Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
She blanched, and I knew I had won.
“When you put it like that, how can I refuse?” she murmured.
“You can’t. Pick one of the dresses and wear it. I would especially like to see you in the one with the blue flowers. It will bring out your eyes.”
“My eyes?”
“They, like the rest of you, are beautiful.”
She almost snorted. “Fine.” She went to stand, a grimace crossing her face.
I stood. “Did the massage not help today?”
“I didn’t like it. I asked them to stop.”
Something inside me flexed. A burn began in my gut. “Why? Was someone inappropriate with you? Give me their name. Now.”
She frowned. “I was in pain, Roman. I couldn’t get comfortable on the table, and when they tried, it hurt too much. I asked them to stop the massage, and they got some special ointment and used it instead. Then they told me to have a warm bath, which would help it. I was just getting out when you, ah, burst in.”
“I heard a noise. I was afraid you were ill.”
She met my eyes. “You didn’t leave when you saw I was fine.”
“Forgive me.”
“Are you truly sorry, or is that lip service?”
Her snappy comeback made me smile. It showed, under the pain and fear, she had a backbone. I had seen it when I went to the diner the first day, and I was worried it had been lost.
“I am sorry if I embarrassed you, but if you are asking me if I am sorry I saw you naked, the answer is no. You are exquisite, Effie.”
She scoffed. Actually scoffed at me. “Exquisite. Oh yes. Wide hips, boobs out of proportion with my frame, short arms and legs. Such a stunner.”
I stepped closer, so close I could feel her breath on my skin. Feel the heat of her body so near to mine. I tilted up her chin. “I have never once in my life called a woman exquisite before. You are. Your hair and skin are beautiful. Your face is lovely, your smile sweet. Your eyes are indescribable. And your naked form is far too beautiful to be covered in these oversized rags. I have seen what they hide, and I will never forget it. Wear the clothes I got you. Enjoy them. Consider them a gift for having to pretend to like me.” I paused, staring into her mesmerizing eyes. I pressed the box I had found earlier into her hand. “And wear this.”
She looked down, gasping.
“But how…?”
“Marianne didn’t find it. I did. It’s safe with you, just as you are with me.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, then rolled up onto her toes to press a kiss to my cheek. But I turned my head and captured her mouth. She stiffened, then melted against me, fisting my shirt in her hand. I slanted my head over hers, deepening the kiss, dipping my tongue in and tasting her. She whimpered low in her throat, and I caught her against me, holding her tight. I explored her, groaning. I slid my hand under the too-big shirt, spreading my fingers against the skin of her back. It was warm and soft. I dipped under the waistband of her pants, running my hand side to side, wanting what was under the material. She shivered, and I gathered her closer. She moaned, but this time, the sound was painful. Distressed. I released her, stepping back. “Forgive me, I forgot about your injuries.”
She touched her lip, not saying a word. Then she backed up. “I-I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. I was out of line. Sit and finish your dinner.”
I took my plate and went to my desk, hoping she would eat if I left her alone. I entered more data, still angry that I couldn’t solve this puzzle. I studied the screen, almost growling in frustration. I was missing something.
“You wear glasses.”
“Yes,” I responded shortly. “For reading,” I added.
She hummed. “I see.”
I hit the keys with a little more force than needed, my frustration getting the better of me.
“What are you working on that is making you so irritated?”
I glanced up. “A puzzle.”
“What kind of puzzle?”
I saw no reason not to tell her. “We have three bars here. All well monitored. But suddenly, one has dropped in sales. Nothing drastic, but steadily. I can’t figure this out, neither can Aldo,” I mused. “How the numbers have changed. Everything was fine until a couple of months ago. No new staff, no missing liquor, and although the crowds have stayed the same, liquor sales have dropped. Then they rebounded. I want to know why so I can stop it happening again.”
She was quiet for a moment, then approached the desk. “Do you monitor the staff?”
“Yes. I see them start their shift, end it. We can’t watch every move all night, but their manager gives them their tips when they check out.”