Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 131330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 657(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 657(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
36
ASPEN
It’s after midday by the time Izaac and I walk out of the police station, and I’m not going to lie, today hasn’t exactly been the best day for me. From the second I woke up, Izaac had me down at the police station answering questions, forcing me to relive it all, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, the detectives had me watch the surveillance footage from the dark room, and it sent me into a blind panic. I spent an hour trying to calm down, and the second I was able to, they hit me with the rest of their questions.
I don’t regret it though—the questions, not the pen-stabbing. That’s going to take me a while to come to terms with, and something tells me that I’ll be spending long hours with a therapist trying to work through it, but I’m glad it’s over. The police asked me what they needed to know, and with the footage they were provided, it was easily marked as self-defense. They still need to do an autopsy and tick all of their boxes, but they’ve told me I’m off the hook. That didn’t stop them from giving me the don’t leave town speech.
As for Izaac, considering the circumstances, his part in it was shrugged off, but he didn’t seem concerned. If they wanted to hit him with battery charges, he was willing to accept them.
Izaac pulls up outside my apartment, and I press my lips into a tight line, glancing up into those dark eyes. “Are you really sure this is a good idea?” I ask. “I get that you’re all about not holding back and wanting to make this happen, but you realize by kidnapping me and taking me home to your place, you’re essentially forcing me to move in with you, right?”
He gives me a blank stare.
“We fight, Izaac. All the time,” I point out, just in case he hadn’t figured it out yet. “Me moving in with you while this is still so new . . . it’ll be a disaster. Not to mention, you’ve never lived in such close quarters with a woman . . . like, ever. And your mom doesn’t count.”
“Aspen—”
“Do you know how gross we are?” I ask. “Our hair comes out in the shower and clogs the drain, and when it gets tangled in my fingers, I make little swirlies with it on the shower screen.”
“Would you shut the fuck up about your shower swirlies and get your ass up to your apartment and start packing?” he demands. “I’m not changing my mind. I want you with me. Besides, in case you haven’t noticed, trouble seems to follow you everywhere you go, and it would be a shitload easier keeping you out of it if you came home to me every night.”
I scoff, gaping at him. “Oh, I see. This is all because you think I need a full-time babysitter.”
“I swear to God, Aspen. Either walk your ass upstairs and start packing your things, or I’ll—”
“You’ll what?”
“You’re infuriating, Aspen Ryder.”
“Right back at ya, Izaac Banks.”
“Get your ass out of my car.”
A stupid grin tears across my face, and I roll my eyes before grabbing my bag and reaching for the door handle. By the time I get out and am standing in front of his Escalade, he’s right there with me, his hand pressed to my lower back as he leads me toward the main entrance of the apartment complex.
It’s a quick walk up to my apartment, and the second we get inside, Izaac storms right into my bedroom closet, grabbing handfuls of clothes and tossing them onto my bed, and all I can do is watch.
This really is going to be a disaster. But I can’t wait.
Living with Izaac has been something I’ve dreamed about for years, but it was always so unachievable, and honestly, I don’t even really understand how we got here. It’s all happening so quickly, but I’m here for the ride. If he’s ready to finally see what’s been in front of his face all this time, then who the hell am I to keep him from that?
I lean against the doorframe of my bedroom, a slow smile spreading across my face.
Izaac Banks is in love with me.
God, I’ve known it for weeks, but it’s so surreal.
As if realizing he’s emptying my closet all alone, he looks back at me, watching the way I stare at him, and I see the need to tell me off flashing in his eyes, only it’s gone a moment later. He steps away from the closet, his gaze locked on me, and as he stalks toward me, a thrill pulses through my veins.
Izaac moves right in front of me, lifting his hand and brushing his fingers down the side of my face, his gaze darkening as he holds my stare. His fingers trail down to my chin before lifting, and not a moment later, his lips are on mine. He kisses me deeply, his hand falling to my waist and pulling me in tighter against him.