Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“Whoever dumped this on your desk isn’t a friend. Walk away,” he warns.
Detective Garret looks toward Chloe, then to Sidney, standing behind me. She shakes her head, but clamps her mouth shut and turns to leave. I feel Sidney sag against my back.
When the door closes, I reach behind me and pull her in front of me. Her eyes look tired, I can see the worry in them. I caress her cheek.
“We’ll always be a step ahead of them,” I reassure her. I pull the ring from its box, reaching for her hand. I look into her eyes as I slip the gem in place. “Let’s get to our engagement celebration.”
Her eyes drop to the ring on her finger, she then looks up into my eyes. “I think I need another drink,” she huffs and stumbles back over to take a seat on the sofa.
“That detective will be a problem,” Vault says from behind me.
“Then fix it.” I shrug, keeping my focus on Sidney.
“Already on it. Congratulations,” he mutters before leaving the room.
“This just can’t be real,” Sidney says to herself.
“Doll, I’m looking at that ring. It’s real. Your fiancé just saved our asses.” Chloe shivers and takes a seat as well.
“It can’t be that easy.” Sidney shakes her head. “They’re just going to walk away?”
“Oh, but it is. You will see. Things have just gotten a whole lot better for you, Sidney.” I grin down at her.
“What the hell just happened?”
“I call the shots around here, sweetheart. That’s what just happened,” I reply.
“I need a minute. I just need a minute.” She rubs her forehead.
I crouch before her. This time she scoots back away from me, trying to put space between us, but I’m not having it. Not now that she’s mine.
I lock eyes with the gorgeous woman sitting before me. Sidney is so much more beautiful than I remember. Yet, I can see the wariness and hesitation. Placing my hands on her hips, I draw her back toward me.
I let my breath fan her lips while taking in the sweetness of her essence. Unable to help myself, I nip at her full lips. She shivers within my grasp.
“A lot has happened in a short period of time. I get that you may be overwhelmed. Join me to greet our guests. It’s all for a reason. Once we’ve greeted everyone of importance, we’ll go home,” I say soothingly.
“Home, I need to go home,” she says breathlessly and nods.
“I will take you home right after we’re done. Promise.” I nod.
“Okay.” She nods back slowly. “Okay.”
Sidney
Everything is happening in a daze. I don’t know any of these people vying for my attention. All because they want to impress this man standing beside me with his large palm pressed against my back.
“Sid, baby.”
I turn to look up at him. His intoxicating scent pulls me right in. He looks down at my lips and dips his head to kiss me. Cameras flash around us as he devours my mouth. I swear, I’m trapped in an out-of-body experience.
Clayton breaks the kiss and presses his lips to my forehead. I blink a few times, still not totally understanding how I got here. He slides his hand down to my ass and snaps me out of my fog for a sec.
I turn my attention to the man and woman who have been talking to us. I don’t remember who they’re supposed to be. I only return their smiles because it seems like the right thing to do.
“That ring is divine. You have great taste, Clayton,” the woman purrs as she takes in my fake fiancé.
My jaw tics. I feel the twitch in my face. I know this isn’t real, but it’s the lack of respect for me. I look down at my finger. This ring is stunning. I’ve thought so a few times.
Clayton wraps his hand around my left one and gives a gentle squeeze. I look up at him and his reassuring smile. He winks at me and that does the trick.
I take a breath and relax, then look around for Chloe and find her with a drink in hand and a scowl on her face. I still haven’t gotten down to what’s going on between her and Clayton’s brother.
I reach to rub my temple. God, this has become a long night.
Chapter 8
Promises of Home
Sidney
I can’t even remember all the people Clayton introduced me to. My head is still spinning from the fact that I’m engaged. Well, according to the contract I signed, I am—that contract and the amazing ring weighing my finger down.
You would think Clayton actually knows me. This ring is so me, on so many levels. It’s classic but elegant, flashy but tasteful. I couldn’t have picked a better ring myself.
I’m not the only one who’s been admiring it since Clayton placed it on my finger. I caught the admiring and jealous looks from the women around the club. I can’t say that I’m not happy to be away from that place.