Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 117505 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 588(@200wpm)___ 470(@250wpm)___ 392(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 117505 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 588(@200wpm)___ 470(@250wpm)___ 392(@300wpm)
“Fuck,” Drake swore. “She doesn’t deserve this shit.”
“On that we agree. Look, I’ll keep an eye on her girls and see what they’re up to. I called Silas a few minutes ago so he can put his ear to the ground. If they’re up to something, Silas will find out. There isn’t much that can be hidden from him.”
Drake nodded. “I appreciate this, man. She’s been hurt enough because of me as it is, and I’ll be damned if she’s going to be hurt by self-serving bitches who use her to get to me.”
“Just make her happy,” Maddox said bluntly.
“I’m certainly going to try,” Drake returned in an even voice. “Good night and thanks for taking care of Evangeline today.”
Maddox crooked a grin. “My pleasure. I got breakfast out of the deal. That was all the thanks I could ask for.”
Maddox shot him a salute and then sauntered out of the building, leaving Drake to get the elevator up to his apartment. As he rode up, he swore at the knowledge that Evangeline had been upset by her former roommates. Maddox had warned him about bitches being the ones to cut Evangeline to ribbons, but he hadn’t considered it would come from her own friends. He should have seen it a mile away and made damn sure it never became an issue. But he’d let the matter drop when it appeared they were out of the picture. His mistake and one he wouldn’t be making again.
He entered the apartment, his gaze immediately searching for Evangeline. His blood immediately surged when he heard her call his name as she entered the living room. She was fastening a pair of the diamond earrings he’d given her and was wearing a sexy, feminine cocktail dress that just clipped the tops of her knees.
She hurried toward him barefooted, a welcoming smile on her face.
“I thought I heard the elevator,” she said breathlessly. “I wasn’t sure what time to expect you. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you properly.”
He lifted one eyebrow. “Define properly. Because from where I’m standing, the view is pretty damn sweet. Have to tell you, baby. That dress? Is definitely coming off you as soon as we get back home later.”
She shivered delicately against him as she wrapped her arms around him in welcome.
“Does it make me a terrible person to say that I’m suddenly very eager for dinner to be over with so we can get back home?” she asked breathlessly.
He smiled and captured her lips with his in a long, tender kiss. “Have I mentioned how much I adore terrible women?”
Her expression became troubled and she nibbled at her bottom lip. His eyes narrowed in question.
“What’s wrong, Angel?” he asked sharply.
“I have something to tell you,” she said in a low voice. “My friends Steph, Nikki and Lana all came over today. It was a shock. I had no idea they were coming.”
He relaxed and hugged her to him and then guided her toward the couch in the living room. “Maddox told me what happened. Are you all right?”
She nodded slowly. “I’m fine. Now. At the time I was caught completely off guard and had no idea how to react.”
“What does your gut tell you?” he asked, cupping her chin and looking her in the eyes.
She looked surprised by his question. Then she pondered it for a moment before letting out her breath. “I honestly don’t know,” she said truthfully. “I think it’s too soon yet. I think I need more time before I make up my mind.”
He nodded his approval. “Good girl. It doesn’t make you a bad person to reserve judgment until you have more evidence. It makes you smart.”
Her cheeks went rosy with her flush at his praise and he kissed the tip of her nose. “Give me ten minutes to change and I’ll be ready to go if you are.”
“I just need to get my shoes,” she said in a breathless voice.
“Zander and Hartley will be accompanying us to and from the restaurant,” he said as they walked toward the bedroom. “We’ll eat alone, but they’ll be seated a short distance away.”
He said it in a casual tone but watched closely for her reaction. She frowned slightly, her forehead wrinkling with worry.
“Is there really that much of a threat to you?”
He stopped and pulled her to him. “I’m more concerned with there being a threat to you. It’s why I insist on you being protected at all times and always having an escort when you leave our apartment.”
She looked at a loss for words as she stared up at him. “Why would anyone threaten me?”
“Because I care a great deal about you and anyone with eyes can see that. I don’t want to frighten you, Angel, and I damn sure don’t want to give you any reason to not want to be with me, but I won’t lie to you. You are in danger simply by being with me.”