Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 85414 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85414 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
The shades cover his expression, but I doubt there’s a reaction or an apology in there. He does whatever he pleases and is usually convinced that it’s the right thing.
“Now, let me talk to Aurora,” Layla demands. “Or I’m going to come out of the phone and strangle you — wait. Don’t hang up. I won’t actually do it.”
I chuckle. “It’s me, Lay.”
“Mate! Are you okay? You’re unharmed, right? Did that brute Jonathan do something to you?”
He did a lot of things, but none of them were brutish. If anything, they warmed my heart like nothing ever has.
How sad is my life if Jonathan is the highlight of it? Or maybe it’s sad because I waited so long for something like this, and I got more than I bargained for in this impossible man.
He might be a tyrant, but he’s the best to ever exist.
“I’m fine, Lay. We’re at a beautiful island and I wish you were here. Are you guys okay?”
“As long as you’re safe, we are.” She sighs. “Mama and Papa send their love, and they said we’ll all stand behind you.”
“Lay…” My voice breaks.
“Hey, don’t go sappy on me. We still need to talk about how you hid your past from me all these years. I demand compensation.”
“A hug?”
“In your dreams. Okay, maybe this once.”
I smile. “Are you guys comfy?”
“Totes.”
My gaze trails to Jonathan, who could be either watching me or the ocean. “Maybe you should take Jonathan’s offer.”
“Nope. Not gonna happen.”
“Are you at your relatives’ in Birmingham?”
“We decided against it. We didn’t really want to bring them trouble.”
“Then where are you?”
“Somewhere better than Johnny’s hotel.”
“Where?”
“He came over as soon as we arrived here and told us we were welcome at his mansion. Told you, he’s Daddy. Hold on.”
Oh, God. No, she didn’t.
There’s a rustle at the other end of the line before a smooth, familiar voice filters in. “Hello, Aurora. How have you been?”
Before I can even attempt to greet Ethan back, Jonathan sits up, his arms enveloping me from behind as he snatches the tablet from my fingers. “What the fuck are you doing, Ethan?”
“Oh, Jonathan. What a surprise.” He doesn’t sound surprised at all. “I invited Layla and her family to stay at my Birmingham residence as long as they please. It’s the least I can do to help Aurora in these difficult circumstances.”
“Thank you,” I say, even though I’m secretly planning to kill Layla.
Jonathan’s eyes fix on me before he focuses back on the tablet. “Harris will come over to take Miss Hussaini and her family to the hotel.”
“No, can do. We’re cool right here!” Layla’s voice comes from the background.
“You heard her,” Ethan says. “I’ll see you when you return. You, too, Aurora.”
He hangs up before Jonathan can say another word. His hold tightens on the tablet and I suspect he’ll somehow bend it in two.
The tension radiating off him could break something. He doesn’t like that Ethan is meddling, and I guess Jonathan will always see him as some sort of a threat — even if he’s helping.
“Are we alone here?” I ask to divert his attention as a wild idea springs to mind.
“Yes.”
“What about Moses?”
“He stays near the plane landing.” He pauses. “Why are you asking about him?”
I stand up and pull the dress over my head. I went commando, so when I let the cloth fall on the chair, I’m completely naked.
My nipples instantly harden; it’s less to do with the air and more to do with the way Jonathan straightens, his entire focus zooming in on me.
His jaw clenches as he removes the shades, uncovering his darkened gaze. “Is that an invitation, Aurora?”
“No.” I walk backwards towards the beach. “I’m going for a swim.”
“A swim?”
“Catch me if you can, old man.”
“Old man?” he repeats slowly.
“Yeah, show me your stamina.”
“I did, not too long ago, and you were so exhausted, you fell asleep on me, remember?” He stands anyway, pulling his T-shirt over his head, then yanks down his shorts.
He went commando as well.
My feet falter in the sand at the view of him entirely naked, but I don’t get to stare for long when he charges towards me.
I squeal as I turn around and run in the direction of the beach. The water envelops my toes and calves in seconds. It’s a bit cold, and I shiver as it reaches above my knees, but I don’t stop my escape from Jonathan.
A strange sense of excitement grips me. It’s like those times when I used to hunt and stalk, but now, I’m not the predator, I’m the prey playing a game.
When I glance behind me, there’s no trace of Jonathan. I stop when the water reaches my waist and search around. Where did he go?
Did he leave? But I’m sure I heard him come in after me —
My thoughts are suddenly cut off when something grabs my calf and I shriek just as I’m being pulled under. Then the cold shock withers away as strong hands grip me by the arms and lead me back to the surface.