Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“Isn’t that normal for him? Didn’t you say that was one of the reasons you were resisting marrying him even though you were hot to jump his bones?”
“I’m the only virgin my age in the United States. I’d be hot for anyone to jump my bones,” I argue, knowing I’m lying my ass off.
“Oh really? Then, let’s call ol’ Vic and tell him to come inside. I’ll give you two all the privacy you need.”
“Umm…. No. Stop. That’s never going to happen. Besides, Vic went with Niko and my father. I have Niko’s personal guards. I have Deke and Indigo.”
“Ohhhh, Indigo.”
“Yeah,” I laugh.
“You could attack Vic when he makes it back then.”
“No way.”
“Why? You know as well as I do all your childhood fantasies revolved around that man.”
“I’m not a kid anymore.”
“And Vic has just gotten hotter with age, woman.”
“Maybe,” I mutter, hating that I blush.
“Maybe? Now I know you’re lying to me.”
“Okay, he is extremely hot, but he’s working for Niko now, so he would never sleep with me.”
“Woman, have you looked in the mirror? And Vic has always had a soft spot for you. You could get that man in your bed easy.”
“Well, I wouldn’t do that. Not now,” I mutter.
“Not now? So, something has happened. I knew you were holding out on me. Now’s the time to spill woman.”
I let out a long sigh. “He’s ruined me for other men.”
“Oh my God! You had sex and didn’t tell me!?!”
“We didn’t have sex, at least not completely.”
“What does that mean?” she asks, scrunching her face up.
“I mean, well, we got off, but he didn’t… you know. He said that was something that wouldn’t happen until we’re married. So, technically, I’m still a virgin.”
“Oh… well, Emmie, that’s kind of sweet if you think about it. Who knew Niko would be such a gentleman.”
“I don’t think he is. I mean, come on, you’ve watched him. Maybe the answer is that he just doesn’t want me.”
“Oh, get real! I’ve seen the way Niko looks at you. Plus, Callan says Niko deeply cares for you. He just doesn’t know how to deal with emotions.”
“I think Callan is just saying what he thinks we want to hear, and he knows you will tell me what he says.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Because he and Niko don’t want me to fight that silly contract or this marriage.” I nibble on my bottom lip as I think about all the reasons why Niko wants to marry me and none of them have to do with the fact that he wants me so much he can’t stand it—which is what I really want.
“I think you’re selling yourself short.”
“After he gave me two orgasms on the beach, he gave me this…” I reach in my pocket and take out my engagement ring that Niko gave me and slide it back on my finger. I don’t know why I hid it. I just didn’t want to face a million questions. I feel vulnerable tonight, even with Zoe. I move my fingers back and forth, showing off my engagement ring. It’s so ostentatious it should be illegal.
“Oh my,” she gasps. “I’m blind.” I laugh because she’s silly, but it is big enough to glare. “That’s not a ring a man buys a woman he doesn’t want, Emilia Jane.”
“Do not use my full name again or I will cut you,” I fake growl, making her laugh. “I don’t want to talk about me anymore. Tell me about you and Callan.”
Zoe grins, and the happiness on her face makes my heart squeeze with joy for her. She deserves everything good. I don’t know where I would be without her.
“Emmie, I’m so happy that it’s scary. We’re practically living together, and he doesn’t like it when I come home at all.”
“Then why do I feel like you’re worrying?”
“Because I am,” she confesses. “Everything has gone way too fast. I can’t be in love with him this quickly. Can I?”
I think about it and realize that she has every reason to be in love with Callan. I’m in love with Niko, and Zoe has more reason than I do to allow herself to go there. Callan adores her. He doesn’t like to have her out of his sight. If anyone is foolish here, it’s me.
“You can and you are. Heck, Zoe, you’re so in love that you’re practically glowing with it. Callan’s called you twice tonight. I think you should stop worrying and go for it. I know if Niko gave me half the encouragement that Callan is giving you, I’d go for it without a thought.”
“Niko is more reserved than Callan. I’m thinking he will surprise you if you give him time. Stop questioning everything, Emmie.”
“Maybe,” I whisper, wondering if I can find the courage to do it.
CHAPTER 24
Niko
Walking across the cool, tiled floor of my executive suite, I can’t seem to get away from the empty feeling this place has. I’m a man who has always enjoyed being on my own. Now, it’s the last thing I want. I push my thoughts aside. I’m going to take a shower and wash the day away. I’m looking forward to Emilia calling me tonight. She should be back from Zoe’s now. I texted her yesterday, but we play phone tag. This time difference is slowly killing me. There’s like a seven-hour difference between us right now. This means she’s sleeping when I finally get down time. It’s always too late to call her, and I hate not hearing her voice.