Total pages in book: 164
Estimated words: 156728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 784(@200wpm)___ 627(@250wpm)___ 522(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 784(@200wpm)___ 627(@250wpm)___ 522(@300wpm)
Once more, her beauty took his breath away. He bent and pressed a soft kiss to her lips, which she leaned into. “The gun,” he whispered against her lips, “was to protect you, not harm you.” He licked softly, and she moaned.
“That may be true, but that needle was for your eye.”
“Ouch,” he laughed. “Should I still be concerned?”
“That depends on your behavior.”
He twisted the foil and popped the cork with practiced ease. Once he poured two glasses, he handed her one. “Cheers.”
“To friendship,” she said, clinking her glass to his before sipping. When he didn’t drink, she covered her mouth and set down the glass. “Don’t you like it?”
He sipped, realizing he was making it awkward, then set down his glass next to hers. “It’s fine. I just had a thought.”
“Oh? Care to share?”
He looked at her, wrapped up like a goddess painted in firelight. “I don’t want to be your friend, Daisy.” When her expression fell, he continued, “But I don’t know if I can be more.”
“Oh.” She licked her lip then reached for the champagne, taking two long sips. “Can I ask you something?”
“You can always ask. Whether I have an answer depends on the question.”
She took another sip, gently touching her nose as if the bubbles tickled it. “What happens at dawn?”
“The bells ring, and everyone returns to the ballroom.”
“Then what?”
“Limos come and take everyone home—well, to the hotels. The flights aren’t scheduled until later tonight.” He refilled her glass. “My turn. Do you like your job?”
“At the laundry?” She laughed, the sound bubbly and light. “God, no. I like my coworkers, but that’s about it.”
“What do you plan to do with your prize?”
She took a slow sip, her posture loosening as the champagne took effect. “I don’t know.”
“Yes, you do.”
“I really don’t. I can’t even conceive of that kind of money. I was shocked just to receive the thousand pounds in good faith.”
“What did you buy?”
“Rent, new shoes, and a filling.”
He frowned. “You bought dental work?”
“It’s amazing how much healthcare can feel like a luxury to those who don’t have it.”
He thought of his mother, of how desperate she was for drugs. Desperate enough to sell her own son. “You didn’t buy one thing for yourself?”
She twisted her lips. “I bought a coffee.”
“That’s food.”
She shook her head. “Not this kind. It was made from one of those fancy machines with frothed milk and a design in the top.”
“What was the design?”
“A clover. Why are you scowling?”
“I think I need to raise the price of things if all you were able to buy was a coffee, a filling, and a pair of shoes.”
“Don’t forget rent.” She drained her cup again and hummed. “I actually think I really like champagne. Can I have some more?”
He refilled her glass, waiting for her to sip. When she did, he pulled her lips to his, stealing it right out of her mouth. She moaned and softened under his kiss, melting a little more into her chair. A little too much.
“Shit.” She jumped up when the champagne spilled onto her lap, soaking the sheet. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
“I think I’m a little drunk.” She brushed a hand over the spill. “And wet.”
“Let me help.” He tugged the sheet, drawing her into the space between his knees, then letting it fall to her feet.
A delicate blush climbed over her breasts as his gaze traveled upward. He laced his fingers with hers and pulled her to his lap.
She hesitated. “Are you sure?”
He nodded. “I want to try something.”
She lowered to his lap, her knees sliding to frame his hips. His body responded instantly. He set her hands on either arm of the Chesterfield, bringing her breast level with his mouth. Leaning forward, he slowly licked the tips, sucking each one into a damp, pink point.
Parted lips. Dilated eyes. So patient. So perfect.
He glanced between her legs at the downy nest of curls. Slowly, he dragged his thumb over the soft patch until he found her little nub. He rubbed slow circles, and her breath caught. He loved how responsive she was to his touch and resented how little time they had left.
The sky had shifted to a dark violet. He despised every responsibility awaiting him. They were running out of time, and he wasn’t in any position to rush.
“What if I said don’t leave at dawn?”
“What?”
“Do you have—” His stomach twisted. “Someone waiting for you to return?”
“I… I have a job.”
“In two hours, you’ll be a millionaire, Daisy. You’re not going back to that job.”
“My co-workers will be worried. We weren’t allowed to tell anyone where we were going, and I never go anywhere.”
“So you’d need to make a phone call?”
“Well, yes, but—”
“Daisy, I know I’m asking a lot. And I’m not even sure what I’m asking. My life… It’s very private. That’s not accidental. Every single part is by my own design. I’m meticulous and guarded, and for good reason. I never let outsiders in. And I’ve always liked that about me. Until you.”