Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 98755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
My mother also mentioned how unique of an experience it could be. And although she wasn’t wrong, I feel like it’s outlasted its season. I don’t think they’ll be disappointed, per se, but I’m still nervous about having the discussion.
I don’t manage to get any sleep in the hotel after the event, so I give up and pack my bag. I do, however, get a few hours of sleep on the private jet returning home. Candice is busily scanning posts and articles that have already begun filtering out. Notifications have already started blowing up my phone because of the photo they posted of me in my elegant dress. I couldn’t feel more like day or night as I now wear jeans that accentuate my curves, a midriff-baring top, and a pair of heels. If Candice weren’t there to remind me of my ‘appearance,’ I would’ve worn my sweats on the flight. But we’d learned photos like that can appear quickly in gossip articles. When I was a teenager, I used to be followed often as Lena Love’s daughter, but that form of invasiveness slowly receded as my artwork began to be highlighted. I also think my father blackmailed and terrified certain newspapers to not encroach on my personal space.
The flight feels long but gives me time to also daydream with ideas of what I’ll create next.
When we land, I perk up in my seat when I spot my cousin waiting for me on the tarmac beside his car, which is very unusual.
It’s never a good thing when you arrive, and evil is already waiting for you. Hawke smiles as I exit the plane.
“You miss me that much?” I ask curiously. He walks up to me and takes the bag from my shoulder.
I notice the way Candice scans him up and down. It’s always the same with Hawke; women are cautious of him but often led by their libido. He gives her a slow once-over with a cocky grin, and I roll my eyes.
“Off-limits,” I growl. His grin grows wider as he carries my bag to the car.
“Nothing’s off-limits to me,” he says arrogantly as he opens the passenger door for me. “Does your friend want a lift?”
She blushes and glances at the car waiting for her. “No, I have work to do. But thank you for the offer.”
“That’s a shame. Sometimes play is important,” he drawls, and I glare daggers at the side of his head as I lower into the car.
When I twist around to look at her, she’s blushing and tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. When she notices my attention, she averts her gaze and clears her throat. “Thank you for the offer, but I’ll be going home.”
“Your loss.” Hawke shrugs.
“You need to stop,” I hiss.
Hawke laughs as he rounds the hood and then drops into the driver’s seat. We wait patiently as Candice’s car slowly pulls away.
“Want to tell me what’s happening? You don’t have anyone in the trunk, do you?” I ask as Hawke begins driving. That devilish smirk lights up his face.
My stomach drops. Oh fuck. Does he? Does he have Braxton in there?
“No. But I’m here so we can have a little fun. You have me lying to Uncle Alek, little red, and you know that man puts the fear of God in me.” He shivers.
Hawke is… unpredictable, so I’m a little concerned at what his idea of fun might entail.
“Where are you going with this, Hawke? And where’s your brother?” They’re almost always together.
He groans and looks out the window. “Off fucking Billie, probably.” I try not to smirk. Hawke hates it that he doesn’t have his brother to himself all the time now, but he secretly loves Billie—in a brotherly way. But he loves his brother the most. So, I find the whole dynamic quite interesting.
“And how does that involve me?” I quip.
“Isn’t it obvious? I need someone to party with, and I figured you owe me a favor.” I stare at him in disbelief.
“You’re desperate if you’re inviting me to go out with you.” I’m the least inclined out of all of us to want to party. Surely, there was someone else he could take. It’s the middle of the night, and I want to go to bed.
“I don’t think you’ve exactly been lying to my father, so what reason is there for me to go anywhere with you? Especially somewhere with people.”
“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong. He asked if I’d seen you, and I told him yes. But I didn’t tell him about the guns, so that means I lied to him.” I can’t help but laugh. He idolizes my father, so I know not telling him the full truth would kill him.
“That doesn’t mean you were lying, Hawke,” I say flatly.
“Whatever. It made me feel icky, okay?” His shoulders bunch.