Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 16789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
“If you’re trying to get me in bed, you’re wasting your time.” When Rose pulls her hand away, I instantly miss the connection of our skin touching. “I’m not going to sleep with you.”
I wouldn’t be so sure, little rose bud. “Eventually, you will.” Her ocean-blue eyes open impossibly wide and stare into mine. “But we can take things slow. I’m willing to wait until you’re ready.”
“Does Damien know about your little stunt?” she asks.
We both know my brother would do anything to make his wife happy. If he knew about this, my little brother would have a fit. “He knows I’m staying at St. Bella, his private island.” But I neglected to tell my little brother that I was kidnapping his wife’s best friend and taking her with me.
“No one knows that you’re staying with me except my security detail. I wanted to have a chance for us to get to know each other before we tell anyone about our relationship.” The flight attendant sticks her head around the corner to see if we’re okay, and I wave her off.
“Relationship?” She seems more confused than pissed, and I realize I’m making a mess. On a positive note, she isn’t threatening to have me arrested.
“I want a relationship with you. A permanent one.” I spell it out so she’s clear about what’s going on. “The day I saw you walking down the street in Silver Spoon Falls, you stole my fucking heart. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you fall for me.” That’s an understatement. I’d sell my soul, give up my crown, or die for her. Now, I just need to make sure Rose feels the same way about me.
“Wow,” Rose breathes out. “I think I woke up in an alternate universe today.”
“We’re on this crazy train together.” I’m not sure if I’m getting through to her. Rose sits back in her seat and stares at me for several minutes, and I have no idea what to expect from my curvy little rose bud.
“Do you think that being king allows you to do this?” She points around the luxury plane cabin. “Kidnap someone under false pretenses?”
“I was desperate,” I explain, hoping my genuine words convince her. “I know I need you, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to convince you to give me a chance.” I want her to know everything so there are no secrets between us. “I’ve had my team investigating you since the day I saw you in Silver Spoon Falls. I wanted to know everything there is to know about my future queen.”
“What did you find out?” She appears more curious than upset. My heart settles as hope cuts through me.
“I discovered that you are loyal, sweet, and an incredibly hard worker.” I list everything I found out about her. “Your grandfather expected you to maintain your grades while working every day in his factory. You graduated from college with a nursing degree in three years, and then you put off taking a full-time job so you could help Milly out after the loss of her parents.” Rose swallows before running her tongue over her lips. My eyes follow her movements, causing my body temperature to rise as hunger lights my blood. “You worked as a waitress in Silver Spoon Falls, even though you could’ve found a job making way more money, because you wanted to be there for your friend. All of this plus the fact that you own my goddamn heart tells me you are perfect to become my queen.”
“Oh.” I seem to have found a way to quieten my outspoken soulmate.
“You’re overdue for a vacation, so I’m going to kill two birds with one stone. We’re going to have a relaxing vacation on my brother’s private island while you give me the chance to win your heart.”
We land on the private airstrip in St. Bella and find my two bodyguards waiting next to an SUV. Forrest almost blew his top when I told him I was flying alone with my girl. He bitched and moaned, but I held my ground. “Good to see you, Your Majesty.” Logan walks over and grabs our suitcases from the flight attendant before loading them into the back of the vehicle. “How was your flight?”
“It went well,” I tell him and open the back door for my rose bud.
When my oldest friend introduces himself to Rose and holds out his hand, I see red. There’s no way another man is going to touch her. I step between them and do the introductions myself.
“What was that asshole stunt?” Forrest asks me as I walk around the car to get in the other side.
“Only you can get away with calling me an asshole.” I might not be the most conventional monarch in the world, but there are definite rules.