows you have a card up your sleeve and you’re willingly giving it up for her, you’ll prove that she’s not only a weakness but also someone he can use to manipulate you.”
“By that time, I’ll be out of his control.”
“Highly improbable. If anything, once you reveal a card, he’ll be extremely wary of you.”
“Doesn’t matter. I know how to deal with him. Just tell me, will you help?”
“Suit yourself.” There’s movement on the other end.
A low male voice carries from my uncle’s side, and I assume it’s Gareth. “Who are you talking to this early?”
“Nephew,” Kayden says in a softer voice, and I can almost see his smile.
My uncle doesn’t smile, not much anyway, but he seems to be always in a good mood if Gareth is around.
“Go back to sleep, baby,” he says in a low, gentle tone.
“Mmm. Not alone.” Gareth’s husky, sleepy voice sounds closer. “Hey, Kane. How are you? Still kicking ass in hockey?”
“Yeah, as usual, Gaz,” I say with a smile. I like him, mostly because he makes my uncle happy, despite all the shit they went through.
“His name is Gareth,” Uncle grumbles in my ear.
I had a bit of a whiplash when I met them for dinner one time. My uncle—who people compare to a stoic, emotionless robot—nearly chased me away because his man was talking to me longer than he liked.
Which was five minutes tops.
I hear a rustle from his side and a small hum before he says, “We’ll talk again at a reasonable hour. In the meantime, think carefully about the clusterfuck you’re getting yourself into because of a girl you’ve only just met. Is she worth it?”
After my uncle hangs up, I stare at the town for what seems like hours, contemplating his last question.
Logically, Dahlia is not worth it. She’s a hassle and brings nothing to the table.
She’s not even part of Graystone’s elite, like Isabella or any of the other girls vying for my attention, who I could use in my power play.
But fuck if I can use logic when it comes to her. I tried that before and it only backfired.
My phone lights up with notifications from the group chat.
Jude
Pres? What did you do to Osborn?
@Kane Davenport, why the fuck did you leave him to his own devices? I’m absent for two fucking hours and all hell breaks loose?
Why did I leave him again? Right. I lost access to my logic and forgot the simple fact that Preston has been volatile as fuck lately, specifically since the forest hunt.