Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 110802 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110802 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
“It was a good idea to keep the food and entertainment outside,” said Levi. “It means everyone’s not crammed in the studio and there won’t be plates and cups all over the place.”
It also meant Harper could stand outside to take a break and breathe.
“You’d be surprised by how many people have swiped a business card from the desk.” Khloë tipped her chin toward the flow of demons moving in and out of the studio. “I think a lot of them were just being nosy when they went inside.”
“But if they were impressed enough to take a card, that’s good,” said Keenan, staring at a completely casual Khloë with a furrow between his brows – something he’d been doing for a while.
Harper figured he expected her cousin to feel awkward after her drunken behavior. If so, he was wrong. Khloë didn’t do “awkward.”
“This is a way bigger turn-out than we had at the first opening, which isn’t at all surprising given we have a good reputation and you’re now a Prime,” said Devon, eating off a flimsy paper plate. She hissed when Tanner snatched a chicken wing from it, but the hellhound just ignored her.
“Roan walked by earlier.” Khloë paused to pop open a can of soda. “I half-expected him to come over and be a dick to you again,” she told Harper. “But he seemed to think better of it because you had this tower of terror and sex appeal at your side.”
Knox blinked, unsure if he was offended or not. “Tower of terror and sex appeal?”
Khloë lifted one shoulder. “Am I wrong?”
Chuckling, Harper shook her head. “No, you’re not.” Her demon was in complete agreement that its mate was both hot and terrifying at the same time.
“Have you noticed that a lot of people are staring at you, looking puzzled?” Devon asked Harper.
She glanced around. Huh. Devon was right. “Weird.” But whatever.
Knox understood why they were looking puzzled, because he’d been playing close attention. It was interesting to see people’s reaction to Harper. She didn’t talk or act like a typical Prime, demanding respect and acknowledgment and submission. She never rubbed her status in people’s faces. Never spoke like she was above them or like they owed her anything. She smiled and laughed and ate junk food, and he could see that most just didn’t know what to make of her.
She hadn’t simply opened the studio with that “build it and they will come” attitude, relying on her status to reel curious demons in. It was a technique that would have worked, after all. No, she’d been professional about it and shown that she took pride in her business. It was something they’d admire and respect.
Splaying a hand on her lower back, Knox asked, “How are you doing?”
Harper’s mouth twitched. “In other words, have I hit my ‘dealing with people limit’? I’m close.” It had been a long, loud, busy day. She was glad it was almost over. Thank you for staying with me. I know you have an endless amount of stuff to do.
He gave her a soft kiss. You’re more important than any of that. This is a big day for you; of course I’d be here.
Even though I sowed pink sequins on your tie? Her lower stomach clenched at the lopsided smile he gave her.
Even though, he replied. Am I going to find any appliqués on my other clothes?
Not unless you piss me off again.
“Look who’s here,” drawled Devon, gesturing at someone behind Harper.
Curious, Harper turned. And groaned.
Devon, however, flashed the she-demon a bright smile. “Belinda, it’s always good to see you.” The hellcat held out her plate. “Fries?”
Belinda jerked back, nose scrunched up, like she’d been offered a roasted rat. “No, thank you.” She cleared her throat and flashed Knox a gracious smile. “You look a little out of place here.”
Okay, that pissed Harper off. “I know you might have meant that as a compliment to him, but it was a shitty and most decidedly snotty thing to say.”
Belinda lightly patted her bun. “I just meant that, well, this isn’t his usual scene. Really, Harper, it’s not the sort of party a Prime would throw.”
“It’s not a party, it’s an opening,” Harper told her. “Now, is there something you wanted?”
Belinda went to open her briefcase. “Well —”
“No, no, no,” Devon interrupted, slinging her empty plate in the garbage can that Raini had artfully painted. “Today is about the studio, not the shindig.”
Knox sighed. “It’s not a shindig.”
“I just needed you to sign a few forms,” Belinda said to Harper.
“That can be done tomorrow, Miss Thacker, I’m sure,” said Knox, a hard edge to his voice.
Belinda’s smile was brittle. “Of course.” She looked around, taking in the big crowd of people. “Well, it would seem the free food did the trick.”
Knox stiffened at the bitchy insinuation that the success of the opening was owed to the free food. “Careful, Miss Thacker.”