Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 103431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
I roll my eyes but slide into the passenger seat. As excited as I am to try out Miss Fortune’s, I kind of wish I was in the breakroom. At least then I could have called Ellis.
Oh my god. Could you be any sappier? Be less needy, Scarlet.
“So how's your day been?” he asks as we pull out of the parking lot.
“Pretty good.” I shrug, checking my phone when another pic comes in. This time, it’s James and Fefe.
Sunshine: These two are a nightmare together. They stole mom’s RV keys, her lip balm, and one of her slippers.
Me: Oh no! I hope she’s not too mad.
Sunshine: Worse… she’s highly amused and is encouraging them.
I laugh under my breath as I save the image to my phone.
“Good to hear you laugh,” he says tightly. “You’ve been off today.”
Geez, I didn’t realize he paid such close attention. Maybe he’s just really perceptive. “My best friend is on her honeymoon, and I'm helping watch her son, and I feel bad for not taking off.”
“Ah,” he says, as if he understands far more than I’ve said.
“Ah, what?” I ask, arching a brow.
“Got a case of baby fever?” There’s a knowing lilt to his voice, and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it. Because, yes, I want children but it’s absolutely not on my radar yet. Not really.
“Sure.” I laugh it off. “Something like that.”
“Hmm,” is all he says, as he drums his fingers against the steering wheel.
“So, where exactly is this place?” I ask after a few minutes. I thought it was downtown, but we’re heading toward the interstate.
“Taking the scenic route.” He glances at me before training his eyes back on the road. “They’re replacing some drainage pipe or something, so there’s a detour. The traffic’s a nightmare.”
“Right.” I shove my hands beneath my thighs to keep from fidgeting. Something doesn’t feel right, but I’m ninety percent positive that’s my paranoia talking. Clint’s been nothing but nice—a good friend—for as long as I’ve known him.
He tries to make small talk but the further we get from downtown, the more anxious I become.
“Are you…” I glance around, forcing myself to swallow and keep my voice calm. “Are you sure we didn’t miss our turn?”
“That’s precisely the issue, Petal.” Clint goes deathly still as he pulls to a stop at the red light. “We did miss our turn.”
My pulse thunders in my ears as my breathing turns ragged. “Wha-what did you just call me?”
“You heard me.”
“Clint?” My vision flickers as I try to make sense of what’s happening. “It’s been you…” I shove myself against the car door. “This whole time?”
He laughs but it’s nothing like his usual, easy-going laugh. No, this one’s dark and mean. “Who else would it be?”
I scramble for the door handle, but it’s locked and I can’t figure out how to get it open. “I thought you were my f-friend.” I try to suck in much-needed air but my chest feels like it’s caving in.
“I’m so much more than your friend, Petal. You’ll see.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a syringe.
“Clint, no!” I scream, fighting like hell to push keep him away from me while trying to find a way out of this godforsaken car. But it’s no use. I feel a sharp sting, and then…
Nothing.
THIRTY-FIVE
CLINT
I watch as my Petal sleeps peacefully. She’s a vision. An angel. Then again, that could be the dress talking—Scarlet’s a vision in white.
“Rise and shine,” I trill, checking my watch. The sedative should wear off soon. I only gave her a small dose. Maybe I got her weight wrong? I shake off the thought. It’s silly. I know everything about her, down to ger cycle. Which means if I want to impregnant my wife on our honeymoon, we really need to get the ball rolling. Colorado’s a long drive from here.
The tulle of the dress rustles as she stirs, her features screwing up much the way they did when I injected her. The memory of causing her pain momentarily sours my mood. I don’t ever want to hurt her… but I will if I have to. The sooner she realizes I know what’s best for her, the better for everyone involved.
“Come on now, Petal. Open those pretty eyes for me.” A sigh rips through me as I pace the length of the room. “I need you to wake up so we can pack.”
I didn’t want it to come to this—to any of this, but she’s too stubborn for her own good. That’s okay though, I know I can get her to see reason. To see that we’re meant to be together.
“Where am I?” she asks, her voice groggy from the lingering sedative in her system.
“You’re finally where you belong.”
“Clint?” She blinks and tries to rub her eyes, but the rope binding her wrists stops her.