Total pages in book: 184
Estimated words: 188108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 941(@200wpm)___ 752(@250wpm)___ 627(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 188108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 941(@200wpm)___ 752(@250wpm)___ 627(@300wpm)
Let’s face it. If he could keep her here forever, then he would. But Salem would have a fit about free will.
Again.
Blah. Blah. Blah.
Alexei would be the first to admit that he hadn’t been sure about her in the beginning. He hadn’t wanted her around. Hadn’t been willing to trust her.
Trust wasn’t something that came easily to him.
But once he was in . . . then he was all in.
And there was no pulling him back or telling him that he couldn’t have something he wanted.
He’d been denied things he wanted until he became an adult and in charge of his own life.
Then what he wanted . . . he took.
And what he wanted was her.
So he wasn’t going to allow anyone to tell him he couldn’t have her. Not that he was into force.
Fuck, no.
He’d kill any bastard who tried to harm her, including himself.
But he knew that she wanted them all. She’d agreed to this. The three of them.
So why shouldn’t they keep things moving? It was inevitable that she’d live with them one day.
Why not earlier rather than later?
“Stay the weekend? Um, I’m not sure I can.”
No. That wouldn’t suit him at all.
“Why not?” he demanded.
“I just . . . that’s quick, isn’t it?” She looked to Roman who appeared thoughtful.
“It might seem quick, but we’re not asking for anything that you’re not willing to give.” Salem leaned over her, placing his hands on the desk on either side of her hips. “You’ll have a guest bedroom all to yourself and no one will go in there unless invited.”
Hey. Why was he looking at Alexei as he said that?
Probably because he knows you too well . . .
Ahh, yes. But what was the big deal about going into her room to watch her sleep? She’d never know that he was there. He wouldn’t be hurting anyone.
In fact, wouldn’t he be doing a service watching over her? Protecting her?
“Um. Well.”
“At least stay tonight,” Salem added. “We wouldn’t feel right about you going home until we know how your ankle is. Tomorrow, I can take you home.”
“I’m fine taking the tube. But I suppose it’s getting late and I could stay tonight.”
“I will go make sure that your room is ready,” Roman said. “We can start that new book before bed?”
“Sure,” she said.
“And during half-time, you can help me with dinner,” Salem said.
“Which means that right now, you’re mine.” Alexei picked her up and put her on his hip.
He heard her take in a sharp breath. Fuck, she was light. Was she eating enough? Perhaps Salem needed to write her up an eating plan. He’d talk to him about it later.
He wasn’t going to waste his Bunny-time talking to Salem. He could talk to that boring asshole any old time.
“You’re mine, Bunny.”
“Why does it feel like those words should be accompanied by evil laughter?” she murmured.
He grinned as he walked with her on his hip into the large living room.
This room was probably the most relaxed room in this mansion other than their bedrooms.
“Right. We’re going to watch a game.”
“A game of what?” she asked, sounding suspicious. “Please don’t say cricket. Please don’t say cricket.”
He suspected he wasn’t meant to hear that last part as he turned away to grab the remote. So he decided to have a bit of fun with her as he turned back. “Cricket.”
She groaned.
“What’s wrong with cricket?” he demanded, his arms crossing over his chest as he glared down at her.
“It’s sooo boring. The only thing worse would be golf. Or watching paint dry. Please don’t make me watch cricket. My brain might explode.”
“Lucky for you, it’s not cricket.” He sat next to her and drew her onto his lap.
She was tense for a moment, but he simply held her until she started to relax.
“We should put your foot up.” He turned her in his lap and grabbed a cushion to place under her sore foot.
“My foot is fine,” she grumbled at him.
“You’ll let me take care of you,” he countered. “Or I will hear all about it from the other two.”
“Oh, is that the only reason you care?” she asked. “Because otherwise you’ll have to listen to the others gripe at you?”
“Yes.” Then he winked to let her know he was joking.
She shook her head at him and he pressed her cheek against his chest.
“Not going to be easy to watch the game like this,” she challenged.
“Hmm. I didn’t know you’d be such a football fan.”
Another small groan. “I should have guessed. At least it’s not cricket.”
“Cricket season is over, baby. But you’re right. How can you properly see? Here.” He laid his legs out so his feet rested on the coffee table. Then he twisted her back around so that her legs were on his.
These guys were nuts.
But she found herself resting back against Alexei as he turned on the television. Gradually, the warmth of his body made her feel sleepy. Could also have been the boredom of football. She knew lots of people loved it and she had no problem with that.