Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 49961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Carina spun around and weaved slightly. Marcus whisked his way through the crowd in a flash to wrap his arm around her waist. “Daddy!”
“Hi, sweetheart.”
“I’m having a blast. Titus invented a drink just for me! I’m letting everyone go crazy over it though.”
“That is very nice of you, Carina.”
“That’s the name! He named it ‘The Carina’.”
The surrounding crowd began to chant, “Carina, Carina, Carina.”
Carina spread her arms wide, giving her dance partners a huge inclusive hug. “Love you guys!”
When she lost her balance again Marcus whispered in her ear, “Time for a break, Little girl.” He guided her toward the edge of the dance floor.
“Aw! Do I have to?”
“Yes, how about if I take you up there?” Marcus pointed to a landing that overlooked the entire public area. “You can wave to your friends from above.”
“Oh, wow!” She leaned back so far, she had to clutch Marcus for stability. “That’s a long way up there. Good thing I like steps.”
He didn’t comment on her statement but guided Carina past the guard at the entrance to the private access point. He opened the door with the passcode and ushered his Little girl into the hallway that ran around most of the building. The nightclub had no windows to the outside, so an interior corridor fit easily into the plan.
“Did you have fun dancing?” he asked.
“Were you watching me?” She grinned at him and demonstrated some of her fancy moves.
Marcus enjoyed tipsy Carina. She was adorable. He would, however, have a talk with Titus. He was a genius behind the bar—much too successful in creating addictive concoctions. Already everyone wanted him to mix their drinks.
He loved the smile that spread over her face. Marcus vowed to enjoy every moment with her. For too long, he’d dreamed of finding her. Carina was worth the wait.
Cupping her jaw, he leaned down to press his mouth to hers lightly. Carina responded by wrapping her arms around his neck and climbing him like a tree. Marcus pressed her against the wall and kissed her soundly as he walked to the elevator. A ding made her stiffen into a statue in his arms. He lifted his head.
“Are you okay, Carina?”
The elevator doors opened, and Darius walked out. He held one side to prevent it from shutting. “Going up?”
Her pulse quickened. Marcus focused closely on Carina. Her heart pounded, and there was a fine shine of perspiration on her skin. She was on the verge of panicking. He pulled her close and shook his head at Darius. His clansman nodded and disappeared.
Marcus rubbed his hand over her upper arms. “You don’t like elevators?
“Sorry. I don’t do metal boxes suspended by cables. Can we walk?” Carina looked up and down his powerful body.
Marcus enjoyed how her gaze lingered on his muscles and the bulge in his pants. “The security vantage point is a long way up.”
“I bet we could race up there,” she challenged him.
She was tipsy enough that he wouldn’t risk her falling. Another time, he’d allow her to win. “We could,” he agreed. “Or I could carry you.”
Before she could protest, he scooped her up in his arms and sped up the stairs. Marcus preferred this mode of reaching the summit but hadn’t wanted to tax his Little girl. Carrying her up the three-story, winding staircase was the perfect solution. Conscious of how much she’d imbibed, he did slow down to avoid making her sick. When he set Carina on her feet, her stomach grumbled as she ran her hands over her hair, smoothing it back into place as she looked around the observation deck.
Someone, bring one of those big pretzels with cheese dip to the observation deck, please.
Got the munchies, Marcus? Darius asked in an amused tone. Their finance guy had reclaimed his spot, holed up in the office separated from the fun. He obviously suspected he was missing out.
Just a Little girl who’s had too many Carinas. Titus, you understand after this you’ll have to create a new drink for every Little girl we find, Marcus growled mentally.
I will celebrate each mate found with my own magical concoction.
Approval flooded in from every direction as the clan weighed in on that promise. Now, it was written in stone. If anyone could be that creative, Titus would meet the challenge.
Carina wrinkled her nose at him when she finished fixing her hair. “I’ve never gotten windblown from speeding up stairs. And you were carrying me.”
“You must have worked up an appetite with all that dancing. I’ll get us something to eat,” he said, ignoring her comment on his fast pace.
“Hey! It’s neat up here. You can see everything.” She rushed to the clear railing to lean over. Marcus steadied his Little girl, afraid she would lose her balance after too many Carinas.
“Welcome to the observation deck. Some security guards are stationed here to communicate with others on the ground. Other employees also work on this level.”