Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 83800 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83800 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
"They were awful," I say truthfully. "I fired them and did all this myself."
She narrows her eyes as she shifts her weight from one foot to the other.
"That's my cousin's business," she snaps. "Serenity loves her job."
"She may love it, but she isn't good at it. If you'll excuse me," I say with a sugary-sweet smile before walking away.
I get across the room and release a long breath. There are so many people here who just drain my battery, and as I get older, it seems it takes longer and longer to recharge.
I press my fingers to my cheek, hating the makeup caked there.
"I think that's enough," I say, turning toward the guy holding the spotlight. "I'm melting."
He simply dips his head and walks away. The instant relief I feel from not having that stupid light shining on me makes me sigh.
I continue to walk the party, greeting people and thanking them for coming, and I find it all just incredibly boring. When did I turn into someone who would rather be in my pajamas binging movies?
The party is beautiful and extravagant, just as I'd once hoped it would be. But it doesn't bring the same feeling of joy these things once did. That's almost enough to make me want to make an appointment with my doctor because I've always loved being social and putting myself in the spotlight.
Maybe I'm getting sick?
I consider it as I press the back of my hand to my forehead.
"I know what would help."
I pull in an agitated breath before turning toward the familiar voice.
"Mr. Peterson. I'm so glad you could make it."
"Marvin," he corrects. "We're not at work. I'm not your boss here."
My smile widens because it's the best I can manage without making it very clear that I hate this man.
"You're always my boss. Is Vivian here?" I ask, faking looking around for his wife because I know better. They never go to events together, but I feel like he may still need the reminder that he's married. It's something he seems to forget on a daily basis while he's sexually harassing his female analysts.
"She's out of town. She sends her regards," he says as he lifts a glass of dark amber liquid to his lips.
"Too bad she missed another party."
His eyes narrow as if he's trying to figure out why I'm not jumping into his arms, knowing his wife isn't here.
Objectively speaking, the guy is good-looking. He stays fit, and his taste in clothing is better than most men in town, but he's scum, and that makes him look no better than a troll. He wouldn't have even scored an invite if he hadn't caught one of the other gals at work talking about the party. If I ever have another one, I won't share it with anyone at work. I don't really like anyone there anyway.
My phone vibrates in my purse, giving me the perfect reason to walk away.
"Excuse me," I tell him as I pull my phone from my bag.
Kaylee: Come up to my room. I need your help.
Me: On my way.
I look around the party. I hadn't realized that she and her husband had left the room, but I don't spot either of them.
I make my way toward the stairs, but I get stopped twice by partygoers. I chat as quickly as possible, taking minutes to get to the stairs.
I don't know what I expected to find when I cleared the threshold of the bedroom, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect to see Kaylee tied on the bed with her husband pointing a gun in my direction.
"No!" Kaylee screams when she spots me.
I can't recall a single moment in my life where I have been so confused. It's like I've walked onto the set of a movie or something.
Ellis lowers the gun, but it does nothing to stifle my rage.
"He's the one who is hurting you?"
"No," Kaylee says, a level of exhaustion in her tone as she turns her attention back to her husband. "Can you please untie me?"
"Is this some sort of kinky game you two play?" I ask as I cross my arms over my chest because this entire scenario is really fucking weird. I watch as Ellis works through the knots in the rope at her wrists.
"She was fucking tied up," Ellis snaps.
"It was the guy who you were arguing with last night," Kaylee says, sitting up with a wince as she reaches for her ankles.
"Are you okay?" The concern in Ellis's voice makes me wish for someone who would care for me as much.
"How are you sure?" I ask.
"How many other guys do you think would tie me up and text you to come up here?" Kaylee asks, glaring at me as if I had something to do with any of this.
"You saw his face?" I'm not intentionally playing twenty questions when she has been traumatized, but I just can't believe what I'm hearing.