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)
In my bedroom, I crouch down by the bed and pull my luggage out from under it. I only have the one bag, but it will be enough because I don’t have a lot of clothes.
Conscious of Cassia waiting outside, I pack everything I want to take with me. I even squeeze my pillow in on top of my clothes and shoes, then hurry to grab my toiletries. Once I have everything, I zip the bag shut before lugging it to the kitchen so I can grab my favorite coffee mug.
Just as I step out of the kitchen, I pause.
Maybe I should hide some money here in case something goes wrong.
Good idea!
I open the handbag and carefully count out two thousand dollars, then I glance around me.
Gosh, where’s the last place someone would look?
I peek at the front door that’s still shut, then quickly walk to the drawers in the kitchen and take out two bags and a tablespoon. I put the money inside and double wrap it while I sneak out the back door. As I dig a hole, nerves spin in my stomach. Once it’s deep enough, I put the bag of cash inside and cover it up as fast as possible, patting the ground before standing up and stomping all over the spot so it doesn’t look like something is buried here.
That should do it.
Hurrying inside again, I lock the back door before I wash my hands. I’m out of breath by the time I drag my luggage to the front of the house.
When I open the door, Cassia glances at me, and a smile forms around her mouth. “Do you have everything you’ll need?”
I nod, and when one of the men comes to take my bag, I stumble backward to put space between us.
“Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean to startle you,” he apologizes. “I’m just getting your bag.”
Surprised by the respectful way he speaks to me, I quickly bow my head and hug the handbag and backpack closer so he doesn’t get any ideas to take them from me.
“Let’s go,” Cassia murmurs, gesturing for me to walk to the car.
We climb into the back seat again, and as I’m driven away from my house, I once again wonder if I’m doing the right thing.
Only time will tell.
At least I have two thousand dollars buried in the back yard.
I should’ve hidden more.
How much is in the handbag?
I look down at the bag, which has a repeating pattern of LV embossed into the black leather. It’s too late to back out now. I signed the document, and I’ve accepted the money.
Glancing out of the window as we drive toward Tower, I send up a silent prayer that I’m not making a mistake.
Chapter 9
JENNA
It’s almost midnight when we pull up to the mansion, where garden lights illuminate the yard.
I notice armed men, and my head whips to Cassia, who says, “Don’t mind the guards. They’re here for our protection.”
If she says so.
I push the door open, and climbing out of the SUV, I look at the mansion again. There are windows spanning over two floors at the front, and with the lights on inside, I’m able to see a black leather lounge suite, a fireplace, and a huge TV.
Gosh, am I really going to live here?
“Welcome to your new home, Jenna,” Cassia says as she walks toward the front door. I follow her, and when we step inside, she adds, “I hope you’ll be happy here.”
My lips part in a gasp as I take in all the space and luxury. I can smell fresh paint, and all the furniture looks brand new.
Feeling intimidated by all the wealth, I curl my shoulders forward and bow my head.
“Let me show you where everything is.” Cassia walks toward the stairs, and I keep glancing at all the expensive-looking things from under my bangs as we head up to the second floor.
When we reach the landing that overlooks the living room, she explains, “You can move freely through the house, but stay out of the main bedroom.” She points to a shut door. “It’s the only place that’s off limits.”
I nod to show I understand, and then I get to peek into the two guest rooms, which aren’t furnished at all.
“This is your room.” Cassia opens the door, and when we step inside, my jaw goes slack.
A big bed stands between two windows, the bedding white with pale pink blossoms scattered over the foot end.
It’s so pretty.
I look at the dressing table, and seeing a vase with a bouquet of pink roses, I feel overwhelmed again.
Cassia gestures at the flowers. “There’s a note attached for you, but you can read it once I’m done showing you the house. Let’s head back downstairs.”
I steal another glance around the room as I leave, finding everything surreal.