Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 82(@200wpm)___ 65(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 82(@200wpm)___ 65(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
“I’ll leave you my number so—”
“For what? We don’t need you anymore. Now shoo.”
Just like that, I’m back to imagining strangling her. Jesus Christ, what have I gotten myself into?
2
KIERAN
Everything she does turns me on. Doesn’t matter if she’s folding her clean clothes, cutting her nails, brushing her hair, or reading a book. I’m drawn to her like iron filings to a magnet. It’s like I’m plunging down an endless tunnel with no way of stopping. Not that I want to.
I never had any problem with my libido. I was too focused on my work to care for relationships. That is, until Katherine came along.
Now, instead of staying at home and watching movies on a Saturday night, I’m here at a five-star hotel, wearing a three-piece tuxedo that makes me feel claustrophobic.
Katherine was summoned by her parents to attend one of their charity galas, which was more like an excuse to throw lavish parties and show off than actually try to help other people. It probably helps that it can lower their taxes, but who am I to judge? I’m no millionaire. Close but not yet.
Katherine is wearing a crimson-red dress that makes her look like a queen. A very beautiful but sad one. Her thick hair is in a bun, exposing her slender neck, and making me long to drag my tongue along the tendons.
The dress or gown—whatever—is an off-shoulder piece that drapes to the floor. She has to lift it to walk around without tripping. Her makeup is light, but she has a bold red lipstick on. My favorite.
Despite looking every bit like royalty, she stands in the corner, talking to no one, being approached by no one. Goddamn. Are these men blind? I mean, I would’ve beaten anyone who flirts with her, but still, ignoring her? The fuck are they on?
Just like every party she attends, after the first two hours, Katherine escapes to somewhere quiet. No one notices, and I think she prefers it that way. She walks toward the indoor pool, which is empty because her parents made sure it was exclusive for their friends tonight.
I follow her at a distance, trying not to seem obvious, but my pulse pounds the moment I hear low voices, one of which belongs to Katherine.
“You’re not here with anyone, Kate. We both know it. You’re always alone. So what do you say? How about we head upstairs? Your Dad kindly gave me the presidential suite. Let’s have our own little party.”
Ah, the slime who calls himself Patrick. Son of a senator and the CEO of a multi-million luxury brand empire. A guy who thinks he can take whatever he wants whenever he wants. A prick through and through.
“I said no, Patrick. Which part of your thick skull doesn’t understand that?”
A dark chuckle makes me perk up from behind one of the marble pillars. My whole body is primed and ready for a fight. It’s gonna put me in hot water when I have to reveal myself, but damn if I’m gonna let this asshole touch Katherine. I’ll break his fingers and make him swallow them one by one.
“God, Kate. This is why you’re still single and no one likes you. You’re so boring. You’re no fun.”
“Who said I’m still single?” I hear the slight break in her voice, and my chest cracks open. No one hurts my girl and walks away unscathed.
A sharp bark of laughter echoes throughout the empty space. “Everyone knows it. Katherine the Klutz, single and still alone at 24. It’s a running joke among our circle, actually. How nobody wants the task of inviting Kate anywhere, but we have to because of your parents.”
“I’m not single, and I don’t care if you stop inviting me. It’s not like I want to go, anyway.” Katherine’s voice is low, and I strain to hear it. With cautious steps, I saunter toward them, shifting my weight gingerly to avoid making any sound that will alert them to my presence.
I’m one pillar away from them, and I see Katherine pulling on her earlobe—a tell-tale sign that she’s lying.
Patrick must have picked it up because he begins to crowd her, and she slowly backs away, twisting at the waist to see if she’s about to fall into the pool.
“Yeah? Then where is he? Does he have a name? Does he even exist? Or is it just inside that weird little head of yours?”
When he moves to jab a finger into her temple, I snap. That’s fucking it. I don’t care what happens next. All I know is I’m not gonna let anyone hurt my girl, even emotionally.
As I straighten to my full height, I walk forward, no longer trying to muffle my footsteps. I watch Katherine, and her expression shifts, lips trembling slightly. She clenches her hands into fists, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.