Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25568 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 128(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25568 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 128(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
Mother always talked him up, so I knew she wanted us to date. Based on our brief interactions, I didn’t think he was into me. He’d ask for a dance here and there, but that was it. So when the whole engagement came up, it was really out of left field.
I was taken aback when he unexpectedly announced our engagement one night over a dinner in front of twenty people. I suppose I accepted the engagement, but he never actually asked.
When I mentioned dating more before we got engaged, Mother said it was improper. I thought that it was normal to date someone you were going to marry, but apparently in our world, that’s not how it works. Clearly I don’t know much when it comes to these things.
When I needed an excuse to get out of the house today, I thought this might be my chance. It was the best reason I could come up with to get into the city without Mother. Conner and I are engaged, so why couldn’t we go on a date? One that I know I can easily slip away from.
“You’re still pissed at me.”
My drink is almost to my mouth when Conner finally speaks. I put it down and try to remain pleasant as I smile at him.
“I asked you to lunch,” I point out. Also, I don’t know that I feel pissed. I think more than anything I was disappointed when I found out he’d been dating others while we were engaged. I know we aren’t some fairytale love story, but I thought we could at least make it work. I’ve never wanted to have a marriage like my parents'.
“But you’re being cold.”
“In all fairness, you don’t know me that well.” How could he really know my demeanor when he doesn’t even interact with me? In fact, more often than not, when he would come to events at my parents' estate, he’d always be a touch drunk. He’s edging on that right now, and it’s barely noon. I also think he might be coming down with a cold with how he keeps sniffling and rubbing his nose.
“You’re friendly with everyone. I bet you can recall the hostess's name. Probably our waiter too.”
“Server,” I correct, which gets me an eye-roll. I hate how dismissive that is. I have to deal with it from my mother. Now him too? “Why wouldn’t I? They introduced themselves to us. Luna was sweet, and I haven’t met too many people who can play the harp.”
“That’s what I mean.” Conner shakes his head, taking a sip of his scotch. “Who even plays the harp?” Actually, I do, but I keep that to myself. “The other women I see are for my needs. Needs you couldn’t meet until now. It’s about time your mother has finally let you be alone with me.”
Was that why he was ignoring me before? I guess it was pointless to speak with me when he couldn’t get between my thighs. How romantic. I didn’t think I could possibly dislike Conner any more, but boy, I was wrong.
“We’re not alone,” I point out. We’re in a restaurant, and our server is headed to our table right now to deliver our food. “Thank you, Sean,” I tell him when he sets my plate down.
Conner ignores him completely. “We could be alone.” He leans over the table, getting closer. His hand covers mine, and my skin crawls at his clammy touch. “You didn’t notice this restaurant is in a hotel?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I pull my hand back to pick up my fork and push the food around the plate. My appetite is officially gone, and I don’t want Conner to touch me.
The memory of Gideon kissing me comes back, and his touch was—
“You’re blushing.” Conner cuts off my sexy thoughts of Gideon. “See, we should get a room.”
He’s smirking, but I’m already shaking my head before he can finish. He wasn’t the reason my cheeks were filling with heat. When I think about my kiss with Gideon, my whole body warms.
“So that’s how you want to play this?” Now he’s the one turning cold. “Then you have no right to be upset about the things I do since you won’t take care of my needs.”
“Okay,” I agree. He can have his indiscretions, and so can I.
That should make me feel less guilty, but the thing is, I haven't felt guilty at all. Does that make me a bad person? At the very least, it makes me no better than him. It's not going to stop me, and if anything, I need Gideon more than ever before.
“Okay?” he sputters.
Why does he look upset? Didn’t he want me to agree? Conner is so confusing.
“Are you coming down with a cold?”
Conner jerks back like I insulted him, but he once again rubs his nose. “Why would you say that?” He’s defensive as he scowls.