Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 101622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Everything I learned from the old con-job movies I used to watch with my dad taught me that Warner is a target. My target. That’s it. Stay focused on the job at hand.
On the edge of delirium last night, I had to make a choice. Whether it was a wise decision or not remains to be seen. But today, I’m fully committed. It’s not like I have another option at this point.
Warner Landers has made himself clear.
It’s time Delaney Bayetti does the same. I’m not here to play. I’m here to win him over and talk some sense into him.
The lies are already embedding themselves under my skin just enough to slide off my tongue when necessary. He was testing me last night. He’ll do it again today. I have to be ready for him, or I’ll give myself away.
I only wish I didn’t love the feel of his hand spanning the inside of my thigh like I do. And how bold he was to slide it between my thighs like I’m his girlfriend, or worse, his wife. Did he really think I wouldn’t notice? Technically, I didn’t, but that’s neither here nor there in this situation. I have a scroll length of excuses lined up and ready to toss out on a moment’s notice.
One. I went almost forty-eight hours without sleep. No one is any good without solid rest. I got that here last night. Finally.
Two. The amount of mental gymnastics I’ve had to perform for this man to convince him we’re the real deal has been an expenditure of energy I didn’t know I possessed. We might not be a couple, but it’s been fun living like a queen in his castle.
Enough of the mush, Delaney. I’d be wise to remember the man is a monster with no heart. I’m not interested in spending my time trying to redeem him so he’s tolerable. He’s not, so there’s no use hoping for the best in this mess. I’ve come to accept he is who he is. I know exactly what I’m working with and will act accordingly.
Plus, I can’t stay like this all day.
Moving ever so slowly, I roll to the side of the bed to get up. When his hand falls to the mattress, I still and look back over my shoulder. He shifts, but there’s no reason to believe he’s awake. I slink out of bed and tiptoe to the bathroom, pushing the door shut quietly until my back rests against it. A much-needed breath brings clarity rather than the usual rush of panic. I’m doing the right thing.
He might be the one with the concussion, but I’m the one acting like I was in the accident. Logic has gone out the window. I know what I’m doing is wrong. I feel it in my gut. But at what point will morals outweigh purpose? I shake the guilt from my shoulders and look in the mirror. My gaze dips to my chest with a university’s name emblazoned across the front. If I’d gone to Harvard, I’d be blasting it out there, too. Warner Landers might have expensive suits and this incredible apartment. He even has a fancy pedigree in legacy and degree, but it doesn’t seem like he actually enjoys his life. He’s wound up tighter than a bobbin. It’s the lack of fun, I just know it is.
Happiness might also be a culprit. Why else would someone find joy in ruining other people’s lives? And that is what tells me all I need to know about him. Focus on the job, Delaney. Get in, sweet-talk him into tossing this deal away, and get out.
“Take no prisoners,” I whisper. It would be a lot easier if he didn’t have that stupidly handsome face of his. It’s not fair for him to win all the awards from wealth to good looks. He does have his flaws, but even his personality is becoming easier to overlook.
I grin, glancing at the shirt again, even half-heartedly to give him credit where it’s due. It’s an impressive achievement. And though I’m not surprised he went to Harvard, I am by how soft this T-shirt is. Wonder how many washes it took to achieve this cotton perfection.
After snooping around the bathroom, I find a clear container of brand-new toothbrushes. Of course, he has them neatly organized and a supply to last twenty years. I roll my eyes. Does this man ever have any fun? I’d have to see it to believe it.
I brush my teeth and then use the face wash he keeps in the shower. It felt so luxurious when I used it last night that I didn’t even need moisturizer afterward. After patting my face dry, I put on my strapless bra and then ball up my dress in the corner. Sneaking through the bedroom, I quietly grab the first pair of shorts I find, slipping them on but holding them up at the waist as I tiptoe back out toward the door. I glance over at him sleeping so soundly and smile before I get frustrated for giving him the courtesy of thinking he looks cute all snug as a bug in that bed.