Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45366 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 227(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45366 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 227(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
I figure she and I are about the same age. “I guess in a way I was sheltered too. My father is wealthy, so I had everything money could buy, but he was strict, and I didn’t have much freedom.”
“I guess we have that in common then. I didn’t have any freedom. I also didn’t have any money. I was working two jobs when I met Papi. In fact, the reason I met him was because I was cleaning Club Zoom after hours, and I was so tired I fell off a ladder.”
I gasp. “Were you hurt?”
She shakes her head, her long pigtails swaying around her shoulders and down her chest. “Luckily just bruised, but you would think I fell ten stories the way Papi coddled me.” She giggles.
I understand that. “I’m sorry you were working so hard. I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never worked. I was raised to be the perfect wife for a man I despised.”
Her eyes widen. “You were married?”
I shake my head. “No. Not yet. That’s why I was at Club Zoom. I kept sneaking out and going to the club in hopes someone would choose me and save me from a life of unhappiness.”
She looks stunned. “That was risky.”
“It wasn’t. Brad is an…” I start to say asshole but then fear Papi might hear me. I amend my words. “He’s not a nice person. He didn’t care about me at all. He only wanted me as a trophy wife. I would have spent my life as his arm candy.”
She winces. “That does sound bad.” She reaches out and takes one of my hands in hers. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too.” I am. I’m not even lying. I feel comfortable with this woman. We have very different backgrounds, but some similarities too.
I sense Papi coming toward me and look up to see him smiling at our clasped hands. “How’s it going over here?”
“Good.” We release each other.
“We need to head over to the jeweler now, Baby girl. You and Chrissy will have a lifetime to play together.” He reaches over the edge of the playpen and sweeps me into his arms.
“It was nice to meet you, Kendra,” Chrissy says.
“You too. I’ll see you soon.” I give her a wave as Papi carries me back the way we came and into the house.
He kisses my neck. “Did it go okay?” he asks. It’s sweet that he’s concerned.
“Yes. She’s nice. Don’t worry, Papi, we’ll be friends,” I reassure him. It’s important to him, so I would go out of my way to make sure Chrissy and I are amicable, but I don’t think I’ll have to. We clicked. I think we’ll be fine.
Chapter Twelve
Kendra
My nerves don’t fully kick in until we’re standing outside Ekert’s front door, waiting for it to open. Papi has my hand clasped in his, giving me a reassuring squeeze.
I flinch nervously as the huge door opens. I’m still stunned by the size of everything on this planet. It makes sense. The men are very tall and broad. Their homes, doors, and furniture are gigantic, but it’s still shocking to look at and makes me feel like I’m a child.
Comical since I’m a Baby as far as Papi is concerned. I always will be apparently. I wonder if it will get old and annoying eventually. I can’t wrap my head around wearing a diaper for the rest of my life.
Sophie peeks around Ekert’s leg. “You’re here!”
They step back to let us in, Ekert dragging his straight leg dramatically so that Sophie doesn’t have to let go.
Sophie is giggling as she hangs on. The blond curls of her pigtails bounce with every move. Unlike my hair, hers is naturally blond. It looks so soft and pretty. I bet mine will be in better shape when I get the blond all cut off. Without curling irons, hair dryers, and straighteners damaging my hair every day, I bet it will be healthier.
“Come on into the shop. I set aside some topaz stones for you to see. I think they will look amazing with your eyes.”
The moment we step into the shop, I’m in awe. There’s a long glass case running down one wall. It’s filled with gems of every color, including some gems and colors I’ve never seen before.
Papi has to tug my hand to get me to move farther into the room where Sophie has raced ahead to an open section of the case. She’s bouncing on her feet excitedly. “I helped pick them out. You’re going to love them.”
I hold my breath as I lean over the edge and take in dozens of yellow stones. They’re so pretty.
“Have you ever worn topaz before?” Ekert asks from the other side of the case.
Papi has his hands on my shoulders, and he’s leaning over to stare at the gems with me.