Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 98755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
I don’t confide my thoughts to Lucas. Or that I intend to get closer to Alek Ivanov’s daughter. I’m risking my fucking life doing everything I have been so far. But now we’re going to throw more fuel onto that flame. Because, eventually, something will be smoked out.
CHAPTER 17
Hope
I haven’t had a chance to deliver his special package yet because I had art shows I needed to attend. I was also working on officially dropping out of college, which oddly feels freeing.
When I told Billie and Ivy about me quitting school, neither of them was surprised. Charlotte seemed to be the only one who disagreed with my decision. But a small part of me, as petty as it seems, wonders if that’s because she thinks we won’t hang out as much. And honestly, that might be the case.
I don’t expect her to understand, but I don’t like the fact that she said it’s easy for “someone like me.” I think she was referring to the fact that I already have a booming career, and hers isn’t where she wants to be. I don’t have time for people like that in my inner circle.
The current exhibition has been a massive success. I can tell by how exhausted I am, in desperate need of a recharge from how much peopling I’ve had to do.
“Don’t forget, tomorrow our flight leaves at eight. In the car to the airport, we’ll also be having an interview with a magazine that’s been promoting your work for the last two years. I promised them an exclusive interview on the collection,” Candice says.
When I turn my unimpressed expression her way, she levels me with a stare. “I said I’d cut back on the number of interviews. But ‘exclusive’ means only one for this collection and a fatter paycheck.”
I sigh. It’s exhausting, really.
“I’ll call for the car to be brought around for you. I’m going to close out a few things here,” she says, walking away.
I really envy Candice’s gusto. She’s ten years older than me. And, honestly, if I didn’t have her, I wouldn’t have a routine or half the success I do now. I just enjoy doing my art; the rest of it means very little to me. But if doing all of this now sets me up to be able to live independently and on my own schedule in later years, then that’s what I’ll strive for.
I want to remove my hair from its tight bun, but instead, I fidget with my glasses on my way out of the grandiose building. I lift the hem of my light-blue silk dress so I don’t catch it as I descend the stairs. When the cool air of the evening hits me, I look up. And my heart flutters.
I immediately want to stomp on it.
Braxton is here, leaning against his car. One leg crossed casually over the other as he looks up and smirks. I’m not sure what it is about his smile that sends something off in my stomach. It’s kind of like butterflies, but not exactly. I don’t descend any farther as I stare at him, quite enjoying looking down my nose at him. He pulls his hat off, that arrogant smile not faltering.
“Shortcake.” I raise a brow at the nickname.
“You back to tracking me?” I ask. “Should I call security? You wouldn’t be the first raging fan I’ve had.”
“I’m a detective. It’s what I do. And a raging fan might be a bit of a stretch, don’t you think? I only want you for your body. Not your work.”
Heat floods to my core. Fuck this asshole.
“So, are you saying I should put a restraining order on you?” I quip.
“You could try, but it won’t do much,” he replies. “Why don’t you come down here before I, in a chivalrous way, of course, throw you over my shoulder and into my car?”
“So you’ve resorted to kidnapping me?”
He looks around in mock shock. “Of course not. That’s why I included the term ‘chivalrous.’ I’ll make sure you don’t hit your head when I gently place you into the trunk of the car. I might not even tie you up, even though I know how much you’ll like it.” He winks.
I bite the inside of my cheek, trying not to laugh. Dickhead.
A couple walks past me, leaving as the show comes to a close, and I wonder where my driver is. He should’ve come around by now.
“I had him arrested. Your driver.” Did he read my thoughts? My jaw tightens as I glare at him again.
“You what?”
“He was drinking. We can’t have him driving you while he’s intoxicated, now can we? I’m not only chivalrous but also protective. Very sweet. Very mindful. Very heroic.”
Again, I try not to laugh. This guy is such an asshole.
“You’re lying.” Larry, my driver has always been reliable.