Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 99500 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99500 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
As reality chases off the last dregs of sleepiness, a cold dread settles over me. I’m a terrible person. I already knew this because of my life back in LA, but I didn’t expect it to carry over to Park Mountain. All too easily, I dragged my baggage a couple states north and right through the Parks’ front door. My inability to use my moral compass has led me right to this moment.
I let my stepbrother dry fuck me and then, later, toyed with my stepfather, rubbing on him any chance I got.
I’m not innocent.
I’m a homewrecker.
I just never expected to be responsible for wrecking two of my homes. After this, I’ll have nothing left.
Shoving all thoughts away, I focus on the day ahead as I shower and get ready. Today I’ll be working with Hugo. I’m fortunate he wants to give me a job despite my inexperience. If I can keep from doing the unthinkable—fucking my stepdad—then this could be really good for me, especially since my grades aren’t exactly great and college doesn’t entice me a single bit.
Of all the outfits we purchased, my favorite is the burnt orange long lantern sleeve tie-waist dress that hits me about mid-thigh. It shows off my tattoo, which is probably unprofessional, but I like the way the inked waves always seem to catch Hugo’s stares. I choose a pair of tan ankle boots to go with it and opt to wear no other jewelry aside from the oversized gold hoops I also bought. I take extra time fixing my long hair into sexy waves that bounce when I walk. I’m just finishing up my makeup when my phone buzzes with a text.
Unknown: I miss you, gorgeous. Please talk to me.
A cold chill runs down my spine. It’s Ben. I know it is. Dad’s boss was the only one who called me gorgeous. At the time, it felt good. Now, all I feel is regret. I ruined too many lives by getting wrapped up with that man.
It was supposed to be just sex.
But then he took it too far.
I quickly block the number before shoving my phone into my purse. One last glance at my reflection and I’m certain I look good enough to work at a sleek law firm. Young and a little wild, but still presentable.
In the kitchen, I find Hugo fussing with the coffee machine. He’s dressed in a navy suit that fits him perfectly, stretching over his broad back. His scent is everywhere in this house, but more potent wherever he is. I barely refrain from sucking the smell of him into my lungs like some sort of stalker freak.
“Smells good in here,” I say in way of a greeting, alluding to the coffee that’s now brewing and knowing damn well that’s not what I’m referring to.
He swivels around, an easy smile on his handsome face. When his gaze drinks me in, the smile falls and his features harden. If I didn’t know Hugo any better, I’d say he was pissed. But the intensity rolling off him isn’t from anger.
It’s heat.
I bite into my bottom lip with my teeth, resisting the urge to shift awkwardly. There’s something about Hugo that makes me feel innocent—virginal even. Like I’ve never known what it feels like to truly be wanted and adored by a real man. Like every guy before him was a measly quiz, but he’s the final exam.
He abandons his coffee mug to prowl toward me, jaw muscle ticking as he approaches. I don’t back down, feigning confidence I don’t have and offering him a playful grin.
“Is this outfit okay for work?” I ask, voice breathless. “I can change if it’s not appropriate.”
His body heat scorches my flesh as he stands too close. I have to crane my neck to look up at him. The urge to grab the lapels of his jacket is strong.
“You look…” He trails off, running his tongue along his lower lip. “Perfect. You look perfect, Love.”
My skin burns at his praise. I wonder what he’d do if I stood on my toes and kissed his handsome mouth. Would he push me away? Would he deepen the kiss and fuck me in this dress over the kitchen table?
“Thank you,” I murmur. “You look nice too.”
He lifts his hands, curling them around my biceps like I might run off. I’m not going anywhere. His strong fingers slightly bite into me, but I don’t mind because I like the proof of him barely containing his control.
All because of me.
I do this to him.
Shame rears her ugly head in the back of my mind. I quickly silence her, choosing instead to entertain sexy thoughts of the two of us together, naked and unbothered by anything in the world.
Hugo dips his head and for a moment, I wonder if he’ll kiss me. I lick my lips in anticipation. A feral growl vibrates through him and he gives me a slight shake. My heart dances wildly in my chest, uncaring that he’s no doubt leaving bruises from his claiming hold on me.