Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 110127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 551(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 367(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 551(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 367(@300wpm)
“Shit, you’re serious aren’t you?” A chill runs up my spine. I’d never think Alex was dangerous, but I’m not taking a chance.
“Fuck yes. Your reputation can be repaired. But I don’t want to see anything happen to any of y’all.”
“Alright, tell the PR Rep to call and I’ll give a statement for you to release.”
I hang up and see Ari has calmed down and is sitting back with a beer in her hand. An idea pops in my head , and I know I need to act now. I make my way around and get a koozie then sit next to her. They all look at me questioningly.
“Okay, I need to take care of some things. I’ll be making a short statement today denying involvement with Alex and asking for privacy.”
Ari nods her head and doesn’t argue.
“Trey, you have your piece on you?”
“Yep.” He slides his shirt up to show his gun.
“Can you stay here with the girls for a while? And can you check with your contacts and get me two bodyguards. I want someone on Ari and Davis when they’re not with me, and someone watching Katy.
“Luke, I need you with me the next few hours. I’ve got some things to handle and need your help.”
No one says anything, so I decide to get it all out. “Ari, I’m getting a security system put on my house and we need to go there next week until things calm down. I need you to tell Phillip you’re starting to work from home immediately.”
“That won’t be a problem. I’m not working at all after Monday,” she says softly.
All heads swing to her and she tells us about her meeting with Phillip yesterday and their plan for Monday. I know it’s not the time, but I want to scream how fucking proud I am of her.
She and Sophie decide to lie on the back patio to avoid any people on the beach, and I grab my keys and motion to Luke to follow. Before I leave, I press Ari’s body against mine and capture her mouth. I stroke my tongue against hers delicately trying to erase the pain from earlier and don’t stop until a throat clears behind me.
She smiles faintly and tells me she’ll be alright.
When we get into the car Luke looks at me wanting to know what the hell is going on. “Operation Matthews just took a huge hit and I need to get it back on course. You’re gonna help me.”
He nods and smiles widely. “Fuck yeah. And by the way, I want that bitch Alex to pay.”
Chapter 28
Ari
“Is he already in bed?” Reed asks when he walks through the door.
“Yeah, he fell asleep watching a movie. And it is like nine at night. Where have you been?” I answer annoyed.
“Wow, someone is grouchy.”
“Reed, I love hanging out with my best friend, but today I needed you. You make your demands about bodyguards and us moving next week and then take off to God knows where for over eight hours! And poor Trey. I think he had enough girl talk for a lifetime. You owe him huge.”
He laughs at me and shakes his head. “Yeah, I saw him in the driveway and he told me my fee doubled today.”
“Seriously, Reed! Where have you been?”
He tugs me up from my spot on the sofa and wraps his arms around me with his hands resting on my waist. I try to remain annoyed but the warmth of his breath against the sensitive skin on my neck softens my resolve. I don’t return the embrace even though I want to.
“Sweet Angel, don’t be upset. I had some business to take care of. I hated being gone, but it couldn’t be helped.” He kisses lightly over my collarbone. “I’ll tell you everything, but I want you in the hot tub. Meet me out there in five minutes.”
He steps away and goes outside without waiting for an answer. I change into my suit and grab two towels from the bathroom and a pink note falls to the ground. I pick it up and read ‘more beautiful when naked’ in Reed’s handwriting. It’s been a few days since I’ve found one of his declaration notes and it makes me smile.
When I get to the back patio, I freeze. Most of the decking is covered in lanterns with candles. The area with the hot tub is still bathed in darkness and Reed’s sitting on the edge, waiting for me. I walk to him slowly and wave the post it.
“I figured if you were reaching for a towel you’d be naked. So it seemed like a good place for a note.” He tells me.
“You are very clever, Mr. Matthews.”
“I’ll be right back. Don’t get in yet.” He runs into the house and I watch confused.