Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
He removes the blindfold from around my eyes and a gasp leaves my lips. We’re in a gallery and the place is lit up by lights strung up all over the place. Music is playing from somewhere as well.
I spin around and take in the space. Clenching my hands to my chest, I look up at Gregor. My lips are trembling.
“Is this?”
He nods his head as he bites down on his lower lip. I swipe at the tears that run free and stand in awe.
“I wanted you to see the space in person. This is where you’re going to debut your work to the world, my little artist.”
“Oh my God,” I breathe and throw myself into his arms. “This place is amazing. I’m so excited.”
In this moment, I forget everything else. I’ve never taken a moment to be selfish. However, for now, I give myself a chance to enjoy this.
He kisses the top of my head. “I’m so proud of you. I know you’re going to crush it.”
I pull away and cup his face in my hands. His eyes sparkle back at me. Here and now, I dare to believe this is my life. Those three words are right on the tip of my tongue, but fear keeps them right where they are.
I never dreamed I’d be standing in a gallery in Manhattan preparing for my very first show. I have so many nerves and an entire five months before it all comes together.
“This place is amazing. I can’t wait until opening night,” I gush with excitement.
“This is what I want for you.”
I furrow my brows. “What is?”
“When you talked about moving up in the financial world, you were excited, but not like this. This is your thing. This is what makes you happy. All I want is for you to live true happiness. I want you to do what Chloe wants. You deserve this.”
I look down and think on his words. They pierce my heart and meet their mark. I gave up what I wanted for myself a long time ago. My decisions haven’t been about me in a very long time.
My thoughts turn to Ally. What if this isn’t the time for me to think about me? I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to her. The girl knows how to sniff out trouble like Toucan Sam. I’ve been the buffer in her life for as long as I can remember.
Gregor purses his lips and narrows his eyes at me. “Baby, stop it. You deserve this. Allow yourself to have this.” He pauses and sighs. “Would it ease your mind if I told you I think my little brother is as crazy about your sister as I am about you, and he has every intention of making sure she’s happy and safe?”
“No, not really. I want to know what’s going on.”
“It’s being handled, Chlo. Please, let it go. Enjoy the moment.”
I narrow my eyes at him. Clayton pulled me aside and asked me to trust him and his brothers. He did tell me he had it handled. I hate to admit it, but I took his word a little faster than I did my own husband.
I’m working on that. Like I said, it might be time to talk to someone. I know I’m pushing Gregor away, but I don’t know how to stop myself. I’m too afraid of being hurt again. We’re back in the real world. Real things happen here.
He smiles and holds out his hand. “We created the magic we had in Dubai, Chlo. You and me. Give me some time with my wife, time to show her I love her and want all her dreams to come true,” he says as if reading my mind.
“I truly am trying, Gregor. I wish I could let it go, but I have this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Something bad is coming and I’d rather not be blindsided,” I say.
He closes his eyes. I’m trying so hard to be in the moment and not be my worst enemy, but it’s been a week since I had that fight with Ally in the store.
Every time I think about it, I get pissed all over again. It doesn’t help that Cane was in the lobby with suitcases when we returned home from shopping that evening. I haven’t seen either of them since.
“I thought this would bring a smile to your face and take your mind off things for a bit,” Gregor says as he opens his eyes.
I instantly feel bad. Ally wants nothing to do with me, but here my husband is trying. I’ll be honest, as long as I have Ally to think about, I can avoid all my true feelings. Gregor does all the right things. However, I’m allowing caution to win out.
Yet, tonight, I decide to let my guard down. “I’m sorry. I’ll let it go for tonight.”