All Things Pretty Read Online Free PDF

wasn’t kidding when I said I was
born ready. I was born to do this right here. And I’m gonna do the
shit out of it.
     

CHAPTER NINE- TOMMI
     
    Three weeks later
     
    “I told you I wanted someone to look out for
you when I’m not around. Why are you surprised by this?”
    I can tell by the look on his face that
Lance suspects that I’m doing something I shouldn’t be, which I am,
and that I have a devious reason for not wanting one of his men
watching my every move, which I do. But I need to disabuse him of
the notion or it could cripple my plans.
    “I know how small you like to keep your crew
and how much you value each one.” Not! “I just hate to feel
like I’m taking away from the business. I’m not a helpless female.”
Even though that’s what he wants me to be.
    Lance smiles in that tolerant way he has,
the way that says I’m like a wayward child who exasperates him. All
he needs to do is cluck his tongue and say Tommi, Tommi,
Tommi in a disapproving parent way.
    “I don’t mind that you’re a helpless female.
I don’t want you taking chances or having to work hard or
get dirty. That’s not who you are.”
    Not true. That’s not who he wants me
to be, but it is who I am, actually. The fact that he can’t
see it just assures me that I’m a good actress. A good liar. But I
already knew that.
    “I won’t. I promise to call if I ever need a
hand. Then you can send someone right over.”
    “Now you won’t have to call. The new guy’s
sole purpose in life is to protect you, to be there when I can’t
be.”
    My lips wobble with the effort I’m putting
into maintaining my pleasant smile. “Wh-when do I get to meet him
then? I hope he isn’t too scary.” I widen my eyes, like a
good little helpless girl would, and resist the urge to vomit.
    Lance kisses my shoulder. “There’s no reason
for you to ever fear one of my men, baby. If one ever laid a hand
on you or endangered you in any way, he’d be dead within the
hour.”
    A bit of an exaggeration, I’m sure, but
still Lance makes his point. Unfortunately for this guy, whoever he
is, when Lance finally finds out what’s been going on, what the new
babysitter has failed to catch on to, he’s probably going to be in
deep trouble.
    “Well, that makes me feel better.”
    “Good. He should be here any minute.”
    I try not to toy nervously with my hair or
my fingers. I strive to appear outwardly calm at all times, even
when my insides are on fire. Which they often are in Lance’s
presence. “Where did you find him?” I make my question casual, even
though I’m interested. I need to learn as much as I can about this
man. It will only better serve my purposes if I know him better
than he knows me.
    “He’s Finch’s cousin. They worked together
on the west coast. He used to enforce for a crew out there, so he
can handle himself. Should be good security for you.”
    “And did you check this guy out?”
    Lance’s head snaps up and his suddenly-harsh
eyes meet mine. “Of course I did. What the hell kind of fool do you
take me for?”
    “You’re not a fool. I’m just nervous.”
    Lance releases me and I can breathe again. I
squelch the shiver that tempts my nerve ends.
    “Don’t ever second guess me.”
    “I didn’t. I mean, I won’t.”
    He says nothing, simply turns away and types
something into his phone. Less than three minutes later, there’s a
knock at the door and his trusted “Number Two,” Barber walks in.
It’s who is following close on his heels that makes my mouth drop
open for a second before I can snap it shut. Walking in, big as
life, is none other than Sig. My Sig.
    I stand, paralyzed, in the center of the
room, trying to control my erratic breathing. I feel fear. Of
course I feel fear. If he lets on that we know each other or,
heaven forbid, has mentioned what happened three weeks ago on the
side of the highway, I’m in for it. Lance will be furious. Furious
that I lied to him, furious that I let another man