Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“Fine,” Cane huffs.
Clayton turns his eyes on me, revealing that fire in his fierce gray gaze. The car comes to a halt, bringing my attention to our arrival at the penthouse building. Clayton’s jaw flexes a few times before he speaks.
“Go on inside. I need to speak with my brother. I’ll be right in, don’t go up, just move out of the cold.” He leans over, capturing my lips in a kiss that should most definitely be private.
I try not to whimper into his mouth and fail. I can taste the bourbon he shared with his father and brother before we left his parents’ home. I feel like I’m withering in my seat.
When Clayton releases me, he licks his lips, still giving me a heated stare. He nods for me to step out of the door the driver is holding open. I collect my senses and slide out from the seat.
When my feet touch the pavement, I feel like I have baby deer legs. I wobble on my heels like it’s my first time in them. His kiss has literally left my knees weak.
I stagger to the building, and it has nothing to do with the wine and champagne I had this evening. I’m kiss drunk. I haven’t been this dazed by a kiss in…hold on, that would be never. I have never been kissed so thoroughly or been so turned on by a man.
I’ll need to find my own bed tonight. I’ll admit. Clayton is more than I’m willing to or ready to handle at this point in my life.
A man like that is the type of man you need time to evaluate and assess. Meaning, after he knocks the dust off my pussy, I would need to sit and seriously think about my life before I offer him my right arm, a few babies, and access to my bank accounts.
Not that Clayton would need access to my bank accounts. I learned a lot at the Hennessy estate. Not that his parents were boastful or flashy. Wealth was just evident at every turn. I knew Clayton had money, but I witnessed the depth of his family’s money while sitting and observing.
I have to say, I’m a little more uncomfortable with this arrangement as well as the planning of the wedding. Eileen is so sweet. I hate what I know all of this is going to do to her. I almost spilled the beans and told her the truth when she pulled out baby pictures of Clayton and started talking about how gorgeous our babies will be.
“Are you okay?”
I jump, startled, when Clayton’s warm hand lands on my hip. I’d been so lost in my rambling thoughts, I didn’t realize he and Cane had entered the lobby. When I look up at Clayton, his gaze searches my face with concern.
“Yes, I’m fine.” I nod.
“Come, we’re needed upstairs.” He nods toward the elevator, guiding me forward.
My heart races and my mind goes into overdrive. I haven’t heard from Chloe since last night. I’ve texted her, but I haven’t received a reply.
Clayton assured me that she’s fine. She and his older brother are traveling. I’m not too sure how much I trust that. Yet, hearing the words from him did put me at ease.
A million scenarios run through my head as we ride upstairs. I feel like a terrible friend for not going to the apartment to check on Chloe. I’m in the middle of berating myself when Clayton leans into my ear.
“Chloe’s fine. That’s not the issue. My brother would never hurt her,” he whispers, while rubbing a calming hand up and down my arm.
I nod. Not wanting to speak. I can feel Cane watching me again and the attitude rolling off him. It’s stronger than before but I ignore him, willing the elevator to hurry up and get to the top floor.
When we arrive, everyone steps off the elevator. My heart pounds harder when we turn for the apartment Chloe entered last night. Only, we make a right as another hallway comes into view. Cane frowns as he pulls a key card to open the door.
My mind is spinning and whirling, it dawns on me how little I know about those men. I step inside hesitantly, but as I’m becoming used to, Clayton places a reassuring hand on the small of my back. I follow his lead but stop short when a welcome sight comes into view.
“Ally,” I squeal, causing her to stop midpace.
Ally whips around, her big bright eyes go wide. It only takes a moment for her to run right into my arms. We’re hugging each other to the point I don’t think either of us is breathing.
“I don’t know what’s going on. Where’s Chloe?” Ally says into my shoulder.
Ally is a tiny little thing, no taller than five feet. Anyone who can make me feel tall is a shorty. She’s a darker version of Chloe, more mocha chocolate skinned, with brownish-red hair. Ally has hazel eyes like her sister, but they darken when she’s afraid, nervous, or worried.