Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 75553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“Would you like to get a cup of coffee and wait out the crowds?” I asked her with a smile.
Remy looked up at me with grateful blue eyes and nodded eagerly. “That would be great,” she replied.
With a hand pressing insistently on the small of her back, I guided her to the nearest coffee shop which was relatively deserted. Once I’d sat her down at a quiet table near the back, I ordered us both a drink and we sat for a little while drinking together in silence. My eyes were intent on the windows as I watched the people outside beginning to thin.
“I really appreciate your help,” Remy said, interrupting my thoughts.
I turned to look at her once more and noticed that she’d brightened up considerably. The color had returned to her cheeks and she generally looked much happier. “It’s no problem at all,” I told her with a charming smile. “Unfamiliar places are bad at the worst of times, let alone when they’re so busy.”
She nodded in response and sipped at her mocha once more. “I think I’d be okay if we carried on now,” she said.
“Are you sure?”
She nodded again and I was convinced by her bright attitude. We both gathered our belongings and emerged out into the blustery and cold New York air once more. Though the busy period had died down considerably, it was still New York and plenty of people were out on the streets. I made sure to stick close to Remy as we walked toward the nearby hotel. Whenever someone looked like they were getting a little too close, I’d pull Remy in closer to my side and made sure that no one else touched her or made her feel uncomfortable.
It wasn’t until halfway to the hotel that I realized the truth of my actions: I was acting like a protective, possessive male. It was strange that I felt such strong feelings for someone that I’d go out of my way to ensure they were shielded the outside world. In fact, I’d never felt that way about a woman before Remy. It was an appealing feeling, however. I quite enjoyed giving into my primal instincts and allowing myself to display my strength and dominance in public, however, I knew it was a dangerous avenue to venture down. I was getting tangled in a web of my own making, but I couldn’t resist the temptation.
After reaching the hotel, I made sure to take care of checking the two of us in. Remy had a weary expression painted on her face and she walked like she was half asleep. I wondered if the whole experience had taken more out of her than I’d realized.
“Are you all right?” I asked her as we headed for the elevator, room card in hand.
“I’m fine,” she told me, but I could see how her tired eyes were drooping.
“Okay,” was all I said in response. After all, I couldn’t force her to tell me how she was feeling.
Instead, once we were inside the hotel room, I headed straight for the bathroom and turned on the faucet. “You’re going to have a bath,” I ordered to her as she began unpacking her clothes.
“I’m what?” she beckoned in response.
While the bath began to fill up, I returned to the main room. Remy was staring at me wide-eyed from where she was holding her bag on the double bed. Her blue eyes narrowed at me in confusion and I took a few steps toward her before I began to explain.
“I think you need a bath,” I said in a soft voice. “You’re clearly worn out and you need to relax. It’s been a long, hard day and you’ve done nothing but travel. A bath will do you some good.”
Remy scoffed and rolled her eyes. “You’re being silly. I don’t need to relax. I can be just as strong as you, Griff. Even if you don’t think so.” She continued pulling her clothing out of her bag and tucking them away in the dresser provided. I frowned.
“It’s not that I don’t think you’re strong, Remy,” I clarified. “In fact...” A genius idea came to me and I reached down to grab the hem of my t-shirt before lifting it up and over my head. I threw the shirt to the floor and smirked over at Remy.
“What on Earth are you doing, Griff?” she asked with one arched eyebrow.
“What’s good for you is good for me too, I’m going to get in the bath with you,” I explained with a smile.
Remy’s jaw dropped open and she just stared at me for a long moment. I wasn’t sure how else to convince her I was serious except to show her, so I turned and walked confidently back into the bathroom. I discarded the rest of my clothes on the floor before climbing into the warm water and letting out a satisfied sigh as it soothed the aches in my legs from being cramped on the plane for so long. I relaxed back in the tub and waited patiently for Remy to come join me, but she didn’t come.