Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 142783 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142783 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
It was done.
Everything except for the overpowering need I had for Aster.
Sauntering that way, I ruffled my fingers through Tessa’s red hair, just to fuck with her.
Her mouth dropped open. “How dare you, Logan Lawson? Do you have any idea how long it took me to achieve this perfection?” She shimmied in her electric-blue dress that was so tiny someone was definitely getting a peep show tonight, top or bottom, we couldn’t be sure.
“I mean, okay, I’m already perfect, but we went all out tonight. Have you seen us?”
She swished an overzealous hand at Eden and Salem.
Truth was, they were all fucking knockouts, unforgettable in their own ways. But it was Aster who was hiding her laughter off to the side of them who lit me up.
The one who sparked a wildfire in my insides and made me feel like I was being burned alive, and somehow, it still was the best feeling ever.
“Sorry to break it to you, Tessa, but I only have eyes for one girl.”
I moved for Aster, relished the way the redness flushed over her chest and up to her cheeks, like maybe she was getting burned alive, too.
“Awww.” Tessa looked like she was about to cry.
Salem took her hand. “Come on, let’s dance while I can still keep my eyes open.”
Eden giggled as she hooked her elbow with Salem’s. “Um, no, you’re here at least until midnight, lady.”
“But my feet are swollen,” Salem whined.
“Yeah, and my boobs are leaking. Suck it up.”
They started to weave into the crowd. Aster looked back from over her shoulder as they went.
Joy.
It shined all around her.
A halo of light.
My Little Star.
FORTY
ASTER
Lights strobed, and the band played, and the crowd rejoiced.
Celebrating.
My celebration was the truth of this man who held me close in the middle of the crush, his forehead dropped to mine and his big hands spread out around my ribs as we swayed. It was close to the way we’d done the night of his birthday.
But then, there’d been so many questions.
It didn’t feel that way tonight.
Tonight, it felt as if we’d been lifted.
Elevated.
Exulted above the mess to delight in what we’d been given.
It was half an hour to midnight, and the revelers had turned rowdy. Drinks flowed free as everyone cut loose the weights and worries of the previous year in anticipation of the new.
It sent excitement billowing through the cavernous space.
He edged back to gaze down at my face. “Look at you beneath all those lights, still shining brighter than anyone.”
“I think I’m just reflecting off you.”
“Hardly.”
Our words were barely audible above the din, but we felt them, our spirits swimming together in a sea of exhilaration.
I wanted to stay there forever.
But I was jostled back and out of the dream when the crowd was suddenly torn apart. People scrambled to get out of the way as six big bodies busted through.
Panic.
Fear.
Hate.
They burst in my blood.
No.
Eyes wide with shock, I fumbled back.
No.
My papa was at the helm of the men I knew had come to drag me away. His expression was contorted in disappointment and rueful discontent.
Jarek was at his side, venom in his eyes and vileness in his presence, the man slicked in a sweat that reeked of malevolence. Four men surrounded them, three that I recognized as Jarek’s guards and one of my father’s.
Violence bristled through the air, and Logan stepped in front of me to create a barricade. Hostility burned from his being.
This man a hedge of protection to shield.
But continuing to hide wasn’t going to get us out of this.
The mass continued to throb, oblivious to the ground that had been ripped out from under my feet.
“It’s time to leave. Now.” Jarek’s vicious voice curled over the music.
“That’s not going to happen.” The words speared from Logan’s mouth. I could feel his control fraying in every tremor that rocked through his body.
“I thought by now you would have remembered who you’re dealing with,” Jarek spat, taking a step forward. He lifted his chin in arrogance, his power gained in the men who surrounded him.
The crowd parted again, a wave that undulated from behind to give way to Jud and Trent, plus Milo and Kult and three other bouncers who came up behind us.
A fortress of strength.
Aggression quivered in the dense atmosphere.
Two groups in opposition.
Trent stepped forward. “I don’t appreciate you waltzing into my place of business when you haven’t been invited.” He cocked his head. “Paying customers only, and all. No offense.”
Oh, it was purely offense.
Old hate.
Conflict and contention.
Papa angled his head, his voice controlled. “My daughter is here.”
Trent sent a sweeping gaze back my direction before he turned toward my father. “It appears it’s where she wants to be.”
My father ignored him and looked at me. “You were given thirty days, mia vita. The time has come.”
I could see in his eyes he no longer believed I was there to retrieve the stones.