Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 17129 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 86(@200wpm)___ 69(@250wpm)___ 57(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17129 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 86(@200wpm)___ 69(@250wpm)___ 57(@300wpm)
“I want Hannah.” His gaze is amused but it is also unreadable.
“That is not really how things are done.” Is he serious?
“Do I look like I care how it is normally done? I want her. No one else.”
“How do you even know she is an option?” Shit. I didn’t think about that.
“Are you saying she’s not? I assumed you chose Sadie because she brought eligible sisters with her. Isn't that why?” He straightens his tie which is his tell.
“Well yes, but I might have matched her to someone else.” Swiftly and without thought I move in front of him. One of my longest friends who is quickly becoming an enemy.
“I don’t fucking think so, Lloyd. If another man so much as sniffs in her direction I will commit murder. Hannah is MINE!” His eyes get wide before he leans back in his chair.
“I will see what I can do.” He dismisses me, pissed I threatened him, and I get it. As his friend I should feel bad about it, but I don’t. I am used to getting what I want and her, I want more than all the money I own.
That was a week ago and I am losing my damn mind waiting for him. Like now, he is busy talking to Alton about some shit I am sure doesn’t matter as much as him giving me what I want. I am seconds from saying fuck his plan and taking her anyway, “You look like you’re ready to mud wrestle a gator or something.” Jasper says in my ear, handing me a beer. I don’t bother responding to that. He won’t like the answer anyway.
“Ah. Just who I needed to talk to. Jude may I have a moment?” Lloyd says, ushering me to the far side of Jasper’s house. “I believe now is the time,” Lloyd says, rocking on his heels like he is giving me a gift.
“What do I need to do?” I know there has to be something else.
“As their big brother, Jasper is their representative. You need to go to him and ask for her hand in marriage. Perhaps present him with the ring.” That is a piece of fucking cake. I don’t respond to his comment. I march out of the room and right toward Jasper.
“May I have a word?” I ask him, interrupting his conversation with Geeb. He nods and follows me to his study.
“You look serious, Jude. What’s up?” I don’t have time for bullshit. Pulling the ring from my pocket, I show it to him.
“Hannah belongs to me.” Shit. I might have gone about that wrong, but fuck it.
“I see. What does Lloyd have to say about this?”
“He knows.” I sound like an asshole, but I am a man who has been pushed to his limit.
“Hannah is sweet and precocious. She is caring and great with a needle and thread. She is finding herself and doesn’t need to be stifled. Are you going to let her be free?” Logically I know what he is asking, but the word ‘free’ fucks with my head and I begin growling at him.
“Free to do what she likes and be who she wants to be, fuck yes, with me following her around like the fucking appendage at her side. But let’s get one thing straight, she will never be free of me.” I might have gone too far but the idea of her not belonging to me has me feeling insane.
“Then you have my blessing, friend.” He chuckles and hits me on the back. Thank fuck. Now I just need to get my girl.
Chapter Two
Hannah
Something is going on. I can feel it. Everything is normal. Well everything seems normal. My sisters are their usual fun and jovial selves since we have been here. Jasper as usual is doting on Sadie and everyone is conversing. But something is different, or something is brewing, and I can’t put my finger on it. “Hannah is everything alright?” My sister, Rachel comes over handing me a plate with some pie on it.
“Yes. I was just thinking.” I turn and lean further into her ear so no one can hear me. “Does it seem a little weird in here to you? I mean…” I don’t finish my thought because the object of my every thought comes up behind my sister, eyes locked on mine, putting me into a Jude coma.
“Rachel, do you mind if I have a moment with your sister?” He asks the question, but he doesn’t wait for the answer. He is already gripping my hand and pulling me away by the time she giggles and says yes. His hand in mine is like a spark of life to a dead flower.
I follow him blindly out to the front yard where he turns me and pulls me into his arms. He lifts my chin with his finger. “Tell me I am not alone in this, my little Hannah. Tell me you can feel this connection between us, baby girl.” Lamely my head moves up and down, unable to speak being this close to him. “Thank fuck.” He pulls my hand up and slides the most beautiful ring on it with no question and no hesitation. “It is perfect for you,” he says, kissing the finger with the ring on it.