Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 57064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
It’s not that I pitied Holden. I needed someone on my security team who would blend in. Someone nonthreatening. Someone young to offer a different feel for the women who were intimidated by the other men on my team. All he needed was a hot shower, a good night’s rest, and a sharp suit.
It was a partnership that we entered into and one that has played out exactly as I intended.
“Knuckles and” —he turns to show off his freshly shaven and sharp jaw— “no more bruise.” He smirks, and I huff a laugh. “Wonderful, although I don’t think the ladies minded your stubble.”
He chuckles, and as he does so, I ease into my chair.
“So for today,” he starts and then runs down the events and who will be on schedule. I nod along, although I already know.
My fingers slip up to my collar bone, and the tips of them travel along the thin chain of my necklace. It’s a habit, a soothing one.
Holden has earned his keep and is slowly taking over the management of security. I’m a bit controlling and obsessed with details, but I have to admit, slowing down and allowing others to come in and take over have been a blessing and a curse.
The more time I have, the more time I have to think. Work is my coping mechanism. If I don’t have it, I’m only left with memories.
“Madam Lynn?” Holden’s voice hitches slightly, gathering my attention.
“Oh, yes, I’m sorry. Could you repeat that for me?” Readjusting, I cross my legs and square my shoulders.
“I just asked if you were alright?”
“I’m fine,” I answer and correct my expression.
“You just look a little . . .” His voice drifts, and I finish his sentence.
“Lost in thought?”
“Sad,” he corrects.
“Oh.” My tone reflects my surprise.
“You want to talk about it?” he offers.
He’s used me as his therapist more times than I can count. I don’t tell anyone my secrets, though. They’re too dark and too heavy a burden for anyone else to carry. I’ve confided in him before after late nights and a glass of Cabernet . . . or three. But some thoughts I’ll never breathe to life. Not even in times like these when I feel so desperately alone.
“I’ll be fine, dear,” I reassure him with a small smile. “What I want is to get the day moving.”
With a reluctant nod, he lets me know that he’s there for me if ever I need him. Holden is kind, but he’s not the man I need. Certainly not on a day like today.
GABRIEL
Present Day
The first snow of late fall is gentle, yet the cold is brutal. I hardly notice either. I can only watch her. The parted curtains barely offer me a view of my submissive, my life, my Kiersten, but it’s enough to satisfy my desperate need.
I’m certain she couldn’t imagine that anyone would see her lounging in her silk nightgown. The building facing her windows has none of its own, but from the rooftop, I’ve got a perfect view of her.
She holds a glass of red wine that goes down far too easily. My palm itches to take it from her and part her lips with something else. A low groan vibrates up my chest as I remember those hazel eyes. How she’d peer up at me, craving approval as her cheeks hollowed and she did exactly as she was told.
The memory fades, and in front of me, the woman who loved me with everything she had stares aimlessly at a fire that casts shadows down the side of her face.
I’ve watched her for days now, longing to hold her, to take away that look of despair she wears when no one is watching.
She’s still the beautiful woman I remember. Every detail about her is the same, yet different.
Time has passed, and it’s not been forgiving to me, but her beauty is timeless.
She never asked for me to come back, and for all she knows, I died long ago. That night has haunted me since the moment I went into hiding. Since the day I did what had to be done and left to protect her.
I’ve never wanted anything other than to keep her safe, but at this moment, all I want is to take her on that sofa. To lift the silk fabric up her thighs and command her to spread her legs for me.
I don’t have much of a view as it is, and with my hands going numb from the cold, I’ll need to leave sooner rather than later. The moment she leaves in the morning, though, I’ll be able to search her place for clues as to who Kiersten has become while I’ve been away.
Patience. I’ve waited years to come back to her. I can wait just one more day.
The phone in my pocket buzzes, and it takes everything in me to rip my gaze away from her. It’s a message from my contact, Roland. He has the background check on her ready and offered to locate her.