Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
“I need time,” Brielle whispers as she looks at me, and tugs away from my harsh grip. She turns her stare towards Valen before focusing her attention solely on Judah. “I’m not going to spill your secrets,” she tells him. “But I need time.”
“Of course,” Judah answers with a nod before he turns and leaves us.
Judah isn’t one for affection—he doesn’t offer it and he doesn’t accept it. The man is stone cold, and he doesn’t like to show emotion. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen him lose his composure.
There’s a very clear chemistry between Brielle and Judah, but it can be volatile. Mainly because he doesn’t trust her. It will take time for their relationship to develop. But we all want this to work. She didn’t immediately run off after our confession, so I’m hopeful, given the time, she’ll be willing to accept us.
“Are you hungry?” I ask, turning my attention back to Brielle.
There’s something about the little princess that makes me want to look after her, to protect her. Since she’s come into our lives, she’s been under our watchful eye. But now she knows our secret, it’s even more important to keep her safe.
She nods with a small smile on her pretty face. “I am.”
“Shall we go out for dinner?” I suggest as I glance at her and then Valen.
We can go out to the pizza place down the road. It will give us some time outside the mansion, and it may help clear Brielle’s mind from worry and concern.
I haven’t spent a lot of time with her. But I realise now it’s been a mistake. Valen’s taken the lead, and he’s the one she calls on if she needs anything. But I want to be there for her too. I can’t deny she’s gorgeous. She makes my cock stand to attention at times, especially when she’s being cheeky in her responses. The brat inside her shows up, every now and again. And I love it.
“Let’s go,” I say as I leave her with Valen and make my way to the door.
They follow behind, but there’s no sign of Judah. I slip into the driver’s seat of my SUV. Valen joins me up front, while Brielle is seated in the back. Before I start the engine, I pull out my phone and send a message to Judah. He doesn’t need to know where we are all the time, and I doubt he cares, but I think if he was to join us, it may be for all our benefit.
“How are you liking the island so far,” Valen asks Brielle, and I’m intrigued to hear her answer.
“It’s beautiful. I didn’t think I would enjoy being away from London so much, but coming from a big city, I think it’s a welcome retreat in many ways.”
“Good,” Valen says, but I stay silent.
It’s just who I am. I don’t like showing my cards too soon. We’ve already confessed more than I’d like, but it’s been necessary. She says she needs time, so we need to give her space. The main thing is she didn’t run.
When I pull up to the restaurant, I kill the engine and exit the vehicle. Opening the rear passenger door, I help Brielle from the car, and I can’t ignore the spark that courses through me when she touches my hand.
Inside, the restaurant is busy with students and professors from the university. It’s the weekend, so I’m not surprised. Once we’re seated at a table in the back corner, I take in each face. Even on the island, I know we’re not safe from the threat of those who want us dead.
“Hey, guys,” the waitress says with a smile as she sets the menus down.
“Two large Sicilian pizzas, two garlic breads, and three glasses of Merlot,” I order without bothering to look at her.
My attention is solely on the girl who’s sitting opposite me, the one who is now a part of my life.
Once we’re alone again, Brielle pins me with a glare, and I have to fight back the need to laugh. Her fire is fun to play with. I’ve always been a fan of danger. And I certainly don’t shy away from it. Especially when it’s so beautiful.
“I’m able to order for myself,” she throws at me, her eyes blazing with frustration. “I don’t like being treated as if I’m helpless.”
“I never once thought you were,” I tell her as I tip my head to the side, regarding her with interest. “I just don’t need to sit here for twenty minutes while you scan through the options before deciding on the one pizza that has all the toppings. One that’s delicious and I know you’ll enjoy.”
Her glare attempts to burn me, but I don’t allow it. One thing I’ve learnt, over the years, is to never show weakness. It gives your enemy an advantage. But if you show them you’re unfazed by any threat, you’ll ensure your victory.