Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 88263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
It’s wrong, it’s good. It’s too much. I whimper into his mouth, pressing myself tighter. He doesn’t need to pin me any longer. I’ve already given myself over, at least for the duration of a kiss.
Which is long enough to make me realize how much trouble I’m in.
When the kiss breaks apart, my reality comes flooding back. Nolan drags me over to the table and the priest lingers, looking uncomfortable.
“Sign here, and here, and here.” The priest walks us through the paperwork, which is straightforward. When he’s done, he collects everything, double-checks it, and nods to himself. “I’ll file in the morning. Congratulations, you two.” He manages not to slur, though I smell the alcohol on his breath.
“Adrian will see you out. Thank you, Father.”
The old guard leads the priest to the elevator.
But Nolan remains behind. He walks to the railing, gripping the edge as he looks out at the city. I hesitate, not sure what to do, before I follow.
“It’s done,” he says, not glancing in my direction. His face seems conflicted, which makes a stab of anger flush into me.
“Don’t sound so upset about it.”
He seems surprised by my reaction. “I’m not upset. Not at all.”
“Tell that to your face.”
He shakes his head, smiling. “You misunderstand. I’m happy. It’s only, our lives are going to change now. Even if we divorce like you plan in five months, everything’s going to change.”
“Having second thoughts?”
“Not in the slightest.” He reaches out, pulling me to his side. I stumble against him, sucking in a breath as I glance down at the parking lot hundreds of feet below. “All my life, I’ve done what’s best for the family.” He speaks in a low, emotional tenor. “My world’s been the Crowley organization since I was old enough to understand language. I worshipped my father, then I feared him, then I hated him, but all the while I did what I had to do. For family is always greater.” He says that last line like he has it memorized.
“What happened? To your father, I mean?”
“He passed. Nobody’s upset about it. Carson took over as boss like everyone expected, and everything changed.” He’s silent for another moment, before turning to me. “I don’t want you to think that I’ll ever let you get hurt by any of this. The family business is my burden, not yours.”
“That’s good to know. I didn’t plan on gunning down any gangsters in the street.”
“I didn’t either, but things change.” He leans closer, mouth brushing against my neck. “Now that you’re mine, what should I do with you?” The shift in conversation is abrupt, like he’s forcing himself to push past an uncomfortable memory.
“I was thinking you’d let me get a good night’s sleep.”
“Doubtful.” His lips brush my throat. “What else? We can do anything you want.”
“A hot shower. Clean clothes.” I’m breathing fast as his lips move toward mine. I should push him back, disengage from this, but I’m still dizzy from that last kiss. “A night spent alone in my bed.”
“I can do two of the three.”
Then he kisses me again, and I know what he has waiting in our room.
Chapter 16
Keely
The room is red and gold with silver accents. I barely get a glimpse at the sitting area before he’s pulling me toward the bedroom. “I just realized I don’t have any clothes,” I say, trying to resist his gravitational draw. “Maybe we can just fly home tonight?”
But he doesn’t seem to care. “I’ll have a new wardrobe sent up tomorrow.”
“A wardrobe? Sorry, you’re doing what?”
“Buying you new clothes.” He stands beside the bathroom door, arms crossed over his chest, as I linger at the foot of the bed. “Now, undress.”
“Excuse me?”
“All of that.” He gestures at my outfit with a frown. “Remove it.”
“I don’t think so.” I take a step back. “I know you’re looking forward to a wedding night, but I told you, we’re not having sex.”
“You asked for a hot shower and a change of clothes. Do you plan on washing yourself while wearing jeans?”
“I plan on washing myself alone.”
He smirks. “I’ve seen it all before.”
“And you won’t ever see it again if you talk like that.” I glare at him, getting annoyed. “Seriously, Nolan, what am I supposed to change into?”
His head tilts in what I’ve come to understand is his thinking expression. Then he nods to himself. “I’ll call to the front desk and have them procure you something.”
“Sorry, you’ll what now?”
“There are several decent places to shop in the city. I’ll have something brought over.”
“It’s three in the morning,” I say, shaking my head. “There’s got to be a limit to what money can do.”
“You clearly don’t understand money then.” He walks to the bedroom door. “Enjoy your shower. I’ll be back shortly.”
Before I can complain, he disappears, shutting the door behind him.