Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
For some odd reason, I loved that he didn’t wear a mask at his own masquerade gala. That face should not be covered.
This is him? Wow.
I wanted to kick myself for my utter stupidity in not being prepared for how handsome he was.
Granted, those pictures had not done him any justice. In fact, no photo could capture his gorgeousness. This man had surpassed the very concept of good-looking. And, to describe him as handsome was to simply miss the entire point of God’s divine work.
What word could sum Ethan Vanderbilt up?
Here I remained, stiff and drooling and I—an author—could not come up with one word to describe him. Perhaps there were no words in any language that could adequately define a man like him.
Too much sex and power radiated off of his lovely form. One would need many words and tons of sentences. This was the sort of gorgeous specimen that could inspire a sonnet or even an epic poem.
Here was a man who was as far beyond the definition of good-looking as the heavenly angels were beyond the stars.
Damn. Just. . .damn.
Ethan stood in front of me and I had nothing to say.
I was utterly speechless.
A smirk spread on his face as he studied me.
Surely a man like him knew the effect he had on women.
Did he know I couldn’t find words in my head to describe him? Was that why he let me take my time?
If he did have a clue of what was going on in my head, then he knew how to read me better than anyone else ever had.
Claire broke the silence. “Ethan Vanderbilt, how nice it is to see you.”
Ethan kept his gaze on me and nodded his head. “It is nice to see you too, Mrs. Porter.”
My insides warmed when I heard his voice. Never had that happened before. My body literally ached.
Oh my God.
His voice was like a cellist strumming a harmonious tune. The deep soulful tones vibrated through my body.
He had to be breaking some sort of law. It couldn’t be legal for a man this sexy to be walking around, wetting the panties of unsuspecting women.
“Oh no, Ethan.” Claire held her hand up close to his face as if he were supposed to kiss her fingers. “You know that you can always call me, Claire. Mrs. Porter is just too formal.”
“I understand, but I do love formalities.” Ethan gave her another polite nod. “Would you mind, Mrs. Porter, if I take your lovely friend away?”
Sighing, Claire lowered her hand. “Of course. But, must you take Maya away? We just got here.”
I blinked, suddenly realizing that I was the friend he was taking away.
Oh no. I can’t be alone with him.
Too busy keeping my nose in books and my fingers tapping on my keyboard, I hadn’t had sex in five years. I was focused on paving my way to financial freedom.
And once I got there, I just. . .kept on paving because I was always so busy, always moving. Up early, writing and writing. Stayed up late writing some more.
My life had become a blur of deadlines, releases, interviews, and signings.
I had made no time for love, too crowded by book boyfriends—heroes that didn’t need anything from me.
And now a man stood in front of me that could inspire the best romantic hero.
“Apparently, I must take Ms. Johnson on a tour of the maze.” Ethan’s smirk deepened. “I did hear correctly. Right? You want to see it?”
And I want to have sex with you too.
I widened my eyes.
What? Calm down.
But, I could never lie to myself.
Sighing, Claire turned to me. “Are you going to answer him or not?”
I cleared my throat. “Yes. I want to see it. The maze. Not. . .anything else.”
And I want to see you naked too.
I shuddered in embarrassment thankful he couldn’t hear my thoughts.
“Perhaps, we can all see the maze.” Claire smiled. “Unlike Maya, I have been on this property so many times it is a crime that I have never gotten a personal tour.”
“Later.” Ethan held out his arm in front of me. “For now, I would like to take Ms. Johnson on a private tour.”
I’m supposed to touch him?
Shocked, I looked at his arm.
I can’t touch him.
My reaction was absolutely shocking and incredibly insane. Never did I typically act this way. Also, I usually didn’t find myself around extremely hot rich guys either.
“Shall we?” Ethan stared at me, patiently waiting.
“Oh. Okay.” I placed my arm around his, more awkward than I’d ever been in my life.
“Well, then you will find us by the bar, Maya.” Sighing, Claire headed off with Shi.
What is going on? Is this really happening?
Just like that I was whisked away and strolling off with a stunningly gorgeous man as he gave me a tour of his immaculate grounds.
We walked in silence, passing tons of elegantly dressed guests donning fabulous masks dotted with gems and feathers.