Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 41918 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 210(@200wpm)___ 168(@250wpm)___ 140(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41918 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 210(@200wpm)___ 168(@250wpm)___ 140(@300wpm)
"So, you study at Stonebridge?" he asks, breaking the silence.
"That's right," I reply, glancing up at him. "I'm majoring in English literature. And you're part of the Iron Guardians?"
"Correct." He laughs, rough and low. "Actually, I'm the leader."
"Oh." I'm taken aback by this. Am I out of line for asking such a high-ranking member of the club to walk me home? “I hope I’m not taking up too much of your time.”
“Nah.” He shakes his head. “I’ve always got time for a pretty girl.”
I take a second and think over what I know about the Iron Guardians. They're tough, very serious about what they find important, and intimidating as hell. I'm not from Stonebridge—my mother and I lived in Chicago where I grew up before I moved to North Carolina for college—but the Iron Guardians are well-known enough for me to have heard about them around town. They're punishing to people they view as enemies and unwavering in their protection of the weak and vulnerable. Everyone around here seems glad to have them, but I've heard rumors of how violent they can be when the situation calls for it. I'm definitely intimidated but also strangely intrigued by Luke.
"Are you sure you want me walking you home?" he asks, one eyebrow arched, and a slight grin tugging at his lips. "I could send a couple of the younger guys. Or do you like your knights in shining armor older and rougher around the edges?"
"I'm not a knight in shining armor kind of girl," I confess.
"No?" he teases.
"No."
"But you needed an escort?"
"I needed … something." I needed you.
We walk along for a few moments in silence until I finally manage to choke out the words. "It was stupid of me to come outside so late."
"Don't be hard on yourself," Luke replies, his deep voice soothing. "Plenty of people lose track of time." I can feel his eyes on me, looking at me closer. "Stonebridge is a safe place. We make sure of that. But the world is never perfectly safe for women. I'm more than happy to do this, Emma."
I nod gratefully, taking a deep breath and trying to calm my nerves. “I’m probably oversharing, but … my friend and I were attacked by a thief when I was a teenager when we were walking late at night and I’ve never really recovered mentally.”
Luke’s nostrils flare. “That shit is exactly why we exist.” He bumps me, ever so slightly, with his shoulder. “I’m sorry that happened to you.”
We continue walking, the shadows closing in around us. But I'm not scared. Not with Luke here. His presence is reassuring, and I can tell he's vigilant. If anything happens, he won't hesitate to protect me.
Finally, we reach the door to my dorm, the warm lights and the sounds of students inside welcoming me home.
"This is my stop," I say, turning to face Luke. Now that we're in a well-lit area, he stands out like a sore thumb among all the people my age. A sexy, rough thumb. Something pulls deep in my stomach when I meet his eyes and see the barely-stoked embers burning in them. Heat … for me?
"Thanks again," I continue, tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear. "I really appreciate it."
"Anytime," he says, his deep voice sending a shiver of pleasure down my spine. There's a hint of amusement in his tone, though, and I have the feeling he's laughing at me.
"Seriously," I insist. "I mean it."
"I know." His expression softens. "I'm happy to help, Emma."
Hearing him say my name sends another delicious thrill through me. It's like his voice is directly linked to my nervous system, and every word he speaks sets off a chain reaction of sensations.
"Well, see you around, maybe…?" I fumble for the doorknob, flustered and confused by the intensity of my reaction to him.
"Yes, Emma. I’ll see you around," he replies, nodding once and then turning to walk away.
As I watch him go, I can't help but admire his tall, powerful frame, the way his broad shoulders fill out his leather jacket, and the confident swagger in his stride. My heart is pounding, and there's a fluttering sensation deep in my stomach. I've never felt this way before, like my whole body is humming with electricity and my senses are on high alert.
What is wrong with me? It's like he has some kind of magical hold on me, and I can't resist his pull.
Just as I'm about to turn and walk inside, Luke stops and glances back over his shoulder. Our eyes meet, and the air is suddenly thick with tension. His gaze is intense, full of heat and desire, and I can feel my cheeks burning under his stare.
And then, as quickly as it came, the moment is gone. Luke gives me a small, subtle nod before continuing on his way. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.