Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
“Who’s the American?” My eyes dart to Cher’s. It’s hard to breathe. My eyes water and I try hard not to cough.
“It’s not him.” Cher holds up a hand at me and rolls her eyes, turning to face Brody. “So are we all going to have to move?” She pouts. “Because this is a prime spot. Although, the noise… how much did he pay everyone?”
“I don’t know. I’ll try to find out more.”
It’s not him, can’t be him, right?
“How’s your foot?” I say, trying to sound normal since inside I’m freaking out.
“Better. I bought you guys some bizcocho.” He grabs his computer and heads to the balcony.
“Okay, I can’t handle this noise. Let’s go to Matteo’s dad’s hotel. We can pass out lying by the pool,” Cher says, turning to me.
I take a small sip of coffee, hoping I don’t have another coughing fit.
“Good idea.” I nod.
Her eyes narrow. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing. I think that’s exactly what we should do. Give me five minutes to put my bikini on,” I say over my shoulder.
“Okay, but please, for the love of God, no drama today. My head can’t take it—”
“Call a cab. I don’t feel like walking,” I interrupt her. The last thing I need is a lecture; I need to think.
After slipping into my pink-and-black polka-dot bottoms, I look at myself in the mirror. Not too bad. I’ll splash some water on my face, lather on sun protection, and I’ll be ready.
Thirty minutes later, I sit alone with a Bloody Mary. Cher convinced Matteo to give her a tour of the place, or the other way around. Either way, she dumped me as soon as we arrived.
Sighing, I take in the view. It’s a gorgeous hotel, but everything in Costa del Sol is lovely. I sip my drink and debate whether I should swim first, then sunbathe, or go straight to sunbathing. I kick off my flip flops and stand, preparing to dip in the pool.
“Raven.”
My eyes slowly lift to that voice as I grab the back of the wooden seat to hold me.
I’m not hallucinating.
He’s here. Fucking Jett Powers is here. This time I truly am breathless.
I’m going to faint…
“I got you.” His voice is strong, gravelly. He pulls me into his arms, and for a second, I cling to him, needing his fresh scent and strength to keep me standing.
His hand goes to my hair. When he jerks my head back, my eyes lock with his.
“Breathe, baby.” His mouth hovers over mine as if he’s giving me the very air I need to finally get my brain working.
He’s here.
“That was you last night?” My voice sounds way stronger than I feel. His eyes change, and I know it was him.
I don’t know if I’m more relieved I’m not crazy, or fucking livid that he would show up and… what? Think I’m just going to fuck him?
I put my hands on his chest to try pushing him away, but he’s strong and shirtless, a beautiful combination.
I hate him.
Hate him.
“Take it easy.”
He must get that my shock is wearing off. I go to knee him in the nuts, but he easily drops me on the cushioned chair, leaving my knee to connect with air.
“Relax.” He glares at me and runs his hands through his hair.
My eyes take in his perfect physique.
“How did you find me?” I clear my throat, swallowing back the tears. I’d rather cut off my arm than cry in front of him right now.
“I’ve known where you’ve been all along.” He sits down on the chair across from me as I force myself to think.
“Is my mom with you?” I turn my head right and left to check. If she’s here, that might send me over the edge. Did they come here together? She to torture me, and he to… what?
“Raven. Stop it. We need to talk. Things need to be said. Do you really want to do this here?” He motions to the pool area, which is starting to fill up.
“We have nothing to say. You made things pretty clear, Mr. Powers,” I snap, grabbing my drink, not caring that a good portion spills on the glass table.
“Raven, I broke it off with Rachel.” He stands, holding out his hand.
Could he seriously think I’d be stupid enough to fall for him again? Though my heart just skipped at his words, I don’t say anything. Instead, I keep swallowing the spicy tomato juice, praying the vodka will calm me enough to hide my true thoughts—that I’m fighting to hold on to all the pain he’s caused.
“Look. I know I handled everything badly—”
And that’s it—that’s where I need to stop all this. “Badly?” I stand, setting the Bloody Mary down. “You fucking destroyed me.”
He drops his hand and looks over at a newly arrived family jumping into the pool with shouts and laughter.