Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49388 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49388 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
“It’s none of your business,” I bite out, my palms landing on Thane’s chest as I try to push him away.
Too late, I realize I’ve played into his hands because mine are now right where he wants them. He moves swiftly, gripping my wrists and holding my palms where I placed them on his chest.
“Isn’t it?” He tilts his head to the side as he regards me. “I think Tarian’s mother would be rather disappointed that, out of all the girls in Tynewood, he chose you.”
“And why’s that?” I can’t stop myself from asking. I’ve haven’t seen the woman since I was a young girl, so I don’t know what she would have against me.
“You’re not the type of girl she wants for her son.”
“Well then, she shouldn’t have spent the last few years of her son’s life pretending to be dead when he needed her.” I can’t help but fight for the man who has stolen my heart. He would do the same for me.
Thane leans in closer and presses his mouth against my ear, sending waves of revulsion through me. I want to push him away, but with his muscular build and superior strength, I know I can’t fight him off.
“Don’t fuck with my family, sweetheart,” Thane whispers across my cheek. “I will not stand for it. Leave Tarian alone.”
The thought of kicking him comes to mind, but as I start to lift my leg, he grabs it and pushes me back against the counter. His mouth captures mine for a split second, and that’s when all hell breaks loose.
“What the fuck is going on here?” Tarian’s voice booms through the kitchen, catching me off guard.
Thane chuckles as he raises a hand and slowly swipes the index finger across his lower lip. Then he turns his head and looks over his shoulder at his nephew.
There’s no amusement in Tarian’s expression, and my stomach drops.
“Your pretty little friend wanted to know what it was like to experience a real man’s kiss,” Thane responds with a smirk.
“No!” My voice is shrill as Thane allows me to push him away.
A few moments ago, he was enjoying overpowering me, but now he knows he’s fucked everything up for Tarian and me, he’s happy to retreat.
This was his plan all along. I should have known he would do something to hurt Tarian. I just didn’t think he’d use me in the process.
“I think it’s time for you to leave,” Tarian says, his blue gaze locked on me.
“What do you mean?” I question as I rush toward him.
My eyes are trained on his, but he turns his head away and looks in Thane’s direction. And even when he answers me, his focus remains solely on his uncle.
“You heard me, Grecia. Leave.”
CHAPTER 18
GRECIA
I know when I’m not wanted.
Thane follows me into the hallway just outside the kitchen.
“I’ll have my driver take you to the airfield,” he tells me. “I believe Tarian has arranged for the Sovereign plane to be on constant standby. I’m guessing he thought there might be the need for at least one of you to make a quick getaway.”
I don’t turn to him. I can’t bring myself to look at the asshole.
“Thanks,” I respond before heading up to the guest bedroom I was given to use.
I quickly pack my overnight bag and make my way back downstairs. Thankfully, the rest of my belongings are still on board the plane. The flight to Tynewood will take a couple of hours, which will give me some time to think before I arrive back home and have to face that shit show.
Tarian’s standing in the kitchen where I left him.
“Why do you have to be such a bastard, Tarian Calvert?”
My voice is drenched in the pain that’s piercing my chest. I can feel the agony of my heart breaking. I’m sick of feeling wretched when it comes to him.
“I was born into—”
“Fuck that excuse, Tarian.” This time, I’m in his face as I speak. I’m done listening to his excuses. They don’t fly with me anymore. “You know what, I think you enjoy it. I think you like being cold and standoffish. You don’t want people to come near you. That’s who you are,” I tell him, but I don’t wait for him to interrupt me, because he needs to hear this. “Over the last few months, you’ve repeatedly said you don’t want to be like Thane. But guess what, Tarian, you’re exactly like him.”
“Like fuck I am.”
“Aren’t you? Take a long, hard look at yourself in the mirror, Tarian. Ask yourself if there’s anything you’ve done recently that doesn’t make you like him.”
He doesn’t respond. His eyes glower with animosity and anger, but I no longer give a shit. I’m done pandering to his sensibilities. Treading carefully around him isn’t working, so I’m hoping this reality check will kick his ass into gear. If it doesn’t work, I doubt anything else will.