Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 90114 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90114 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
"I got carried away." It's still there, in my head, the image of his awful smile. It's still infecting the room.
"That almost sounds like an apology."
"I'm sorry."
Her eyes fill with confusion. "Thank you." She stares at me like I've sprouted horns.
"What?" I turn to the window. Try to find solace in the deep blue water. It's no use. There's no clarity in the river. Or the sky. Or the big silver moon.
"Something is on your mind." Her voice stays soft. Curious.
"Is that a question or a statement?"
"More an invitation."
"I meant what I said, Jasmine. I am lucky to marry you. And you are better than what I deserve. But I can't love you. I'm not capable of loving anyone."
Her eyes fill with hurt, but she says nothing.
"I'm not capable of sharing my heart with you. If that's what you're after—"
"It's only a question, Shep. You can say I'd rather not discuss it."
That's not the entire truth, but I don't have the moral high ground here. I nod. Play by her terms. "I'd rather not discuss it."
"Okay, well… if you change your mind, I guess." She motions to her room. "I'm going to shower." Her eyes meet mine. They offer an invitation. A different one.
She wants intimacy however she can get it.
Or maybe my ego is talking. Maybe she only wants my body. Maybe she wants nothing more than satisfaction.
Either way—
I'm not denying her.
"You should." Finally, my shoulders relax.
The thought of tying Jasmine to her bed—That's everything I need.
"After, put on that purple robe. Nothing under it." I firm my voice. So she knows exactly what I mean. "Then sit on your bed and wait."
"Wait?"
"Yes. Until I'm ready." My eyes meet hers. "That is what you want."
It's not a question. She nods anyway. "Yes. But… are you sure you're okay?"
"Is this what you want? Yes or no?"
"Yes."
"Then go. Before I lose my patience." I let my voice get harder. "You won't like what happens if I lose my patience, princess."
Chapter Thirty-One
Jasmine
It's official. I'm not only insane. I'm—what is it men say?
Thinking with my dick.
I'm thinking with my clit.
I'm completely out of my head.
But I don't care.
Everything is shaded with pleasure.
My shower is illicit. Like the warm water is his fingertips. Like his hands are the ones in my hair. Like he's standing on the tile, watching with wide eyes.
I should be wondering why he's pushing the wedding, what his stepfather was doing at our party, if my dad really is okay—
But I'm not.
I'm buzzing with anticipation.
Thinking more, more, more.
It's the only thing in my head.
And, fuck, that feels good. I'm not listening to my better judgment. Or my inhibitions. Or the voice nagging make sure he's okay.
Maybe he's not.
But I'm not either.
And this is all he can offer me.
I'm not a fool. I'm taking it.
I turn off the water. Step onto the cool tile. Pull a violet towel around my chest.
Soft fabric against my skin. Thick. Sturdy.
It's like he's the one touching me.
My breath leaves my body as I step into my bedroom.
The air is crackling with electricity. Everything is charged.
The hardwood floor is smoother. The silk robe is sleeker. The night sky is bluer.
I press my knees together, trying to contain the anticipation coursing through me.
It's not enough.
My sex is already aching.
It's hard to believe we had sex earlier today. The memory of bliss is crystal clear, but I'm still desperately in need.
Like it's been a million years since anyone has touched me properly.
I pull my robe a little farther down my thighs. Tie it a little tighter.
But I don't feel right covering up.
I want to be exposed. I want to drive him as crazy as he drives me.
I undo the sash. Let the smooth fabric roll over my thighs and breasts.
It falls outside my hips. It leaves my body on display for him. My breasts, stomach, pelvis, thighs.
Then I spread my legs a little wider, so I can show him everything.
It makes me achier. Emptier. I need him touching me, holding me, fucking me.
I need him looking at me, his blue eyes wide, his lips parting with a groan.
It's strange. I've never needed someone looking at me before. But I need it so badly I can taste it.
The air buzzes as footsteps move closer.
A hard knock.
The door opens.
Shep steps inside. He moves down the short hallway, into the main room.
Closer to the bed.
Only five feet away.
He's in his suit and tie, but he's not a buttoned-up businessman. No, right now he's wild and fierce.
Barely contained.
Ready to use me however he sees fit.
It should scare me. Instead, it makes my sex clench.
Use me, baby. Make me your toy. Fuck me until I can't breathe.
My inhibitions are gone. I'm not sure if it's the gin or the night or the look in Shep's eyes. But I don't care.
I only care about getting what's mine.