Total pages in book: 166
Estimated words: 169305 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 847(@200wpm)___ 677(@250wpm)___ 564(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 169305 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 847(@200wpm)___ 677(@250wpm)___ 564(@300wpm)
I’d reached the limo now. The driver stood at the door, opening it for me. I smiled at him, about to slide inside when Zach grabbed the back of my arm over my shirt, trying to tug me to him.
I jerked my arm back and swiveled. “Don’t you dare ruin this for me.”
Dallas settled into the backseat with Romeo kissing her through the window, whispering his goodbyes against her temple.
I gestured to them. “This, right here, is my Cinderella moment. Spending time with a new friend. Going somewhere fun. Feeling like a full-fledged human and not just someone’s housekeeper for a day. I don’t care what you have planned for me, Zach. You threw an engagement party on my birthday. I work ridiculous hours for you. I’m allowed to have this.”
His eyes ran in their sockets, drinking my face in. “I don’t want you sitting in an unprotected vehicle. At least take mine.”
My shoulders sagged. Some of my anger dissipated.
I pressed a hand to his chest, met by the wild gallop of his heart, the thuds so intense they hurt my palm. “I always drive my Prius.”
“And I always have a small heart attack when you do.” He looked downright annoyed by the fact. Then, realizing what it sounded like, he added, “You’re my shot at normalcy. I’m fully invested in your life until I discard you.”
“Extremely romantic.”
“Sadly, it’s probably the most romantic thing I’ve ever said.”
“I’ll be okay.”
He grabbed my elbows, and I fought the urge to kiss him. “Promise.”
“I promise.”
He threaded his fingers into my hair, cupping my head. My breath caught in my throat when I realized he was about to kiss me.
I wanted to be kissed by him more than I wanted to survive the remainder of our contract. Which was exactly why I needed to put a stop to it.
For me, Zachary Sun would break all his rules.
But for him, I’d break my own heart.
I turned my head at the last second.
His lips landed on my cheek, brushing a lone tear that escaped my eye.
“Have fun,” he croaked out.
“Thank you.”
“Here. Try this one. Duck jianbing.” Dallas ripped open a bag of mantecaditos, popping one into her mouth. “How were the Scottish teacakes, by the way?”
I nibbled on a biltong jerky, one of about two thousand snacks that splayed in front of us. “Oral orgasm perfection.”
We hadn’t even taken off yet, and Dallas had already sampled the majority of food Romeo stocked his private plane with. Her favorites from every country.
Evidently, she’d visited all of them.
I stared at her with a mixture of alarm and awe. How could she fit all of this food into her body?
Frankie kicked her feet on the couch across from us. I couldn’t take my eyes off Dallas’ younger sister.
She was the kind of beautiful that defied both nature and logic. With feline green eyes, pouty lips, and lush brown locks that cascaded all the way to her butt.
“Don’t look at my sister that way.” Frankie’s eyes narrowed. “She’s eating for two.”
I slanted my head to one side. “Sumo wrestlers?”
She burst into laughter.
Dallas leaned over to swat her arm. “I told you she was fun.”
“You also told me she can kill me with a toothpick.” Frankie fanned herself, wriggling her brows. “Is this true?”
“A very slight exaggeration.” I smirked, picking up my cocktail and taking a sip, “But I know how to inflict serious damage with sharp objects. Why?”
“I have some names and addresses.” Frankie released a hard candy from cellophane wrap, popping it into her mouth. “But whatever. We’ll talk about work some other time. Now let’s celebrate your birthday.”
I frowned. “How can you celebrate a person you don’t know?”
“You’re certified by my sister. Anyone who passes her bar is worthy of being celebrated.”
The plane began rolling before it took off, slicing through dense silvery clouds. I didn’t even ask them where we were going.
Destination was of little importance when you had good company. And these girls were prime BFF material.
“Anyway.” Dallas sucked her thumb clean of crumbs, grabbing a duffel bag from a seat and hurling it into my arms. “Go take a shower and change. We’ll be landing in New York soon.”
New York.
One of my favorite cities.
My heart sang. I slung the duffel over my shoulder and walked to the bathroom, opening the door.
Then, I dropped the bag.
A squeal tore past my lips. “Ari.”
My best friend stood at the threshold, glowing and beautiful and smiling like a loon. “Finally. I’ve been hiding here for ages.”
We jumped into each other’s arms, squealing so loud, a raccoon would be jealous. She hugged me tight enough to grind my bones together.
I rocked her side to side. “What are you doing here?”
“Your new bestie called me to surprise you.” She laughed into my ear. “She’s a keeper.”
“Bestie? That was the fastest promotion I’ve ever gotten.” Dallas popped in the doorway, propping a shoulder over the frame. “Then again, it’s also my first ever job position.”