Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 99381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
When I return to the conversation, my mother is explaining how to make the maple syrup dumplings she loves. She then glances over to my father and whispers into my ear, “Billie, can you go and see if your father is almost ready? I’m just going to send Ivy this recipe first.”
“We’ve only been here for an hour,” I remind her. She smiles politely, like I should know better. If my mother can escape these events, that’s exactly what she’ll do. I try not to laugh as I make my way over to my father, who is speaking to my uncle, Crue.
Crue stops talking when I reach them. “Billie. I hear you’ll be working for my wife’s firm.”
I give him a hug. Although he’s not the affectionate type, he always humors us and at least tries to be nice. But he’s as ruthless as they come, and it’s obvious where Eli gets it from.
“Hey, Uncle Crue. I start on Monday,” I say with a smile.
“I’m surprised you’re allowed out without your brother here,” he says, and my father chuckles.
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, well, apparently, he and Posie are selecting flowers for the wedding. More specifically, Dutton’s choosing and dragging Posie along for the ride.”
My father laughs at that.
“Also, Mom wants to leave,” I tell Dad.
“Of course she does.” He smiles.
I make a point to walk past Eli and Ford, deliberately not looking his way, but I feel when his gaze is on me. So I make my way to the small hallway leading to another two conference rooms and the bathrooms. The first room is empty, so I step into it, holding my breath and hoping I’m not acting foolish. Once I’m in the small room, I notice the two red seats with a coffee table in between them. Still holding my glass of champagne, I take a seat and wait for him.
Hoping that he’ll come.
CHAPTER 13
Ford
It’s hard not to notice Billie and even harder to try to ignore her. That tight green dress is going to be my fucking undoing. I tried multiple times to look away from her and failed miserably. And then the little ball of chaos decides to saunter past, her hips swaying in invitation. I might be conceited, but I can tell she wants my attention, and I’m the fucking fool unable to suppress my desire to run to her when she calls. Now that I know what she tastes like, I can’t resist. And last night was peculiar, and I’m hellbent on reiterating what we are to each other, what our bodies can do for each other. But I’m hiding under the reality of just needing my next hit.
Eli is discussing the politics regarding his crew back in Italy, and although I make a point to absorb all knowledge, whether it directly impacts me here in New York or not, I can’t focus after watching Billie walk past.
Jewel interrupts Eli by placing her hand on his arm. The moment he’s distracted, I use it to my advantage to slip away. I can afford a few minutes. Besides, once they start touching each other, no one else in the world exists. Eli won’t even notice my disappearance.
“And where do you think you’re going?” My father asks, and I inwardly cringe, as if I’m a teenager about to get up to no good. A lifetime ago, I did a lot of sneaking around, and none of it was ever missed by my adoptive parents.
When I turn, I see it’s only River. My mother is talking to her brother, Alek. And it’s weird as fuck to see him at a party like this. He can’t stand people, and his daughter, Hope, is the same when it comes to big crowds, which is probably why she isn’t here. His wife, Lena, is made for it, however. She’s a famous singer and is used to the spotlight, but she isn’t with him tonight, most likely traveling for her work.
“Away,” I say casually. He gives me a knowing look, and I immediately have the urge to defend myself or tell him it’s not what it looks like. Because I’m certain, it’s definitely not what he’s thinking. Before he can say anything else, his attention is drawn to my mother. Anya is eyeing a man with a look in her eyes that indicates she’s about to do something at this party that everyone will regret. Except for her.
“Never ceases to amaze me,” my father mumbles in awe as he goes to her.
The moment his back is turned, I scan the room to make sure no one else is watching me. My movements usually go unnoticed by most; I purposely make myself as invisible as possible. But my father is attuned to my every move. Fucker.
Hawke is leaning against the bar, talking to a blonde I’ve never seen before. He briefly glances in Eli’s direction, making sure to keep an eye on him. The guy might be constantly thinking with his dick, but he does prioritize Eli’s safety above all else.