Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 80550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
He tries to offer his marijuana, but I decline.
“I need to keep a level head so I know what I’m buying.”
He nods suspiciously, as if he doesn’t believe my story, and I don’t blame him. It was haphazardly put together at the last second. What else was I supposed to say? That I just ran away from a Mafia lord? They wouldn’t believe me if I told them the truth.
I shake my head and focus on the view outside the window, trying to take my mind off things and this awful stench. But the longer I stay here, the more awkward it feels, especially when they can’t stop bumping into me, rubbing my thighs with theirs, their fingers grazing past my bathrobe. And the longer I sit here between them, the more freaked out I get.
“Have you ever taken a road trip before with a bunch of dudes?” the one to my left asks. “Because you’re so tense, girl.”
“Yeah, loosen up,” the one on the right says. “If you won’t take a drag, at least take a drink. Here.” He shoves a beer into my face.
I smile and take a quick swig. “Thanks.”
I only did it to keep them from hounding me.
But then one of them leans in too close, his lips nearly on my neck, and I push him away. “What are you doing?”
“Oh, come on, girl, can’t we have a little bit of fun? You’re in our car after all.”
“No, what do you mean?” Another one beside me also starts groping my leg, and I shove him away. “Ew, get off me.”
“Is that any way to thank the guys who took you into their car and gave you a ride?” the one in the passenger seat says.
“You haven’t given me a ride to anything,” I say in defiance. “We’re not even in the city yet.”
When the dude to my left tries to kiss me again, I push him back into his seat.
“Stop touching me.”
One of them sticks his finger into my bathrobe, and I completely freak out.
“Hey!” I shout, and I drag my robe back together, then slap him in the face. “I said don’t touch me!”
“She slapped me,” the guy says, rubbing his cheek.
None of them looks amused.
“Let me out,” I bark. “Now.”
Instead, the driver actually locks the car doors, sealing me inside.
Panic seeps into my bones as the two beside me glance at me with vicious eyes and crawly hands ready to pounce.
“I don’t think so, pretty girl,” the guy in the passenger seat says before he grabs my throat. “If you can’t pay us for taking you with us, you’ll be the perfect plaything on the way there.”
MATTEO
I race as fast as I can out of the gates that surround my property, taking a right turn down the road. I told Franco to take one of my other cars and go left, so we’re split equally in the hopes of finding her walking down the streets.
I don’t know where she went, but I assume she’s looking for the nearest road to hitchhike her way to the city. She could stay in the forest, but not too long. She wouldn’t survive without food and water, let alone a place to sleep. Besides, she was wearing a bathrobe the last time I saw her, and if she didn’t dress before she left, she’s bound to get cold. If she stays outside, she could freeze to death.
Goddammit.
I can’t believe she actually escaped, and that I let it happen right underneath my nose.
How did she even manage to do that through that tiny window in the bathroom?
I never thought she’d actually try. I’d assumed the window was too narrow for her to fit through, but I guess I was wrong. I’m surprised she managed to open it, though. She’s more conniving and resourceful than I thought.
I hit the gas while I look everywhere for her, scanning the line of the forest where the road meets the trees, but I don’t see her anywhere. The more time passes, the more the unease begins to bubble to the surface.
What if I never find her again? What if she ends up in Lucio’s hands and he hurts her?
My nostrils flare, and I run my fingers through my hair, impatiently driving over the speed limit in an attempt to curtail my anger, but it doesn’t help.
Dammit, I should have blocked off that window in her bathroom too.
I glance at the forest where one of my men is searching with two of our dogs that can sniff anyone out, just in case she’s still there, but I doubt it. While I was busy showering, she had a head start, and I have no clue where she’s going.
Suddenly, I spot a car driving up ahead, veering from side to side. It looks like the driver isn’t really paying attention to the road. Loud music blasts through their closed windows, but it’s the ruckus in the back of the car that makes me do a double take. Something fishy is going on there, and I’m going to find out what.