Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 221(@200wpm)___ 177(@250wpm)___ 147(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 221(@200wpm)___ 177(@250wpm)___ 147(@300wpm)
He walked toward the driveway, enjoying the brisk autumn air on his face. Slipping his hands into his jean pockets, he closed his eyes and lifted his face toward the sky. The earthy scent of changing leaves and dying grass was in the air, along with that hint of cold that he never could describe.
His night had been fantastic. Having Dax next to him these nights had kept him from getting up to write. Instead, every time he’d awakened, he’d just snuggled in and enjoyed the feel of the big man wrapped around him. And this morning, those first kisses had happened while still under the covers. Kisses that had turned into hands wandering, as always.
He smiled as a rush of joy washed through him.
He was so in love.
It was crazy and fast, and the love of his life wasn’t even human, but it was the truth all the same. He was absolutely head-over-heels in love with a seven-foot-three ogre, one who was wicked smart and kind and gifted him with shy smiles that turned his heart into mush. He wanted a lifetime with Dax. A lifetime of blowjobs on the couch and snuggles under the covers. A lifetime of conversations about books and even physics—which hadn’t interested him until Dax showed infectious excitement whenever the subject came up. Everett had learned more than he needed to know about matter and its motion, and when Dax had waxed poetic about the three-body problem, he’d been so cute, Everett had tackled him. Well, jumped into his arms—tackling the massive ogre would be impossible for him.
He wanted it all. Wanted to move Dax into his house and feel his presence next to him in bed for the rest of his life.
The sound of an engine pulled him from his thoughts, and he opened his eyes to see an unfamiliar car driving toward the house.
Driving fast.
The tinted glass kept Everett from seeing who was behind the wheel, and his trepidation grew. He was turning back when the car abruptly pulled to a stop just a few yards away. The passenger door opened, and a huge man—someone he’d never seen before—ran toward him. He was close to Dax’s size, and his bad intentions were obvious in his fierce, determined frown.
Ivor shouted, and out of the corner of his eye, Everett saw both him and Emory running in his direction.
Everett turned to race back to the house—he knew he’d never be able to fight the massive attacker himself. He wasn’t quick enough. He was tackled to the ground, solid arms wrapped around him, his head and face smashed into the grass and dirt. Dizziness swamped him. Disoriented, he took too long to realize the man was scooping him off the ground. The huge man threw him over his shoulder and carried him toward the car.
Panicking, Everett began to struggle, kicking and aiming punches at the man’s kidneys. But he couldn’t get enough strength behind either movement. The guy’s arms were tight around his legs, and he was moving too fast.
Everett was shoved into the backseat of the car. He scrambled to sit up and get a good look at the driver. He recognized her instantly.
“Jessica?” He’d last seen Rick’s assistant cataloguing the antiques in the living room. Still dizzy, he tried to make sense of it. “I fired you. All of you.” He could hardly hear his own voice through the roar in his ears.
She ignored him. She was shifting into gear, staring at the house.
That was when Everett realized the roar was real.
Dax was running toward the car, his face twisted in terrifying fury.
Jessica hit the gas and turned the wheel, panic on her face, but she’d waited too long to move. By the time the car was aimed away from the house, Dax was there in front of it.
He heaved up his arms and smashed them down on the hood of the car. It crumpled with a horrible crunching noise. Dax brought both fists down again, and the car’s engine stalled.
Jessica didn’t hesitate. She jumped out and took off at a run. Everett’s abductor tried to follow, but Dax, moving faster than one would expect from a man his size, zipped around the car and tackled him to the ground.
They were both big. Both strong. And when they scrambled to their feet and began to fight, the punches they were both letting loose would have flattened Everett.
Everett reached for the door handle nearest him, only to realize it wasn’t there. They’d planned ahead. He crawled over the seats and got out through the passenger side—only to be slammed into the side of the car by the kidnapper. Dax released a ferocious, low growl and dragged the huge man away. Everett stared in shock as Dax lifted the man completely off his feet and hurled him into the closest tree.