Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 75585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
So why was I contemplating seeking out Valentino and trying to strike a deal? That was clearly suicidal. As it was, I was facing torture and eventually death if he found me and realized I had no chance of paying him back. Tears stung the back of my eyes. I’d known better than to approach the Marchesis, but I couldn’t fail my sister.
What kind of deal could I strike anyway? Unless…No, that would be even stupider than borrowing the money in the first place. I couldn’t even be sure he was gay, though rumors said he was. Would I really suggest letting him fuck me to pay back the debt? Was I stupid enough to think a few nights with me was worth all that money? Did I have a better option?
The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I got the now familiar feeling I was being watched. I looked out the tiny window in my kitchen, but I couldn’t see anyone. A tall, red-haired man had been hanging around my building a lot and I’d also seen him at the bar where I worked. I’d caught him staring at me plenty of times, but I couldn’t prove he was actually following me. Like I needed more trouble.
The popping and hissing of the coffee maker finishing its job drew my attention. I’d just started to pour myself a cup when someone pounded on my door.
Fuck. Was that my landlord? I had ten more days before the rent was due. I knew the money wasn’t going to fall out of the sky, but I’d hoped to at least keep a roof over my head that much longer.
When I checked the peephole, I leapt back. It wasn’t my landlord. I should have known he’d never be up this early. It was Valentino.
Had he heard me moving around? I prayed he hadn’t as I moved away, trying to stay quiet. It’s possible he would have given up when I didn’t answer, but I ruined my chances by backing into the table next to the couch and turning it over.
“Liam, I know you’re in there.” More pounding. “Every second you keep me waiting makes things worse for you.”
Despite being terrified, I reminded myself that I’d been thinking about going to find Valentino.
I was an idiot. I looked around wishing I had another way out. The fire escape was really the only option, but the way the door was rattling, Valentino would have it open and be after me before I could make it to the street.
The sound of a gunshot made me scream. For a moment I wondered if I’d been hit, then I saw smoke rising from the doorknob and realized he’d shot through the lock.
Valentino shoved open the door, then kicked it closed behind him and braced it with the table I’d tripped over.
I stood there staring at him, wishing I could make my limbs work. I should at least try to run, but I couldn’t move.
Maybe he wasn’t as fast as me. It was possible I could outrun him. But with my luck, if I tried, I’d likely tumble off the fire escape, saving him the trouble of having to beat me up or shoot my kneecaps or whatever he planned to do.
“You shot my door.” As soon as the words came out, I knew it was the last thing I should’ve said. I couldn’t think straight with him standing right there. As terrified as I was, I was surprised I could speak.
“I wouldn’t have had to fuck up your door if you’d answered it.”
I tried to swallow, but my mouth was too dry. No matter how scared I was, I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off him. He really was incredibly hot. He had to be over six feet tall, at least four inches taller than my 5'9". His hair was dark brown, and his eyes were nearly black. The perfectly tailored dark suit he wore added to the way he exuded power and dominance. I’d always been into men who liked to take charge, but surely I had more self-preservation than this.
You did borrow money from his family.
“I was trying to prevent getting myself as damaged as the door, or worse.”
The fucker grinned. “The way to do that is to pay what you owe my family.”
“I need more time.” I needed a whole new life. Time wasn’t going to make any difference. I was never going to have that kind of money.
“We’ve waited long enough. We’re going to have to take it now.”
He glanced around my apartment. Was he hoping I had something of value? I wished I did, but the only thing I had left was my body. I leaned against the back of the couch, not sure I could keep myself upright with my knees trembling the way they were.