Total pages in book: 15
Estimated words: 13664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 68(@200wpm)___ 55(@250wpm)___ 46(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 13664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 68(@200wpm)___ 55(@250wpm)___ 46(@300wpm)
I gently maneuvered her body into my arms, being extremely careful not to wake her. Then, I eased myself off the couch with her cradled against my chest so I could carry her to her room.
Pressing my lips to her forehead once she was beneath the covers, I brushed my fingers over her cheek. “Sleep tight, sweetheart,” I whispered. “I love you.”
The words slipped out without me even thinking first, but they weren’t a lie. I did love her, and though I wasn’t sure if she was ready to hear the words yet, I was beyond ready to say them to her for the rest of our lives.
I was up before Cecily the next morning, as usual. I knew she had to go into the club early today to let in the guys bringing in orders and to work on the books. It would be an extremely long day for her, but I wanted it to start off on the right note.
Walking out of the house in my bare feet, I wandered her expansive yard until I found a pretty yellow wildflower. I plucked it from the ground and then took it inside. After making her a cup of coffee and two pieces of buttered toast lightly sprinkled with cinnamon—just how she liked—I took it into the bedroom.
She was just beginning to wake up, and she sleepily smiled at me as she stretched.
God, she was so fucking perfect.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” I greeted, setting the tray on her nightstand. Placing a hand on either side of her head, I leaned over her and pressed our lips together. “Sleep well?”
She nodded. “Very good.” Sniffing the air, she rolled her head to look at her nightstand, her eyes brightening. She pushed herself into a sitting position. “Did you bring me breakfast in bed?”
“I sure as hell did.” Grabbing the tray, I settled in on her lap. Her smile was so wide and bright, she could’ve powered an entire house. I pressed my lips to her temple, my chest swelling with pride. I’d done something so simple, but it started her day right. “Enjoy, sweetheart. I need to head to the clubhouse and get caught up on some paperwork. Seb will be running the ship here today.”
She pouted at me, and it took everything in me not to cancel all my plans, say fuck work, and stay right here with her. “You have to go now?”
I chuckled and poked the tip of her nose with my finger. “Yes, I do. And you need to eat, drink your coffee, and get ready for work, too. I’ll see you tonight. I promise. I’ll be right here waiting on you.”
She sighed. “Fine,” she grumbled.
Leaning down, I softly kissed her, not even caring about her morning breath. Then, I grabbed the flower I picked and pushed it into her messy hair. Her cheeks colored a light shade of pink, and she reached up to brush the tips of her fingers over the petals. “See you later, sweetheart.”
Then, I left the house, leaving half of my damn soul behind with her.
“So, you and Cecily, huh? Seems like it’s getting deep,” Remi said, barging into the chapel. He was way too fucking cheerful for someone who looked to have just rolled out of bed.
I arched an eyebrow at him, my pencil poised over the book I was working on. “I thought you were with Seb.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Spent most of the night throwing up. Seb told me to take today off.” He sat at the table, but a few seats down from me. “Think I caught some kind of bug,” he said, waving me off when I frowned at him, concerned. “I just feel nauseated now. Haven’t thrown up in a few hours.”
“If you start throwing up again, I’m taking you to the doctor.”
He rolled his eyes at me. “Whatever, Dad.” I scoffed. I was protective of my family; I couldn’t help it. And these guys were the only family I had after losing my parents in a car accident when I was little. I didn’t remember much of them, so it didn’t bother me too much. I had enough happy family photos to know I was loved while they were alive, and that was enough for me.
“Come on; spill the beans, Prez,” Remi said, looking at me. “She’s hot as hell. I’d tap that.”
I pointed my pencil at him, narrowing my eyes to warn him that he was treading on very dangerous ground. “I’m going to stab your eyes out in a minute.”
He barked out a laugh and then groaned, his face paling. “Okay,” he muttered after a moment. “Are you happy, Adler?”
I nodded at him, relaxing now. “She makes me incredibly fucking happy, Remi. As long as I can hold her with me, she’s not going anywhere.”