Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 106312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 532(@200wpm)___ 425(@250wpm)___ 354(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 532(@200wpm)___ 425(@250wpm)___ 354(@300wpm)
I look at him, and heat floods my core at the insinuation. A photographic memory from the other night. I wonder how I looked to him, sprawled on the hood of his car. This car.
I’ll have to make a point to light it on fire.
I zip open the bag, revealing a tight black dress. On the seat is also a set of strappy black heels and two boxes of what I imagine to be jewelry.
“You know this shit doesn’t woo me, right?” I say, not entirely opposed to the grand gifts. After all, once I put a bullet in his head, I can sell them. In fact, I might be inclined to hock them while he’s still alive just to piss him off.
“Perhaps not, but where we’re going will.”
There’s a chance the dress might not fit, but I very much doubt that. The parking lot is empty, so I begin to peel off my shirt, and then I notice Eli watching.
“Avert your gaze,” I warn him. I might not have my preferred guns right now, but that doesn’t mean I’m not carrying. I always carry a knife with me.
“You want me to avert my gaze after I fucked you like a filthy animal only a few nights ago?” he deadpans.
I tilt my nose higher. “We had a momentary truce. We don’t anymore.”
He chuckles but, surprisingly, turns his back to me as I shimmy out of my jeans. I’m wildly pissed when the dress fits perfectly. I strap the heels on, and when I open the boxes, I gasp quietly. Fuck, these definitely cost more than my car. Hell, more than six months’ worth of my rent, most likely.
“Do you like diamonds?” he asks as he turns and picks up the diamond necklace. I’m in shock at the size of it. He steps behind me and instructs me to lift my hair. I do as I’m told… for once. His warm fingertips brush over my collarbones and then move to secure the necklace in place. His knuckle brushes down the back of my neck when it’s clipped up, and my breath hitches.
I hate how this man has a hold over me. I don’t understand it. Can’t fathom it.
I turn to face him, and he’s watching me carefully as I look up at him through thick eyelashes.
He swallows. “You should wear your hair up.”
“You should fall out of the habit of telling me what to do,” I snap back as I drop my hair and reach for the matching earrings. I can’t believe I’m crazy enough to do anything or go anywhere this crazy fucker suggests. But I must confess, I’m kind of curious now.
CHAPTER 28
Eli
The irony of her last name is not lost on me. Because Jewel is a diamond in many ways, but she’ll look so much better with my last name instead of hers. I keep that thought to myself, of course, because it was hard enough getting her to wear the fucking ring.
She’s grumbling complaints in the passenger seat after touching up her makeup and hair. Not that she needs to; she’s stunning as it is. “This better be worth it.”
I can’t help the arrogant smile that touches my lips because I know she’s going to fucking love it. “You love picnics, don’t you?”
I feel the sensation of her hateful glare boring into the side of my head and the unspoken promise of a thousand deaths if that’s what I have planned. I laugh, unable to stop myself. She’s too easy to rile up, especially at the mention of anything romantic or commitment-related.
We pull into one of Ivanov’s estates. Hawke and Ford’s adoptive parents, Anya Ivanov and River Bently run the underworld auctions within the city alongside their uncle, Alek Ivanov. Alek and River primarily run the gun auctions. My family has worked with them for years, establishing a friendly agreement. None of them are ready to retire, and I’m certain Anya will take her jewels to the grave, but her riches and business will go to the twins.
Jewel’s eyebrows crinkle slightly as she assesses the wealthy clientele making their way up to the mansion. The majority of those who attend these auctions are men, and most of them are intimidated by the red-haired woman standing at the door, welcoming everyone with an insincere smile.
Anya Ivanov, who is nearing her sixties, is not a woman to be trifled with. So I’m certain Jewel will like her very much.
I step out of the car and round the front before the valet can offer his hand to Jewel. I hold my own hand out to her, and she unenthusiastically takes it and steps out. “Remember to pretend to like me. After all, you are my soon-to-be wife.”
“You’re really looking forward to an untimely death before the wedding, aren’t you?” she threatens with a sweet smile. I return the smile as I hook our elbows so I can escort her.