Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 147021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 735(@200wpm)___ 588(@250wpm)___ 490(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 735(@200wpm)___ 588(@250wpm)___ 490(@300wpm)
Of course this is how she sees it. She’s the same woman I dated all those years ago, just older and smarter, but still intensely focused on her career. And apparently mine.
I keep searching the room for Aurora. I need to tell her I’m done hiding what’s going on between us. I’ll deal with Roman and the fallout, whatever it is. I should be on the dance floor with her tonight. She should be the person in my arms.
My stomach sinks as I spot her rushing for the exit, the skirt of her dress billowing out behind her, head down, hand covering her mouth.
When will this fucking song end?
“Hollis.” Scarlet’s voice drags my attention back to her. Her expression is pained, uncertain.
“I genuinely appreciate what you’re trying to do, Scarlet, but I don’t want the media speculation this will bring. I’m seeing someone else right now. She knows about the auction, but I can’t handle the rumors and press.” Not when I’m deeply in love with her. If I’d been smart, I would have told Scarlet that when I said I wasn’t interested in trying again. “I don’t think being around each other is good for me.” My voice comes out a lot sharper than I intend.
“I’m sorry. I just…I thought I was helping.”
“I know. I appreciate it, truly. It’s not…” I sigh. “There are other things going on in my life.”
“I understand.” For a moment, I see the young woman I’d fallen in love with all those years before she turns on her movie star smile before stepping out of my arms. “I’ll see you around.”
The song finally ends, thank fuck.
I excuse myself so I can find Aurora and run into Tristan on the way out of the ballroom.
“Whatever you’re going to say, I don’t need to hear it,” I snap.
He holds up both hands. “I already expressed my concerns. Hammer is hiding around the corner trying to keep her shit together, so maybe go fix what you broke instead of worrying about me.”
I brush by him and step out into the open foyer. A few small groups are gathered with glasses in hand, others head for the restrooms. I go in the opposite direction and find Aurora tucked into a narrow alcove, her back to me, shoulders shaking.
“Princess?”
She spins around, and it feels like someone punched through my rib cage and ripped my heart out of my chest. This is the very last thing I wanted to happen. I hate seeing her cry. Hate that I could have prevented this. Should have.
She ducks her head. “I’m fine. It’s fine. It’s my fault. I’m so stupid.”
I move in and I wipe away her tears with my thumbs, but new ones keep falling. “It’s not your fault, and you’re not stupid. You’re so smart I don’t even know what to do with myself half the time.”
“I did this to us. You tried to take yourself out and I said no. And now she’ll have you all to herself for a whole night, like she wanted, and there’s nothing I can do about it. What if you decide you want to give her another chance?”
“That won’t happen, Aurora. You are the only woman I want.” I brush my lips over hers. “The only one.”
She curves one palm around the back of my neck and fists the lapel of my tux with the other. “I hated seeing you together. I hate that you can dance with her, and you can’t do that with me. That you can touch her, that she can touch you. I want to be the one you take on dates.”
“I want the same thing.” I stroke her cheek. “And I know it won’t be easy, or simple, but I’ll deal with Roman.”
“He won’t be okay with it, though. He already said as much.” Her voice wavers with fear.
“I’ll make it right.” Like I should have done weeks ago. “Not being able to celebrate with you has been hell. I can’t watch you from the sidelines anymore,” I admit.
“I’m just so scared.” She’s practically shaking in my arms. “What if it damages my relationship with him? Or your relationship? What if we can’t fix it and it’s too late? I don’t want to lose him. He could decide none of the sacrifice was worth it. What if he never forgives me?”
“You’re his world, Aurora, nothing will change that. But I’ll fix this, Princess. I’ll make it better.” I sweep her tears away. “When we’re alone, I’ll make it up to you,” I murmur. “I’ll take away all the hurt.” And I’ll tell you exactly how I feel about you. When we have privacy. “Does that sound good?”
She nods.
I brush my lips over hers again, powerless against the pull.
“What the hell?” Roman’s disbelief-laced voice is a bucket of ice poured over our heads.