Page 31 of Kingpin

His hand darted out, wrapping around my throat. “One more word, and you’ll finally understand what it means to truly be abandoned.”

I swallowed hard. “Okay.”

He released me. “Good. Now, get out of my sight.”

13

Bonnie

I almost couldn't believeit. As I stared down at my ringing cell phone, I wasn’t sure whether to pick it up. After several unanswered phone calls to my cousin, she was finally calling me. All the way from Hawaii.

Do I answer it?

Yes. I needed to answer it.

“Hey there,” I said.

“BonBon. You have to tell me everything. Seriously. What's it like being married to Satan himself?”

I looked over at the closed bedroom door. “It’s, uh… Well, it’s going.”

“Aren’t you going to give me details? Daddy says the plan has taken some swirly loops along the way. Is it really true that he didn’t even sleep with you on your wedding night? I mean, what kind of freak does that?! Maybe he’s gay? You think?”

“Definitely not.”

“Oh, ho ho! That sounds like a story. And thankfully, I drove by this wonderful jerk chicken place and picked up some banana bread while I was out.”

“Jerk chicken and banana bread? Sounds like you’re living it up.”

“Oh, I’m already working on convincing Daddy to let me stay here. This place is amazing. You really need to come visit me. You know, once this is all said and done.”

I paused. “Did you have my number blocked for a span of time?”

“Uh, what?”

“My number. I tried calling you a few times, but only got your voicemail.”

“Oh! Well, I had a bit of an issue with my phone falling into the ocean. And then off a cliff. I just got my new phone a couple of days ago.”

I clicked my tongue. “I called you yesterday.”

“Girl, it’s good to be paranoid, but not with me. Turn that paranoia towards the slaughterhouse you’re currently living in.”

I scoffed. “He’s not that bad, really.”

“Don’t tell me he’s already gotten under your skin.”

“He hasn’t even gotten in my pants. So, hardly.”

She giggled. “I think he’s gay. He’s probably got some sex slave he bends over whenever he feels like it at work.”

I grimaced. “Anyway. Living here is different than expected. Obviously.”

“But, we’re still on track for the plan, right?”

Oh, boy.“Yeah. We’re still on track for it.”

“Great. Wonderful. Because I cannotwaitto get my hands on Israel’s condo in Paris. Has he shown it to you yet? It’s absolutely fabulous.”

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