Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
My father gestures to the desk. “This is where I do most of my work, so when you need anything, come into my office. I can tell that both of you are going be important to this organisation, so I need you to be honest and loyal. That’s all I ask.”
Hades finally speaks. “You can be sure we’re both of those things. Our da raised us to be men who can be counted on.”
“Why is it that you’re not with him anymore?” Da asks, but he doesn’t seem to notice the look that passes between the brothers.
Hadrian steps forwards to answer, “We lost him a few years ago.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. But I’m glad to have you both here,” Da says with a smile. “Harley, why don’t you take Hadrian and Hades to the guesthouse? They can get settled in, and we can talk some more over supper.”
“Sure,” I agree, my heart beating a little faster. “Follow me.”
We walk in silence for a few moments, heading out through the back of the main house and across the manicured lawn to the guest house. They both seem calm, and I steal another glance at Hadrian, trying to read his expression, but find Hades watching me, instead.
Hades smiles when he notices me staring at his brother. Neither one speaks, but there’s a hint of curiosity in Hadrian’s eyes as he takes in the surroundings.
“So, what do you think?” I ask, breaking the silence.
“It’s fuckin’ lovely,” Hades replies, looking at me with a slight smile. “It’s a long way from the place where we grew up. I can tell ya that much.”
“Thanks,” I say, feeling a flush of pride. “It hasn’t always been like this, but with my father’s work going so well, it’s changed our lives.”
“I can see that,” Hadrian says, nodding. “And you? What do you do?” Those dark eyes pierce me, stabbing right to the very heart of me.
“I’m still studying,” I admit, feeling a little self-conscious. “I’d like to help out with Da’s business, but I’m not allowed.”
He nods again, his expression thoughtful. “Is it something ya want to be involved in?”
“I don’t know,” I answer honestly.
We reach the guesthouse, and I unlock the door before stepping inside and holding it open for them to follow. The interior is cosy and well-appointed, with a small living area, a kitchen, and two bedrooms.
They walk around the space, providing me with a chance to watch them. They’re so similar in how they walk, move, and even talk, but it’s strange because Hades doesn’t have the same effect on me as Hadrian.
“This is ace,” Hades says appreciatively. “Thank you for showing us.”
“No problem,” I reply, trying to sound casual. “If you need anything, just let me know.”
“He will,” Hades promises with a chuckle and a slap on his brother’s shoulder while meeting my eyes again. “Thank you, Harley.”
I nod, feeling a strange mix of emotions. “You’re welcome. I’ll see ya later.”
As I walk back to the main house, I can’t stop thinking about Hadrian. There’s something about him that’s different from anyone I’ve ever met before. It’s not about his looks, although he’s definitely handsome, it’s the secrets in his eyes and the way he carries himself, like he owns the space around him. He’s confident with a sense of purpose and strength that I find captivating.
I’ve yet to discover just how dangerous that combination will be for my teen heart.
TWO
REV
Twenty-One Years Old
The guesthouse we’ve been given is ace compared to where we grew up. The council estate of our childhood was nothing but a playground for drugs and violence. When we ran away at sixteen, I didn’t think we’d make it to eighteen, let alone twenty-one.
After we left home, we spent the first couple of years living mostly on the streets. We did odd jobs here and there, but we didn’t have anything stable, not until we got to Newcastle and found work in the nightclubs. At eighteen, we began to enjoy the nightlife, but I knew it would never be long-term. Now we’re here and being given a second chance by a man who we never expected to be so kind and generous.
Even though Hunt is a criminal mastermind, there’s a sense of family about his house, about him, and about his daughter, who I definitely shouldn’t be thinking about.
She’s an attractive wee lass, and one that’s too fuckin’ young for me. I should be focused on the job at hand, but I can’t stop thinkin’ about those pretty green eyes that look at me as if I’m a hero. Perhaps, she’s been reading too many of those books that girls fawn over about princes and happy endings.
This is real fucking life. There are none of those happy ever afters here.
The first night we had dinner here keeps playing in my mind. Hunt treated us as if we were part of his family rather than his employees. We were joined by some of the other men that work for him, and they were all spoken to with respect, like they were related to him.