Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 75814 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75814 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
When he pulls back and sets me down on my feet, I sway into him while opening my eyes.
He stares at me for a moment, then suddenly moves toward the door, saying, “I better go before I forget my manners.”
My cheeks are warm as I follow him out of my workshop, and we’re quiet all the way to the front of the theater. I unlock the door, and after we step outside, Rodian waits for me to lock it again.
“Are you sure about walking home?” he asks as we near a white Mercedes that’s standing in the otherwise empty parking area.
“Yes,” I reply. “Maybe after dinner tonight, I’ll let you drop me off at my place.”
I might even invite him up for coffee so we can make out.
God, that would be amazing.
He takes a deep breath and glances at the car, the relaxed demeanor he had in my workshop gone. “I don’t like the idea of you walking alone, but I’ll respect your boundaries.” His eyes meet mine again, then he adds, “For today.”
A smile spreads over my face. “Only for today?”
He shrugs. “Tomorrow is negotiable. I might feel like corrupting you.”
Laughter bursts from me, and meaning every word, I say, “Thank you, Rodian. I really enjoyed our time together.”
Lifting his hand, he tucks some of my hair behind my ear before suddenly hauling me into a tight hug. I feel completely engulfed by him, and the hoarse tone of his voice makes another wave of goose bumps erupt over my skin. “Please be here at seven.”
“I will.”
He holds me for a little longer, then presses a kiss to my temple. Letting go of me, he takes a long look before turning around and walking to his car.
I watch as he unlocks the door, and letting out a happy sigh, I head across a narrow patch of grass and walk away from the theater.
Hearing the car’s engine, I glance over my shoulder, hoping to steal another glance at Rodian.
The Mercedes stops beside me, and when he gets out again, happy laughter bursts from me.
A hot grin tugs at his lips as he stalks toward me, the sight making the butterflies in my stomach go crazy. As he leans down to kiss me right there on the sidewalk, I lift onto my tiptoes and can’t resist touching his jaw, trailing my fingers over the short bristles.
The kiss doesn’t last as long as I’d like, but before he breaks it, his teeth nip at my bottom lip, and I almost moan like a hussy.
Pulling away, he mutters, “I’m going to count down the seconds until I get to see you again.”
Still smiling, I say, “Bye, Rodian.”
He watches me walk away, and when I reach the corner and glance back, he’s still standing where I left him. I lift my arm and wave, and after he returns the gesture, I turn left into my street.
It feels as if I’m floating on cloud nine, and I replay the entire night in my mind, grinning from ear to ear.
Is it possible to fall in love so quickly?
I’m totally claiming it as a first date because I don’t think any other date will ever beat it.
Reaching the building where my place is, I notice three black SUVs, and as apprehension tenses my body, the doors open and men get out, followed by a woman I don’t recognize.
“Come, Anastasia,” she says, and only then do I realize who she is.
Mother.
No. It’s too soon!
Shocked, I say, “I was supposed to have another two weeks.”
“I’ve been waiting almost ten minutes for you. Give Kirill the keys to your apartment so the men can pack your clothes.”
A man with a scary blank expression on his face walks toward me and holds out his hand.
When I don’t do as I’m told, Mother gives me an impatient look. “Give him the keys and get in the car! We have a flight to catch.”
I glance over my shoulder, wishing I had Rodian’s phone number so I could let him know I won’t be able to make it tonight.
Dammit. I was really looking forward to having dinner with him.
“Anastasia!” Mother snaps angrily. “Get your fat ass in the fucking car right this instant. I don’t have time for this shit.”
My head snaps back to her, and gathering every ounce of courage I possess, I say, “No. I have two more weeks. I have to hand in my notice at the theater and–”
“Kirill,” she barks, and the next second the man grabs my arm in a brutal hold while ripping my handbag away from me. I gasp as he drags me toward the SUV where another man opens the back door, and I’m shoved so hard onto the seat that my shins slam into the bottom metal panels.
Stunned out of my mind from being manhandled, I barely have time to pull my feet into the SUV before the door is slammed shut.