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)
I’m totally pulling this out of my ass. It’s all true, but it’s not how I thought I’d do this. Gregor is right, I’m too close to playing games. It’s not in my character, but I’m so gone for Sid, I’m willing to work all my options.
“Tell me who they are. Maybe I can help.”
I shake my head. If I’m wrong, these are some serious allegations and because I can’t prove any of it, I’m not going to throw anyone under the bus. That asshole doesn’t deserve my loyalty, but I’m not going to ruin him…yet.
“Trust me, Sid. You feel guilty about the wedding and all the money I’ve spent, right?”
“Yes.”
“My father is still breathing down my neck and he seems to love you. We marry, that’s one step closer to me getting around all this. It will buy me all the time I need to release his grasp on my companies.”
She rolls her eyes up as they fill with tears. This is a big ask. I know she has trust issues. I’m asking for the ultimate trust with this.
I take her lips again and start to back her out of the room toward the stairs. A little time in my playroom will help with this trust issue. I’m ready to take Sid to a new high and gain more of her trust.
“Clay,” she whimpers when I move my lips to her neck.
“Shh, it’s all going to work out.”
I lift her onto my waist and head down the stairs to the second level. I never take my lips away from her skin. Once at the door of the playroom, I take the keys from my pocket and unlock the door.
I step inside and allow her body to slide down my front. As I look down into her eyes, I question myself for only a moment. I love this woman and I’d rather have her in my life than live without her.
Selfish, yes, but I want to give Sid the world. I’m only doing what I think is best for her. I don’t think there’s a man better for her than me. If I did, I’d let her go.
I grasp her face and get within a breath from her lips. “I’ll give you the world, Sid. I’ll support all your dreams. For as long as you’re with me, I’ve got you.” She closes her eyes and nods her head. “All I ask is for your trust.”
“Shelby,” she whispers.
“What?”
“It’s my safe word.”
I chuckle and shake my head. She looks up at me in confusion. She’s fucking adorable.
“You don’t need one of those with me.” I tap the tip of my nose. “Trust me.” I tap it again. “Trust, I know you.” I tap it again. “Trust me and where I’ll take you.”
She nods. “I’m scared, Clay. What if this all blows up in my face?”
I tap my nose again before leaning in and taking her lips. Passion surges between us. Marrying this woman before the contract is up is the right thing to do. Subconsciously, I think it was my plan all along.
I spend the rest of the night teaching her how to trust me. Every time she looks at me as if she isn’t sure about where I’m taking her body, I tap my nose. With each tap, she relaxes more and more.
Made for me. I could never hurt her.
Chapter 34
Another Piece
Sidney
Rinsing out my mouth, I then place my hands on the sink and take a look at myself.
“What are you doing, Sid?” I breathe.
I want to help Clayton, I do, but at what cost to my sanity? Moving the wedding up may absolve me of my guilt about the wedding and all the money spent, but my heart is still on the line.
I’m only digging a deeper hole. When will it stop? I’m so confused.
I’ve handed him all my trust. Last night in the playroom tore me open for the world to see how much I love and trust him. However, I don’t think he gets that. The words were on the tip of my tongue, but if this is truly only about his father and that contract, I don’t want to embarrass myself.
My past is riding me, telling me I’m not enough and Clayton will abandon me like all the rest. The Sidney I’ve worked so hard to become is gone. I hate to believe I’ve become silly over some dick, but at this point, I may just have.
However, I know it’s more than that. He’s become my friend. He knows as much about me as Chloe does, if not more.
“Hey, baby,” Clayton croons and kisses the top of my head as he places his hands on my hips. “You didn’t get to tell me how the party was last night.”
“It was nice. I think everyone enjoyed themselves. The girls loved their gifts.”