Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 86571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Luckily, I bite my tongue because as she gets closer, I discover the neckline isn’t too bad, not with the two tied pieces of fabric in the front. There’s a slit on the dress, revealing a bit of leg, but I’m going to have to get used to letting Claire do this shit. It doesn’t mean I can’t spank her ass and withhold orgasms from her once we’re home, though.
“You look amazing,” I say when she reaches the last step.
Her gaze sweeps over me. I’m wearing a three-piece suit, something I haven’t worn in a while. It feels nice to be back in my element.
“As do you.”
“Let’s get out of here before I’m tempted to rip that dress off of you.”
“Do not even think about it!”
I smirk and take her hand in mine. Together we walk out to the SUV, and I help her inside. I’m excited to see Claire’s face when she discovers what the surprise is. On the way to the restaurant, Claire is unusually quiet and looks out the window the entire way. I want to press her on what she is thinking, but I don’t want to push her over the edge.
Everything is happening so fast. I came back into her life. Brought her back home. Got us a house. Told her I love her. I’m sure she has whiplash like she’s never experienced.
“Are you okay?” I ask, loud enough for her to hear when we reach the restaurant.
Claire turns to me, a slow smile creeping onto her face. “Yes, just thinking. I’m excited to see this surprise.”
“Then, let’s go,” I say.
We climb out of the SUV and step onto the street. The restaurant is popular as hell, so I had to park about a block down from it. Like a magnet, I’m drawn to Claire’s side. I want to grab her hand and hold on to it, but I need her to make the first move.
She walks a few steps ahead of me, and I can’t stop myself. Her hips sway in a seductive come-and-get-me invitation that makes my cock stiffer with each step I take. As we approach the crosswalk, I stop, but Claire doesn’t. She continues to walk, and I reach to pull her back toward me and ask her what the fuck she is doing when a car comes barreling around the corner without its headlights on.
Fear strikes hard, and my heart stops beating as I barely latch onto Claire’s shoulder and pull her back in time. A whoosh of air hits us as the car speeds by, not even slowing down the slightest.
“What the fuck, Claire?” I growl, turning her to face me.
Her big green eyes are huge, her face a mask of fear and shock. I give her a gentle but firm shake to bring her back to the present.
“I…” her lip trembles, “I… don’t know. I was just walking, and I didn’t hear or see the car. I’m sorry.”
My nostrils flare, and my lungs burn, thankful for the air that fills them. Fuck. I wish there was a way to fix her hearing. It seems it’s getting worse, and I can’t help but think of how horrible this could’ve ended if I wasn’t here.
“Shhh, it’s okay. There’s nothing to be sorry about.” I wrap my arms around her and speak into her good ear. It might be too soon, but I’d be willing to go to Julian and ask him if he knows a doctor that can help.
Claire pulls away and looks up at me. “I wasn’t trying to kill myself. I swear. I just didn’t hear the car, and there were no lights.”
“I know. I believe you.” I smooth a hand down the side of her head. “Let’s get into the restaurant so you can find out what your surprise is.”
Claire smiles, but there is a sadness in her eyes. “Okay.”
We continue our walk to the restaurant, and this time, I take Claire’s hand in mine, refusing to let her go, afraid that something bad might happen before we can get into the restaurant. We’re greeted by a hostess, and Claire looks around the restaurant in awe.
“Reservation for Torres,” I tell the hostess who eye fucks me to an uncomfortable degree.
“Of course.” She smiles, but that smile falls when she spots Claire. I tug her forward, drawing her attention back to me.
She leans into my side. “I don’t even want to know how you can afford a place like this.”
“If you don’t ask, then I won’t tell.” I smile, not wanting to go into detail on what I get paid to kill people. It’s not exactly the best dinner conversation. The hostess turns on her heel to take us to the secluded room I rented for the evening.
“It’s almost time for your surprise,” I say.
My only hope is to see her smile and feel her happiness.