Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 63866 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63866 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
“No. But I’m sure I’m not his favorite person.”
“Better not be,” I grumble, not liking the idea of her being anyone’s favorite other than mine, but I get it. My girl is brilliant. Ellie snorts a small laugh. At least she gets off on my jealousy because no matter how much control I might have, it’s none when it comes to that.
“You’re being ridiculous. We all know that man only has eyes for your sister. It’s just that I know he doesn’t trust me. I can’t say I blame him.” She shrugs one of her shoulders, but I can tell it bothers her. Ellie wants his trust, and it’s beyond it only being her best friend's man but a respect for their shared talents.
“If he didn’t care for you, he never would have let you take off with my sister to begin with.” That plane would have never left the ground.
“You think?”
“He respects you.”
“What!” Ellie squeaks. “He does not.”
“I wish you could see yourself the way the rest of us do. You’re brilliant, and Z has said as much.”
“He said that?” Ellie is shaking her head no, like she doesn’t believe it. It’s clear that Z does have respect for her and what she is capable of.
“Said you’d be better than him one day and I should be careful.”
“You should be careful.” Ellie rolls her eyes teasingly. “You’re the stalker who brought me back to your creepy warehouse.”
“If she thinks this is crazy, never take her to the hole,” Z says from the hallway. I make sure my girl is covered and my dick is back in my jeans.
“What’s the hole?” I hear my sister ask.
“Oh shit,” Ellie whispers loudly. “You didn’t say Cosima was here.” She smacks my chest. “Ouch,” she says, shaking the hand she tried to assault me with. “This is my money maker. Don’t be damaging it.”
“My apologies. Next time I’ll dodge your assault.”
“That would be wise.”
“Marks?” Cosima says quietly as they enter the main living area. “That was a female voice.” They are closing in. I had planned to go to the farm later to inform them that I’m back, but it is clear that Z is aware of my return. Sneaky fucking bastard, but I also wasn’t trying to hide that I was back either.
“Hide me.” I turn around, shielding her body with mine. Ellie is still sitting on the kitchen island. No fucking clue why she’s hiding, but I’ll go with it.
Z is right behind Cosima, like a shadow. “You live here?” Cosima starts to glance around, her eyes traveling past me to take in the rest of the space, but they don't get far before her attention snaps right back to me.
Cosima might pretend to be a kept princess, but she's still a Marino. Always paying attention to her surroundings and wicked with a knife. If you stay on her good side, she's as sweet as can be, but if you cross her, she'll never let you live it down.
“What’s happening?” Cosima narrows her eyes on me, putting her hands on her hips. “And have you ever heard of color before? This place is depressing.”
I don’t respond to her. What is there to say? “Are you going to move your giant ass so I can see who you have there or are we having a stare-off?” I still don’t move. Ellie’s fingers trail down my bare back.
“I’m a best friend’s brother romance,” Ellie whispers.
“Does she know I’m a bear shifter in this story?” I tease my little fox. A small snort leaves her. I’m not one to toss out teasing comments or jokes for the most part. Sure, I’ll have them in my head, where they stay, but now, if I think it’s going to make my Ellie smile, I say it.
“Oh my God, I knew it!” Cosima squeals.
“I think she knows.”
“What the hell?” Cosima rushes toward us, her heels echoing with each step. “Move,” my sister tries to order me. “Seriously.”
“It’s okay,” Ellie says, and I step to the side. “Hey.” She gives a small wave. “I didn’t know you were going to be here.”
“Because you never call or respond to messages!” Cosima half shouts as she goes in for a tight hug.
“You really haven’t done shit with this place.” Z starts to wander around the space. He taps the bag in his hand, and I nod for him to go ahead and set up. I have an idea of what he is thinking already. That is a go bag, except it’s not coming with us. “Suppose that will make this easier.” He places the bag on the kitchen island.
“Clothes, Ellie.” I break up the scolding that Cosima is giving Ellie.
“Ellie? That’s your real name?” Cosima's whole face lights up with excitement. “It’s so pretty.”
“It’s Marks,” Ellie tells her. I grab her backpack off the floor that she’d dropped.