Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“I want to assign someone to you when I’m not around. Like Clay and Vance are to Anya.”
I offer a disbelieving smile. “Alek, I don’t need that.”
His glare is penetrating as he grabs my hand and considers me. “I’m a selfish bastard for having you, but it’s dangerous being with me. You could become a target purely because of our association.”
I’m slightly baffled as to why he’s bringing this up now. “I know that. I knew that when I decided to date you, Alek. I understand there are risks, but there are in any relationship. I don’t need someone loitering over my every move.”
He sighs, exasperated. “Just promise me you’ll consider it. You are my priority. Your safety is everything to me.” My heart twists at his words, at his earnest plea.
I notice one of my co-stars walking over, so I press a kiss to his cheek, not entirely sure where this has come from all of a sudden. “I’ll think about it, but for now, do your best to smile and not scare anyone away.”
“Lena!” She bursts with excitement as she approaches in her dazzling red dress and holds her arms wide for me. I stand and embrace her.
She’s beautiful.
Everyone here is.
I’m still reeling by the fact that this is my new reality.
I look over my shoulder at Alek, who does his best to appear approachable, but he’s failing miserably.
And it makes me love him all the more for trying and being here with me tonight.
CHAPTER 49
Aleksandr
“Are you sulking again?” Anya asks as I tap my gloved hand against the table. River has his arm around her shoulders as we sit at our table to overlook the engagement tonight at the auction.
I ignore her. Pissed that for some reason this fucker is still here even after I paid him for tracking down the men who were after Cinita.
Will puts his glass to his lips with a smirk that infuriates me. He really grates on my nerves. “Don’t get shitty with me because your woman is having drinks without you,” he says, and I feel the vein my temple throb.
How the fuck does he even know that? And it’s not like I’m not allowed to join, but Lena “advised” how important it is she has a girls’ night out. Now I feel like an asshole for placing a bodyguard on her to blend into the crowd. It’s the only way I feel comfortable with her actually going anywhere without my personal protection.
“Don’t you have other people to find? Or did your clients stop calling because of your shitty personality?” I ask.
Anya’s eyebrows perk, obviously amused. I’m not one to usually bite back or play into someone’s games, but something about him really irritates me.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you two are flirting,” Anya chimes in, and I give her an unimpressed glare.
Will chuckles. “I wouldn’t be against bedding you and your—”
“I’d be very careful with what you say next,” Anya warns him on my behalf. Because I will fucking kill him if Lena’s name leaves his lips.
Will looks at River. “Don’t look at me. You’re a big boy, picking your own fights,” River says with a grin.
Will sighs and throws back his drink. “If you must know, I’m rather interested in River’s new offerings, which is why I’m here to bid.”
“Then shouldn’t you be sitting elsewhere so you can bid?” I grit out.
He only smirks, and I feel my temple pulse again.
Fucker.
I open my phone to look at the tracking app to see where Lena is. She’s still at the same restaurant.
The auctioneer announces the highest bidder on the current lot, and Anya’s eyes light up, most likely because she’s already spending that money on new jewels.
It’s strange in a way. I thought buying Lena extravagant gifts would bring her as much excitement as it does Anya. But the only time she lights up like that is when I bring her a bagel and coffee from her favorite café down the street from her apartment.
I close my phone and look at the stage again. She said she’d text me when she’s heading home, and I’m sure as shit leaving the moment I receive that text.
Fuck, is this what they call being whipped?
CHAPTER 50
Lena
Ifinish texting Alek that I’m on my way home. I should’ve messaged him when I was leaving the restaurant, but I was talking with my castmate as we waited for the cab we were sharing before dropping her off first.
Alek insisted Clay or Vance pick me up for the evening, but I reminded him I wanted to do normal things. Which, of course, he seemed confused about, but I’ve been insistent on keeping my independence.
When the cab pulls up to the curb at my apartment complex and I step out, my mood sours. Cinita is pacing back and forth at the front.