Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
I nod. “I think so. I don’t want to let anyone down.”
My father studies me for a moment, and then he smiles wide. “You can’t possibly let anyone down, Posey.” With a determined stride, he crosses the room to where I stand, leaning against the kitchen table. “Do you have your dress?” he inquires, his tone laced with anticipation.
I nod again. “Bridgette found a really classy dress that she says will be perfect.”
My father beams, and wraps his arms around me. “It’s not everyday your only daughter gets married. I can’t wait to walk you down that aisle.”
I hug my father back, wishing that there was some other way I could keep him safe without having to marry Bane.
But there’s not.
The sound of my phone’s notification pierces the air from the depths of my purse, startling me so intensely that I almost jump out of my own skin. With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, I delve into my bag, fingers fumbling through the items in search of my device. Each second feels like an eternity as I anxiously navigate the clutter. Is it Ledger, reaching out to me at last? The mere thought quickens my pulse.
“Expecting a call?” my father asks, watching me closely.
I clutch my phone, and swipe it on. There’s a message from Ledger. I look up at my father, meeting his eyes. “Just some wedding stuff.” I click open the message.
You never did answer my question.
What question is that?
What do you want?
And with one text my pep talk reminding me to stay away from Ledger dissolves. I type back as quickly as possible, trying my best not to seem too eager in front of my father.
I’ll show you tonight.
I know this is forward, but…I can’t stop thinking about you. About the way you smell. The way you looked in that dress. I can’t get the image out of my head. I just wanted you to know.
All the air is whooshed out of my lungs, and I try desperately not to look affected.
“Everything okay?” my father asks, returning to his computer.
I push my phone into my pocket, my heart beating out of control. “Fine.” I move away from the table. “I just have to use the bathroom.”
My father nods, and I rush out of the room, heading down the hallway.
As soon as I’m inside the confines of the bathroom, I let out a deep breath. I reread Ledger’s message over and over, a need pulsing through me.
I type him back.
I can’t stop thinking about you either.
I can’t believe I just wrote that, but there’s no taking it back. It’s out there.
It’s delivered.
There’s no turning back.
This is so wrong. I’m so sorry. I know you’re engaged. It’s just I don’t know how to stop wanting to touch you.
I want to tell him not to stop. To think about me as much as I think about him. To have the same thoughts I have.
To want me as badly as I want him.
But I can’t say that, can I?
I’m going to hell. I push my phone back into my pocket, unable to respond. I need to return to my prison, back to Bane.
Chapter 15
Ledger
I hold my breath as I wait for her to respond. It’s been nearly fifteen minutes, and no response. I toss my phone across the room, and scream.
I pace my condo, my pulse racing with this insane want for her.
“You can’t have her you asshole,” I shout out to nobody around. “Fuck.”
Last night at the club my resolve almost broke. I almost crossed that line and kissed her, and I know I can’t do that.
But I don’t know how I’ll be able to sit in a room with her and not kiss her.
It’s not even sexual at this point. I want to be the man that takes care of her. I want to make sure she’s safe twenty-four seven.
Not Bane and his men.
They can’t be trusted.
I need to keep her safe, but how?
She told me once that she always visits her father on Sundays. I glance at the clock on the wall. She’s probably there now.
With a quick Google search, I find her father’s address. I open the door to my condo, and run smack into my twin.
“Roman, what are you doing here?”
“I came by to check on you.” He studies me, raising a thick brow, his blue eyes focusing on me. “You okay? You look like a man possessed.”
I push a hand through my hair. “I’m fine.” My tone is harsh, and I try my best to appear normal. Whatever that is.
“Dude, you don’t look fine.” Roman places a hand on my shoulder. “What’s going on?”
I blow out an exasperated breath, not really wanting to let my brother in on why I’m such a mess. “I’m fine,” I say again, knowing full well he knows I’m lying. Call it a twin thing, but he’s always known when I’m lying to him. And vice versa.