Total pages in book: 50
Estimated words: 46461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 232(@200wpm)___ 186(@250wpm)___ 155(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 232(@200wpm)___ 186(@250wpm)___ 155(@300wpm)
“Very well. I want that one stashed and locked down. Beast, he gets three meals a day and a pisser. That’s it. No visitors, and he does not get out of his cell for any reason. He has a medical emergency, he fuckin’ dies. Get me?”
“Got it, Prez. The storm shelter in the basement should work. It’s got several different rooms down there. I’ll get a team together.”
“Make sure it’s patched members who’ll take it seriously. I don’t want someone feeling sorry for the little shit and lettin’ him out for a day on the fuckin’ beach.”
“Lock, Poison, and Venus will do nicely,” Beast said, grinning at Beaner. “You guys can work it how you want to split your shifts.”
All three members gave their agreement. Venus grinned at Beaner while filing her razor-sharp nails. “Little pet needs scratched behind ears,” she said with a little chuckle in her soft Russian accent. “I’ll take care of this prospect, Thorn. Give him to me.”
“Depending on how far we chase this, Venus, you and Ripper can arm wrestle for it.” Everyone chuckled. Except Beaner. “All right,” Thorn said, standing, rapping his knuckles on the table. “I’m dismissing Church for now. Everyone keep your cells on you. We’ll reconvene once we have more information. Also, some of you might be needed later. Don’t go far. I expect everyone to be available at a moment’s notice.”
Once out of Church, I went back to my office. I had several things going. Matching up Beaner to Emmanuell’s debit and credit cards was only one of the things I needed. I was also tracking Goldstein. His movements. His cell records. His bank accounts. Everything about the man. Even his family. I wanted to know everything going on with him, LimeLight, and Franklin Stanton. It wasn’t going to be a quick job, and I was sure I’d need help. I just wasn’t sure I was willing to call in the help I needed.
Contrary to what I told Thorn, I didn’t think Data’s contacts went far enough. I was certain I’d need Giovanni Romano’s help. The tech wizard was the brains behind Argent Tech, the biggest tech giant in the world. He was also an arrogant son of a bitch, and I hated him. Most people did, so I felt I was in good company. But he would be the fastest way to get the information I was after. Besides, it would free me up for a few days to take care of Emmanuell the way she should be. Yeah. My brothers were gonna have a field day with this.
Chapter Four
Emmanuell
I woke up lying on my side with the sunlight streaming through the window. I’d fallen asleep in the exact same position. I’d also fallen asleep with Gideon wrapped around me. Despite having had sex with Devan, I’d never actually slept with a man before. Or cuddled. After sex, Devan had always wanted a cigarette and a shower. Looking back, I knew he’d treated me awful, but I’d enjoyed my time with him. Or I thought I had. It had been the beginning of my downward spiral. He’d gotten me away from my home and anyone I knew, and it had been impossible to get back. At least, it had seemed impossible.
I stretched, and a brawny arm tightened around me.
“Where’re you goin’, huh?” The sleep-roughened voice sent shivers through my body. I didn’t know Gideon. Not really. But I felt safe with him. It was likely a colossal mistake, but I was rolling with it. I mean, I had nothing to lose.
“Just to the bathroom. Maybe a shower. I know I cleaned up last night, but I’d like to again. Just because I can.”
He chuckled. “Yeah. I can see where you’d want to do that.” When he didn’t let me go immediately, I tugged gently at his arm. “Tell me one thing before you go.”
“If I can.” Even though I had my back to him, I was sure Gideon was frowning at me. Not the answer he wanted, but I could never lie worth a damn. I’d tell the truth, or keep my mouth shut.
“Why were you so upset when I came in and you weren’t done doing the dishes?”
I hadn’t expected that question. Still, it was answered easily enough. “Some of the places I stayed at had strict time limits on when things needed to be done. There were so many people, if they got behind, it was nothing but a chaotic mess. I learned to be fast and efficient. It was a reflex more than anything else. Then I just didn’t want you guys to question me. I was afraid you’d tell me you didn’t have a place for me here or that I’d have to…” I trailed off, rethinking what I was about to say. The last thing I wanted to do was insult Gideon or his club.