Total pages in book: 225
Estimated words: 218500 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1093(@200wpm)___ 874(@250wpm)___ 728(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 218500 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1093(@200wpm)___ 874(@250wpm)___ 728(@300wpm)
He says, “Good morning,” in that deep timbre of his and kisses my shoulder.
“I have a surprise for you,” he says a moment later, mouth against the ridge of my ear.
“I don’t want any more surprises from you. I think I’ve had more than enough.”
“We’ll relax today so you can finish getting over being upset. I’ll give you the surprise tomorrow.”
“How magnanimous of you,” I say drolly.
He moves closer. “I’d love to give it to you today. Show you something I’m excited about.”
“I’m not exactly feeling up to anything where you’re concerned.”
“I get it. You need a little time. We’ll do it tomorrow.”
“How generous,” I mumble. “A little time? You’ve derailed my entire life in a matter of how long?”
He answers, “Fifteen days since we met. I was gonna take a little longer, as I said, but you forced my hand last night.”
“Oh, so it’s my fault that you’re an entitled psychopath?”
“No. That’s not your fault. But you get to reap the rewards and that is your doing. Because you caught the eye of the psychopath, commanded his attention, and you fascinated him to the degree he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about how much joy he’ll experience as he gets to give you everything you want.”
“Too bad he didn’t get fascinated with world peace or eliminating child hunger instead,” I mutter.
He laughs. Loud.
I turn over and face him, staring, dumbfounded at the male beauty mixed with brain chemical imbalance I’m staring at. Derek is a beautiful sight regardless of whether he’s chilly or warm.
When the laughter dies off without the sparkling in his dark eyes waning, he mutters, “I’ll work some of that in, too, since it’s obviously important to you. My family does a lot for many causes, though.”
I say nothing.
“Anything you want, Chloe. Anything you need. As long as you marry me and spend your life with me. Each night beside me. As long as I know where you are, and that you’re safe, always. Keep the promises you’ll make when you say your vows. That’s it.” He shrugs, then runs his knuckles along my cheek. “Tomorrow, there’s a family brunch at my parents’ house. After that, I’ll show you your surprise. Monday, we’ll go to city hall and get married. We’ll keep that under wraps for a little while if you need to, but… not for too long, okay?” He chucks me under the chin with his index finger knuckle and then drops a kiss on my forehead before sauntering to the bathroom in just his boxers.
Family brunch? Married? I stare off into nothing for a few minutes, until the sound of the shower turning on jolts me into action. I quickly scramble for my phone, then throw on the robe he bought me. I slip out into the living room while seeing six missed calls and a text from Alannah in my phone notifications.
Alannah: I stopped by. Adam said you broke up. He wouldn’t tell me where you are, but your car is there. Are you with Derek? Are you ok? Call me NOW.
I call her.
“Chloe!” she answers on the first ring.
I talk fast. “I’m at Derek’s. He’s in the shower, so I can only talk for a minute, but yes, Adam and I broke up.”
“I’m confused.”
I rub my temples with my thumb and pinky finger while holding the phone.
“Me, too,” I rasp.
“Come here or I’m coming over.”
“No. Don’t.”
“I need answers, Chloe. I’m terrified for you here.”
I choke on a sob. “I'm terrified too. And flabbergasted. And kind of crushed because of Adam.”
“What happened?”
“I can’t talk.”
“I’m coming over. You’re in the building where The Fifth is, right? Top floor?”
“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea. I don’t think he’ll let you in.”
“Then I’m coming to pick you up. Go downstairs right now and down the street. There’s a Dunkin’ a block away. Wait there.”
“I…”
“Hanging up now. If you’re not there when I get there, I will call the cops on this guy. I don’t give a shit.”
“Lan!”
“Chloe, I’m sorry but no. I don’t know what this is, but this shit isn’t okay. I don’t know what the hell is happening, but Adam was cold as ice with me, tells me you two broke up and that it’s his fault. He doesn’t wanna talk about it, won’t tell me where you are. All I know is Derek Steele was blackmailing you, stalking you, and now you’re there? What happened with Adam?”
Derek walks out in just a towel. Damp, muscled skin on display, eyes coasting over me with questions in his eyes.
“Fine. Come by. I’ll see you in five,” I say and hang up before she replies.
“Who?” Derek asks.
“Alannah. She’s freaking out. She needs to talk to me. She showed up at the house and Adam told her I left, so she’s having a conniption. I'll just go and –”