Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84635 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84635 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
I stiffened. "That will be all, Mrs. Bigsby."
She dipped her chin and withdrew, her sensible shoes making no sound on the hardwood.
Once again, my gaze was drawn to the storm battering the grounds outside.
While I hoped Mr. Worthington was unharmed, I couldn't help but reflect on the damage both he and his despicable brother had wrought on the fine name of Worthington these last few months.
Perhaps it was past time I put into action the plans their late father entrusted into my care should either of his sons bring disgrace upon the family name. It would be a drastic response, but the circumstances left little room for half measures.
I feared I may have been too patient, too willing to believe the Worthington name could weather any storm on its own. That indulgence was finished.
CHAPTER 28
MADISON
After unbinding my wrists, Pierce rose to stand over me.
Another spark of lightning brightened the sky behind him. The grim halo of light backlit him so only the outline of his jaw and shoulders showed against the sky as he reached out his hand, palm up.
I ignored the gesture and tried to rise on my own, pushing my skirt back down and pulling my torn shirt closed. My knee hit a rock as I collapsed back onto the cold ground.
Pierce wrapped his strong fingers around my upper arm and dragged me to my feet.
Before I could move away, he pulled me close.
His free hand closed around my neck. I hated the warmth of it against my chilled skin.
He tilted my head back, angling my face toward the gray light. "Say something," he commanded.
I locked my teeth together. His fingers tightened their grip and his stare sharpened. He bent close. His breath was hot against my bruised and swollen lips. "Your stubbornness will only get you into more trouble."
Still, I said nothing. His mouth grazed my ear, his hand running through my hair, raising the fine hairs along my arms. "Or give me a reason to spank that pretty ass of yours."
"I want to go home."
"I'm taking you home."
"My home, not yours."
He shook his head. "Not an option."
"You're a real bastard, you know that?"
He chuckled without mirth. "If that were true, sweetheart, we wouldn't be in this predicament."
Of course. The exalted Worthington name. No matter the cost.
"All kneel before the almighty Worthingtons, right?" I sneered.
I pulled my arm back, shrugging off his grasp.
Turning my back on him, I attempted to cover myself by stretching my torn blouse over my chest. The wind picked up, cutting through my soaked clothes, rattling my teeth together.
Pierce settled his warm hands on my shoulders and turned me back to face him. Curling his finger under my chin, he forced my gaze up. He brushed a wet lock of hair away from my cheek before cupping my face. "At this moment, there is only one person I want on her knees before me."
My cheeks burned. Visions of me on my knees, opening my mouth in supplication as I gazed up at him, taunted me. The memory of what he tasted like flooded my senses. I pushed it away.
He swallowed my fiery denial, covering my lips with his.
The rain drove into my back, each drop a cold sharp point against bare skin, as I pressed into his kiss. His tongue swept against mine, both of us refusing to yield.
When he finally ended the kiss, I dropped my forehead against his shoulder.
His arms came around my body, and he dropped a chaste kiss on the top of my head.
My hands were flat against his bare chest, soaking in his warmth. I could count his heartbeats. They were fast. Faster than a man this controlled should allow.
I almost lost his harsh whisper in the wind. "I can't promise everything will be okay, but I can promise I won't let anyone hurt you again."
I pulled back and stared at his face, trying to read the truth behind the lies in his eyes. "You hurt me."
The corner of his mouth rose as he stroked my bottom lip with his thumb. "Anyone else but me," he corrected, not even pretending he'd try not to hurt me again.
A small part of me almost appreciated his honesty. Almost.
My only consolation was the rain would hide my tears. I whispered, "What happens now?"
He traced my cheek with the backs of his knuckles. "Now, my beautiful girl, I take you to Ravenscroft."
Strange how in my head, it sounded like he said he was taking me to his lair.
I backed away. I was still close to the cliff's edge. I hadn't tracked the distance. My foot slipped, dislodging several rocks and sending them spiraling down the cliff face.
Pierce lunged and snatched the front of my shirt. He yanked, pulling my shivering body flush with his. Twisting the wet hair at the nape of my neck in his hand, he bent close. "No, babygirl, you won't escape me. Not even in death."