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 I get up, Rodian also rises to his feet, and I’m very conscious of the intense energy he gives off.
“I’m just going to check,” I say, and walking to the door, I open it.
As I step into the hallway, Rodian joins me and asks, “Is there a restroom I can use?”
“Of course.”
We walk to the backstage area, and finding it empty, I gesture to the other hallway that leads to the kitchen and offices. “The restroom is down there. It’s the first door on the right.”
Rodian pauses to ask, “Are you calling it a night, or do I have you for a bit longer?”
Really?
I check my wristwatch, and seeing it’s already past midnight, a gasp escapes me. “No wonder the party is over.”
When I look up, Rodian says, “I want to spend more time with you.”
Feeling flattered, a shy smile forms on my face as I admit, “I’d like that.” I jab a thumb over my shoulder. “While you use the restroom, I’m going to make sure all the doors are locked.”
Rodian shakes his head. “Wait for me. I don’t like the idea of you walking around the empty theater by yourself.”
I swear I go weak in the knees while my heart skips a beat, and grinning, I nod. “Okay.”
As he walks away from me, I admire how the crisp white dress shirt fits over his broad back, his trimmed waist, and a butt that can only be described as God’s gift to women.
This drop-dead handsome man is interested in me.
My grin grows, and the urge to do a happy dance surges through me.
Because I attended girls-only boarding schools and none of the men I’ve encountered after graduating ever showed any interest in me I’ve never had the opportunity to date
My thoughts return to Rodian, and I wonder about his accent. It sounds Eastern European, but I can’t narrow it down to a specific country, and I don’t want to ask.
Since we started talking, we’ve kept the topics general and haven’t exchanged personal information. I want to keep it that way because there’s no way I can share any of my family details with him.
Just as I think of my impending return to Russia, Rodian comes back. He’s busy rolling up his left sleeve, and my eyes catch on the veins snaking beneath his skin.
Seeing a tattoo of a snowflake, every branch beautifully detailed, the top point longer with an N through it, I ask, “What’s the story behind your tattoo?”
Rodian turns his arm to glance at it, and the corner of his mouth lifts. “My cousin loves snowflakes.” He brushes his thumb over the ink before adding, “The N stands for north. A reminder of home, and a promise to myself to never forget where I come from.”
Loving the story behind the snowflake, I look at his right arm, noticing the tattoos are completely different.
There’s an anatomical heart with a dagger driven straight through it. Thick chains surround the blade and organ, several of the links broken. Roses are worked into the detail, while thorny vines snake through the entire piece.
Before I can ask, Rodian says, “Show the way so we can check the doors.”
“Oh, right!” I walk down the corridor, and when we enter the auditorium, I glance up at him. “I’m curious. Why did you attend the play alone?”
Something mischievous glints in his eyes. “How did you know I was alone?”
Damn. Busted.
I tuck some of my hair behind my ear as I lower my gaze. He’s been pretty straightforward and told me he doesn’t like games, so I give in and admit the truth. “Before the play started, I peeked through the curtains and noticed you in the front row.”
When he lets out a deep chuckle, I experience such a strong pull of attraction it feels like it’s going to overwhelm me.
“Glad to hear you noticed me.”
Feeling rattled, I walk a little faster. “Oh, hush. You know every woman was looking at you.”
Rodian grabs hold of my arm, right above my elbow, then his hand slides down until he reaches my wrist.
My steps slow down, and as I stare at where he’s touching me, his fingers wrap around mine. A kaleidoscope of butterflies takes flight, wreaking havoc in my stomach.
“Is this okay?” He asks.
It’s the first time a man has held my hand, and I’m so overwhelmed by him that I can only nod.
When I begin walking again, Rodian tugs me to a stop and lifts his other hand to my face. He cups my cheek, and it makes my heart beat wildly while my breathing instantly comes faster.
“You can tell me if you’re uncomfortable.”
Staring into his blue eyes, I struggle to string enough words together to form a sentence because all I want to do is swoon and enjoy how good it feels to be touched by him.