Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 67518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
“What’s so wrong with that?”
“You cannot have your cake and eat it too!” Luxury’s eyes flicker over her shoulder at the raising of her own voice.
With wicked amusement in my eyes, I ask, “What’s cake for?”
“It’s . . .” Sighing, Luxury breaks off with the shake of her head.
“What shall I do with the cake, Luxury?” I reach through the window, my fingers skimming her cheek.
A glittering of longing flashes in her gaze. She executes the soft, silky voice that brings a massive rise out of my cock. “Don’t say cake like that.”
“Like what?” I groan and lean in, nibbling the hollow of her neck. “Don’t say cake like this?”
“No,” she snips as I start to climb over the windowsill. “Did I invite you in?”
Clutching the frame between us, I grovel. “Luxury, you must forgive me.”
“Don’t say my name like that either.”
Concealing a grin, I widen my stance. “I’ve asked to explain.”
I search Luxury’s face, but her eyes rivet every other direction but my own. “Good night, Victor.”
“I’m taking you to dinner tomorrow night.”
She deadpans, “I’d rather spend my Friday night bleeding my wrists into a bed of roses.”
“On the contrary, you’ll want to say yes.”
“Oh?” She bubbles with barely contained laughter.
“Because you’re pleased with my flower choice, you appreciate the gesture, and you’re quite fond of me.”
“What is this, two truths and a lie? The first is true, by the way. Love the flower, amazing gesture. I don’t hate you, but I’ve developed an aversion to you. Like extreme.”
“Alright, I’ll swap the third reason you’ll accompany me to dinner.”
Electricity swirls between us. After all the shite I’ve had to fight, kill, or conquer in the past, I suddenly realize that I’ve rarely led a normal, peaceful life. Now, I’m addicted to Luxury’s bliss. Her voice grows delicate as she asks, “Why, Victor?”
20
LUXURY
I stare into endless aqua blues, which promise ecstasy and heartbreak then my gaze pivots to the remaining Fire Lily. Victor paired the gorgeous flowers with chocolate Dahlias. It’s a combination I could not afford, separately or together.
Don’t fall in love with this man. My mind seems to be aware of things my heart might already be willing to excuse.
His bad habits.
The commanding.
The dominating.
The taking control.
But I should ask, what’s so wrong with ambition? I groan inwardly. Everything’s wrong with it. Dr. Finch terrifies me. And I love it. Dammit, Graham. Just when my faith in Victor had faded, his little brother unlocked the door and sucked me back into Victor’s world. I budded for Victor from a tiny ugly caterpillar into a butterfly, and Victor hurt me more than Arnold ever could. That’s the scary part. New lovers are more prone to be leery with an ex in the mix. They hold back, looking for someone with history, substance. But I let my guard down too soon. I allowed my heart to get involved in what was supposed to be a one-night stand. Victor has turned my world upside down. His possessiveness has initiated an intense struggle between my body and soul.
Nevertheless, he gave me flowers.
Slowly, I gesture to the spellbinding bouquet. Satisfaction glints in Victor’s eye.
“I’ll take these.” Tipping a smile of appreciation, I delicately remove my flowers from his hands.
“Dinner—”
Inhaling the floral fragrance, I murmur, “No.”
“Luxury.” It’s all growly goodness, causing a hurricane in my nether regions. Although my body was his altar, the betrayal stings like thistles to an eviscerated heart. My already shattered heart. Yes, I opened the door by allowing a one-night stand to occur, but he indulged me with three days.
I had an intense, emotional, and physical experience that most women fantasize about or cannot even fathom. Gather your bearings, Luxxie. Take it slow.
“Cool your heels.”
“What?” he utters, and I love the way he says that too.
“Hey, if you can say cuppa, I can say what I say.” Running a finger over the velvety, chocolate petal, I mutter, “I forgive you, but you’re still not in my good graces. Now, what you have to do is tell me . . .” My voice crashes like glass on the ground as a plethora of emotions washes over me.
It shouldn’t have hurt so bad, his rejection. I mean, we’ve only known each other for about two and half weeks.
I’m having second thoughts when Victor catches my mouth in a light searching kiss. Body surging toward me, he leans into the room. As my towel falls, hot, rough hands draw goose pimples over my flesh. His thumb flicks over my hardened nub. He reaches down, kissing the ache there.
As he caresses my tongue with his own, I groan, “I want you so bad.”
Victor climbs over the windowsill. His loafers are agile, moving through the sitting area, and I’m placed in bed with his bulky frame crushing down on top of me.
“Vic,” I call out to him.