Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 24518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
He holds out a hand. The smile he gives me is wolfish and filled with promises of what’s to come. “We’ll start with a dance.”
I put my hand in his, feeling the tingles race all the way up my arm and down my spine. I’ve never had this reaction to any other man, except for Ford.
He pulls me onto the dance floor, and I go willingly into his arms. Instantly, his hands settle on my hips. Peace and contentment thrum through my body. This is where I’m meant to be, in this handsome stranger’s arms. Ford’s scowling expression floats into my mind, and I push it away. He didn’t want me.
“You’re the most beautiful woman here.” His voice rings with sincerity, making it obvious he really does believe the words.
His words thrill me even if they’re not true. “You haven’t seen all the women here.”
“I don’t have to have seen all of the women here to know that I’m dancing with the most beautiful one.”
I smile because even though I know I’m not the prettiest woman in the room, the fact that this handsome stranger thinks I am has me floating.
The giddy feeling stays with me as we dance across the floor. He twirls and dips me, moving my body easily. The entire time he makes soft growls, anytime another couple gets too close. I love how possessive he is and how much control he exudes.
“You’re quite the charming ladies’ man,” I tell him as the next song begins.
“There’s only ever been one woman for me, and I’ve always been faithful to her.” The way he says it makes me think there’s more to the story, and I can’t help the curiosity bubbling up. Who wouldn’t want this handsome man?
“But you’re not together?” I probably shouldn’t pry with my question, but there’s something about the stranger that makes me want to know everything about him.
“No.”
“So, tonight is about loneliness,” I answer for him. I’m not judging. I’m just as lonely as he is. My heart aches at the thought of Ford, of wondering what he’s doing tonight. I push the pain down, refusing to dwell on it. I’ll learn how to function without him. But it’s like trying to function without my right hand. I know it’s possible, but it’s so hard.
“Tonight is about reaching for a miracle.”
I want to ask him about that. I want to know more about the miracle. But before I can continue our conversation, the song ends and the band begins breaking down.
I’m not ready to say goodbye to the stranger, and I suddenly remember the menu I saw earlier. “I was going to catch one of the shows. Do you want to see it with me?”
He threads his fingers through mine, his rough palm an odd contrast to his polished exterior. I thought rich men had soft hands, but I decide that it doesn’t matter tonight.
“Lead the way,” his voice rumbles as he follows me to the show.
Chapter 6
Joy
My handsome stranger lets me lead him to the show. In the center of the room, there’s a big stage. It’s been set up to look like an expensive hotel room with a king-sized bed covered in silky black sheets.
There’s a table and lamp and even a leather chair with a man in a bespoke suit sitting in it. He’s barely looking at the audience. He seems to be focused on something else entirely as he waits in his chair. Lucien was his name on the menu. I’m assuming it’s a stage name and not his real name.
I’ve never seen anything like this, and I certainly didn’t expect to see something that looked so normal, so much like an everyday hotel room. The sight helps me relax a little.
I was worried I picked the wrong show. There were so many on the menu to choose from. I don’t want something intense or violent. Just the thought of watching other people have vanilla sex is pretty kinky for me.
All around the stage are high-backed booths.
I slide into a booth and expect my stranger to take the seat opposite me, but he surprises me when he slides into the seat next to me. He sits so close that his big, strong thighs are pressed against me.
He dwarfs the space, instantly making it feel smaller. He reaches for the black curtain surrounding the booth and gives it a yank, shutting it. We’re now sealed in. We can view the show, but no one can view our booth.
We’re alone. The knowledge sends an unexpected spark of excitement through me.
“I’ve never really seen something like this,” I tell him.
The lights go down then Celeste, Lucien’s partner, walks onto stage. She’s wearing a long trench coat, and her flaming red hair is styled into an elegant updo with a few tendrils framing her face. Long, diamond earrings sparkle when she turns her head.