Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 119942 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119942 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
“No,” she admitted in a low voice.
Her honesty pleased his demon, who was extremely impatient to bond and was rearing to do it right then. But Knox knew it wouldn’t be that simple. Harper still wasn’t fully convinced it was a wise idea, and he had the distinct feeling that pressing her any further would make her object just to be contrary. “I have plans for dinner. You’re coming with me.” When one of her brows imperiously slid up, his cock twitched – it made him want to bend her over that desk and fuck that attitude right out of her.
“I am?”
Knox almost smiled at her soft yet dangerous tone. A lesser demon might have cowered. “I’ll rephrase. Come with me.”
Knowing that was as close to a request as he was capable of delivering, Harper asked, “Where? Why?”
“We need to get to know each other better.” He’d use the opportunity to make her more comfortable around him. The sooner that happened, the sooner she’d be comfortable with their situation and agree to bond.
Curling a hand around her wrist, he led Harper out of the office and through the studio – passing her colleagues, who were shooting her enthusiastic, supportive looks as they said their goodbyes. Once she’d slipped on her jacket, he put a hand on the small of her back and urged her outside.
At the sight of the gorgeous, sleek, black Bentley that was totally out of place in this area, Harper halted abruptly. “Holy fuck.”
Knox gestured to the two males guarding the vehicle. “Harper, this is Tanner and Levi, two of my sentinels. Tanner, Levi – this is Harper Wallis, my anchor.”
Harper exchanged nods with the two seriously hot demons, one of whom she recognized as the male sentinel that had escorted her to Knox’s office in the Underground. Both sentinels regarded her with a respect that took her by surprise, considering that lairs weren’t quick to accept strangers. Apparently their respect for their Prime automatically extended to her now.
As Tanner opened the rear passenger door, Harper and Knox slid inside. She pretty much sank into the buttery-smooth leather, inwardly groaning in pleasure. It was good to be off her feet.
Once Tanner hopped into the front passenger seat, Levi threw the car into gear and pulled out of the parking space.
She looked at Knox, who was currently focused on his cell phone. “You didn’t tell me where we’re going.”
“Patience, little sphinx.”
“It’s not a trait I possess.”
Still consulting his phone, he said, “Patient isn’t something I can claim to be either. Relax, you’re safe with me. It’s just dinner, Harper.”
She snorted. “No, it’s not. This is you making sure I’m seen with you. You want it known that I’m under your protection.”
“You’re partly right,” he admitted, liking how astute she was. “After all, if anyone harmed you, I’d have to kill them. They should know that in advance. Call it a preemptive measure. But I also want to know you.”
He wanted to unravel the mystery of her. His anchor was a complex creature. She had a tough, almost aggressive exterior, but he had the feeling that there lay a lot of softness under that hard shell. He wanted to know what had formed that hard shell; wanted to know her better than anybody else did. It was an unexpected urge, but he didn’t care to overthink it.
“I have to warn you that once you know a little about me, you’ll change your mind about bonding.”
“You sound very sure of that.”
“Look, I might biologically be a sphinx, but I’m an imp in every other way that counts. That means I’m unmanageable, stubborn, secretive, I don’t like rules, and I make people tired and irritated – and I take pride in it.”
Knox caught Levi’s amused smile in the rearview mirror. “I consider myself warned.”
Stubborn-assed motherfucker.
CHAPTER THREE
When Levi opened the car door and Harper slid out, her jaw almost dropped at the sight of the huge, luxurious hotel that she realized was on the Vegas strip. She found herself once again saying quietly, “Holy fuck.” She suddenly felt out of place in her jeans and t-shirt, particularly since she was standing next to Knox, who was looking rather edible in his dark tailored suit.
Seemingly unaware of her attack of self-consciousness, Knox took her by her wrist and led her inside the hotel. The interior was even more impressive; so grand and lavish it was intimidating. Several staff members, most of whom were demons, came to Knox to chat with him; he didn’t even break his stride or release her as he replied to their queries.
Realization dawned on her. “You own it, don’t you?”
“Yes. And stop panicking.”
“I don’t panic.”
His mouth twitched. “Of course you don’t. My mistake.”
Moments later, she and Knox were walking into a restaurant located within the hotel. It too was extravagant and classy – and crowded enough to make her even more nervous. “I’m not really dressed for this kind of place,” she told him. It wasn’t as if she could remain inconspicuous while she was being dragged around by Knox Thorne.