Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 61210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
I silenced her with a kiss, firm and possessive. I needed her touch just as much as I was sure she needed mine. Pulling away, I swiped at the tears that continued to fall from her bright blue eyes. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you. For your sister. And from this moment on I’ll be the warrior by your side even if that means me dropping my sword.”
She wrapped her arms around me and pressed her face into my neck. In the softest mumble, I heard words that I never knew would mean so much to me. “You aren’t the man I expected, Sully VanDoren. I can’t ever thank you enough. What you did for me in there. What you said… I know it wasn’t easy.”
“No, it wasn’t. Fucking made me sick. But if it makes them take pause and not instantly fail us, then I would kiss each of their feet if I had to. I would crawl across glass to get there. I would do anything.”
I took a piece of her hair hanging on her face and caressed it behind her ear. “I know I’ve not been a man you can count on. At least not in here. But I’m going to change that. With love comes a responsibility I will never run from. I’m here. I’m here for you. I won’t hide. I won’t try to escape. I’m here.”
We didn’t have long to stand there and process our declarations of love because the banging of canes and the door opening to the ballroom made it very clear that a decision had been made.
“No matter what, we’re in this together,” I said as I led us both back into the ballroom.
I found Montgomery in the sea of bodies, but he wouldn’t look me in the eyes.
Something was wrong. This wasn’t going to be good.
Feeling as if I needed to still be on my knees, I took my spot before them and got down to the floor. Portia joined me, and though I don’t think the Order would ever expect a belle to plead beside a recruit, it showed just how much we both hoped for their mercy.
Mr. Sinclair spoke loudly. “The Order of the Silver Ghost have taken a vote as Montgomery Kingston suggested. It was decided that one of you can pass the Initiation. But just one.”
He then directed his attention toward Portia, then at me. “Sullivan VanDoren, we leave the decision up to you. You can be the one to pass. You can be the one to take over the VanDoren business as your father had intended, and you can become a member of The Order of the Silver Ghost. Or Portia Collins can be the one to complete the Initiation. Her request was a kidney which the Order is prepared to grant today. The arrangements can be made immediately.”
My heart stopped and head spun.
One choice. Only one choice.
No VanDoren Enterprises. Nothing to pass to Jasmine. All my time being here and my goal would not be met if I chose the kidney for Portia’s sister.
We would not win together.
One loser. One winner.
Mr. Sinclair continued. “To reiterate, you can only have one option. So what will it be? Will the Order be a kingmaker or a dreammaker?”
24
Portia
My mouth dropped open in shock. That wasn’t fair! It had been a family emergency. My sister was dying. Didn’t these bastards have a drop of compassion in their cold, soulless hearts—
“Give Portia her sister’s kidney,” Sully said in a loud, booming voice. “I forfeit my right to my father’s company.”
My mouth dropped open and I spun to him. “Sully, no! It’s your heritage. You just told me how important it is to your family. Your mom. Your sister.”
Sully just shook his head and reached up and cupped my face. “It’s not life and death, baby. And you don’t know it yet, but I’m really fucking motivated when I want to be. I’ll make sure Mom and Jasmine are taken care of.”
Mr. Sinclair interrupted anything else Sully might have been about to say. “It has been decided. Ms. Collins, your wish will be granted immediately. A kidney is ready and will be transported to St. Mary’s Hospital within the hour.”
My legs buckled but Sully caught me before I hit the ground. Was it real? It couldn’t be real. After all this time…
“Now exit the manor while we discuss the terms of sale of VanDoren Enterprises,” Mr. Sinclair continued. “Since Sullivan will not be assuming the helm, it will now be up for auction to the members.”
If Sully was blindsided by this move, he didn’t show it. He just tugged my arm around his waist and supported me as I walked on wobbly legs towards the door of the ballroom, then through the foyer, then down the steps onto the front drive.