Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79160 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79160 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Mila laughs softly, putting her head back on my chest. “Me either. But we’re one step closer to ending this.”
“Mmm,” is all I say, not wanting to talk about Peter or Jace or anything that threatens my newfound happiness.
“I am worried though,” she says, and my hand tightens on her waist. “Kynan said that even if we pin those threats on him, they won’t get him in much trouble. A slap on the wrist and he’ll be coming right back for us.”
“We’ll worry about that when—”
“We should set up a trap,” Mila interrupts.
Anger burns hot in my chest and I gently slide away from her, rolling off the bed. “You’re not going to be fucking bait, Mila.” I bend over, grab my boxer briefs and drag them on.
“But—”
I turn away from her and walk out of the room, not willing to entertain this. I thought I’d shut that shit down.
I hear her scramble off the bed to follow me and I’m all the way in the kitchen when she catches up. I keep my back to her as I grab a water from the fridge and holy hell, does she lay into me.
Her voice is high pitched, nearly hysterical. “You don’t have the right to tell me what I can and can’t do.” I press a hand onto the counter, bow my head as she rails at me. “This is my life and I’ll do what I think is necessary. Besides, I’m sure I’d be perfectly safe—”
“No, you wouldn’t,” I roar, turning around to face her. “And yes, it’s your life but you’re now part of my life and I don’t want to see you get hurt, so you’re not fucking doing it.”
Mila pales, her eyes rounding in fright. It’s only then that I realize she’s stark naked, milky white skin glowing in the shadows, her curves a silhouette. I just had her and I want her again.
Her intonation is shaky as she takes me to task. “Please don’t talk to me that way.”
I inhale slowly, rake my fingers through my hair in agitation. “I’m sorry. It’s just… I couldn’t bear it if something happened to—” Mila barrels into me. “Oooph.”
She squeezes me tight, cheek pressed to my chest. “I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you either.”
My arms band around her as I press a kiss to the top of her head. Her naked body turns me on beyond measure, and yet I’m content to just hold her. “Nothing’s going to happen to me or you. Your brother is going to get what he needs from Jace and Jameson will handle it, and then you and I are free to lead our lives.”
“Together?” she asks, and the question is out and can’t be taken back.
I don’t hesitate to answer. “Together.”
Mila’s head lifts, her mouth parted slightly. What’s a man to do but kiss it?
It’s when her hand palms my dick that I realize I’m fully charged and ready to go again. I pick her up and carry her back to my bed, and hopefully I’ll keep her busy enough there will be no more talk about trapping Jace.
CHAPTER 25
Mila
Pittsburgh is starting to feel like mine. I’m falling hard for a man who lives here and he’s brought me deep into his world.
I hope it will be forever but at least for today, I’m sitting in a cozy corner booth at a downtown café with three women I barely know yet already like, and that makes it feel a little less temporary.
Willa set up this lunch—told me I needed some girl time after the chaos of the last week. And truthfully, I’m grateful for it. My world has been nothing but Penn, security briefings and the constant looming danger for so long that a few hours of female bonding sounds like exactly what I need.
Yesterday was such an emotional roller coaster—meeting with my brother, having the hope this may all be over with, fighting with Penn last night after he screwed my brains out only to have him make love to me ever so slowly, and now… it’s a new day.
The Titans play at home tonight and Penn is at the arena doing pre-game. I’m here with Willa and to my left is Mazzy. She’s Foster’s girlfriend—tiny, fierce and almost ethereal looking with her long dark hair and striking eyes. And to my right is Farren, North’s girlfriend. After we eat lunch, we’re going to do some downtown shopping and then head to the arena where I’ve once again been invited to sit in Brienne’s box along with my new Titan friends.
I’m fascinated by these women and can’t stop asking questions. “Okay… just so I get this straight, you’re Rafferty’s younger sister?” I ask Farren, leaning in with genuine curiosity.
She gives me a crooked grin. “Unfortunately for him, yes.”
We all laugh, but my curiosity is only inflamed. “But you’re dating his teammate, North. Isn’t that like… taboo or something?”