Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
I want to feel his stubble on my neck and hear his massive grunts in my ear.
But I’ve never done this before. Christopher was my first and only, and even if I hate my ex-husband and wouldn’t mind going to his funeral tomorrow—that’s my only experience with men.
Evander’s something different. When he makes a promise, I believe him, and I don’t understand why. I don’t know him at all and here I am, head dizzy, desperation in my stomach, knowing full well that if I turn him down, I might end up sleeping on the street or in a park somewhere, and this could be my last chance at real pleasure for a very long time.
After tonight, I’m on my own, and things are going to be hard.
But right now, I can feel good. For once in my short and stupid and pathetic life, I can feel good.
“Okay,” I whisper.
His lips hang inches from mine. His head cocks slightly. I feel his warm breath on my cheeks and mouth, and I want him to lean forward. I want him to kiss me so badly it’s like an ache between my legs. He’s warmth and power, protection and sin. I want to find out where this can go.
Instead, he pulls away. “Follow me then.”
Chapter 3
Camille
He wasn’t kidding about the suite.
It’s at the top of the Drake. Two huge rooms, one sitting area and one sleeping area. Couches, tables, a full bar, all of it sleek, shining, and obscenely expensive.
He gives me a quick tour. “All yours for tonight,” he says. “I’ll pay through the morning. There’s no rush to leave.”
“I’ll be gone early, don’t worry.”
He shrugs as if it doesn’t matter to him. “I have an early meeting in the dining room tomorrow morning, but I don’t plan on sleeping here tonight. If you need something, call down to the front desk and have them put it on my tab.”
“Just tell them Evander Kazan said it’s okay?”
“That’ll work.”
“Why are you doing this?”
He hesitates near the door. “I already told you.”
“If this is some spiritual atonement, I’m not really sure that’s how it works.”
He chuckles softly. “Maybe not. Goodnight, Camille. And good luck.” He reaches for the doorknob and opens it.
Something bubbles up in my throat. Some desire, some need. “Wait. Hold on.” He looks back at me, eyebrows raised. “One drink. If you’re interested.”
“But it won’t be a date.”
“No, it won’t be a date,” I confirm.
“Then I’ll stay for a little while.”
He steps back into the room, walks to the bar, and pours two glasses of champagne. We sit on the couch, thighs touching, and I shift myself so I’m facing him. Evander watches me curiously, sipping his drink.
“You said you have a meeting,” I prompt, desperate to fill the sexually charged silence. This man is a beast, and we both know why he’s still sitting here close to me.
The sick thing is I want it, but I’m afraid.
“An important meeting,” he confirms. “Whenever possible, I like to scout out the location for something like this in advance. Get familiar with the surroundings so there are no surprises.”
“Sounds like you’re planning for a war.”
He grunts, head tilting to the side. “Something like that, actually.”
“What do you do for work?”
“I’m in consulting.” His eyes sparkle with some joke I don’t understand.
“That must be, uh, fun?”
“It has its moments. What about you? Did you have a job before—” He leaves that unfinished.
“No job,” I say. “No degree, no prospects.”
“Any plans beyond tonight?”
“None,” I admit, feeling desperate and vulnerable in a way I hadn’t until this moment. I’m tired and scared, but my heart’s beating fast.
He puts a hand on my leg. “If I overplan and obsess over every detail, it seems as though you’re the total opposite.”
“What can I say? I’m very spontaneous.”
“How spontaneous exactly are you, Camille?” He leans closer to me, eyebrows raised, and I hear the real question in his tone.
I finish my glass of champagne. “Honestly? Right now, all I want to do is forget.”
“Is that why you asked me to stay?”
I pause for a long moment before slowly nodding, holding his gaze.
What the hell am I doing right now?
Am I really trying to seduce this guy?
I must’ve gone insane.
But Evander reaches out and strokes a thumb down my chin. I suck in a breath, moving closer to him, every pore and nerve tingling with excitement.
He leans forward, his lips finally brushing against mine, and I can’t take it anymore.
I want this.
I want him to kiss me.
I have to feel him kiss me, right now, right this second, or I’m going to lose my mind.
I need to know—I need to find out.
I have to feel what it’s like to kiss another man.
Because I’m terrified I’ll never get another chance.
The pressure’s too much—maybe it’s my desperation, maybe my fear, maybe I just want to feel good for once in my pitiful life.