Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34680 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 139(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34680 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 139(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
“I see the way he looks at you. I bet he can’t keep his hands off you. You probably have a baby in you already,” Mariana says, making me burst into laughter. She kind of has a point. Griff is all over me every chance he gets. I wouldn’t be surprised if I were pregnant either. I mean, it’s not like we take any precautions.
Her words wash away the thoughts I had of them thinking of me as a silly girl who is too young for this. Both of them have really made it easy to talk to them. They’re so different from the girls back at boarding school. I’m slowly learning that not everyone has cruel or dismissive things to say to me. It’s nice to be around girls that are supportive and actually want to get to know me.
“I know he loves me,” I say. That’s the one thing that keeps my mind from spinning and going down a path of insecurities and doubt. It can be really hard to not go there at times, but when he says those three little words to me, everything inside of me always settles.
“And you live together. I didn’t know he was seeing anyone, but I’ve only met Griffin a few times.” Amelia says, coming over to sit next to me. “Want to hold her?”
“Really?” I want to, but I’m nervous. I have no clue how the heck to hold a baby. I don’t want to outwardly say that, though.
“Yes, really.” She slowly lowers her into my arms.
“Wow.” I stare down at Phoenix’s little pudgy face. She's as adorable as can be, but I understand why they named her Phoenix. She has a fire in her eyes. It’s undeniable that she’s going to be a force to be reckoned with when she gets older. Grant is going to have his hands full.
“How long have you two lived together?” Mariana asks.
“Well, not that long, but it’s also not a normal situation,” I admit.
“It never is.” Amelia laughs.
“Isn’t that the truth.” Mariana laughs along with her. I know there must be a story there.
“Griff was kind of forced to take me in.” I don’t know why I hate admitting that.
“Yeah, he looks all bent out of shape about it,” Amelia teases me. I’ve never really thought about it like that. I guess she has a point.
“Bent out of shape about what?” Griff asks, entering the room. Both Mariana’s and Amelia’s husbands are right behind him.
“Nothing.” I rush to cover. He gives me a look that says he’s not buying it. I know he’s going to get it out of me one way or another. His eyes drop to the baby in my arms. Something flashes across his face, but as quickly as it was there, it’s gone.
“Are you ready? I think I’ve had enough of sharing you for one day.” His sweet words warm me. I love how affectionate he’s being.
“I think so.” I hand Amelia back the baby. Griff offers me his hand, pulling me to my feet so that we can say our goodbyes. This time I have my phone so I can get their numbers. We’ve barely exchanged our info, and Griff is practically dragging me out of the house.
Seeing them all together and how close they are is a bit of a reminder that I haven’t spoken to my brother. We might not have been super close, but maybe that can change now that I’m not shoved off at some school. I should make an effort.
The second we’re in the back of the car, Griff is pulling me into his lap. “I love you. Now tell me what’s bothering you.” I can’t help but smile. He knew saying he loved me would help with wherever I let my mind go.
“You want me to live with you, right?”
“You’re not going anywhere.” He grips my chin to make me meet his eyes. “You’re mine, Vivian, and I’m keeping you.” I press my mouth to his.
I’m not going to let my silly thoughts get in the way of this. Griff and I are together. We might even be growing a family. Something I’ve wanted my whole life.
This could be a new start even for Charles and me. Tomorrow I’ll reach out to him. It’s time to let go of the past and start embracing what could be.
21
GRIFFIN
When I see that Vivian is engrossed in her kittens, I take the opportunity to steal away to my office. Dialing Linn, I settle back in my chair.
“Mr. Friarlane. It’s Sunday.” The archness in her tone reminds me of Mrs. Putnam.
“I’m aware. I have a job for you. Find out who owns the Gravebridge Boarding School. Get back to me with the school’s financials–everything I’d need to prepare an offer on the property. Give me a list of staff, too. Especially the instructors in the upper-level courses for older students. I want names.” I need to know who harmed my Vivian. If they’re lucky, they’ll simply be out of a job, nothing more. But my wrath is disinclined to grant even small mercies to anyone who dared hurt her.