Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98496 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98496 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Nicolo pretended not to hear him.
“If memory serves, you were the one with the reputation for leaving a trail of devastated women across campus.”
A crash of shattering glass followed by a gasp from the other side of the terrace momentarily diverted their attention. Ada, in a purple cocktail dress that seemed to be attempting to make up in volume what it lacked in taste, stood frozen over what appeared to be the remains of an ancient crystal heirloom.
“That was a gift from the Bellecourts, isn’t it?”
“It is.”
“Priceless, no doubt.”
“It has to be, considering Ada’s involvement.”
“Tell me. Why haven’t you fired her again?”
“Because she does a good job at the agency, believe it or not.”
“You’re right. I don’t.”
Nicolo’s stepmother showed up to take over, and Ada started apologizing profusely. “I’m so sorry. I was just trying to take a selfie with it because it’s literally the prettiest vase I’ve ever seen and I thought Maryah would want to see it up close since she’s still doing the baby thing, but then this waiter came by with those tiny quiche things, and I haven’t eaten since breakfast because I was so nervous about the party, and—”
“It’s perfectly fine, dear.” Maude patted her arm in comfort. “Accidents happen. Especially around you.”
Looking at his stepmom, Nicolo was suddenly reminded of Maude rooting for Prince Alexei to be her daughter’s mate, once upon a time, and the unpleasant memory had him shooting another glare at his former classmate’s direction.
“Why is it taking you so long to choose a mate?” he asked grouched. “It’s been over a year since you started the compatibility—”
He broke off mid-speech when Alexei finally lifted his eyes and handed him a file.
“I pick her.”
Nicolo opened the folder and stared at the contents. A photograph, a detailed background report, and compatibility scores that made no sense whatsoever.
As his wife would put it: like, seriously?
Nicolo turned to the Atlantean shifter with a frown. “She’s been rejected.”
“Yes.”
“By her fated mate.”
“Yes.”
Nicolo looked at the photo again. She was beautiful in an understated way, with dark hair and intelligent eyes that seemed to hold secrets. But more than that, she looked...fragile. Like someone who’d been broken and was still trying to figure out how to put the pieces back together.
“This is going to cause a scandal,” he observed.
“I certainly hope so.”
The End