Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 81930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
She groaned. She’d walked into that one. “I suppose I better get ready. There’s not a dress code, is there?”
“Nah, you’re fine.” He did change into jeans and a button-up shirt, though. So she decided to swap out her jeans for a long skirt.
“Oh, hell yes, a skirt,” he said as he walked back in from the bathroom. “I love skirts.” He drew her close. “I like the idea of being able to push you over a piece of furniture and fuck you.”
Holy. Heck.
How was she meant to survive dinner with that visual in mind? Marcus slid his hand into hers and drew her over to the door, throwing it open dramatically. “We’re here!”
“And look, it only took you fifteen minutes rather than five,” Cullen said dryly.
Oh, no. Had it?
Shoot. She hated keeping people waiting. Being an inconvenience was her worse nightmare.
“I’m so sorry, Cullen. We could have ordered room service or something.”
“Room service. Why didn’t I think of that?” Marcus said with a groan. “I could totally have gotten you—”
She reached up and slammed her hand over his mouth so the rest of his words were muffled.
Cullen glared at his cousin, but there was a hint of humor in his face as he turned to look at her. “Don’t worry about it, Isla. I’m used to Marcus’ inability to tell time.”
She dropped her hand.
“Hey! I’ve been able to tell the time since I was three!” Marcus protested.
“You have?” Ivy asked, staring up at him as they made their way along the hallway.
“Uh-huh, boy genius here. Cullen used to pay me five dollars to do his math homework when he was fourteen and I was only six.”
Cullen looked up at the ceiling. Probably praying for patience. She saw that look on his face often.
“Less talking, more walking,” Cullen commanded. “Ivy needs to eat. I’m putting her to bed early tonight.”
“Daddy, I don’t need to go to bed early,” Ivy protested. She had her hand resting in the crook of Cullen’s arm.
“You do if you want to do some of the activities tomorrow. You’re tired and sore.”
Traveling made her tired as well. But it must be harder on Ivy, who had rheumatoid arthritis. Isla instantly felt terrible that they’d kept them waiting.
“I’m so sorry we kept you waiting,” she said quietly as they reached the restaurant.
Cullen’s face softened as he glanced down at her. “It’s fine, Isla. I knew it would take him longer than five minutes to get ready. I’m not upset with you.”
She nodded but vowed to do better.
“It’s his own fault for having such bad timing,” Marcus whispered, winking down at her as she blushed bright red.
He was terrible.
Eliot felt like a stalker as he watched the pair of them enter the restaurant. He frowned slightly as he saw they were with another couple. It was clear that the other woman was a Little. She was wearing a large sweater with a big bunny on the front. The bunny even had fluffy ears. A tall guy loomed over her, frowning at anyone who looked their way for too long.
The guy’s gaze met Eliot’s, and his frown deepened.
Protective, wasn’t he?
Of just the girl in the bunny sweater or all three of them? He turned his gaze away for a moment. Last thing he needed was a jealous Dom coming after him for staring at his Littles.
At least he thought they were all Littles. He turned his gaze back as the frowning Dom helped his charge into her seat. The other two seated themselves.
Now, somehow, that didn’t sit right with him. They needed someone to help them into their seats. To make sure that Marcus sat properly, since he was shifting around in his chair.
Eliot smiled. Plenty of energy, that one.
His gaze went to Isla. La-la. A cute nickname for a sweet girl. Her gaze was mostly down. She looked nervous. Unsure. But every so often, she looked up and smiled at something Marcus said. The love on her face was clear.
They were together.
Two Littles? She certainly didn’t act like she was his Top.
And she looked like she’d rather fade into the background than have anyone speak to her.
A waitress came over to take their order, laughing at something Marcus said. He was definitely the life of the party. But couldn’t he see how uncomfortable Isla was feeling?
Did the Top sitting at the table notice she was floundering as she stared down at the menu? What was the problem?
He wanted to get up and ask her if she needed help. But then she leaned into Marcus. He wrapped his arm around her protectively.
Eliot settled down as she seemed to relax.
The waitress left, and Marcus placed a kiss on the top of her head. They really were gorgeous together.
A pretty pair of Littles.
And he didn’t know why he was so interested. He wasn’t looking for a Little. Let alone two. He was just here for… for what, exactly?