Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
“It doesn’t matter, does it?” Reaper said. “I’ve still got Bethany. I’ve got more with Robin than you have.”
“And she’s settled now in bed, and you don’t need to keep on doing this. Competing with each other,” Robin said, drawing their attention.
Preacher looked at Robin. She appeared pale as if she was a little sick. Her gaze moved from Reaper to Preacher, then back again. She nibbled on her lip, nervousness clear on her expression. For the longest time, she didn’t speak, only looked. The tension in the air mounted as he waited for whatever she was going to say, only for nothing to happen.
“I need a drink.” She walked away and Preacher went after her. He didn’t want this to overwhelm her, or for her to think he couldn’t handle this. She was his and no matter what happened between her and Reaper, he’d support her, he’d be there for her.
Could you stay with her if she fell in love with him and wants to go back to him?
The very thought made him feel sick to his stomach. He didn’t know if he’d ever be able to handle that kind of pain.
No, he wouldn’t think about it, not yet. He’d only deal with that bullshit when it actually happened, if it ever did.
Reaper followed directly behind him. Robin didn’t go to his office for a hard drink of liquor. She went to the kitchen, opening up the fridge and taking out a bottle of water. This wasn’t what he expected.
“You know, no one would hold it against you if you had a drink,” Preacher said, offering her the bottle. He’d hold her for as long as she needed him.
She shook her head. “No, I don’t want to drink. I just, I need a minute. I haven’t wanted a drink since Milly did what she did.” She wrinkled her nose. “Wow, don’t you wish there are some memories you can always forget.” She looked toward Preacher. “You know the ones.”
He nodded.
She ran fingers through her hair. “I’m getting a headache.” She covered her face with her hands, and he watched her take several deep breaths.
“I’m here,” Preacher said.
“You need to go and lie down?” Reaper asked.
“No. A lot has happened and right now, three worlds are colliding together. I don’t have to go to sleep.”
“Three?” Bishop asked.
She dropped her hands and glared at Bishop. “Why are you still here? You’re not even wanted here.”
“I want to help,” he said.
This time, Robin was the one to laugh. “Now you want to? You want to help me? Really? After everything you’ve done, you think I want your help? Do you think I want anything from you?”
“Robin, please,” Bishop said.
“The only reason you could possibly want my help right now is because a whole bunch of people want to kill you. Like always, you’re only thinking about yourself. You’re all you ever care about. I feel sorry for the woman who thinks she can make you a better man because it isn’t ever going to happen. I don’t want you dead. I don’t want to live with that on my conscience … I can’t think right now, and I don’t want you near me. You’re the last person I ever want. Every single time I’ve needed a best friend, all you’ve ever done is screw me over. I’ve come to see, Bishop, screwing me over is what you do best. It’s what you always do, and you enjoy it.”
“Robin…”
“I don’t want you here.” She looked at Preacher. “I know it’s your house, but…”
“Get out,” Preacher said. “You’re free to leave. My men won’t kill you. But Bishop, if you leave town, there’s no guarantee.”
Bishop didn’t move and she stared at him. Preacher watched them. There was an unspoken message between them. One he didn’t know.
They’d been friends forever. There was nothing he could do to take it away.
“I’m not going to change my mind. You can’t give me puppy dog eyes anymore. We’re done here, Bishop. I’m not even going to extend friendship to you. Not anymore.”
Bishop nodded his head, turned on his heel, and left. He slammed the door behind him and Robin laughed. “He’s always the one to be dramatic.”
She looked at Preacher. “We need to talk.”
“Forgive me, baby, but I’m not allowing you to be alone with him.” Reaper just had to impart his thoughts, even if they weren’t required.
In his mind, Preacher thought about taking out a gun and shooting him in the head.
“Reaper, I’ve been alone with him for nearly a year. I need to talk to him and I don’t care if you like it. After everything, it’s the least you could do and I’m not asking for permission. Neither of you ever do that, do you? Ask for permission from anyone. You just do whatever the hell you want. Well, I’m going to start taking advice from both of you. It doesn’t seem to be doing either you any trouble.” She walked out the back door, heading onto his porch, leaving him alone with Reaper.