Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 32284 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32284 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
"Oh!" she cries suddenly. "Gretchen is waiting for you. She says you two have an appointment."
Hearing Ma's name is like having a bucket of ice water tossed over me. My dick instantly deflates. "Shit. What time is it?"
"A little after 6:30. Why? What kind of appointment do the two of you have?"
Dahlia Savage is insatiably curious about the world and everything in it. Questions fall from her perfect lips at every available opportunity. I don't think she's been hiding away like I have for most of my life, but I get the impression that she hasn't seen much of the world. And I don't think that was her choice.
The more I get to know her, the more certain I am that she's here not because she needs a job…but because she needs a place to hide for a little while. And I don't like that thought at all. My Beauty is running from something—or rather, someone. And I fully intend to find out who.
But there will be plenty of time to deal with that later. For now, I think I need to start by showing her that she can trust me. And who is more trusting than a doting son willing to make a fool of himself in front of a beautiful woman? No one, that's who.
"If you want to know about this appointment," I say, climbing to my feet. "You'll just have to follow me for once."
Chapter Four
Dahlia
If only he knew how far I'd traveled to find him, he'd understand why I could never say no to anything he asked me to do. I'm more comfortable around Draven, even though we're practically strangers than I am with any member of my own family.
Follow him? I will absolutely follow him wherever he wants me to go, and if I had a tail like his, it would wag with joy. I trot behind him without a moment's hesitation, lengthening my stride to keep up with his pace. I'm not a small woman at five foot eight, but he's at least a head taller.
Draven has the strength and physique of an athlete and moves with the grace of a panther. I haven't seen his tail and want to see him walk with it free, not tucked into his pants, like a lumpy fabric-covered bobble.
He senses I've fallen behind, slows down, and glances over his shoulder. "Everything alright, Beauty?"
I nod, then realize the gesture is too subtle, so I place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. While I'd love to run my fingers over his muscles until I get my fill, I hold myself back. What if Gretchen pokes her head out and sees me feeling up her precious son? She could be growing impatient, waiting for him, and wondering what the hold-up is.
It's one thing for us to flirt when she's not around, but if she catches us and doesn't like what she sees? What happens then? I'm protective of him, and I've only known him for a short time. I can't even imagine how fierce she would be if she felt he was being threatened.
Draven's mom hired me as a housekeeper and home helper, not a concubine. What if she changes her mind about me and gives me marching orders? No. Leaving the Woodburn mansion doesn't bear thinking about. I won't let it happen but being cautious is the only way to do that.
I skip around to one side of him and glance around to ensure Gretchen isn't watching. Though realistically, I don't know what I'm worried about, seeing as Draven is the sneaky member of the Woodburn family.
"Hold up a minute." He pauses, and I place my hand on his hip to stop him from moving, then swiftly flick the Velcro tab of the pocket concealing his tail. The length uncoils with a flourish, and before I have a chance to move away, he's flicked my butt with the tassel.
"Owww." Both hands fly up to my mouth to stop me from laughing. Or maybe from begging him to do it again. Only harder and without any clothes on because there's no use denying he makes me feel crazy hot and horny.
"Focus, or I'll do it again," he growls. What? Is he reading my mind?
"Coming!" I whisper-shout.
Draven grunts, and pulls me into the gym, muttering something incomprehensible under his breath as he shuts the door behind us. The silence is eerie, but the atmosphere between us hums with electricity. The darkened room makes me whisper even louder. "What are we doing here?"
He's up to something, I know he is, but if he thinks I'm doing any type of exercise, I'm out of here.
"Patience." He grabs my hand, his voice deep and husky. "Turn around and close your eyes."
Fabric rustles near my ear, and I'm tempted to turn and see what it is, but he cups the back of my head with his giant palm. A surprise?