Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 43689 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 218(@200wpm)___ 175(@250wpm)___ 146(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43689 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 218(@200wpm)___ 175(@250wpm)___ 146(@300wpm)
Curious, I watched as Tonio led the dripping boy a short distance away, out of earshot but still within my line of sight. Caleb’s usual cockiness seemed tempered now, his posture straightening as he listened to whatever Tonio was saying.
I couldn’t hear their conversation, but their body language told an interesting story. Tonio spoke with his hands, gesturing in ways that suggested proposals rather than threats. Caleb nodded occasionally, his expression thoughtful. What had started as semi-adversarial had shifted into something that looked almost like respect. After about five minutes, Tonio extended his hand, which Caleb shook firmly. Both smiled in a way that seemed to acknowledge a mutually beneficial arrangement had been reached.
“What do you think that’s about?” I asked Chains, nodding toward the pair.
He shrugged. “Hard to say. Tonio recognizes talent when he sees it. Might want to warn Riot.” There was a pause. “Or not. Might be more fun to let nature take its course.”
As they concluded their conversation, Caleb returned to the dunk tank with renewed vigor. Tonio remained, watching from the sidelines with what appeared to be genuine amusement as Caleb proceeded to savage the fashion choices of the city’s arts council chairwoman.
I was still counting donations with Chains when Riot rushed over, his eyes wide with excitement. “You guys need to prepare,” he warned breathlessly, glancing over his shoulder at Caleb and Tonio. “I’m pretty sure Caleb is plotting to take over the world and just got Tonio Miles involved.”
Chains snorted, nearly dropping the stack of new toys he was carrying. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m serious!” Riot insisted. “I overheard bits of their conversation. Tonio was talking about mentorship and ‘recognizing potential’ and ‘developing talents.’ Then Caleb asked about ‘legitimate business applications for psychological manipulation’ and Tonio actually laughed! Not his scary laugh, his real one!”
I couldn’t help it. I burst into laughter, the image of Caleb as some kind of evil mastermind too much to resist. Chains joined in, his deep chuckle rumbling through his chest.
“Kid’s twelve,” Chains said, wiping tears from his eyes. “Let’s give him at least until he’s fifteen before we start worrying about world domination.”
“Mark my words,” Riot said, wagging a finger at us. “That kid’s dangerous. In the best possible way, but dangerous!” He glanced back at the dunk tank. “Also, I think we’ve raised more money today than the last three charity drives combined.”
I followed his gaze to where Caleb was now cheerfully berating a local news anchor about his obvious hairpiece. “Then I’d say his powers are being used for good. For now.”
Riot shook his head, grinning despite himself. “For now,” he agreed. “But keep your eyes open. Next thing you know, we’ll all be working for him.”
As if to punctuate Riot’s warning, Caleb’s triumphant laughter rang out across the park as another wealthy donor made him hit the water with a splash.
The toy drive had been a runaway success, donations piling up in both actual toys and money, far beyond our wildest expectations thanks to Caleb’s unexpected talent for separating the wealthy from their money. Volunteers were already handling the cleanup, dismantling booths and gathering stray streamers while children clutched their Halloween treats. I stood beneath a maple tree ablaze with autumn colors, watching the organized chaos with a sense of deep satisfaction.
Warm, strong arms encircled my waist from behind, and I leaned back instinctively into Chains’ solid chest. His chin rested on the top of my head, and I felt him take a deep breath, as if inhaling the scent of my hair.
“You pulled it off,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble I could feel against my back. “Best Halloween toy drive this area’s ever seen.”
I smiled, covering his hands with mine where they rested on my stomach. “We pulled it off. Couldn’t have done it without the club.”
“Nah,” he said, turning me gently to face him. “This was all you, Ellie. Your vision, your planning, your passion.” His steel-blue eyes searched mine, something serious flickering in their depths. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
“Just doing what I love,” I replied, suddenly shy under the intensity of his gaze.
Chains cupped my face in his rough hands, his calloused thumbs brushing my cheekbones with surprising tenderness. “I love you, Ellie,” he said, his voice dropping to a low, intimate tone that made my heart stutter. “I’ll always have your back.”
The words washed over me like warm water, sinking deep into places I’d kept carefully guarded for years. I’d known we were heading here, had felt it building between us since that first night, but hearing him say it aloud still knocked the breath from my lungs.
“Chains?” I whispered, my voice catching on his name.
“You don’t have to say it back,” he told me, pressing his forehead against mine. “Just wanted you to know.”
But I did want to say it back. The words rose in my throat, natural and right. “I love you too,” I said, the confession slipping out as easy as breathing. “I don’t know how it’s possible in such a short time. No one’s ever treated me with as much respect and care as you have since the second I met you, Chains.”