Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 115435 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 577(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115435 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 577(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
I set out an old T-shirt for my girl, and when I get downstairs, Miller and Simon have delivered the bags. I find Miller in the kitchen, drinking a bottle of water.
“Do you want pizza?” I ask him as I pull my phone out to order. “We’re hungry.”
“I won’t turn it down,” he replies. “Simon’s settled in downstairs. He’ll be Billie’s detail while we’re in New York. Do you want him in Ireland?”
“No, she’ll be with us most of the time in Ireland. I knew she’d be on her own a lot here, and I want someone with her.” I finish ordering online and pocket my phone. “Why do you look more uptight than normal?”
“Someone’s not happy about the new build in Sweden.”
“Lots of people aren’t happy about that build.” I rake my hand through my hair. “We should have pulled out of that project. It’s done nothing but piss me the fuck off.”
“They’re pissed enough that they decided to send you a threat.”
I narrow my eyes on him. “What kind of threat?”
“Stop the build immediately, or they’ll kill you.”
I shake my head. Death threats happen frequently, but this time, Miller’s face doesn’t change.
“This isn’t an idle threat,” he says. “It came from an extremist group that’s been on the watch list for a decade. They mean what they say.”
“I want Simon in Ireland,” I decide, changing my mind. Nothing is ever going to touch my girl. “And back in Montana. If he’s willing to relocate, he can be a permanent part of the detail.”
“He’s willing,” Miller replies. “I think it’s smart.”
We talk for another thirty minutes. The pizza arrives just as Billie’s coming down the stairs.
“Pizza’s in the lobby,” I say to Miller.
“I’ll get it,” he replies and crosses to the elevator.
“Does Miller ever sleep?” Billie asks when she reaches me. She wraps her arms around me for a hug, the way she always does when she greets me.
“I assume so.” I kiss her lips and skim my fingers over her neck. “How was your shower?”
“Heavenly. I think that whole bathroom is a religious experience. I might just live in there for the rest of my life. Toss food at me and I’ll be fine.”
I chuckle and brush my nose over hers. “You’re funny, bumble.”
The elevator opens, and Miller walks in with the pizza.
“Let’s eat,” she says.
“Wake up, angel.” I love seeing Billie in my bed. Her dark hair and golden skin against the white linens, sleeping peacefully as the sun shines in through the wall of windows makes my chest ache.
I love her so much, I don’t know what I’d ever do without her.
“Time is it?” she murmurs, not opening her eyes.
“It’s about seven.” I kiss her cheek. “I have to go to the office, and I need to talk to you before I leave.”
She stretches and the covers pull down, revealing her hot-as-hell breasts. She didn’t last long in my clothes once we came to bed just five hours ago.
“Okay, I’m awake.”
But she burrows down into the pillow, hugging it to her.
“Just give me five minutes, and you can go back to sleep, baby.”
She moans, then turns onto her back and pries one eye open. “Hi.”
“Good morning, beautiful.”
“Okay, I forgive you for waking me up.” She grins up at me. “I wouldn’t want you to leave without saying goodbye anyway.”
“And I wouldn’t do that. I left my credit card on the table right there. Go use it today. Shop and have fun.”
She frowns and glances over to the table, and then those eyes blow wide. “Connor, that’s a black AmEx.”
“I’m aware.”
“You’re such a rich guy.” She blinks, then sighs. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Cool, I’ll do some shopping.”
I push my fingers through her soft hair. “Good. You’ll have a driver today. His name is Simon, and he’ll take you wherever you want to go.”
“I can take a cab or an Uber.”
“No. That’s not negotiable. I’m not asking you, Billie. I’m telling you.”
She bites her lip. She likes it when I get bossy. But then I think back to our discussion last weekend and reconsider my answer.
“I know you don’t love having decisions made for you rather than with you. I heard that, angel. But there will be times when I need you to adhere to my demands without question, especially when we’re in a city that’s strange to you and you’re outside your comfort zone. Accept the ride. For me.”
“Thanks for the ride.” She sits up, unconcerned about being mostly naked, and wraps her arms around me. “And for the computer and shopping. Seriously, I don’t need it.”
“I do.” I kiss her shoulder, then her neck. “Now, I have to leave this room before I say fuck it all to work and pound you into the mattress.”
“I’m still sore from last night.” She chuckles and drags her hand down my cheek.