Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 71908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
I still can’t wrap my mind around what happened last night. I have to tell myself to stop touching my lips. I know I logically can’t feel him there today, but I do. Blaming it on the alcohol isn’t going to fly because I want more of his kisses. What’s worse is whatever this is, it’s growing.
A knock sounds on my bedroom door as I’m finishing getting ready. “Come in,” I call. Mac is lying on my bed on her stomach, kicking her feet in the air, swinging back and forth as she plays on her phone.
“I have everything set,” my dad says, standing in my bedroom doorway. “I would ask if you’re sure about this, but…” He trails off, knowing me well. There are things you have to see for yourself.
“I have to know before I agree to a marriage with this man.” I will not have things kept from me. Especially another woman. My hand tightens around the strap of my bag.
“If anyone understands, it’s me. I moved your mother here so that she would be safe behind these gates, away from any other men who might try to take her from me.”
“I’m not jealous.” I say it far too quickly. Mac snorts a laugh, and my dad’s brows rise. “Okay, I suppose I am. Lying to myself is not helpful,” I admit out loud.
I shove a few more things into my bag, ready to go. Mac slipped over to her parents’ house earlier to grab a few things. Before we take off, I want to address one issue.
“It’s good to know who you are. Like that I’m clearly the smart one around here,” Mac says.
“I think that—”
“Shut it.” Mac sits up. “You’re to agree with me.”
“Correct. Mac is the smart one,” I agree.
“Ahh, don’t make me get all bashful.” She literally rolls off my bed and then springs to her feet.
“You’re taking her with you?” Dad asks. Mac pretends to be offended.
“If I give her the slip, I’ll hear about it for months.”
“Years,” Mac corrects. God knows what she might do to my tech. It’s not worth the risk, and well, I kind of enjoy having her around. Her chatter can be oddly soothing.
“Try not to kill anyone. My reach only goes so far,” Dad warns. I know, and if shit goes left, then favors will have to be called in.
“Got it.” Mac hits him with a finger gun. He shakes his head before leaving.
“Come on.” I grab the light windbreaker to put on over my sports bra. I tossed on leggings and sneakers for the long plane ride.
My mom is on us the second I hit the bottom step. I let her fawn over me for a minute before we head out. I pull down the long driveway, pausing when we get past the gate. Both Mac and I step out, and she pulls out one of her handy devices to see if she can detect a signal close by that isn’t linked back to the estate.
I follow her across the street to the tree line. It’s all woods. It doesn’t take her long. “It’s up there.” She points to one of the trees. I slip off my jacket, handing it to her, and slide on gloves. I pull my knife out from where I have it strapped to my back and put it between my teeth before taking the device from Mac.
“Don’t fall. I suck at catching.” Isn’t that the truth. I brace my foot against a knot to push myself up and grab the lowest limb I can reach. “I failed that part of gym class.” I remember because I was there, and she couldn’t do half a pull-up, but I can’t respond. I keep climbing until there is a hit on the tracker and I see it.
A tiny lens. No way you’d find it without help. I clip it to the top of my pants and remove the knife from between my teeth. I stare into the lens, knowing Paxton is staring right back. This smooth motherfucker.
I should be pissed, but instead I’m impressed. I don’t know why I do it. I kiss it right before I jam my knife into it and then dig it out of the bark where it had been implanted.
“Did you just kiss that!”
“How the hell did you see that?” I quickly climb back down. Mac turns her phone around to show me the video.
“Once I found the signal.” She shrugs like it was as easy as tying your shoe.
“You’re terrifying,” I tell her, heading back toward my car.
“You must be rubbing off on me.”
“You climbed into my bed,” I remind her.
“I like to cuddle, what can I say?” Mac hops back into the car. It had been nice hanging out in bed last night. I woke up with dirt smudged on my cheek.