Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
He moves, partially rolling over me. My head ends up resting on his bicep, and when he looks down at me with remorse, I feel my resolve slipping a bit more.
“I should’ve asked you to dinner like a normal man.”
“Yes. That’s usually what sane people do.”
His voice is low and deep, and oh so seductive when he says, “I promise to take you out for thousands of dinners.”
“What if our first date sucks? It’s not like I can ghost you.”
A smile spreads over his face, and I stare at the hot-as-sin man like a dumbstruck idiot.
“The first date won’t suck,” he says, sounding very confident of himself.
“That remains to be seen,” I whisper.
Leo’s eyes drift over my face, and the way he looks at me makes me feel like I’m all he sees. I have all his attention right now.
Slowly, he begins to lean down, and I’m hit with such an intense wave of anticipation, my heartbeat sets off at a crazy pace.
Don’t let him kiss you!
Leo’s eyes become hooded with desire, and holy shit, it makes my abdomen clench hard. Then his expression turns predatory, and like the helpless prey I am, I realize I don’t stand a chance against him.
I feel his breath on my lips.
I smell his woodsy scent.
I feel the heat coming from his strong body.
I’m completely powerless against the strong attraction I have for him, and I think he knows it.
At the very last second, he turns his head and kisses my left cheek before he whispers, “Beg me, Haven.”
“For sex?” I exclaim. “Hell no!”
When he chuckles right by my ear, goosebumps erupt over my skin.
“Not sex.” His lips brush over my jaw, and I almost let out a moan, my right hand gripping hold of his shoulder. “A kiss.”
My mind screams no while my body wildly nods yes.
I push against his shoulder while I turn my head away from him. “No.”
I’m surprised when Leo doesn’t force things, keeping the promise he made.
He rolls onto his back and tucks his other arm beneath his head again. “Be ready at six tomorrow evening for our first date.”
Feeling like I’m playing with fire by lying beside him, I sit up and cross my legs under me. Staring at the moonlight reflecting on the ocean, I say, “It’s going to take a hell of a lot more than you being nice to me for one day and taking me on a date.”
“I know.” He sits up as well, and reaching past me, he picks up the can of soda and takes a sip. Holding it out to me, he says, “I have an entire lifetime to win you over, Haven. You don’t become the head of the mafia by giving up quickly. I’ll wear you down.”
“Wow,” I mutter. “Just what every girl dreams of hearing.”
He chuckles, the corner of his mouth lifting into the dangerous smirk that makes me forget who he really is.
Climbing to my feet, I say, “I’m going to bed.”
“Okay.”
Looking down at him, I ask, “You’re not coming in?”
He shakes his head. “Night, principessa. Dream of me.”
“Night.” I walk across the beach and head up to the veranda. When I step into the living room, I glance over my shoulder, and even though it’s dark, I can make out that Leo’s looking at me.
Great. He’s just seen me glance back at him and will probably take it as a win.
I walk to the kitchen and pour the rest of the soda down the drain before putting the tin in the correct recycling bin. Heading to my bedroom, I shut the door behind me and stare at the key in the lock.
Leo could’ve overpowered me easily at any time tonight.
He didn’t kiss me when I said no.
Not locking the door, I decide to take a chance. If this mansion is my home for the rest of my life, I want to feel safe in it. I’m going to give Leo the benefit of the doubt and trust that he won’t hurt me.
I grab a pair of shorts and a cami and head to the bathroom. Not in the mood for a bath, I quickly shower.
When I’m ready for bed, I crawl beneath the covers and pick up my phone from beside the bed.
Seeing a text from Mom, I click on it.
Holy crap, she wrote a lot!
Mom: I hate to admit this, but it’s much better at Martina’s place than staying with Nicolo. She said we should call each other by our first names, seeing as we’re family, whether we like it or not. We spent some time bonding over our discontent regarding the wedding. She didn’t want an arranged marriage for Leo, but seeing as he’s the boss, no one dares go against him.
Mom: It was really lovely having dinner with you, even if Leo was there.