Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 37517 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 150(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37517 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 150(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
I scoop up another piece of fruit.
When she leans forward to take it, she brushes her round ass against my cock. Judging by the way she squirms just so, it's absolutely intentional.
As soon as she swallows the peach, I wrap my hand around her throat, pressing my lips to her ear. "Keep teasing me, and you'll be choking on my cock for breakfast while I eat every bit of this off your perfect fucking body, Thalia."
"Prove it," she dares.
Jesus. She's a temptress, naughty and defiant.
"Behave," I say, chuckling as I press a kiss to her throat. "And I'll give you exactly what you're begging for when I get back."
"Get back?" Her gaze flies to mine. "You're leaving?" Her disappointment trembles on her lips, making me wish like hell I could stay right here, but I can't. Living off canned fruit and dried meat was acceptable for me. It isn't for her.
She needs food—real food. She also needs clothes. The dirty dress on the bedroom floor won't last her forever.
She's mine now. Mine to fuck, mine to protect, mine to provide for.
"We need provisions," I say, nuzzling into her neck, inhaling her scent. "I'll be back as soon as I get what we need."
"Promise?" The vulnerability in her eyes strikes a chord deep within me—a protectiveness I've never known before now.
Until her, no one mattered. I've been in charge of Stonehaven for years, providing for the comfort and safety of the people who live there, but those things didn't really matter to me. They were obligations, something I was expected to do. This is different. She's different.
For the first time, I want to be responsible for someone else. Her wants, her needs, her comfort and security matter. Not because they must, not because it's required, but because when she closes her eyes at night, I don't want her to have a single fucking worry.
What is she doing to me?
"I promise, sweet Thalia." And I mean it. Because leaving her side feels like tearing out a part of my soul—one I didn't even know existed until she came into my life.
Instead of going directly to Stonehaven, I drive into the town of Fable Forest. Everyone here knows who I am, but if anyone wonders why I'm buying women's clothing, they don't dare ask. I feel their stares, though. I hear their whispers following me.
Fuck.
How long until my father hears about this? Until he knows about Thalia?
The thought grinds in my chest, sending anxiety clawing through me.
Instead of heading back to the cabin, I turn the SUV toward Stonehaven. I avoid the castle and anyone connected to it, instead pulling up outside of Samson'. The sun is a bright ball directly overhead. I've already taken far longer for this errand than I intended.
The door swings open before I can rap against the wood a second time.
Samson's green eyes meet mine, surprise flickering across his face. "Jesus. Did you burn the cabin down already?"
"I only left to pick up provisions." I brush past him into the living room. My boots thud heavily on the floor, each step echoing my racing heart.
His place is a palace of opulence, with rich leather sofas, gleaming hardwood floors, and modern art adorning the walls. It's a bachelor's dream, a place where luxury is the norm and extravagance is celebrated.
"Provisions?" Sam chuckles, pulling the door closed behind him. "It's a hunting cabin, Troy. It says right there in the name what you're supposed to do to provide for yourself."
I pace in circles, anxiety still clawing at me. Do I tell him? Do I keep my secret? I trust him with my life, but I've never had a secret worth keeping before now. I've never had one so fucking dangerous. If my father thinks Thalia may interfere with his plans for my future, he may very well tear the kingdom apart searching for her.
"I found a girl in my bed in the cabin," I blurt, knowing I may need Samson's help. I may not have a choice. If my father comes for her—if he tries to take her…
Jesus.
We've been at odds for years, but I'll wage all-out war if he tries.
Sam's laugh erupts, crude and unfiltered. "What, did some woodland nymph decide to grace your bed?" he teases. "I hope you're putting her to good use, Troy. God knows, you need the distraction."
"Don't," I snarl, spinning to face him as fury rises hot and fast. He won't talk about Thalia that way. No one will.
He blinks, taken aback. "Wait. You're serious, aren't you? You really found a girl in your bed?"
"Serious as a heart attack," I admit, pacing like a caged lion. "I want her, Sam. I… Fuck. I told her that she's mine now."
"Yours?" He leans back against the wall, head cocked to the side as he studies me. "What do you mean she's yours?"