Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“Where’s Rowan?”
“In the shower.”
“Alone?”
“Obviously.”
“Why?”
“Why what?” I cross my arms, not liking the way this is headed.
“You haven’t let her out of your sight since you came home last night. It’s impossible to miss the vibes stemming from the two of you. All day, by the pool, I was wondering if the sexual tension was going to finally combust. Even the freeloading prima-donna squatting in your guest room picked up on it. The spark of hope she was holding on to finally died. So, I ask, why is she taking a shower alone?”
“Not going there with you.”
“That’s exactly what I thought you’d say.”
“Why push the issue?”
“Because there’s something you need to know. Major thinks I should keep my mouth shut.”
“Maybe you should listen to him.”
She narrows her eyes, crossing her own arms. “Why would I do that when I can help you out?”
“No offense, but don’t need your help. Have things under control.”
“Yeah, control,” she scoffs. “Control enough that you’re taking cold showers and imagining a beautiful blonde?”
“Jesus, Jewls, there are boundaries.”
“Save it!” She waves me off. “I’m not a nun, and I know from experience how that goes. So does Harley.”
I rub my temples, trying to erase the image she’s planted in my head. There are things guys don’t share. Regardless if it’s true. “Any reason you’re torturing me? You’re knocked up, so Major must not have jacked his shit for long.”
“Right! That’s why I’m telling you.”
“What exactly are you telling me?”
“I know you’re not a virgin.”
“Good call.”
“I also know you haven’t been a celibate bystander since you left the Marines.”
“What’s your point?”
“You’re slick, and so is Talon. But I’m no fool. You’re too hot and all man. You’ve been getting it somewhere.”
“My sex life isn’t up for discussion.”
“I respect that, but you admit you’ve had one.”
“Why does that matter?”
“Was it good?”
“It was just a fuck, Jewls.”
“When’s the last time you got laid?”
“None of your business.”
“Humor me. Give me a timeline.”
“Not since before they found Rowan beaten in her house.”
“That when you realized you cared for her?”
“Something like that.” No way I’m telling this shark that I felt a spark the first time I laid eyes on Rowan.
“Liar, but I’ll move on.”
“Please do.”
“Stop waiting around.”
“Waiting around?”
“Rowan is crazy about you… and I don’t mean like new relationship hearts, flowers, and rainbows shit. Although that is there, too. But she’s wrapped up in you. Anyone can see it.”
“We’re taking things slow.”
“Slow I can get on board with, but turtles move faster than you.”
“We just started dating.”
“You have been attracted to her for months.”
“She went through a lot; I don’t want to push her.”
“ARGH!” she screams at the ceiling. “Men are dense.”
Annoyance fuses in my chest. “Dense? Because I want to respect her?”
“Rowan has never known what true devotion and intimacy is. Shit, Ford, you held her hand today, and she was beaming brighter than the sun. She needs that and more.”
“Like what?”
“Every woman wants to feel desired and cherished.”
“She’ll let me know when she’s ready for the next steps.”
“No, she won’t. That’s what I’m trying to tell you. You have to be the one because that crazy douchebag did much more than scar her face.”
Irritation blisters into rage. “What the fuck did he do?”
“It wasn’t enough to kidnap and hold us hostage, wanting a big payday. In between being the ultimate psychopath and telling her he cheated on her repeatedly, he shared with her she was a poor lover.”
“The fuck you say?”
Just kissing the woman has my cock ready to explode. The softness of her body pressed tight, her scent, her taste, the sounds she makes… all of it on a constant reel in my head.
“His words were she fucks ‘like a dead fish’.”
A fiery red haze fills my vison, my blood blistering through my veins. “I should have killed him.” I slam my fist on the counter.
Major comes in, looking between us. “Baby, is there a reason Ford looks like he’s about to tear this place apart?”
“Ford Whitman just had a come to Jesus moment courtesy ala Julianna,” she says breezily as if I’m not about to lose my fucking mind.
“Jewls, I warned you to leave it alone.” He blows out a deep breath and eyes me wearily. “Man, you okay?”
“No, but I will be.” I stalk back to my room, hearing her soft laughter trailing behind me.
In the hall, I take a minute to calm down. The last thing in the world I want is for her to sense the wrath raging through my veins.
She’s had enough fear in her lifetime.
When I open my door, my blood pressure spikes for a new reason. Rowan twirls in surprise, grabbing the tuck where the towel wraps around her. Her mouth opens and closes as she glances down at herself. “I forgot to bring my clothes into the bathroom.”
I lean against my dresser, my eyes roaming over her. She fidgets with the towel.