Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 120336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 602(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 602(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
Then, she whispered. “Moni says that family takes care of each other.”
“Always,” I replied. But the stark reality of Moni's absence gnawed at the edges of my fragile peace.
Regardless, a lot of fucked up things had happened tonight, but at least a strange, sweet partnership was forming between TT and me.
More and more, I was starting to understand that TT was so much like Moni—strong, smarter than anyone gave her credit for and capable of seeing things most would miss.
I wanted to protect her, to protect them all, but I wasn’t sure how I could protect anyone if I couldn’t even keep Moni safe.
The bottom of the stairs loomed ahead and that’s when I saw them.
Fuck. I thought I had more time before I had to tell everyone.
Rowe Street Mob stood right at the bottom.
Banks was there, the ever-present toothpick in his mouth but now there was a machete hooked to his belt.
Marcelo stood beside him, glaring at me with murderous intent. His right hand twitched near his gun.
Gunner, for whatever reason, had his shirt off. In each hand, he gripped a gun and his face declared that he was more than ready to shoot.
Einstein, of course, was studying me with those sharp eyes, clearly dissecting every movement I made.
And then there were Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi on my right, standing with Chloe and Jo.
Goddamn it.
Chloe's eyes glistened with unshed tears and her lips quivered.
Meanwhile, Jo's brows were furrowed and her lips set in a thin line.
And right behind them all, Dima stood at the back with dried blood stains on his shirt.
Rose wasn’t there.
Dima had probably made sure she was safe before coming to deal with me.
Duck had clearly gotten the monks away from the carousel.
Here we fucking go.
It wasn’t that I didn’t have the answers to their questions, it was that I didn’t feel like dealing with it all.
I just wanted Moni back and safe with me.
But her sisters and cousins were important. Additionally, I could see all over their faces that they would not leave me alone until they knew everything.
I took another deep breath and braced myself.
Life had a way of piling things on when one least expected it.
Just when I thought I could manage, it hit me harder.
I was the Mountain Master and in these times I felt that title even more. Because in these tough times it felt like trying to climb a mountain with rocks tied to my ankles, no matter how light the actual load was.
I gazed at TT. “You can open your eyes now.”
She raised her head and blinked them open.
For some reason, that made me calmer.
Alright. Let’s deal with this.
The second I hit the middle of the stairs, I stopped, carefully put TT down and then I squared my shoulders, ready for whatever storm was coming.
Dima was the first to speak. His voice was low and controlled which told me that he was anything but in control right now. “Where is Leo? That’s all I want to know. Nothing else.”
“I don’t know right now but he took Moni.”
A collective gasp rose and then the ripple effect was immediate.
Banks exploded, yelling something incoherent at me.
Marcelo actually took out his gun, put it at his side and began yelling with Banks.
Shockingly, Gunner holstered his weapons yet turned his expression cold.
Einstein’s eyes darkened, though he remained silent, calculating.
Okay. Lots of cursing, but no fight just yet.
While Banks and Marcelo continued to scream at me, I turned to my right.
Tears spilled over Chloe’s cheeks.
Jo closed her eyes, clearly struggling to hold it together.
Fierce as always, Aunt Min pulled out a sword I didn’t even know she had while Aunt Suzi scowled at me. Her disappointment radiated off her small body in waves.
Duck entered with a few of our men.
Soon, my aunts were yelling along with Banks and Marcelo.
I barely registered any of them.
All I could think about was Moni and try to guess what fucked up plans my father could have for her.
Then, I saw it.
Out of the corner of my eye, TT raised her hand.
No one else noticed at first, but I did.
I raised my voice. “Everyone shut the fuck up!”
TT got on a higher step as if hoping to make herself taller and appear more like an adult.
I had no idea what she was going to say as I gazed down at her.
Her voice came out low. “I know I’m just a kid and none of you probably want to listen to me but I said goodbye to Moni tonight.”
TT glanced at Chloe and Jo. “She wants us to stay with Lei in the Palace tonight and not worry about her. She also told me everything will be okay and I believe it. I know that she’s coming back tomorrow.”
Jo opened her eyes. “But how do you know that?”
TT gave her a sad smile. “Leo said so and Moni did too.”