Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry,” Honey says, stepping up beside me. “But what did you just say to me?”
There’s no need for me to interrupt because I can see the fire in her eyes.
She’s mad, and it’s hot.
“You heard me. Do you think just because you managed to get your claws into this one, you have more rights and are above us?” Mrs. Laddle snaps.
I find the situation almost laughable. If these people knew who Honey really was and the family she came from…
Honey’s gaze narrows, and it’s the same glare her father and sister offer when they’re looking down on someone. “If I were you, I would shut up right about now,” she warns.
“Luckily, I am not you. And I don’t take orders from little girls”—the older woman puts her nose in the air and then says for all to hear—“you nasty whore.”
Honey’s hand releases mine, and before I can even stop her, her fist connects with Mrs. Laddle’s face, and the crunch of bone is audible.
I’ve seen violence far worse than this. But from Honey, I was not expecting it. And she was so goddamn fast and precise. She steps back, brushing over her dress, ensuring nothing is out of place as if she weren’t a part of the ordeal herself.
The older woman is on the floor, holding her bleeding nose, as a few of my staff assist her.
“You need a lesson in manners, bitch,” Honey says and spins away, her hair flicking as she does, then moves in the direction we were heading.
I hear Lesley lecturing me tomorrow about Honey’s behavior, but I will never apologize for anything Honey does. If anything, I learned that my sweet honeypot isn’t as helpless as I once thought.
“You’re just going to let her do that?” Mrs. Laddle shrieks.
“I’m sure you’re aware that we don’t condone behavior or language that criticizes our services. The term ‘whore’ is not something we take kindly to.” I snap my fingers and point to Mrs. Laddle, and security comes to hurry her away. “But the party will continue, amongst friends only,” I add.
Whispers bubble around me, but my staff and escorts are quick to lighten the mood with smiles and small touches of favor. The ordeal, a lesson, is quickly dismissed.
In a few strides I’m by Honey’s side again.
“I really hate the company you keep,” she says. I grab her hand again as I lead her up the stairs, but by the way she’s walking, you’d think she owns the mansion.
“I’ll fire anyone you don’t like.” Her eyes narrow on me as I reach for my key and pull it out. Unlocking the door, she walks in, her hands on her hips as she starts pacing.
“I hate all of this too.” She waves a hand toward the area we just left.
I can feel the muscle in my jaw jump. And I can’t help but take it somewhat personally. These groups are what I’ve built my empire on.
“Would you ask me to stop attending events like this?” I ask.
She looks at me then say, “What? No.”
“Because I could.” I mean it. I can step aside. Only make appearances at certain events instead of all of them.
“Stop trying to soften me,” she screams, frustrated. My cock twitches, and I don’t know why I find her hot temper so fascinating and enticing.
“Is it working?” I ask, going to the bed and sitting on it. When she doesn’t answer, I question, “Who taught you to hit like that?”
“You think Rya was the only one who knew how to fight?” She huffs. “We were both taught various forms of fighting from young ages. Though all my other fights ended up with me and the girl on the ground hitting each other.”
“Who won?” I ask.
She flicks her hair behind her ear. “Me, of course.”
CHAPTER 38
Honey
I’m not sure I like the way he’s staring at me. It’s different from how he usually looks at me, and I can sense something has changed in him. I’m not going to lie and say that he hasn’t always looked at me with want, but right now, I know that’s what it is, and maybe more.
I remain where I am, and Dawson stays where he is seated on the bed. He tells me so many things with only his eyes, and I don’t entirely understand how I know. I never have. But it always feels inevitable. He removes his jacket and places it next to him on the bed before he taps the spot on the other side of him, indicating for me to sit.
“I didn’t come in here to have sex,” I tell him.
“No, you didn’t. But we will,” he says, then taps the bed again.
Fuck, I hate his arrogance. And I hate how much discipline I lack because he’s right, we probably will.
I throw my hands in the air. “Why did you bring me to this event, Dawson?”