Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
My brother smiles from ear to ear, and the air whooshes from my lungs. “Well…” The rest of his sentence hangs in the air. He doesn’t need to finish it because I know I’ve hit the nail on the head.
“I can’t believe this.” I bring him in for a hug. “I’m so happy for you, Roman.”
“I can’t believe I’m going to be a dad.”
“You and Greer deserve to be happy.” And I mean it. Roman’s been struggling with anxiety lately, and I honestly thought he and Greer would never work things out and get together.
But they have, and I’m going to be an uncle.
We finish our game, and as I head home alone, I check my phone once more, happy when I see I’ve got one unread message from Posey.
Do you ever have those days where you feel all alone? That’s where I’m at right now.
Chapter 8
Posey
Holding my phone tightly to my chest, I question whether sending that text to Ledger was a mistake.
What’s that saying? If you play with fire, you’ll get burned.
What they don’t mention is the way the flame makes you feel as you play with it. How playing with fire engages multiple senses. The sight of flames, the warmth, the crackling sound, and even the smell of burning materials can be captivating for some people. Playing with fire is a primal force that’s been essential for survival throughout history. Let us also not forget that fire is associated with control. Being able to manipulate fire can give individuals a sense of mastery over a powerful force of nature, which can be empowering.
So when I sent that text to Ledger, it wasn’t because I thought it would be fun to play with fire. It was more about how I couldn’t help myself. I know it’s wrong.
It’s late, and as I toss and turn in my bed, I find zero comfort. Why hasn’t Ledger answered? I sent him the text hours ago, and all day I’ve been checking my phone, unable to think straight. The only thought on my mind is him.
As I glance at my phone, a text comes through.
I feel alone most days, even though I’m surrounded by people.
He must be at work, surrounded by beautiful women who are constantly throwing themselves at him. I can’t say the thought of it doesn’t piss me off because it does. I wonder how many times he’s taken the women up on their offers. Even though he says he doesn’t. Could he just be telling me that?
Why would he lie about it?
Ledger doesn’t owe me anything. He has no reason to lie to me. As far as he knows, I’m happily in love with Bane. Ha.
That couldn’t be further from the truth.
What do you do when you feel that way?
His response is immediate.
Where are you right now? It’s late.
I’m in bed.
Under the covers? I mean this in the least creepy way, but what are you wearing? I need the full picture painted for me so I can get the image in my head.
I suck in a deep breath. He wants to visualize me right now, and there’s something intimate about the whole thing.
Under the covers. In my sleep shorts and tank top. Lights are out.
I’m guessing Bane isn’t sleeping right beside you.
He stays in his room. We won’t sleep together until we’re married.
I cringe after sending the last reply, not wanting to bring Bane into my personal space. Into this intimate area with Ledger. This is just me and him. My secret. I don’t want to share with anyone else.
Ledger doesn’t respond right away, and I wonder if I’ve pissed him off by mentioning Bane. Finally, he replies.
Is that why you’re lonely?
My heart skips a literal beat, and I breathe in through my nose. I don’t know why, but I don’t want him thinking I’m lonely because Bane isn’t asleep next to me.
I’m a horrible person, but I can’t tell him the truth. That I’m only marrying Bane to pay a debt my father owes.
So, I change the subject and deflect, which is something I’m good at.
I need the visual of you. Where are you? What are you wearing? Lights on or off?
I’m in my office at the club. Suit. Lights on. Has anyone ever told you that you’re sort of bossy?
I laugh.
Yes, my father calls me bossy all the time. Isn’t it weird to think that people are having sex right now in your club?
I don’t think it’s weird. Do you think it’s weird?
Sort of weird.
Why? Sex is just a release for some. It’s a way to blow off steam after a stressful day. Sex can also be an intimate way for two people to get to know each other better.
I wouldn’t know. I’m a virgin.
I can’t believe I just told him that. Is sex a stress reliever for him? Is he stressed right now? Will he have sex as soon as we get done chatting? It’s a way for two people to get to know each other better. I feel like that’s what we’re doing right now. Getting to know each other.