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 sigh as I undo the bracelet around my wrist, and consider what’s next in my plan. When I return to the kitchen, his back is to me, his pants hanging low on his hips. I take a moment to appreciate his tattoos and the marring of his skin from his particular liking of me inflicting pain while we fuck like savages.
“Is there a reason why you’re not speaking with Hawke and Ford? They miss you.”
He tenses at my question, then shifts over to fill two glasses with wine. He hands me one as he says, “No. Your safety is my top priority. Sit.”
I do as he says, and he goes back to cooking. Even as he said it, I wanted to believe him. But I know it has nothing to do with my safety and everything to do with ensuring I remain in check and watched over the next couple of weeks to make sure the marriage goes off without a hitch. After that, they only need to keep me around for three months until Eli gets everything he’s wanted.
We don’t speak again while he finishes cooking. I watch him move effortlessly as he puts a plate in front of me and starts to dish up some food.
My mind tumbles over so many thoughts but latches on to nothing at all. I do everything in my power to memorize every inch of his body. The fluidity of his movements. He seems to enjoy cooking and having me watch him while he does it.
He seems impressed by his handiwork, and I lean over to take a peek. “What is it?” I ask.
“Chicken. Sorry, I couldn’t find anything vegan.” I fight a smile as he puts some creamy pasta with chicken on my plate.
“I guess it will do.” He hands me a fork and then fixes a plate for himself before he comes around to sit next to me. We eat in comfortable silence.
“You’re awfully quiet tonight,” he eventually says. I turn to face him, and when I do, he lifts his hand and wipes the side of my mouth with his thumb. “Are you getting nervous about the wedding again?”
“Do you think I’m the type of person to get nervous?” I ask sarcastically, pushing down all of the thoughts that so desperately want to surface and break me into pieces. One foot in front of the other.
The moment I don’t make the hit, I’m a dead woman. It was my own fault for not being able to identify my client. Even with Rory trying their hardest to find out. When I met with my client’s henchman last time, I advised I wanted to break the contract, but I never received a response. No response means the contract and expectation are still valid. It’s time to release what was never mine in the first place.
“I can make you nervous, Kitten,” he croons with a smirk as he drags my stool closer.
“Oh? And how do you plan on doing that?” I ask with a small, bittersweet smile. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to be with him one more time. To say goodbye to this part of my life that has definitely been the most important.
And I hate and curse him for having such an impact on me, even when I hadn’t known it myself.
He chuckles, and it vibrates straight through to my core. “Shall we bring ropes into playtime this evening?”
I smile, wrapping my arms around his neck and letting myself get carried away by his antics. “Don’t you mean momentary truce?”
His fingers thread through my hair as he slides his other hand under my ass and lifts me to his hips so I can wrap my legs around his waist. Then he carries me to the bedroom.
“Call it whatever the fuck you want,” he says against my lips before he kisses me. And I fall into him once more. The only man I’m certain I will love and the one to whom I’ll most painfully say goodbye.
CHAPTER 51
Jewel
Ishove a few belongings into a bag and throw the strap over my shoulder. When I look back at Eli peacefully sleeping in all his naked glory, I can’t help but sneak over to him and bend over to press a kiss to the scar on his eyebrow.
He won’t be waking up for a few hours yet, after the potent sleeping powder I put in his drink, I hate myself for doing it, but I had no other choice. The moment I leave the apartment, he’d be alerted, no matter where he was. This was the only way.
Shakily, I remove the engagement ring and put it on his bedside table. I stare at him longingly from the door, not able to leave yet. It’s the most peaceful I’ve seen him sleep, and I fight my impulses to naturally gravitate to him and tuck myself within his hold.