Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 58442 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 234(@250wpm)___ 195(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58442 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 234(@250wpm)___ 195(@300wpm)
I bow slightly. Everything is always more formal on the island, more of a show. “Grandmother. I’d like to introduce you to my date. This is…”
“Wait,” she cuts in, leaning forward. “I know you.”
Aurora smiles nervously. Neither of us are in masks yet, letting me see the flush in her cheeks, the curiosity in her pretty emerald green eyes.
“Aurora Maren,” Grandma says after a pause, snapping her fingers together. “You came once before, didn’t you?”
Aurora nods. “I didn’t think you’d remember. I was only fourteen. Thank you so much for having me back.”
Grandma’s mask doesn’t cover her mouth, letting me see her smile. “Fate has kept you two apart; Raiden was in college overseas at the time.”
Aurora turns to me, looking at me like I’m the only man in the world. “Fate won’t keep us apart any longer.”
Her voice is music, convincing and hypnotic, a voice that could trick even the most cynical man.
Even with her mask on, I feel Grandma beaming at me. “Once we’re settled in, we must all have some time together. I haven’t seen Raiden this happy since… I can’t even remember.”
I offer Aurora my arm. “Shall we?”
I led her down the wide stone passageway. The staff have swept it puddles of rain away, giving us a clear walk to the mansion.
“Why would she say that?” Aurora asks quietly. “You don’t look unusually happy to me. Unless you’re normally the grumpiest man in the universe.”
“Hmm,” I grunt.
“I guess that’s my answer.” She nudges me playfully. “This place is pretty freaky… sir. Perfect for Halloween.”
I smile down at her, caught up in her enthusiasm, not even caring for a few moments if this is part of the performance too.
“Aurora,” Grandma calls from behind, walking up quickly behind us.
“Yes?”
Grandma takes her hands and leans in. “I feel so awful. I should’ve said. My condolences. My deepest, most sincere condolences.”
Aurora turns pale. “Uh, yeah. Thank you.”
“Condolences?” I ask once Grandma has gone.
Aurora’s good mood has vanished. “Between the last time I was here and this time, my parents died. Car crash. Christmas. It’s not a big deal.”
“I’m sorr—”
She glares at me. “We’re not here to talk about that. Let’s just get to our room.” She unclenches her teeth, probably thinking she’s gone too far. “Sir…”
CHAPTER 9
AURORA
Amasked member of staff–maybe he’s a butler; I don’t even know the terms they use in this world–leads us through a Gothic estate. Dark landscape paintings on the walls, the lights turned low, mounted animal heads, suits of dark colored armor. Finally, we step through a tall, wide door, revealing a sprawling suite. There’s a four-poster bed, a large couch, a seating area, and a bathroom with a walk-in shower and a jacuzzi.
Once the door closes behind us, I take off my coat and drop down onto the couch, letting out a breath. More thunder continues outside, making me feel like Alice in Wonderland.
Except she didn’t have the motivation of cold, hard cash to keep her grounded.
“Are you okay?” Raiden asks, sitting in one of the chairs and stretching out his leg.
“Are you?”
“Old injury,” he says. “It’s fine. You seem shaken up.”
“You were right on the boat. I don’t like storms.”
“Because of your parents?”
“I just don’t like storms,” I snap. I need to stop doing that. “Sir,” I add, as if that can make up for anything.
He winks. “That’s the magic word.”
I look into his intense eyes, wondering why he likes it so much. His gaze moves up and down my dress, from my boots to my low-cut cleavage, with no shame in how he ogles me. This can’t be part of the show too. No one’s here to watch us.
He wants me. I can feel it deep inside: a swelling of desire mixed with pride, but we can’t go there.
“We should discuss the sleeping arrangements,” I say.
He winces. Whether it’s from his leg or my words, I don’t know.
“No one’s watching us here,” I go on. “There’s no need to sleep together.”
“No need,” he repeats.
But I want to, I imagine him adding in that husky voice of his.
“As long as you play your part when it counts.”
“Didn’t I just do that?”
“You’re very sassy for someone who adores me so much.”
“I’m sorry, sir,” I mutter.
Do I like the way he shudders when I say that? Do I enjoy giving him the power? Even thinking this is dangerous territory, and yet I can’t seem to stop.
“Is it bad?” I ask as he massages his knee.
“I was lucky to get away with a slight tweak in my knee. Others weren’t so lucky.” The thunder grows louder, and rain hammers against the window. “You really do hate storms, don’t you?”
“Is it that obvious?”
He nods. “Don’t worry. Your man is here to protect you. The first time I saw you, I knew you were the one. I knew I had to have you. I knew you belonged to me.”