Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 64887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
“Come on,” Andre spits out. “You pussy-ass little gold-digger. Hit me. Show Selena how big and strong you are. Show her you’ll always protect her from the big, bad wolf.”
My breathing is shallow, and my cheeks are on fire. I choke out, “I want nothing more than to break your face, for all the times you scared, hurt, or betrayed Selena. But I’m not going to let you bait me into fucking up my entire life. Not only for myself and Selena, but for Drew. If I beat the shit out of his father, he’d feel like he has to pick sides between us—like he couldn’t even invite both his father and stepfather to his future high school graduation.”
At my use of the word stepfather, Andre’s dark eyes ignite, and I know my arrow has hit its intended bull’s-eye.
“I’d never hurt Drew like that,” I say, “no matter how amazing it’d feel to break your jaw. Fuck that. And fuck you.” With that, I grab Selena’s hand and march with her toward the corner of the house. But before turning the corner, I stop short, causing Selena to stop with me. I pivot toward Andre. “I know you think you’re insulting me by calling me a gold-digger,” I say. “But you’re actually insulting Selena. The fact that you think I could only want to be with her for her money, and not because she’s the most amazing woman in the world, sums up everything that’s wrong with you. Not that it’s any of your business, but I love this woman for her beautiful heart and soul. I love her because she makes me happier than I thought possible. Because I admire her. Because she’s a great mom. Because she’s funny and kind. I physically ache when I’m away from her. I love this woman for her and always will—for richer or poorer, in sickness or health, till death do us part—so you’d better get fucking used to having me around.” I flip him off. “Now, get the fuck off my future wife’s property, or I’ll call the police and report you for trespassing.”
“Grayson would be well within his rights to make that phone call,” Selena adds. “Since this is his home, too.”
That’s news to me. But, of course, I nod energetically and say, “That’s right.”
“Oh, and Andre?” Selena says. “Not that it’s any of your business, but this little boy’s dick is at least twice the size of yours—and I gleefully let him do anything he wants with it, including letting him put it anywhere.” As I make a sound best described as a snorfle, Selena grips my hand and says, “Come on, Big Boy. Life is short, and this man has already wasted far too much of my valuable time.”
22
SELENA
“You were amazing back there!” Grayson gushes enthusiastically.
We’re inside my house now—in my home office with the door closed. I figured nobody from the party would wander into this particular room, so I dragged Grayson in here to talk about the batshit crazy thing that just went down with Andre.
“You handled him perfectly,” Grayson adds. “I was so proud of your badassery!”
“I’m sorry if I embarrassed you by mentioning your dick,” I say. “That’s none of Andre’s business.”
“Are you kidding?” Grayson says. “Ha! That was the best part! That, and how you implied you let me fuck you up the ass.” Grayson hoots with laughter. “Oh my God! Did you see his face?”
I cringe. “Do you think Andre knew that’s what I meant? I wanted him to know we do that, since he used to beg for it, constantly, to no avail, but I didn’t want to say ‘anal sex’ explicitly.”
Grayson looks thoroughly amused. “Trust me, your message was received, loud and clear.”
I palm my forehead. “Oh my God. I’m still shaking. I can’t believe the crazy stuff he said.” Grayson wraps his strong arms around me, and I lay my cheek on his chest, murmuring, “I’m so glad you showed up when you did. He’s so scary.”
Grayson kisses the top of my head. “I was watching you the whole time, baby. I didn’t want to get in your way while you were kicking ass, but I had your back.”
“You showed up at the perfect time. You were Superman.”
“I bet it felt amazing to tell him off.”
“It did. But I was thrilled when you showed up. I was shaking so hard.”
He kisses my temple. “I’m sorry if I screwed up by calling you my future wife or by saying I’m going to be Drew’s stepfather one day. I’m sure both things will get back to Drew.”
“I’m not sorry you said either thing. In fact, I’m glad you did. You made me swoon so hard.”
Grayson pulls back from our embrace and looks into my eyes. “Really?”
“Oh, God, yes.” As we share a smile, I telepathically scream at him, Ask me now, Grayson! Ask me and I’ll say yes! But he doesn’t do it. Instead, he pecks me on the cheek and strides to the window, murmuring something about making sure Andre is gone.