Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 185(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 123(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 185(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 123(@300wpm)
Until she runs into my arms, begging for my protection.
She can have it and so much more. My security, my heart, and everything I have will be hers. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to make her happy, safe, and mine.
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
Chapter One
Cyber
“Demi, why the hell do I have to wear this?” I tug on my bowtie, feeling the tightness around my neck. I haven’t worn a tux this fancy, even for any of the guys’ weddings. Bowties weren’t required. A regular tie did the job just fine, and yet here I am, wearing a black-bowed noose while freezing my balls off outside on one of the coldest days in history.
“We’re not going to a bar. It’s the symphony, so stop being a baby. You promised me, and it’s my birthday.” She stands in front of me with no coat and a mini purse clutched under her armpit while she fiddles with my tie outside the vehicle before heading inside Samuelson Symphony Center for a limited performance. “There—perfect.”
“You know, I’m not the kind of guy who is into this stuff. Especially watching kids perform.” Apparently, it’s a special event featuring some of the students from the performing arts college, as well as the professional symphony that plays here regularly.
“Chill out. Many of these students will be joining the company or moving on to other orchestras, so at least they’re all talented.”
“Fine, but if it sucks, my next tattoo is discounted.” I wink and then pout, letting her know I’m teasing.
As much as I like giving her shit, I’m not completely bothered about coming out tonight. I have to pretend to at least not like this shit. It’s what brothers from another mother do. Although we’re not blood related, we’re family and making her happy on her birthday goes with the territory.
“I know, I know. I already promised that, but no one else would go with me. And let’s face it. We are single, and my brothers trust you with me.” I would never put my hands on her, so they know she’s safe with me.
“Yeah, but that’s not a reason to torture me,” I say, dropping my shoulders and sighing again like a petulant child.
Demi rolls her eyes and touches up her hair. “Oh, shut up. You like music. I’m sure you’ll love this. Besides, I hear the pianist, who was a former student and is now famous, is absolutely beautiful.”
“Penis?” I tease, smiling like a fool. I’ve always found the word funny. Maybe I’m still a childish guy, but it’s hilarious.
“Pianist. God, you men.” She huffs. I grab her arm and gently pull her back because even though she’s not my date per se, I’m still to look after her. There could be a dozen creeps in there who would enjoy accidentally bumping into a pretty woman like her.
“Sorry, Demi. Let’s enjoy your birthday with beautiful music played by an attractive penis.”
“You’re an asshole,” she mutters.
“But at least I look like a classy asshole.” I wink at her and then grab the main entrance door. We’re already late so I whip it open, only to come face-to-face with the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen. It’s too late to stop the collision, but I quickly catch the beauty in my arms, holding her petite frame against my stronger, larger one briefly.
Time stands still as I stare at this ethereal beauty in my arms, taking in her stunning appearance. Her chocolate hair pinned up off her slender neck has just a few curls draped down; one by her ear grazes her collarbone. I want to brush it aside and kiss that tender spot, wondering if she’ll moan and lean into it or become ticklish. She sighs, and my eyes focus on her soft, pouty lips stained with dark red lipstick. My arousal is instant and uncomfortable in these dress pants.
Demi coughs. The angel’s tight little body quickly extricates itself from mine, leaving me cold and aching painfully.
Her sparkling eye shadow accentuates her bright blue eyes that are open wide in shock from the short connection. I try to memorize every feature before she runs. It’s clear she’s in a hurry, and yet I don’t want her to go. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to bump into you, Enchantress,” I say, smiling while taking her hand in mine, bringing it to my lips and kissing the back of it.
“The fault’s all mine. I’m sorry I came through the wrong entrance; excuse me,” she stammers, looking at me with a hint of pink on her cheeks and then at Demi, who I completely forgot about. I’m sure I’m not going to hear the end of that. She quickly pulls her hand back from me, but I won’t forget the soft feeling for as long as I live.
I’m about to ask for her name when she dashes off without a word in a gorgeous little black number that hugs her tight, small, curvy body. I love that outfit on her, even though I can’t say I enjoy other men seeing her wearing it. I’m forced to bite back a groan as a small group of people pass by us, blocking my view of her.