Total pages in book: 203
Estimated words: 199654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 998(@200wpm)___ 799(@250wpm)___ 666(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 199654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 998(@200wpm)___ 799(@250wpm)___ 666(@300wpm)
When she came to my door in Rome and I lost my cool she talked about it being the nail in the coffin. So, my efforts to push her away finally worked. Yeah, just in time for me to realize she’s mine.
I’d say I’ve got some work cut out for me based on how she’s been since then.
But this is Bailey. She’s been infatuated with me most of her life. She’s getting what she wanted. The minute I’m free of this magic bubble, I’ll pull her close, lay a hot and heavy kiss on her and find out if she tastes anywhere near as good as she smells. And we’ll head toward all the good stuff from there.
Bailey Blackwood. Who the fuck knew? Fate, yeah. Some meddling witches, undoubtedly. But… I’m feeling like I’m all right with it, even looking forward to it.
11
BAILEY
I wake up with a jolt, disoriented for a second as it’s still dark with the window boarded up. I put my glasses on and make out his form about three feet away. My eyes adjust some more and now I make out the outline of his face. There’s the shadow of what’s undoubtedly that sexy stubble I usually enjoy seeing on his face. His brown button-down is half-open, sleeves rolled to his elbows. If it were a little lighter down here, I’d see his tanned skin, black ink, and that oozing sex appeal.
And I don’t know how to feel about the way he looked at me last night. With that look in what I used to think were the sexiest eyes I’d ever seen. He’s been looking at me instead of through me or past me.
My eyes adjust even further and now the look on his face is clear. And I do know how to feel about the look on his face, the little smirk on that mouth.
I feel exposed. Jason Creed is looking at me like I’m naked and like he wants to take a helping of what’s on display. And beyond feeling exposed, I’m feeling anger. Yup, I’m very, very angry.
He’s staring at my chest now, which is sort of spilling out of my shirt. I sit up and rub my eyes.
“You should drink that water if it’s really unopened,” he says.
I shouldn’t. I shouldn’t drink the water when he can’t have any. I didn’t eat the sandwich or the piece of fruit, nor open the bag of nuts or chips included in the paper bag. Because as angry with him as I am, I won’t sit and eat or drink when he can’t do either.
I do need a restroom, though. And he must be holding nature’s urge, too, but I’m not about to feel bad about not peeing my pants if I can help it. Since they left, I’m hoping the basement door is unlocked. I get up and climb the stairs, turning the light on when I get to the top step.
“Wait, what’re you doin’?” Jase demands, alarm in his voice.
I look over my shoulder and he’s directly behind me.
“I’m seeing if the door is unlocked. I need the bathroom.”
“Stay here. I can’t keep you safe up there.”
“Have you heard any more footsteps?” I ask.
“No. Still, don’t trust them.”
“I need to pee so I’m gonna have to take the chance.”
“Just use that corner over there.” He gestures.
“Absolutely not!” I retort, climbing the last two steps and twisting the knob, relieved at finding it unlocked.
“Bailey! Get back here!”
Whatever.
Maybe I shouldn’t be blasé about this, it’s not as if I can do much to defend myself if those two guys are up there, aiming to do harm. But I’m not smelling and not hearing anyone here. I’m also not feeling much like humoring Jase right now.
I find the house empty. And looking out the window at the sun in the sky it’s approaching midday. After using the facilities, I assess the space. They’re in the midst of moving in, while renovating. Everything has been recently painted neutral colors and the gleaming light wood floors look new. The powder room down the hall from the basement door is freshly done, too, but the kitchen hasn’t been tackled yet and was probably last done in the eighties. There are three paint swatches taped to the wall, so it’s obviously next on the plans for remodeling.
Furniture is sparse on this floor, but I explore the top level and see three furnished and tidy bedrooms. The master bedroom has a hospital bed as well as a queen bed next to it. It’s also filled with moving boxes and smells like Alta and a male that’s related to the two guys that were here. I smell disinfectant on top of some sort of sickness.
The fridge has mostly convenience foods and water in it. The pantry has more convenience food and snacks. There aren’t any dishes, only paper plates and disposable cutlery. But I won’t be eating anything until Jase can eat, too. Even if I’m pissed off at him, I’m not that cruel.