Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 69310 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 231(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69310 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 231(@300wpm)
The silence on the drive to Hale’s house only gave me time to create scenarios in my head as to what was going to happen to me. Each of them getting more terrifying than the next. I wanted to ask him if Linc had meant the comment about wanting Harland dead and why, but I knew better. Hale wasn’t going to tell me anything. He was convinced I was in on whatever Harland was mixed up with.
The time on his dash said it was after nine. I hadn’t realized it had gotten so late. Tomorrow night at the latest, the fact that I was missing would be noticed. There was security footage at the airport. Dan would be a witness. They’d be able to find Hale Carver. He’d said so in that office; if they googled him, it would tell them about his distillery.
I just had to survive until I was found. Keep my head down, not piss him off, and get through it.
The truck slowed at a security gate much like the one Linc’s mansion had around it. Did Hale also live in an insanely massive home? I glanced over as he clicked something beside him, and the gate began to slowly swing open.
I hadn’t asked what distillery he owned. I knew nothing about whiskey or what kind might be made in Mississippi. I thought it was all made in Tennessee. Or perhaps that was just Jack Daniel’s.
The driveway was even longer than Linc’s was, going on for almost a mile, lined by oak trees, before arriving at a smaller house but still mansion-sized. It was more appealing actually. It reminded me of an elaborate home on a ranch. Instead of the wide staircase leading up to the double doors at Linc’s, this one had a covered walkway with rich woodwork and stacked stone pillars. Hale drove past it and around to the side that had been hidden from view. A garage appeared, and one of the four doors had already been opened for us to drive inside.
“Who lives with you?” I asked hesitantly.
I hadn’t thought he was married, but what about a girlfriend or fiancée? I knew nothing about him. All he had told me was probably a lie.
“No one,” he said. “How I like it.”
My mouth dropped open. I went from looking at the other three vehicles in the four-car garage to him. “Are you serious? But whose are those?” I asked.
“Mine,” he clipped and cut the engine. He glanced at me with disinterest, then opened his door to get out.
“Why do you have four vehicles?” I asked incredulously, getting out on the passenger side, still having to clutch my blazer closed. He’d not given me a chance to put on the shirt I’d been given.
“Five,” he replied, walking away. “There’s a Harley on the other side of the F-450.”
Oh. That didn’t answer my question.
Hurrying to catch up so I wasn’t left in the massive garage, I bit back the other questions I wanted to ask. He clearly didn’t want to talk to me. Not that I liked hearing his voice either, but, well, I was curious.
“Go ahead and put the shirt on,” he said.
“I’m not taking this blazer off in front of you again.” I hoped he wouldn’t make me.
“I have no desire to see your tits again. My back is turned. Do it.”
I hated this man.
Nineteen
Hale
Normally, coming home after being gone so long was a relief.
Not this time, I thought sourly.
I had to figure out where the hell I was going to put this woman. I didn’t want her near me. There were security cameras in the house, and it wasn’t like she could escape and make a run for it.
We had barely stepped through the back entryway when I heard the familiar sound heading my way. I never had guests to my home. Only the family had ever stepped foot inside my doors. A smirk curled my lips as I thought of Snow’s reaction to my Doberman. While his appearance could be intimidating, he wouldn’t attack, without my command at least.
I’d sent Ellen, my housekeeper and cook, a text to let her know I’d be arriving so she’d have dinner ready. It had been a long fucking evening, and I never got my tacos. I had forgotten to mention I was bringing someone with me. I’d need her to prepare a guest room when I figured out which one before she left for the night. I was sure she was ready to sleep in her own bed after being here for two weeks while I was gone.
Slash came barreling around the corner and slid to a halt as he caught sight of Bay.
“Oh! You have a dog!” she said behind me, not sounding skittish or frightened in the least. Instead of cowering, she stepped around me, all fucking smiles. “Aren’t you beautiful?! What’s your name?” she asked in a soft tone, bending to meet him at eye level.