Total pages in book: 17
Estimated words: 16246 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 81(@200wpm)___ 65(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16246 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 81(@200wpm)___ 65(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
“That’s not your money,” her father said with a snarl to his lips.
“You’re right, it’s my bloodline’s money. My mother never took your name and you will never be a Hall. You’re nothing,” she said.
Her father smirked as he looked down at her hand. “That engagement ring is a lie.”
“Actually, it’s not a lie.”
She turned to see Drake come out between the trees that lined the driveway. He stood beside her and she caught sight of the folder in his hands.
“Drake, my boy, you did a wonderful job. I see you got further than any of my other men.”
Drake snorted. “I didn’t come far. In fact, Petra will be my wife, and I won’t have anything of hers.”
The smile on her father’s face dropped. “Come again?”
Drake slid the file through the gate. “Have a look. I signed away all my rights to Petra’s fortune. I will not be allowed an allowance or any access to her funds. My only income is what comes from my company. You can tear up the contract if you wish, but it’s not going to change the fact it’s already signed and sealed away. All legit and confirmed by lawyers.”
“No!” Her father tore up the contract. “Fucking no.”
“If you try to hurt her, I’ll come for you,” Drake said. “I have plenty of friends in the police force, and they’re all well aware of your desire for my woman’s money. You’re not going to get it. Your power here is gone. Petra is the one with the power, not you.” He gripped the back of her neck and they walked away.
She heard her father yelling something, but she ignored him, shocked at Drake for coming to her.
****
“How did you know where I was?” she asked.
Drake kissed her head as they walked into the house.
“Easy. I wasn’t asleep. I went to the kitchen as I thought you were going to make me breakfast, and you weren’t there. Rather than search every single room, I checked the cameras, saw your dad, and headed out. I wanted to surprise you so rather than make a sound, I stayed out of sight.”
She grabbed his hand and he looked at her. “You really do mean everything you say, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I do. I won’t lie to you. Now if you ask me if something looks ugly on you, I might tell you if it’s really bad.”
“I love you,” she said.
Drake stopped. He held her face and stared into her eye, in fact, both of her eyes. Even with one sealed shut, he looked at her. Really looked at her.
“You do?”
“Yes, I love you. I’m … I’m sorry I doubted you. I just, with my dad, with everything.”
He pressed a finger to her lips. “You don’t have to say another word. Does that mean, yes?”
“Yes?”
“You’ll marry me?”
“I’m wearing your ring, aren’t I? That’s a big yes. A huge yes.” She giggled.
“Damn, baby, you know that for the next couple of days I’m going to need you naked and screaming yes for me.”
“You’re crazy.”
“No, I’m crazy in love with you.” He kissed her hard and deep, and pushed her back against the wall.
“Drake, what are you doing?”
“I’m going to make love to my fiancée, then I’m going to fuck her, feed her, and possibly fuck her again.” He ran his hand down to her ass. “How does that sound for the next couple of days?”
“I like it.”
“Good, because mix that in with a wedding, a couple of kids, and I think we’re pretty much set for the next fifty years.”
“Fifty?”
“I was being hopeful because the truth is, I haven’t got any plans for the rest of my life. How about you?” he asked.
“No plans at all.”
Epilogue
Ten years later
“And you think Mommy is the prettiest woman in the world, don’t you, Daddy?” Emmaline asked.
Drake laughed and looked over at his wife, the love of his life who’d been part of his world forever. Petra smiled back at him as he looked toward his youngest daughter. They had three children. Daniel, their eldest, playing on the piano while Emmaline asked to be read a book, only she didn’t mean to be read to. She wanted him to tell her about his and her mother’s life together.
“I do think she’s the most amazing woman in the world. I love her with all my heart and soul.”
Emmaline laughed as Mabel came to sit with them, their middle child.
“I love hearing how you and Mom lived and loved together. I think it’s so wonderful and amazing.” She sighed. “I wish one day I will find someone who will love me for me.”
“You will.”
“Just be prepared for your father to have a shotgun when that happens. I hear the cookies are baked.”
Drake watched his wife go. He slid Emmaline from his lap and chased after his woman. She was already putting cookies onto a tray.