Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 52699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
You previously mentioned saving something from your car for sentimental value.
The metal is from my bumper on the first day we met.
Damien.
“What’d you order?” Michael called from the kitchen.
“Nothing.” I folded the card and stuffed it into my pocket. “My old landlord sent me some stuff the new tenant found in my place.”
“That was nice of him.” He peered out from the doorway. “Okay. Now, it’s time for you to be wowed by my culinary skills.”
“I saw the catering bags when I came in, Michael.”
“Oh…” He laughed. “I set the table by myself, at least. I also picked the wine. Do those things count?”
“Absolutely.” He kissed my neck and I tilted my head back, waiting to be taken away and lost in his kiss, but his tongue wasn’t harsh enough. His mouth wasn't demanding enough.
I shut my eyes and dreamt of Damien owning my lips, wishing he was here with me instead.
BARGAIN (N.)
A MUTUAL AGREEMENT OR CONTRACT BETWEEN TWO PARTIES WHICH IS VOLUNTARY AND INVOLVES THE EXCHANGE OF CONSIDERATION
DAMIEN
The Honorable Mateo Asher
Ipushed the judge’s chamber door open and locked it behind me.
“Well, well, well…” Judge Asher looked up from his desk. “It’s my least favorite lawyer from the firm I hate the most.”
“It’s good to see you, too, Judge Asher,” I said. “Do you have a minute?”
“I might’ve considered giving you one if you’d knocked.”
I walked over to his desk and knocked on the wood. “Will that work?”
He rolled his eyes. “It’s a conflict of interest for me to help you on anything related to the current Grisham case, and I hope you didn’t come here late at night for me to be impartial.”
“I didn’t,” I said. “I need your help with something personal.”
“The STD clinic is down the street.”
“Funny.” I took a seat. “I’m being serious. This is about a relationship that means the world to me..”
Looking intrigued, he leaned forward. “I’m listening.”
“Just so we’re on the same page, I got your cousin off for tax fraud a few years ago.”
“Alleged tax fraud.”
“Call it whatever you want.”
“From what I recall, you charged him triple your normal rate.”
“That was a discount.” I smiled. “Anyway, is it true that you were college roommates with the current governor of Washington?”
“Yeah. He’s one of my best friends. Why?”
“I need one hell of a favor.”
“Okay…Something you’re thinking about in the future?”
“More like tonight.”
VOID (ADJ.)
REFERRING TO A STATUTE, CONTRACT, RULING OR ANYTHING WHICH IS NULL AND OF NO EFFECT
ELIZABETH
Michael
Did you forget about meeting me at the movies tonight?
I can come over and we can watch something at your place if you like instead…
Jumping off my couch, I rummaged through my dresser drawers and pulled out a basic white blouse and jeans. If I left now, I could call him on the road and blame my tardiness on traffic.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
His loud knocks stopped me dead in my tracks; I would have to clean.
“I did forget, Michael,” I whispered my practice speech, cutting straight to the chase. “It’s not you, though. It’s because my mind is still stuck on Damien.
“Okay, look.” I swing the door open. “It’s not personal, it’s just…Ellie?” All the air left my lungs.
No longer dressed the ugly, drab prison uniform, my sister stood teary-eyed in the hallway—holding a small plastic bag.
“Ellie?” I blinked a few times, unsure if this was real.
How are you even here?
“It’s me, Elizabeth.” She nodded. “It’s really me.”
I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and hugged her, nearly toppling her to the floor.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” She laughed. “You’re acting like you haven’t seen me in forever.”
“Not on this side of the bars.”
I hugged her tighter, as if she would disappear if I let her go, and we remained in a tear-filled embrace for what felt like forever.
“You have to tell what’s going on,” I said, finally pulling her inside. “You can have my bed, and I’ll sleep in the guest room.”
“Wait a second.” She held up her hand. “The first thing I want to do tonight is pee with the door shut. Where’s your bathroom?”
“Down the hall and to your right.”
“Please tell me you have something stronger than prison-ply toilet paper.”
“I do.”
“Perfect, thank you.” She walked away and I carried her bag to my bedroom.
Inside was a watch, a small billfold, and an envelope.
“Oh my god!” Ellie flopped onto the bed and kicked her legs. “It’s been so long since I’ve slept on one of these. I’m in heaven already.”
“I’m sorry you ever went to hell.”
“Stop it.” She sat up, shooting me a quick glare. “Don’t you dare. I’m free, Lizzie, and you should be, too.”
“How exactly did this happen?”
“It’s honestly still a blur.” She pinched her wrist, then she smacked her forehead. “Ouch. Anyway, all I know is that the warden stopped by my cell and told me I had ten minutes to pack up. I honestly thought the guards were about to lead me to solitary confinement, but they let me into the warden’s office instead.”