Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54305 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 272(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54305 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 272(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
Ronan smiled, a lump growing in his throat. Ronan ached for him, for their years of separation. He slid his hand around the back of Aiden’s neck and guided their lips together for a sweet kiss. “Because I spent my entire human lifetime memorizing everything about you, Aiden. I knew the tilt of your lips when you were amused. I knew the strength of your jaw, the brightness of your eyes, even the fall of your hair. Every memory of you was carved deep into my brain. I never felt alone, because I could call forth my memories of you whenever I wanted. You are my light. My hope.”
“You will never be without me ever again.”
Rafe’s New Bed
Philippe leaned on the bar of Rafe’s nightclub, watching the crowd of people dancing to the thumping music, drinking the expensive beverages, and having a good time. He’d agreed to monitor the place while Rafe saw to some unexpected work in their penthouse.
His mate had been bubbling over with ill-concealed excitement from the moment they woke this evening.
Rafe had a surprise.
Since falling for the interesting vampire, Philippe had learned that he could never anticipate what his lover would come up with next.
Considering he was already more than a couple of centuries old, Rafe surprising him was a spectacular feat. Until he’d met Rafe, he’d thought nothing could surprise him any longer. But his Rafe was constantly proving him so very wrong.
“Still no idea what that lunatic has planned?”
Philippe’s head popped up, and he smiled at his oldest friend, Jullien, who slid onto the empty stool beside him.
“I don’t. He said he wanted it to be a surprise, and Rafe is very good at his surprises.”
“Have you reminded him that King Aiden finally has the domain under control? That we’re all enjoying the peace. We’d very much like it if he didn’t destroy it with his nonsense.”
“Why are you so sour tonight? Rafe isn’t going to destroy anything.” Philippe’s eyes traveled down the bar, and he spotted just the person he needed. With a wicked grin, Philippe waved a hand to catch Lola’s attention and motioned for her to come join them at their end of the bar. From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Jullien dropping his head and almost shrinking his body at the approach of the very sexy vampire.
Jullien would never admit such a thing, but he was smitten with the woman, and Philippe was determined to keep placing them within each other’s vicinity until Jullien cracked.
“Evening, Philippe, Jullien,” Lola murmured, her voice barely reaching above the music as she joined them.
“Do you know anything about Rafe’s surprise?” Philippe inquired.
She lifted a sculpted eyebrow at him. “Do you really think I’d ruin Rafe’s surprise if I knew something?”
Philippe chuckled and shook his head. “No, I don’t.”
“Would you at least tell us if Rafe was plotting something that would rain hell and destruction on our heads?” Jullien grumbled.
Philippe didn’t have a chance to chastise him—Lola had placed her forearms on the bar and leaned toward Jullien, her long fingers inches away from his. “What’s wrong, Jullien? Aren’t you in the mood for a little fun?”
“I think you and Rafe have a warped sense of fun.”
That reply only made her smile grow even wider. “You haven’t let me show you what kind of fun I like to have. You might enjoy it.”
Philippe bit his bottom lip at the obvious shiver that ran through Jullien. At least Lola was making some clear overtures toward Jullien, even if his old friend remained stuck in the mud.
Philippe’s phone vibrated in his pocket and he pulled it out to find a text from Rafe waiting for him.
Rafe: My surprise is ready for you! Come see, mon ange!
Rafe: Here is but a small taste.
Rafe: [image]
“Mon Dieu,” slipped from Philippe’s lips before he could catch it as his brain tried and failed to process the image of the bed. Was he serious? Rafe was redecorating their home.
“What? What happened?” Jullien demanded.
“Is that Rafe’s surprise?” Lola asked, sounding as if she were also curious. Maybe she didn’t know what her boss was up to.
Philippe pressed the phone to his chest and stared wordlessly at his companions, trying to remember the English language. “I—yes. His surprise. I need to go up to the penthouse. Do you have things under control down here? I should be back. Later.”
He was already stepping away from the bar as he spoke.
Lola laughed and lazily waved a hand at him. “Yeah, yeah. Go. We got it. See you tomorrow night.”
Philippe darted away, weaving through the crowd and various employees to get to the elevator. It was only when he stepped into the car that he realized he should have argued with Lola that he would return this evening.
No matter.
As the car zoomed up to the top floor, Philippe pulled his phone from his chest and dared to look at the picture of the enormous black bed again. What in the world? This was so very different from Rafe’s normal style and taste. He liked sleek, clean lines. Modern minimalism.