Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79349 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79349 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
I hear his footsteps as he walks away, and soon after, the SUV’s door shuts.
I peek up from between my bangs, and like every other night, he doesn’t drive away immediately.
I don’t know what he does in the SUV, but knowing he won’t come into the store again tonight, I sit down on the stool and exhale a heavy breath.
As I stare at the container holding the delicious pastries, I wonder why he brought them to me. It’s not like we know each other. I mean, I haven’t even talked to him.
Still, I feel grateful because he thought of me, and I’m too poor to look a gift horse in the mouth.
My thoughts turn to before Mr. Oliveira got here, and just thinking of Derek, Wayne, and Kirk makes me feel as if the weight of the entire world rests on my shoulders.
Lifting my hand to my mouth, I begin to chew on my thumbnail.
I know I should be thankful they don’t come to this gas station often, but I wish they’d stay away altogether. I hate seeing them, and they always taunt me.
I’m scared they’ll rape me again. Or worse. Kill me.
God, I hate my life.
I wish… I just wish things would get better.
Please let me win the lottery so I can move away from Aurora.
I still won’t be able to go to Mom and Aunt Sherrie, though. No amount of money in the world will erase the hell those men inflicted on me that night.
But it sure would make life easier.
Chapter 6
ENZO
When I hear car engines, I get up from the couch and move to the large floor-to-ceiling windows that span over the two floors.
I watch as three SUVs pull up to the front of the house, then I walk to the door and open it for the men.
One breaks away from the group, and when I recognize him, I shake my head. “What are you doing here?”
Santiago grins at me. “I heard you needed backup, so I came.”
“I didn’t say I needed backup.”
“You’ve requested over twenty men in total. That’s a clear cry for help,” he taunts me, and as he reaches me, he grabs my hand and shakes it. “I’m bored and could do with some action.”
I suck in a deep breath and let it out slowly, but then I see Dominik, and my eyes narrow. “You too?”
“Apparently, I’m bored too.” He gestures at Santiago. “He dragged me here.”
I pull my hand free from Santiago’s and quickly shake Dominik’s. “If you tell me Leo and Cassia are also here, I’m not going to be happy.”
“They’re at the motel.” Santiago smirks at me. “We’ve taken over the place, and we’ll be staying for a while.”
I shake my head at the man. “Seriously?” I glance between the two men. “What about your wives and kids?”
“They’re having some girl time and couldn’t wait to be rid of us,” Dominik mutters.
“Think of it as a little family reunion,” Santiago says, letting out a chuckle. “It’s been months since we last saw you in person.”
“I’ve never missed a meeting,” I mutter. Glancing at the ten guards, I order, “Scatter out over the property. We’re not expecting any company.”
They all jump into action to secure the grounds.
Santiago pats my arm. “We came all this way. Are you going to let us stand outside or invite us into your home?”
“It’s not my home,” I grumble, but I step back and gesture for them to go inside. “Are Leo and Cassia really here?”
“Yes.” Santiago glances at the décor. “Not exactly what I pictured your home would look like.”
“The house came furnished. I’m waiting for my furniture to arrive.”
Dominik sits down on the armchair, then asks, “Want to catch us up with what’s happening between you and the MC club?”
Santiago keeps snooping around, and leaving him be, I take a seat on the couch and lock eyes with Dominik. “I paid them a visit yesterday. A couple of bullets flew, and I gave them a warning to stay away from my factory and trucks.”
“Do you think they’ll listen?” he asks.
I shake my head. “That’s why I put in the order for the men. I expect them to retaliate.”
“This place is pretty remote,” Santiago mentions. “You should join us at the motel. We’re stronger together.”
“Let me think about it,” I reply.
“How are things at the factory?” Dominik asks.
“Good. The workers feel safer with the guards there to protect them, so manufacturing is well underway. The first few trucks should go out for deliveries next week.”
“What are you making at the factory?” Santiago asks.
“The usual. Tech products. Watches. Electronics. Branded goods.”
Dominik gives me an impressed look. “I hear there are trillions to be made here in the US.”
“You heard right.”
“Are you still a one-man operation?” Santiago asks.
“I have people in Lisbon and Africa,” I tell them.
“We know you have people who work for you, but you have no one you trust by your side,” Dominik says. “I have Evinka. Santiago has Pedro. Leo has Massimo, and Cassia has Knight. It’s been years, and you’re still alone. It makes you an easy target.”