Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 169(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 169(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
He grinned, just like I’d hoped he would. “I read everything from technical journals to crime novels. Not much I won’t try at least once.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Technical journals? You mean, like medical stuff?” When his expression shifted slightly, I hastily added. “I heard you’re a doctor or something. Don’t worry. I’m not gonna ask for free medical advice or anything.”
“You can ask me for anything you want, CeCe. Medical advice or anything else.”
I gave him a wry smile. “Don’t mean you’ll give it to me, though. Right?”
He held my gaze with a steady one of his own. “I didn’t say that.”
“You didn’t have to.” I gave him a cheery smile. “Besides, I said I wasn’t gonna ask.” Before he could say something to make me cry, I changed the subject. “Wow. The breeze is really nice today.”
He nodded, his expression not changing. He seemed to study me, like he was looking for something in particular. “It is. Supposed to be bringing a bit of bad weather.”
“Yeah, I heard there was something coming in. Not a hurricane or anything.”
“No. Weather could still be dangerous, though. You got a good, solid place to stay?”
Was it my imagination or was there a double meaning to his words? “Good as any, I guess.”
“I got a spare bedroom if you need to crash.” I shook my head and opened my mouth to speak, but he cut me off with a raised hand. “No strings, CeCe. Just a sturdy, dry place to stay, maybe some dinner, and good conversation.”
God, if only!
“I --” I swallowed. I wanted that. So fucking much! But if I didn’t show up at Marco’s, Ettore would kill me.
Or worse.
“I can keep you safe. From everything.”
My insides fluttered even as disappointment was so strong one tear managed to leak from my eye before I could stop it. Tears were a weakness I couldn’t afford to show. Not in front of anyone. But especially not Atticus. That feeling he was something more than what he appeared to be was stronger than ever as I searched his face for… something. Deliverance, maybe? My whole life I’d belonged to Ettore Alfonso. From the time I was born in Italy to now. He’d made it abundantly clear I’d always belong to him.
But what if I could have my own life? What if I were free to do whatever I wanted to do? Be with whomever I wanted to be with? Undoubtedly, I’d want to be with Atticus. More than one night, too. If he was the man I thought he was. And really, how many men sat here night after night talking to someone like me, knowing what I was, and never hit on me?
“You and I both know what I am, Atticus.”
“Sure. You’re an intelligent, beautiful young woman.”
“I’m a whore,” I said softly. “Have been for a long time.”
“You can be anything you want to be, Cecilia.”
“Right. I hear you.” He had no idea how wrong he was. I still flashed him a cocky grin. “Maybe today I’ll be one of those sophisticated bitches in Manalapan. I’ll crook my finger and everyone will do my bidding.”
He grinned at me. “I absolutely believe you could get everyone around you to do your bidding.”
Before the conversation could continue, my phone buzzed. Ettore. I shivered, knowing I was already late. I should have been at Marco’s ten minutes ago. I was surprised either man had let it go this long before reaching out to find out where the fuck I was.
“You gonna answer that?” Atticus raised an eyebrow and nodded toward my phone.
“Spam,” I muttered, sending the call to voicemail and shoving it into my handbag. I took a deep breath. “You know what? Maybe I’ll take you up on your offer. Be spontaneous. Right?”
“Yeah.” His drawl was sexy as shit. Even though he’d said there were no strings, I wasn’t certain I wanted it that way. What would it be like to have sex with someone of my own choosing? That was something I’d never experienced. God knew, if I could pick someone for sex, it would be Atticus. “Spontaneity can be fun.”
“If you were serious about that offer?” I really hoped he wasn’t fucking with me.
“Absolutely serious, CeCe. No strings. No expectations.”
I took a bite of my pie. The only bite I’d managed so far. Decision made, my stomach settled. I’d deal with tomorrow. If this was my last night on Earth, I was going to enjoy myself to the fullest.
Chapter Three
Bullet
Christ, I had to be careful. Underneath all the bluster and the shroud of indifference she draped over herself, CeCe was a woman hurting. I knew from experience in medicine she likely equated her worth with her sexuality. I counted it a win she was willing to take shelter with me from the storm that was supposed to hit later tonight. It meant that, on some level, she trusted me. Trust was the first step in getting her out of the bad situation I suspected she was in.