Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“You heard my mother. We’ll take her home and then I’ll get you to bed,” he says in that sexy deep voice of his. It seems like everything he has said tonight has had a double entendre.
“You don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine.”
He places his fingers beneath my chin, lifting my head so I have to look up at him. “I will get you home safely. Get inside, princess.”
I shiver at the way he says the last word. I go to protest just as my stepmother and stepsisters come out of the castle calling Princeton’s name. I bite back my response and slip into the back seat of the car. I don’t want them to see me here.
I know it will only cause me more trouble if they know that not only have I come to the event, but I’ve been with Princeton all night. Once I’m inside, his mother reaches for my hand and squeezes it in hers.
I look over to her and she gives me a warm smile. Reminding me of her words from earlier in the office, I’m curious about this woman. Her kindness toward me gives me pause.
“No, I’ve told you that you will not handle my event. If you can’t accommodate my request, I’ll take my needs elsewhere,” Princeton says outside of the car, grabbing my attention.
“I assure you we can handle your needs,” Rosa purrs.
“I doubt that. Good night,” Princeton says before climbing into the front seat.
The door closes and I slump down in my seat as Glenda narrows her eyes and stares into the window. Mrs. Blake pats my hand, causing me to turn to her. She gives me that smile again.
“The windows are tinted.”
“Oh,” I reply and straighten, feeling like a dummy.
The rest of the ride is silent, allowing me to get lost in my head. I should find a cab once at his mother’s home. Something tells me that Princeton would like to continue this night. The spell has been broken. It’s time for me to go back to my real life.
My stepmother and stepsisters are a reminder of that. Princeton Blake is no ordinary man. I’d be foolish to allow myself to get swept up in him. I know the Blake event file well. His party is for him to find a bride.
The guest list of potential brides is a mile long. I’m nowhere near the pedigree for his perfect match. I shake away all the dreams and ideas I’d had while we talked in the gardens by the fountain.
“It was so very nice to see you again, my dear,” his mother says as the car comes to a stop.
I furrow my brows. “Wait. How did you know it was me?”
“You, my dear, are undeniably your mother’s child. You carry her grace and beauty. I would know you in a crowd of a million others because you would shine the brightest. Have a good night, sweetheart,” she says, giving me a knowing grin.
I sit stunned. I have several questions, but I don’t get to ask them as she climbs from the car, leaving me speechless. I break from my shock once they disappear in the posh high-rise we’ve stopped in front of.
“Tell Mr. Blake I said thank you for the ride back into the city. I’ll get home from here,” I say quickly.
I try to reach for the door to open it. The driver gets out and comes around to open the door and helps me from the back seat. I murmur my thanks as I take in my surroundings and try to catch my bearings.
Once I figure out where I am, I head for the subway. I roll my eyes at my hurting feet, but I keep moving until there’s enough distance between me and Princeton Blake. I don’t get far before my feet scream for me to find a cab. Remembering the expensive-looking crown on my head as a couple walks by, eyeing me, I stop to flag a ride on the next block before I get myself mugged.
“Boy, what a night,” I say as I climb into the back of a cab.
* * *
Princeton
“How is your head, Mother?” I ask as we enter the apartment my parents keep in the city.
“I’ve fared better. Don’t you worry about me. Go, make sure that girl gets home.”
I narrow my eyes on my mother. Once again, noting her odd behavior when it comes to the little dove waiting downstairs for me. This time I choose not to ignore it.
“Mother, what are you up to?”
“Whatever do you mean?”
I fold my arms over my chest and rock back on my heels. I’m no fool. I know my mother well.
“Who is she? What’s this interest with her?”
“With who, dear? I’m getting on in age. Not as swift as I used to be. You’ll have to clue me in a bit more.”