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)
I’ve kissed them and sucked her toes into my mouth. I close my eyes against the memories that flood my mind. She can’t be gone.
I stand and reach for the crown on the bed. The diamonds twinkle at me, taunting me as my princess slips through my fingers once again. This time of her own volition.
“I’m leaving for the States. She won’t get away from me this time,” I say without turning to face Williams or my mother.
“I will come with you,” Williams says, causing me to turn to him.
I narrow my eyes. He hasn’t come with us to America since I was a little boy. However, I’m grateful for the offer.
“As will I,” Mother says. “We will bring our princess home for good.”
I lock my jaw and tighten my hold on the shoe in my hand. Yes, I will bring her home for good. Whatever sent her running this time will not keep her from me.
Cinder, you can run, but you will always be mine.
CHAPTER 15
Miss Fire
Williams
“She has arrived,” Coraline says.
“Is she okay? Has she told you why she has returned?”
“No, the poor thing has done nothing but sob since she arrived.”
“I don’t understand. She seemed to be so enamored with him. I was sure it was all going to work out. Finally.” I sigh.
“It’s only a small misfire. He’s on his way, isn’t he?”
“Yes. He’s determined to bring her home. He has the ring and all. He’s truly in love with her.”
“Whatever has happened, there’s still hope.”
I rub my forehead. It’s been two days since Cinder ran off. Prince Princeton is in a mood and the entire castle is on edge.
The only reason he hasn’t left as of yet is the sizing of the ring and his visit to the King and Queen of Heathworth. This shall all be interesting.
“I believe there is.” I sigh again. “I can’t wait for this all to be over. All the secrets and deception. Princeton has taken this so hard for so long. He finally stopped blaming himself for her disappearance and here she has run off again.”
“The poor boy. She’s a lovely girl. It will work out.”
“If the boy finds out that I knew where she was he’ll strangle me.”
“You didn’t know for that long. Besides, you were following a royal request. I thank you for all of your help, Harrison. I appreciate it.”
I rub my tired eyes. “Whatever you do, don’t let her out of your sight. We will be there soon.”
CHAPTER 16
Greed
Cinder
I’ve been locked away in my apartment, licking my wounds. I can’t believe I let this happen. I look around my small room and it’s a reminder of how foolish I have been.
How did I think I belonged in those castles? This is my life. My Manhattan apartment is spacious enough for me and those cats I plan to get.
I pull my knees farther into my chest. I’ve been trying to figure my life out today. I have enough money to take a break, but I honestly think I’m ready to move forward with my life.
I’ve considered going to see Bianca and her brats to discuss buying them out. I look at the clock. It’s Saturday. Those three are never in the office on Saturday.
I blow out a breath and make a final decision. It’s my family’s business. I want to make this right.
I drag my body out of bed and head into the shower. After washing my hair and getting the filth from the last three days from my body, I get dressed and braid my hair in two braids on each side of my head.
Yeah, not the most polished look, but I’m not in the mood to impress anyone. I look down at my jeans and T-shirt. My heels and blazer are the only things keeping my outfit from screaming my mood.
Bianca and her spawns can bite me, but I’m not going to let them see me completely slipping. I grab my oversized bag and start out of my apartment. I nearly run over Ms. Randell as I step out of the door.
“Love. It’s so good to see you,” she chirps as she pulls me into an embrace.
“Hello, Ms. Randell.”
“You know. I think you should start calling me Coraline. We’ve become friends. Ms. Randell makes me feel so old,” she says with a smile.
I give a small laugh. “Okay, Coraline it is. Listen, I’ll stop by when I get back. You can tell me all about what’s been going on around here since I’ve been gone,” I say.
“Oh, where are you heading? Maybe I can come along. I can catch you up and you can tell me all about your trip.”
I drop my head and look at my feet. The last thing I want to do is talk about that trip. All the wonderful things about it have been tainted by my last night there.