Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16498 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 82(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16498 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 82(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
It’s a lot of hoops to jump through to go on a date, but I have the feeling that Brendan Russo is worth the trouble. At least I hope he is. I pull on a short dress and tuck it under my everyday sweats and t-shirt, then switch out my usual small purse for a large tote to store my disguise in.
Rosita doesn’t even blink when I waltz through the kitchen. “I’m heading out.”
“Where are you going?” She turns and stares at me. I barely control the blush attempting to make its way up my throat as I lie to her.
“I have a study session at the library.” The lie rolls off my tongue while I cross my fingers behind my back. “My Business Ethics class is a killer.”
“Be careful.” Every member of Uncle Marco’s household treats me like their own child. “And call if anything strange happens.”
“I promise.” I smile and rush out before I give myself away.
When I go out at night, my uncle makes me take one of his SUVs, but my usual modes of transportation are the bus and Uber. As I drive past the gates that guard my uncle’s fortress, I notice Jason’s huge black truck following me. So far, everything is going according to plan.
My phone rings before I turn onto the main road. “Hello,” I answer my uncle’s call.
“Where are you going?” That was quick.
“I have a study session,” I repeat my lie. “At the library.”
“Why couldn’t you do a virtual study session?” I feel horrible for lying to him. I know he’s only looking out for me, but his overprotectiveness is getting old. My mother’s younger brother never wanted to give his enemies targets, so he never married or even had serious relationships. Then he got saddled with a sullen, unhappy teenager.
“I get extra points for attending in person.” I pulled that lie right out of midair. Oof.
“You make straight As,” Uncle Marco growls. “Why do you need extra points?” It’s true. I work hard, needing to get a degree that gives me the tools to earn my freedom from my uncle’s overzealous protection.
“Just in case,” I hedge. “I won’t be late.” Crossing my fingers, I pray my ploy works.
“I’m going to be out late myself.” He sighs. “But I want you to text me when you get home.” Yes! I did it. “And make sure you stay within Jason’s sight at all times.”
“I will.” I wince as the lie rolls off my tongue, but a date with Brendan is worth all the trouble. “Love you,” I tell Uncle Marco.
“Love you, too, cara.” He hangs up, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Now that I’ve gotten past my uncle’s defenses, what could go wrong? Famous last words.
CHAPTER
THREE
BRENDAN
Holy shit. I watch Hunter step through the door, and my heart pounds while my cock turns to stone. “Hello, little love.” I walk over and wrap my arm around her curvy waist. “I was starting to worry that you were going to stand me up.”
“I’m so sorry I’m late.” She glances up, and I see the blush staining her cheeks and neck.
“I’m just glad you’re here.” That’s an understatement. I was about to hunt her down and kidnap her. I kiss her soft cheek and groan as her delicate fragrance wraps around me. “Our table is ready.”
I hold Hunter’s soft hand and lead her through the darkened restaurant. This steakhouse is known for its exclusive clientele and privacy. The host points at the booth in the very back of the restaurant. “Is this table okay?”
“Is this booth okay with you, little love?” I ask Hunter.
“Sure.” She smiles up at me, and I forget all about the middle-aged host. After my girl slides into the booth, I sit next to her. Under the table, my thigh brushes her soft leg, causing hunger to shoot through my blood.
I’m wondering how I’ll make it through this fucking dinner without throwing Hunter up on this table and fucking the hell out of her when I sense someone walking up to the table. I glance up as Hunter stiffens next to me and notice the horrified look on her gorgeous face. “This doesn’t look like the fucking library to me,” the tall son-of-a-bitch standing next to the table roars. “What are you doing here, Hunter?”
Several massive men dressed all in black step around the asshole. Fuck. Is this my soulmate’s significant other? I glance down at her ring finger and see it’s empty. Thank God.
“Who are you?” I stand up and glare at him, refusing to back down.
“Her guardian.” He steps closer, attempting to intimidate me, but I ignore the fucker.
Relief courses through me when I realize he didn’t say “lover.” Then a thought occurs to me. I turn to Hunter and growl, “How old are you?”
“Twenty-two.” She bites her juicy bottom lip before looking around me to address the asshole. “I’m sorry I lied, Uncle Marco.” Uncle? I can handle this.