Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 98961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 495(@200wpm)___ 396(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 495(@200wpm)___ 396(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
The next slide highlights some popular bloggers, proving my point that there is indeed a market for a series like this. “And along with the forbidden romance, we have a witty and supportive cast that gives us some much-needed comedic relief between the demons and the…the…angels.” The feeling like something is missing comes back hard.
“Angels?” Marcel, the head editor asks. “That hasn’t been mentioned yet.”
“That’s because…because…they’re, um…” I blink a few times. This isn’t a book I’m talking about. It’s my life. Sharply inhaling, I look around the room. “This isn’t real,” I whisper to myself, and the same sharp pain grips my forehead, tightening like a vice. My hand flies to my head and I wince, doing my best to push through the pain.
“Ms. Martin?” one of the publishers asks. “Are you all right?”
I’m not Ms. Martin. Technically, I never…what? I straighten up. “Yeah. I’ve been fighting a migraine all day. Anyway, as I was saying, the angels come into play later. We have a lot of mythology to work with as well.” Smiling, I finish the presentation and leave the conference room feeling good. My passion for this project is obvious, and everyone noticed it.
My good mood makes the rest of the day go by quickly, and I pack up and head out of the office, taking another Uber to Navy Pier, where I’m meeting Easton and Abby for dinner.
“Hey, babe,” Easton says when I get out of the Uber. The biggest smile comes over my face.
“What are you doing?” I hook my bag over my shoulder and rush to him, arms open.
“I wanted to surprise you. I knew your pitch would go well.” He kisses me and I stiffen, not sure if I want more or if I should push him away.
“Get a room!” Abby shouts and Easton and I break apart, laughing, as my sister joins us. She’s wearing scrubs and has her hair up in a messy ponytail.
“Busy day in the ER?” I ask.
“Always is.” She loops her arm through mine. “Please tell me you have a reservation. I’m starving.”
“Me too, and yeah. Easton got us one.”
Abby leans forward, looking me up and down. “I’m liking this new look on you.”
“Thanks,” I say and eye Easton, knowing what he’s thinking. He likes it too but can’t wait to take it off. “I got a lot of compliments on it today, actually. Maybe I’ll stop wearing so much pastel and will switch to a darker color scheme.” The words feel funny coming out of my mouth again.
Is it because I don’t want to wear dark colors? I like my bright and cheerful “Easter egg” clothing, as that bitch Sabrina puts it. Easton takes my hand, and the three of us start walking down the sidewalk. I’m looking out at the lake when Easton comes to a sudden halt, putting himself in front of me.
“What are you—” I cut off when I see a man with a gun, half hidden inside his hoodie, standing right in front of us.
“I don’t want no trouble,” he starts and my heart hammers in my chest. But instead of being afraid, I know I can take him on. I yank my hand free from Easton’s and throw it out in front of me.
“I don’t either,” I snarl and wait for something to happen. I look at my fingers and then back at the man. Oh, shit. I squeeze my eyes closed right as he pulls the trigger, and a single gunshot rings out, echoing over the lake.
Chapter
Sixteen
“Morning, babe.”
I sit straight up, inhaling deep. “No,” I say and turn to look at the guy in bed next to me. It’s Easton, and my eyes widen when I see him. What the fuck is he doing here in my apartment? This isn’t—dizziness crashes down on me and I slowly lower my head back onto the pillow.
“Babe?” The mattress sinks down and Easton leans over me. “Are you awake?” He chuckles. “I think you’re talking in your sleep.”
“I had a nightmare. You surprised me at Navy Pier after work and then someone tried to mug us.”
“That’s not gonna happen, though I did hope to get there early.” Easton pushes my hair back and kisses my neck. His lips against my skin send a rush through me, but when I blink, I see the face of another man.
Dark hair. Deep blue eyes. And fangs.
“Why am I presenting a book about a vampire?” I sit straight up, gently pushing Easton out of the way. “No one reads vampire romance now that vampires are out of the coffin.”
“You believe in the story,” Easton reminds me. “It is a good one. A witch and a vampire, forbidden yet drawn to each other.”
“Why are they forbidden?”
He cocks an eyebrow. “I haven’t read the manuscript yet, so I don’t know, but I assume it’s revealed later in the novel?”