Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 124(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 124(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
“I can’t let you go,” I tell her as I tighten my hold. Of course I mean it in more ways than one.
“You don’t see me fighting you off.” She laughs as she says it, and it goes straight to my heart.
“I was too rough. I know you’re probably sore.” I’m still so damn hard and ready to go again, but I have to think about her needs first. I start to pull out, but she reaches back to grab my ass. Her nails dig in, and I let out a small yelp. “Okay, okay. Retract the claws, kitten.”
“You weren’t too rough. And if you were, it was because I was telling you to go harder.”
Fuck, my cock throbs at her words. “If you keep talking like that, I’m going to be hard all day.” I nuzzle into her neck and kiss the soft spot below her ear. “Although I was having that problem before last night.”
“Really?” She seems shocked by this confession.
“Oh yes, really,” I admit. “You have no idea how badly I’ve wanted you.” I kiss along her shoulder, and she smiles. “Since the moment I first saw you in the tree. I knew you were something special.”
“Something wild,” she jokes, but I shake my head.
“Something perfect. Something wonderful and unlike anything or anyone I’d ever met. Something to cherish for the rest of my life.”
Her head turns, and her eyes meet mine. I didn’t mean for the words to come out even though they’re true. God, I’m fucking this up. I’m going to send her running to the hills any second, but I refuse to take them back.
“There’s a lot more I want to say, but I’m afraid of saying too much too soon,” I tell her as I cup her cheek. “Just know that you mean something to me.” My hand moves down her stomach and between her legs where I’m still inside her. I watch as her eyes start to close from the pleasure. “And if you keep letting me inside you like this, I’ll take care of what we make, too.”
Chapter Thirteen
BELLAROSE
I stuff another sweater into my luggage, not bothering to fold it. I can feel Sheryl staring a hole into me from the doorway, but that’s nothing new. Anytime we cross paths, she glares at me.
Thankfully, since I’ve been crashing in West’s cabin, I only had to see her in our group activities. Her mouth wasn’t so biting when others were around, but I’m here now, and she’s blocking my exit.
“Planning another sleepover?” Sheryl says. How does she manage to make everything sound patronizing? It’s really a skill set. “How precious.”
There’s no point in having it out with her, so I keep packing.
Tonight is the last night of the retreat. Everyone’s leaving in the morning, and I wanted to have my stuff together. Of course I’m having another sleepover. Why wouldn’t I? Does she think I’d prefer sleeping next to her over West? Like that’s ever going to happen.
When I’m in bed with West, we talk for hours and make love. My chest starts to ache as I think about it ending in the morning. I suppose we could date long distance. Does that ever work? I know that I’m willing to try. Is West?
If I had the means and money, I’d be open to moving to where he lives. I know he has a corporation to run, but that hasn’t come up. He’s said he wants more, but it really hasn’t gone beyond that. As of tonight, time is officially running out.
“You’re making a fool of yourself,” she continues. “You know that, right?”
“Pretty sure that’s your specialty, Sheryl.” I zip my bag harder than necessary, a little surprised at myself. “Don’t be mad that West and I have a connection.”
“A connection,” she laughs, then her face twists. “You silly little girl. He’ll forget you by Monday. This was nothing but a trip hookup.”
“Whatever.” I shrug, though the words hurt.
“You think you’re special? You’re the one that’s ruined his life. The board’s going to vote him out. They heard about the two of you, and he was already on thin ice about misappropriated funds.” Her eyes rake over me. “You’ll be one big regret when that hammer comes down and he loses everything he’s built. All for a little girl that wears cat ears.”
My hands still.
“Oh, you didn’t know?” She leans against the doorframe, suddenly comfortable. Sheryl is at her happiest when she’s hurting someone. “He’s been avoiding you when others are around because he knows what he’s doing.” Slowly a smile takes over her face. “Bellarose, did you think he was doing that for your benefit?” She laughs harder. “You really don’t know how men operate.”
He doesn’t avoid me; he’s just not all over me in public. Not everyone is into PDA or others knowing their business.