Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50148 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 251(@200wpm)___ 201(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50148 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 251(@200wpm)___ 201(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
“If I needed to,” he said. “Unless you invite me to explore or in an emergency, I will not invade your privacy.”
Alessia studied his face, checking for any small sign that would signal her to not trust him. Titus’s expression was open and concerned as he focused completely on her. “You mean that, don’t you?”
“I do. I have waited for you for many years. You are at the top of my protection list. I would not jeopardize your physical or mental health.”
Truth rang from his words. She forced her muscles to relax. Without conscious thought, Alessia stroked his broad shoulders. His strength reassured her instantly. “I’m not used to anyone taking care of me.”
“I’m sorry, Little girl.” He hugged her tightly to his chest. “You are safe with me.”
Unable to resist his allure, she rested her cheek in the curve of his neck. Inhaling deeply, she savored his manly scent. Something exotic tingled at her senses. He was different from others. Titus had shared that he was not merely a man but an entity that had an animalistic side. The difference between them should have scared her, but it didn’t.
Many long minutes later, the memory of why Enzo had sent her here ricocheted into her brain. Alessia lifted her head from his chest. “What time is it?”
Against him, Titus could feel her heartrate increase as her breath came faster. Sensing she was afraid, he checked his watch. “It’s eleven thirty, Alessia.”
“I’m supposed to meet my ride at twelve. What am I going to tell Enzo?” She pushed herself away from him and scrambled off his lap. As she stood, a low sound of pain emerged from her. Immediately, he lifted her back onto his lap. “My feet suck. I may have to go barefoot. I can’t imagine walking in those heels.”
“What size shoes do you wear?”
“Seven.”
Carina? Do you take a seven in shoes? Titus was careful to include Marcus in his communication with his clan member’s Little girl.
An eight.
Can I steal them from you if I let you go shoe shopping for new ones with my credit card?
Stop tempting my Little girl, Marcus roared possessively.
Alessia’s feet are messed up from walking too far in heels in the rain, Titus explained.
Of course she can have these. They’re one of my favorite pairs, so you’d be super nice if you replaced them with two sets. Carina bargained shrewdly.
Deal, Titus agreed, enchanted by Carina’s manipulations.
Daddy will bring them to you. Tell Alessia hi and that I’m eager to meet her.
Titus had always enjoyed having Carina around. Now her sweet welcoming of his mate made Titus appreciate her even more as he turned his full attention back to Alessia.
She relaxed against him slightly, and Titus wanted more than ever to protect her. “You could simply stay with me, Alessia.”
“I have to go home. If I don’t, he’ll send his goons after me. One already has his sights set on me. He’s trying to convince Enzo to let him marry me.”
“What’s his name?”
“Frankie. He’s worked for Enzo for years. He might have served my father as well before his death. I didn’t pay attention back then to anything outside my family. Frankie is older. I wasn’t involved in the business in the past.”
“You’re not going back,” Titus decreed, more determined. The thought of some thug forcing Alessia to marry him against her will enraged Titus.
She froze before shaking her head. “I have to. That’s where I live. All my stuff is there.”
Opening his mouth to refuse, Titus stopped as an image of a prized possession and a name popped into her mind and reverberated strongly into his. He understood what was happening. She couldn’t abandon Hopper. He was essential to her.
“If I allow you to return for a short time to gather some things before coming to collect you in a couple of hours, would you agree to live under my protection? I would guess that loading up a moving van won’t be possible while Enzo is alive,” Titus said.
“Oh, no. Anything I possess he would claim as his.” She paused and studied him.
Titus gave her a few moments to decide. When she nodded, he celebrated. “There are only a few items I’d like to take. Nothing valuable to anyone other than me.” Alessia blinked away tears that suddenly filled her eyes.
Titus cupped her jaw. “I’m sorry, Little mate. Soon, you’ll be free of him and safe.”
“Promise?”
“I promise. Tell me, what information did Enzo order you to get?” Titus asked. He would get Alessia out of the grasp of that violent bastard as fast as possible, but he needed to shield her now.
“He made me memorize a list of stuff to find out: number of employees, security, map of the building, entrances and exits, cash flow.”
“How were you supposed to figure out where the money went?”