Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 81930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
But she’d always attempted to keep a line between them with her on one side and them on the other. Okay, she wasn’t that successful with Marcus. He just didn’t see lines or boundaries.
There was always that pang of longing, that desire for a family. Something she’d never had. She’d stopped watching Christmas movies a long time ago because she spent every Christmas alone.
It was easier. Simpler.
And so damn lonely.
So here was her choice. Join them for breakfast. Walk over that line and maybe get a taste for what being a part of a family would feel like.
Or walk away.
A taste could lead to wanting a feast. Addiction ran in her family. Sure, her mom’s drug of choice was alcohol. Her dad’s had been gambling.
Hers could be the man currently shooting her a sad look.
“La-la, sit next to me. I’m lonely. I need you.”
“Marcus,” Cullen warned. “Don’t try to manipulate her.”
“I’m not manipulating her. I’m taking care of her. Sheesh. La-la, sit. Please.”
Shoot. When he gave her those big puppy dog eyes, she couldn’t resist.
She was sitting before she thought about it, serving herself a small pancake. Marcus already had his doused in syrup and cream.
“Isla,” Cullen said after she’d taken a bite of pancake.
She swallowed hastily and then grabbed her glass of water, feeling nervous for some reason.
“Are you feeling all right? Did you sleep okay in the blue room?”
“I’m fine. Thank you. I slept well.”
No need to tell him where she slept. Although she might have to wash the sheets even though they weren’t dirty to make it more believable.
“She’s still sore,” Marcus replied. “And she didn’t sleep in the blue room, she slept with me.”
Both Cullen and Ivy stared at Marcus. Isla had lost all her appetite. She stared down at her plate.
“With you?” Cullen said.
“Yep.”
“Did she… I mean, Isla is that what you… I really don’t know what to say. He didn’t bully you into it, did he?” Cullen asked.
“Hey!” Marcus protested.
A swell of protectiveness rose inside her, and she glared at Cullen. “Marcus would never bully me.”
Cullen’s eyebrows rose, and she immediately felt bad for snapping at him. But she couldn’t bring herself to apologize. Marcus reached over and took her hand with a grin.
“See? She wanted to sleep with me. We had a pajama party.”
“Okay.” Cullen nodded. “Well, I can take you over to your apartment this morning to grab some things and to tidy up if you like, Isla.”
“All right.” That was the last thing she wanted to do.
“She doesn’t want that stuff. It’s all been tainted. I’m going to take her shopping this morning. Surely there’s someone we can get to go pack everything up and get rid of it, right?”
“Yes, there is,” Cullen said. “If that’s what Isla wants.”
“She wants it,” Marcus replied.
“Marcus,” Cullen warned. “You can’t talk for her.”
“She won’t say what she really wants because she doesn’t want to cause problems.”
“Marcus, I don’t need to go shopping. I’m sure after I wash everything it will be okay.”
Marcus eyed her. “No, it won’t.”
“It’s wasteful to buy all new things. But maybe just a few things. To tide me over until I’m ready to deal with everything.”
“Good. So we’ll go shopping.”
“You hate shopping,” she said.
“I know. But I’ll do it for you.” He gave her a long-suffering look. “Besides, I need an Easter outfit for Rawhide.”
That was right. They were leaving the day after tomorrow. She was supposed to be having the next ten days off.
To do what she had no idea.
What was she going to do now, though? She couldn’t go back to her apartment.
“Actually, Isla, I was going to talk to you about that. I’d really appreciate if you could stay here while we—”
“She’s going with us,” Marcus said, interrupting Cullen.
Isla turned to look at Marcus in shock. She was what? She shook her head. “I’m not coming.”
“Sure you are. It’s perfect. You can explore your Little side in a safe space. Instead of hiding.”
“You’re a Little too?” Ivy asked. “How did I not know that?”
“Possibly because it’s news to Isla,” Cullen said, watching her carefully. “Isla? You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”
“She’s coming, Cullen,” Marcus snapped.
Oh no.
She hated confrontation. Marcus and Cullen rarely fought. Not seriously. They’d tease each other. But nothing like this.
She nibbled at her lower lip.
Go to Rawhide Ranch? With Marcus?
A place where she could be free to explore her Little side? But she’d never done that before. She’d never felt safe enough. Heck, she didn’t even own a stuffy.
There was no way.
Not happening.
“You trust me, right, Isla?” Marcus asked.
“Yes,” she whispered. “But I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
“You’re scared.”
Yeah. She was terrified.
But she was also frightened of being here on her own. However, just because she was fearful of being on her own was no reason to agree to Marcus’ preposterous idea.