Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28711 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 144(@200wpm)___ 115(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28711 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 144(@200wpm)___ 115(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
"That doesn't make it wrong. Your heart is your biggest asset. Don't ever doubt that." He tips my chin up, searching my gaze. "I also know that you're a little bit wild in the best way possible. You'll claw your way out of hell with a smile on your face if you had to do it because that's who you are. What you went through may have made you a little afraid, but it sharpened your claws too, didn't it, kitten?"
"Yes," I whisper, caught up in his gaze. It's so freaking hot. He looks at me like no one else ever has, as if he actually sees me. I think he may be the first person who has ever seen me so clearly before. Not even Gemma really understands why I am the way I am, but this man does. I don't have to explain anything to him. He just gets it.
"Good. You're a fighter," he murmurs, tugging me closer to his body. "You were born to be a champion for those who need you."
He's doing that wiggling thing again. Only, he's not wiggling his way into my heart this time. I think he's wiggling his way into my soul. I feel him in there, making himself at home as if it's where he belongs. And God help us both, but it feels right with him in there. As if that's precisely where he's meant to be.
"You're the sweetest little kitten I've ever met," he whispers, pulling me flush against him. His lips hover centimeters from mine, his breath washing across my face in a way that's far too intoxicating. "I'll chase you all over Texas if that's what it takes to make you mine. But when you're ready to stop running from me, you are going to be mine, Charlie. Make no mistakes about that, baby. I'm wild about you."
"Xavier?" He says I follow my heart no matter where it leads, so I do that this time too. It's not nearly as terrifying as I thought it would be. In fact, it feels like the simplest thing in the world to wrap my arms around his neck, anchor my body to his, and whisper the truth. "I'm ready to stop running now."
"Fuck," he growls, one hand splayed wide across my lower back. His pupils flare as his eyes darken. "You better mean it, kitten. I'm not giving you up. I'll chase you to the ends of the earth if that's what it takes."
"You don't have to chase me. I'm right here." I smile at him. "Unless you want me to run some more. I mean, the earth is round, so I don't think we'll find the ends of it. But I'm willing to give it my best effort if that's really what you want me to—."
He cuts me off with his mouth on mine. The pressure of his fingers digging into my hips steals my laughter. The heat of his kiss steals my breath. I drown in him and the crazy way he makes me feel. Despite everything, I've never felt more alive than I do right now. I've never felt safer than I do by his side. And I've never wanted anything as much as I want to know what it feels like to belong to this man, body and soul.
"C'mere," he mutters, tugging me so close not even air moves between us. His erection presses against my lower belly, sending frissons of heat dancing through my system. They spark against my womb, allowing currents of electricity to flow all throughout my system.
"Xavier," I whisper, clutching his shoulders. "I have to tell you something."
"You think I don't already know?" He nips my bottom lip before kissing a trail to my ear. "I can smell it on you, baby. No one has touched what belongs to me."
"W-what belongs to you?"
He grabs my ass in both hands, gripping it tight. "You know exactly what I'm talking about," he growls against my ear. "That juicy little cherry. That perfect little cunt. Your gorgeous body. No one's ever touched what I'm about to own, have they?"
Oh, my goodness. He's so possessive and filthy. I shouldn't find that so hot. And yet my core clenches at the thought of him owning my body. "You can't own people, Xavier," I say anyway, trying to stand my ground. It's wobbling beneath my feet, but I try anyway. "It's illegal. And it's morally wrong."
"I didn't say I wanted to own you. I said I'm going to own this body, baby." He nips the shell of my ear, kneading my ass in his palms. "You'll know the difference when you're screaming my name later."
"Maybe I'll make you scream mine," I mumble through a fog of lust. He's way too good with his mouth. He should stop talking and use it more.