Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 109608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 438(@250wpm)___ 365(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 438(@250wpm)___ 365(@300wpm)
“I won’t stop loving Loch overnight. I don’t think I ever could. He means too much to me.”
His gaze travels between my eyes as if he’ll find the lie he needs to justify his actions. The thing is, he’ll find it because the truth is more powerful than his threats.
“More than a half billion dollars means to you?”
“Yes.” There’s no doubt in my mind that what I have with Loch is more valuable.
Nodding, he takes a deep inhale through his nose and then slowly exhales. “You’re a fool.” He takes another pregnant pause, staring at me like he’s looking at a stranger he doesn’t want to meet. “If we’re no longer going to be together, then we need to figure out what to tell people. Maybe put out a joint statement?”
“Seems excessive.”
“It’s as if you’ve forgotten who you are.”
“Maybe. But I’ve finally discovered who I want to be.”
A smile appears as his shoulders ease from the weight of the burden of our relationship lifting from his sharp features. “Hey, we should go on one last ride tomorrow. Like old times? You always did love riding horses early in the morning before the fog lifted. We can go to the lake like we used to. It’s not been cold enough to freeze over.”
I ride horses?
Continuing, he starts for the door, “I’ll draft that statement up to end speculation and bring it with me in the morning. We can post it by lunch.”
So this is how things are done these days? Public joint statements for social media? “Sounds good, but what happens after that?”
“We go our separate ways.”
38
Loch
“I’m not into role-play, but damn, get that fine ass over here.”
Tuesday bends to adjust her riding boots. When she stands, she runs her hands over her hips. The tease. “Not bad if I do say so myself.”
Fuck me.
I’m hard, and she’s leaving. Not fair. “Not bad at all. Sure you won’t stay? I have something much more fun to ride.” She bursts out laughing. My ego isn’t weak. I rub over my dick, and say, “There’s nothing funny about this hard-on, baby.”
With the doors on the antique wardrobe open, she says, “Who knew I was into riding?” referencing the equestrian outfits hanging neatly inside.
“Are you sure you know how to ride horses?”
“Why would I have all these clothes if I didn’t?” She turns to check out her fine ass in the mirror. “I look cute.”
“You look more than cute, Tues.” I tuck my hands behind my head and watch as she pulls her low ponytail tight before putting on her helmet. “At least your head is protected.”
“I could have used this when I was mugged.”
“Speaking of . . .” Looking at me in the reflection of the mirror over the dresser, she says, “I hate to even bring it up, but any news from the investigator?”
“No. Have you checked in with the detective lately?”
She comes to me and sits on the edge of the bed. “I haven’t. The past few days have been a whirlwind.” Looking toward the window where the sunrise has just broken above the sill, she adds, “I feel discouraged after talking to them, so I’ve been putting it off, but I should probably call today.”
“Maybe the investigator will dig up something new again soon. He only has the one case while the police are backlogged.”
I sit up, grab her, and fall with her in my arms. Kissing her through her squeals of laughter, I realize if I ever had a weakness, she’s it. I tap her nose, and say, “Don’t get discouraged. We’re making progress. That’s what counts.”
“True.” Her blue eyes are happy, and even in the dimmer, overcast morning, they’re bright for me. “Did you mess up my hair?”
I study her, all of her, and then smirk. “Maybe.”
Smacking me on the chest, she pushes off. “What am I going to do with you?”
“I’ve already made you a good offer for what you can do with me, but if you want to negotiate, I’m open to a counter.”
She giggles and returns to the mirror again to adjust her outfit and helmet. “How about this? We’ll skip lunch, and I’ll let you eat me instead?”
“So fucking naughty.” I rub my thumb over my bottom lip, approving of the direction of this negotiation. “It’s an attractive proposition. Very attractive indeed,” I say, eyeing her tight little body. “But what’s in it for me?”
Coming over, she leans down. I think she’s going in for a kiss, but she detours to my ear, and whispers, “I promise to make it worth your while.”
I grab her, about to pull her onto the mattress, but she’s just fixed her hair again. Chuckling, I kiss her and then say, “Deal.”
“I knew we could come together on this.”
“So fucking dirty.”
She kisses my cheek and then takes the lobe of my ear between her teeth and nipping. Whispering again, she says, “You like it that way.”