Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 92474 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92474 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
“Victor is sweet,” she said.
Nico gaped at her, then grinned. “Jesus, how did he find the one woman in the world that would think he’s sweet?”
“Hey, I think he can be sweet,” Lottie protested.
“Yeah, but you’re his sister. He loves you. To everyone else, he’s the boogeyman your parents warn you about. The savage beast of New Orleans. And he’s been tamed by a beauty and her sticky buns.”
Her cheeks went red. She was starting to regret telling them how they’d met. “He’s not savage or a beast or a boogeyman.”
Nico held his hands up. “Sorry, sweetheart. Just telling you what other people think. Not me. Nope. Vicky and I are best buds.”
Lottie rolled her eyes, then moved closer to Gracen. “It’s not always easy being part of this family. Are you sure you know what you’re getting into?”
“Are you trying to warn me away from your brother?”
“No, not at all. I’m so pleased he has you. But bad things happen in our world, and I just want you to be really sure because Victor has never shown interest in a woman before. Not serious interest. And I just . . . I don’t want to see either of you hurt.”
“It’s all right, Lottie. I know it’s a dangerous world you all live in. But the truth is, my world would be nothing without Victor. So, I’m willing to risk everything just to be with him.”
Lottie wrapped her arms around her. “Thank you. Thank you for loving him.”
“You don’t ever have to thank me for that.” They both smiled at each other.
“Everything okay in here?”
She jumped then looked over as Liam walked in. She gave him a wary look. There was something so intimidating about him. But Lottie’s face lit up as she saw him. She went to him immediately, cuddling up to his side.
“Of course. Is everything all right? Is there a threat?”
Liam sighed. “Regent thinks Patrick’s making trouble again.”
“Patrick?” Nico asked. “I thought Regent took care of him.”
“We never found Patrick,” Victor said, entering the room. He moved over to her, gathering her in tight.
“Yum, cinnamon rolls.” Maxim walked in and grabbed one.
“Don’t eat too much. I’m making chili for dinner. I mean, if that’s all right. I was just doing something simple.” They were probably used to really posh food, but she didn’t know how to make any of that.
“It’s been ages since we had chili,” Maxim told her with a smile.
“Oh, good,” she replied shyly. “And mocha brownies for dessert.”
Maxim suddenly dropped to his knees and shuffled over to her, his hands up in a prayer. “Gracen, marry me. Please.”
She blushed. Lord, he was an idiot.
“Mine,” Victor growled.
Maxim pouted. “Fine. I guess having her as a sister-in-law will have to do.”
“Maxim, Vicky hasn’t proposed yet. Although, it won’t be far away, I’m sure,” Lottie suggested slyly.
“Baby,” Liam warned.
Lottie just grinned. Then she sobered as Regent used his crutches to enter the room. “Regent! You shouldn’t be out of the wheelchair.” She fussed over him as he moved to sit at the small breakfast table.
“I’m fine, Lottie.”
He didn’t look fine, though. She poured him a cup of coffee and put a roll on a plate then walked it over to him.
He stared down at the roll and coffee then up at her. “Thank you, Gracen.”
“You’re welcome.” She moved quickly back to Victor, who led her to another chair. He sat and pulled her onto his lap.
“I’ve got things to do,” she told him, trying to wriggle off.
“No, you don’t. You look pale. Sit.”
Well, she supposed if it meant he would sit, she would. After all, he needed to rest.
“So, what’s this about Patrick?” Lottie asked, sitting next to them with Nico on her other side.
Maxim grabbed some coffee for them all. She itched to do that. She glanced over at the fridge, she should get the creamer and the rest of the rolls.
“Relax, baby. Maxim has it sorted.” Victor placed his hand on her thigh, and she sucked in a breath as a wave of arousal washed over her. Completely inappropriate timing.
“You don’t need to worry about Patrick,” Regent told her, sipping on his coffee. He didn’t touch the roll. She needed to find something he couldn’t resist. Unless he didn’t trust her to cook for him. Victor said he only trusted Gerald, which she understood.
She tried to get up again, but Victor tightened his arm around her waist. He brushed his lips against her ear. “Try to move again and I’ll spank your ass.”
Holy. Heck.
She probably should be annoyed at his words. But another rush of arousal flooded her.
At this stage, she was going to need to change her panties.
“Regent, you can’t keep this from us. What’s going on? What happened?” Lottie asked.
They were answers she wanted as well. Regent glanced at Liam.
“She needs to know,” Liam said. “Especially as you’re intent on sending her away.”