Heart of Money (Alpha Billionaire Bad Boy Romance Thriller) by Lydia Sky Page A

said, “I’ve no interest in hurting anyone with Brad. But I have to keep you sitting there until he gets back. I can’t chance you running down to my beach house to warn him I’m here, can I?”
    I said nothing, just stared at him.
    “Okay then. I like quiet. Can’t wait for good ol’ Brad to get back though, because I like fireworks too. And they’re going to come out of the tip of my rifle when he walks through the front door.” He threw his head back and let out a deep gurgling echo of a laugh. I watched him blank faced, mouth hung open, eyes wide.
    I didn’t know what to do.

Chapter 13     
    My heartbeat returned to a normal rate as Daniel stared directly ahead. He was looking right at me, but not really looking at me . His eyes seemed to pierce through me, as if I were hollow or invisible. He cleared his throat a number of times, but never spoke. Occasionally he’d shift his rifle on his lap or lean back slightly in the chair and place one leg over the other. He yawned once or twice and checked his watch around ten times. After about fifteen minutes he let out a deep sigh and rolled his eyes. I still sat there motionless, mind racing and feeling utterly helpless. I was prepared for the worst, but as always I hoped for the best.
    “What in the world’s taking so long?” He asked this as if he was questioning a cashier at a drive through restaurant.
    “Please don’t kill Brad.” I stammered.
    He shifted in the chair and smiled pleasantly, “Why not?” His voice was monotonous, robotic even.
    “He’s a good man, he-”
    “Let me stop you there,” His voice slithered snake-like, “The Brad you know is not a good man. The Brad you know swindled me out of a lot of money. The Brad you know is a piece of rat shit.”
    “Listen, I understand,” I lied through my teeth, “But hold me for ransom, anything … Anything but killing him. I guarantee you you’ll get your cash if you just hold me for ransom or… Or something like that.” I bit my lip nervously.
    “ Or something like that .” He flailed his arms dramatically as he mocked my high pitched voice. I hoped I didn’t sound as painfully helpless and weak as he made me sound, “You’re just as dumb as a rock, aren’t you? You’re just as dumb as him , or getting close to it. He’s rubbing off on you, girl, and that’s not a good thing. Listen here. When Brad walks through that door, I’m gonna aim high, I’m gonna aim my big rifle right at his big tough guy chest, and then…” His voice wavered psychotically, “Then I’m gonna blow him to smithereens. Right. In. Front. Of. You. And you’re going to sit there like the good girl you are, and you’re going to enjoy it. How’s that sound for nightly entertainment?”
    “No… No…” Tears began to roll down my cheeks.
    “Come on, girl, I’m giving you a lot of entertainment here! Who needs action movies when you’ve got me? When he walks right through that door it’s going to be the most intense moment of our lives ! It’s going to be what I’ve been waiting for all day, what I should’ve done last night.” His face hardened, “ But I fucked up! ” He screamed to himself, “I fucked up and didn’t hit him low enough! Son of a bitch gun jammed and I panicked! I only blasted his shoulder.” He was practically squealing as his face flushed and sweat seeped profusely through his black button up.
    I realized then and there, that there was no hope for the man. I also realized that he was dumber and crazier than I had initially thought, and that he could be outsmarted. I realized then what I needed to do.
    “I know. You’re… You’re right, Daniel. I hate to admit it but you’re right. And the thing is, Brad has trapped me into this relationship. I’ve known him for a month now,” I lied, “And he’s the most manipulative controlling bastard I’ve ever met. I never would admit this to anyone but you, but I… Last night, when you shot him, I secretly wished