Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 77265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
I’ve texted a few more times to Vivienne from Eva’s phone I brought with me, only to be left on unread. Finally, as we get closer, she sends a pin along with a room number.
“Come on,” I mutter under my breath. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
I guide Halo to the hotel and we find a parking spot behind the building. When I go to get out, I’m hit with another pain, this one much sharper than the last.
I’m not going into labor.
I still have another week or two based on my calculations.
Forcing thoughts of giving birth out of my head, I follow after Halo slowly. Theo lingers by my side as if he’s ready to catch me if I start to fall. I hate him, but, like before when dealing with snares he set for me, I’m thankful to have him with me.
Why am I so soft when it comes to Theo?
Because he’s like a brother, and apparently, you like brothers who screw with your head.
I scowl just thinking about Bastian. The betrayal I feel cuts deep. I’ll never forgive him or our father.
Someone exits the building and Halo runs ahead to catch the door before it closes. The room number Vivienne told me is on the third floor. I’d rather take the elevator, but Halo seems to think the stairs are better. I grunt with each step, the pain worsening.
Please do not let me go into labor without Caius.
I can’t do this without him.
Tears prickle my eyes. He didn’t want to go on the recon mission, but Koyn made him. Koyn’s hospitality doesn’t come without strings. Caius is helping bring down these monsters and Koyn won’t let him sit any of this out.
We hear shouts before we make it to the room. Maybe we’re not too late.
“You don’t remember me,” Vivienne says, voice cold and filled with venom. “I remember everything about you.”
Ava lets loose a nervous laugh. “All I know is that you said you knew Dr. Huxley and had girls I might be interested in. Was this a setup? Are you a cop?”
Halo pounds on the door. “Let us in.”
“Who’s that?” Ava asks. “Is that the police?”
“Enough with the police,” Vivienne snaps. “It’s the cleanup crew.” Then, to us, she says, “Not done yet. Give me five.”
Halo curses under his breath.
“We have to get inside,” I hiss. “Can’t you like pick the lock or something?”
He gives me a withering look. It’s Theo who pulls out his phone and uses an app to unlock the door.
“Learned this trick back in New York from Caius,” Theo explains as he pushes through the door.
“Theo? Oh my God, you have to help me, sugar. This woman is crazy.”
Theo stiffens when Ava addresses him. She’s put together like the other times I’ve seen her. Her red hair hangs in sleek sheets in front of her shoulders, highlighting her plump, perky breasts that are practically spilling out of her summer dress. Ava is vibrant and always impeccably made up.
Vivienne is her complete opposite.
With them side by side, Vivienne, with her soft blond hair, innocent features, and demure clothing, it’s as if they’re a devil and an angel.
I know, though, they’re both evil.
“I’m not crazy,” Vivienne says, waving a large, pointy knife in Ava’s direction, which isn’t helping her case. “I’m here for revenge.”
Ava takes offense and scoffs at her. “For what? I don’t know you.” Then her eyes land on me. “What are you doing here?” Her bottom lip juts out as she glances over at Theo. “Sweetie, what’s happening? Did you come to save me?”
Theo stiffens and looks down at his feet. His shoulders curl inward. The whole shutdown from his usual confidence is alarming. For some reason, this makes me want to protect him.
“Save you?” Vivienne says with a cackle. “He’s here to dispose of your dead body.”
Ava gapes at us in confusion. Her eyes skim over my belly and she shoots me a look of disgust. She never did like me. The feeling is mutual.
“You’re so fucking ridiculous, Ava,” Vivienne snarls, stepping closer to her. “And pathetic. You think if you flash Theo a sexy look he’ll do your bidding? He’s not Dr. Huxley.”
Ava snaps her head to glower at Vivienne. “Wait. You’re that insane bitch who was obsessed with him.” She laughs cruelly. “He told me all about your ideations of the two of you being together.”
“Ideations?” Vivienne jabs a pointy red fingernail at me. “He got me pregnant with her.”
It’s almost comical how large Ava’s eyes widen.
“That’s impossible,” Ava bites out. “He doesn’t have a daughter.”
Vivienne snags a handful of Ava’s red hair and jerks her to her. The giant knife gets pressed between Ava’s breasts. “He does and she’s standing right there.”
Ava shoots me a wild look, pleading for me to do something. I can’t do anything. Vivienne is a monster. But so is Ava.