Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 199(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 199(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
“I’m planning on studying criminal justice with a focus on forensics.” I raised one eyebrow.
“Interesting. A particular type of forensics?” I ask. I’m sure she’s taking her gen-eds now.
“Particular types?” she asks, tilting her head as if she isn’t already a year in.
“Yes—digital, anthropology, fingerprinting, toxicology, etc.”
She smiles as she slaps her forehead. “Oh, duh. I want to learn about physical forensics, so more toward anthropology.” Fuck, she’s adorable when she’s flustered.
“Are you nervous, Princess?”
“No,” she sputters out defensively, turning red. I hide a chuckle and straighten myself up to hide the uncomfortable arousal in my pants that is no longer easily disguised.
“Well, maybe we can discuss things when you get a little further along in your classes since I have a degree in computer forensics. We can compare notes on techniques and cases.”
“I’ve taken an anthropology course and it was fun, but it was just an intro class.” She tries to minimize her experience because she thinks I won’t find it interesting, but I’ve suddenly found myself interest in all things Elsa.
“That’s great. Did you get to handle any artifacts?” I like the way her face lights up.
“Yes. It was pretty cool and even a skull from a neolithic hunter-gather. It’s so different than ours. The brow ridge is much more defined.” Why the fuck am I jealous of her touching another man’s face?
“Do you usually going around staring at men’s brow ridges?”
“No, but it’s going to be a part of forensics and human anatomy. Do you actually work cases?”
“Yes, but I can’t discuss things like that.” I wink at her, and the apples of her cheeks turn an adorable pink. I’ve lent my expertise in things, both legally and underhandedly. Most people would be surprised how often the government works with the dark side of life.
“Fine. I suppose we’ll see about it one day.” She relaxes, and her body becomes light and bubbly as she speaks. I need to walk away before I get too comfortable around her. There is too much going on to figure out this attraction I’m feeling.
“Good. If you need anything, give me a call. Do you have my number?” I ask, wanting a reason for her to call me. Damn, I want her to come with me and present her tonight at my side. No one would dare question her place or consider her an option. That’s not possible for many reasons. I’m nearly five years older than her, her father would kill me for just claiming his daughter without his approval, and the most important one, she has to want me too.
“No, I don’t think I do.” She shakes her head as her pretty eyes squint. It almost feels like an insult because her number is in mine under “Princess.” I pull out my phone and search for her name, then hit dial. It rings in her pocket.
“You have my number?” The shock on her face is so adorable that I want to close the distance and touch her, but I can’t.
“Yes. Of course I do. I’ve had it since you got it. I have all those that are close to my godfather,” I inform her.
“Oh, that makes sense.” Her face shifts, and then she drops her head to focus on her phone, saving my number. Once she’s done, she looks up with a smile and asks, “How is your family?”
“They’re great. My parents should be visiting soon and I’m sure they’ll want to have a big family get together.”
“That would be wonderful.” She rocks back and forth on her heels, biting down on her bottom lip, trying to look anywhere around the room where I don’t take up space. If I wanted, I could close the distance and force her to stare at me, but I let her off easy.
She has no idea what I’d do if I caved and decided that she was mine. I learned a long time ago that I’m a man who likes power and control. Anyone who dares to take what belongs to me would lose. Anyone who comes between us would perish. I feel my body tighten as the tension builds. I need to make my excuses and get out of here. Sliding my hand in my pocket, I pull out my phone, checking it.
“Sorry, Elsa, but I just got a text. I’m needed at the casino.” As much as I’d love to linger in her presence, it’s a foolish mistake.
Her body language immediately shifts to a cold, closed-off expression. “Oh, it’s okay. I hope everything is all right.”
“I’m sure it is, but you know they need the boss’s approval.” I wink and walk around her to the doorway, hoping that she sees I don’t dislike her. “Take it easy, and don’t talk to strangers, especially boys. College guys may be charming, but they have nothing to offer at their age.” My voice is cold and controlling, but I’m deadly serious. My men will be added to her security to ensure to her safety and little frat fucks stay away from my future wife.