Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 67518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Tears well in my eyes, and I can’t shove them away fast enough. I’ve succeeded at discarding her memory, referring to her by her first name only when necessary, and I’m disappointed in myself for it. But it’s easier that way. I take a deep breath. “She had the first aid kit handy when my father took me on my first bike ride. He could explain advanced medical concepts, but not how to ride a bike.” I chuckle softly. “Am I boring you?”
My gaze flickers toward Victor, and his lips press against mine. “Quite the opposite, Little One.”
With his lips brushing over my collarbone, all of him becomes a balm to my soul.
“Before something bad happened, Momma was already prepared. Dad’s invention went left when he wanted it to go right, and she made brownies or cookies.” I share how we never went through the terrible teen stages when mothers and daughters typically couldn’t understand each other. We’d always been close.
“Saturday mornings, it was us on a solo mission. Momma invented this coupon challenge. We’d cut random discounts out of newspapers and magazines then go shopping.”
Looking at how Victor’s mouth flickers to one side, I wonder if he even understands what I am talking about. His car, his clothes, his choice of hotel stay while assisting the neurology team at Greco Technologies causes me to wonder why I’ve shared such a ridiculous story.
“Anyway, that’s as brainiac as my mom would get. We’d tally up who got the most bang for her buck. Loser cooked dinner.”
“Who won?” His breath whispers over my cheek.
“Me—as far as first-hand experience goes. I learned to cook random-ass food my mom loved.”
A seductive brow kicks. “Random arse?”
“Like risotto and gazpacho.” I extend the “o” of each word, causing Victor to laugh with me.
“Lux, when’s the last time you went coupon shopping?”
I shift around as I lean against him. “Mom’s been gone for little over a year, so over a year then.”
Next thing I know, we’re downloading coupon apps on our phones. “Loser does what?” I ask.
“Am I to presume that you doubt my cooking capabilities?”
“Sure do.”
“I didn’t have much of a childhood.” His smile wavers, but before I can inquire, he says, “But I was taught never to decline a challenge. The stakes will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
My eyebrow arches.
“It’s Saturday, Little One. You're staying with me all weekend.”
My heart races at the thought of having more time with Victor. While my brain’s aware that the high I’m on will soon fade, I’ll take all of the heartbreaker that I can get. Okay, yellow-polka-dot pajamas, I’m gonna need you soon enough.
“I’m beginning to believe you lost on purpose.” I’ve returned to Victor’s shirt, which is now riding high on my hips, no panties, with a smile that could eclipse the sun as I lick the bit of sauce dribbling from my lips.
“On the contrary, who says I didn’t win?” Victor’s fingertips dig into my hips, and he slides me to the threshold of the counter so that my bottom is resting on the edge.
“Hey,” I pant, from fear of falling on my ass.
“What are you so afraid of, Luxury?” Victor chides, locking me between his arms.
I’m afraid of falling. Losing my father. The color red. You.
Stop it, Luxxie. You haven’t been a hopeless mess since Victor entered your life.
“Don’t go for the innocent look, Vic. That ship has sailed.” I grow hot all over, staring at the hypnotic gleam in his eyes that reads how I’ll have a screaming orgasm all over the counters at just his faint touch. Dr. Victor Finch is beyond cocky. He oozes confidence that makes my body zing.
His eyes darken, abounding with devilish desire as he unbuttons the shirt, undressing me. Fingertips graze the side of my breast and the small of my back. “Tosh. Who said I was innocent? I’ve a proposition. It’s rather simple.”
“Oh, a proposition?”
“I’m elated that you asked. I will eat your cunt like it’s the first meal I’ve ever consumed. You tell me if I’m an innocent of sorts.”
“So, you don’t know how to eat . . .” Too uncomfortable to say the c-word or its equally unflattering alternative, I let the words trail off.
“It will be my pleasure for you to teach me, Luxury.”
Dark heat pools at my core. Mouth agape, I attempt to conjure the words, but my mind is inundated.
Where to start?
He’s allowing me to lead.
Lawd, this will be amazing!
A barrage of salacious ideas swarm through my psyche. My tongue darts out, gliding over my bottom lip, and I elongate my spine. I can’t tip the imaginary crown on my head. Alright, Luxxie, organize your thoughts. Your darkest, filthiest wishes are within your grasp, so don’t be timid.
Victor plants himself between my thighs, and it becomes glaringly obvious that my hesitant demeanor is like blood to a shark. Although he’s still fully dressed, he’d unbuttoned his shirt while cooking. My eyes flicker down the tantalizing trail of hair that leads past his tailored slacks to a well-endowed cock.