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)
Turning his attention to me, he searches my face without saying a word. I think back to that kiss and his words back in my apartment. My lips are still tingling and my brain is still trying to figure out how I became his.
“Our chambers are on this side of the palace.” He holds out his arm toward the stairs to our right.
“Ours as in your room and my room, right?”
“Yes, your room and my room,” he says with a crooked grin.
“Wait, I didn’t say that right.”
“You said it perfectly correct. Come, let me show you to your room.”
I hesitate for a moment before walking ahead of him as he gestures for me to do. We move up the stairs as I marvel at my surroundings. Elegant sconces, gorgeous chandeliers, gold-and-red damask wallpaper and gleaming mahogany stair railings.
The story of regal wealth lines every inch. Halfway up to the next level, Princeton places a hand on the small of my back. His palm scorches right through the fabric of my blazer and blouse.
I ignore how comforting his touch feels. It warms me from the inside out. I want to lean into him and his warmth.
When we reach the top of the stairs, we turn left and move down the long, wide hallway. More beautiful sconces line the walls along with paintings and ornate furniture and real-life knights’ armor.
“This is all so beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as watching you take it all in.” He stops in front of double doors at the end of the hall. “How rude of me. Welcome to Verlez, Cinder. My kingdom is your kingdom and my bedroom is your bedroom.”
I don’t miss the heat in his words. It causes my cheeks to warm. I fold my arms over my chest.
“Princeton, I have a hard time believing that there isn’t a room I can call my own in this place,” I say firmly.
“You can call this room whatever you like.” That wolfish grin is on his lips once again.
“Would it be possible to have a room I can sleep alone in?”
He crowds me until my back hits the doors. His blue eyes light with something I can’t quite place. Something between lust and possession, but there’s something else.
“I spent years thinking I wouldn’t find you. I won’t be letting you out of my sight. When I take you, it will be because you beg me to. So we won’t have a problem sleeping in the same bed,” he says huskily.
Yup, speechless. Did this guy go to school for the art of melting panties? I fidget, sternly informing my body that I will not be begging this man for a damn thing.
I can’t even think straight to comprehend what he has said. When he brushes his hand along my hairline, I get the feeling that’s his intention. He intends to rob me of all thought.
“It’s been a long flight. You look tired. Come, there are his-and-her baths. You can freshen up in peace. Your things have been brought up for you,” he says before softly kissing my lips.
Like a lamb to slaughter, I follow him into the room. It’s huge, with one of the biggest beds I’ve ever seen. Princeton leads me to the bathroom on the right side and flicks on the lights.
My gaze falls on the huge soaker tub and that’s all she wrote. I move to it and start the water. Princeton releases a low chuckle.
“You’re very easy to please, princess,” he says.
“You shouldn’t call me that here. Someone may get the wrong idea,” I say and frown.
He snorts. “I have a few things to attend to before bed. Enjoy your bath, princess.”
With that, he turns to leave. I stare after him for a few minutes before I shake off the feeling I’m missing something. I start to strip from my clothes and step into the tub to sink down into its warmth.
“What in the world have you gotten yourself into, Cinder? This is so not like you,” I mutter to myself.
With a heavy sigh, I close my eyes. He promised to help me. I’m trusting a guy I don’t know to fix my crazy life.
Opening my eyes, I look around this luxurious bathroom. I’m no stranger to living well, but this is a new level. Yet I don’t feel as out of place as I thought I would. It feels more like coming home.
Just enjoy it. You’re living like a queen.
* * *
Princeton
“Yes, Your Highness, Beauty for Ashes Event Planning International still has offices in London and Milan. Ms. Ellis is listed as the owner, although there is a law firm in Edinburgh that’s managing the assets and interests of Ms. Ellis,” Williams says as he reports the information I asked for.
I sit at the desk in my study, eager to learn more about Cinder. She hasn’t a clue about so many things and I need answers. Answers I won’t be getting from her.