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)
The moon cast a haunting glow on the property.
Finally, Ethan spoke, “Do you know much about Ravenswood Manor, Ms. Johnson?”
“You can call me Maya, and I actually do not know anything at all.”
“Maya,” Ethan said my name like he was tasting the word. Like he was planning to say it even more as he made love to me.
Or perhaps that was just my musings as a romance author, yearning for my own happily ever after to come. . .finally.
Stepping onto a cobblestoned path, Ethan guided me along the side of the massive manor. “The history of my family’s property is shrouded in mystery and involves great tales of a powerful witch who once lived here centuries ago.”
“I love supernatural stories.”
“I know you do.” Ethan smirked. “You are quite the writer.”
I eyed him.
He winked at me. “I have read several of your romances.”
“No way.”
A sexy chuckle left him. “I have.”
“What books of mine have you read?”
“Can I be honest?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve read all twenty of them.”
I blinked. “Seriously?”
“I am very serious.”
“My own mother has only read three, and my bestie Claire. . .barely five.”
“Then, they are missing out on amazing storytelling.”
“How did you even find my books?”
He led us beyond the cobblestoned path. “I happened to be with a. . .female friend who was completely enraptured by your novel, Whispers of Lust. Unfortunately, it would be our last moment together. I respectfully told her so.”
“You broke up with her?”
“I would not call what we had an actual relationship, but yes. . .I ended our. . .situation.”
Of course, he is a playboy.
Ethan continued, “As you can probably guess, she was pretty upset and left in a rush. The next day, I spotted the book on the chair that she had been sitting in. I was about to tell my butler to grab it, but something in my mind. . .perhaps in my heart. . .said I should. . .read a page.”
“And you did?”
“I did.” He curved those perfect lips into a smile. “I got through a chapter and sat down to read more. My butler actually interrupted me hours later to my annoyance. Apparently, your book had made me miss an important meeting.”
I grinned. “Oh, I’m very sorry.”
“You’re not.”
I shrugged. “I’m not.”
“And so I kicked off my shoes and read more. By the next day, I had finished Whispers of Lust and ordered my butler to buy your entire catalog.”
“Are you serious?”
“I am. I spent this past year reading everything you have written.”
Suddenly, someone stepped out of the shadows. He was a tall man in a gray suit. “Excuse me, sir, but we have a situation in the ballroom.”
Ethan frowned. “One that requires my attention?”
“Yes, sir. It is your mother.”
Ethan let out a long breath. “She’s arrived?”
“Yes, sir.”
I moved my arm from his.
Ethan snapped his view to me as if I had insulted him.
“I can,” I swallowed. “I can totally see the maze another time. Especially if you have a situation.”
“The tour of the maze must happen.” Ethan gestured to the man. “Jackson, please take Maya to my office and make sure the staff brings her champagne and hors d’oeuvres.”
“Yes, sir.” Jackson stepped closer to me.
Ethan gave me a sad smile. “I promise. I will be right back and we can continue our tour of the maze. It is truly a must-see sight.”
“O-kay.” I watched him hurry away.
Jackson nodded at me. “This way, Ms. Johnson.”
He even knows my last name. Okay then.
Tonight would prove to be full of surprises.
Chapter 4
Diamond Rose
Jackson and I entered the huge mansion from the side, at least that was what I assumed.
A cacophony of festivities played about all throughout the space.
We quickly navigated our way through the elegant chattering crowd and headed to Ethan’s office.
The hallway was lined with the warm glow of hundreds of candles.
Off in the distance the clinking of glasses sounded, and the raucous laughter of the guests filled the air.
Following Jackson, my eyes adjusted to the light.
We passed a large room filled with tons of masked guests in the midst of deep fun-filled conversation.
Ten minutes later, Jackson stopped at a door and opened it. “After you, Ms. Johnson.”
“Thank you.”
“I will alert the staff to bring you everything you need.”
“That sounds awesome.” I stepped inside the large space. It was five times the size of my home office, exuded a refined richness, and smelled of leather and ink.
Floor to ceiling bookshelves lined almost every wall. Some of the bookcases had glass fronts highlighting intricate carvings and rare books.
Two leather couches—arranged to face each other in a sitting area in the center of the room—were next to a mahogany coffee table.
What looked to be an antique desk stood in the center, stacked with tons of files and books.
He’s just as messy as me.
Far in the back, a large grandfather clock ticked to the steady beat of my heart.