Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 45371 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 227(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45371 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 227(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
I rush forward when the tears flow, hugging him and stroking his back.
“It reminds me of how your mother and I looked at each other,” he says, his voice shuddering as he pushes away the tears. “You can’t fake love like that. I can’t stand in your way. You have my blessing.”
“Really?” I yell, then laugh. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to bust your eardrums, Dad.”
He leans back, grinning, turning the glistening in his eyes into happy tears. “It’s okay. You’re excited.”
“That’s an understatement,” I say, smiling as I remember what Blake said when I asked if I was his girlfriend. I never could’ve guessed we’d be so much more.
“I know you, Bonnie. I may not have always been the best father.” He waves a hand when I try to protest. “We both know it’s true. That’s okay. Well, not okay, but…”
“I get you, Dad,” I say.
He looms so apologetic, hanging his head.
“I never should’ve lied to you. After spending time with those men, I can’t keep denying it. Blake was right to do what he did.”
“Dad, he was right before,” I say softly. “Francesco… the stuff he did to Mom. Blake never says the specifics, but he doesn’t have to. I know what happened.”
“He’s a good man. I can see that, and with you, Bonnie, he’s a new man. I just need you to tell me. You’re sure this is what you want. You don’t have any doubts. You don’t think you’ll wake up in fifteen years and ask yourself what the hell you did?”
“I’ve never been more sure about anything,” I say truthfully. “In fifteen years, you’ll have a bunch of grandkids. Or even ten. Eight. You’ll see. We’ll prove we belong together.”
I keep my secret concern to myself, the taunt that Blake hasn’t said I love you. We talk about the future, the house, the kids, Blake turning more of his business legitimate, and my potential art career. He says he wants to be my husband. Surely that means he loves me as much as I love him.
“I believe you,” Dad says.
Archie yaps and turns, darting behind me.
“Hey, boy,” Blake says, his deep voice instantly triggering the wave of want in me.
That’s never going away. Or if it does, something shinier, sweeter, and warmer will take its place. Our life is a rocket ship now.
I’m crying as I turn and look over at my man. He’s wearing a slick, dark blue suit, the top button undone, his lips shaped into a warm smile when he sees me. He knows these are happy tears.
“I won’t stand in your way,” Dad says, “and maybe you and I could have a go on the bagpipes one day.”
. “Wait a second. You play the bagpipes? I laugh in disbelieving delight.”
“We used to,” Blake says, walking over and meeting my eyes intensely with so much stowed-up desire and love—yes, love—in the look. “When we were younger. Before…”
Francesco. Mom.
Blake offers Dad his hand. “You have my word. I’ll always keep her safe.”
Dad shakes it. “Thank you.”
I can’t wait any longer. I throw myself into Blake’s arms. He spins me around, laughing, but we don’t go for a kiss. We hold hands, but Dad doesn’t seem to mind, kneeling down to stroke Archie.
“I’ve got good news,” Blake says.
“Oh yeah?” Dad looks up.
“Enzo is in federal custody. Massimo exiled the other men from the city. We’re putting the pressure on the Italians. Massimo’s a businessman. He sees sense. Soon, we can legitimize this whole city.”
Dad stands, reaching over and patting Blake on the shoulder. “Isla would be proud.”
We all walk together, and then Blake leans down and whispers in my ear, “Pack a bag.”
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Blake
“Are we almost there?” Bonnie says, curled up on the large couch of the private jet.
She’s wearing a dress that was made for her body, outlining those sweet tits and those thick, delicious thighs that will always drive me wild.
I’m sitting next to the bed, reading a book. She’s been sleeping, making the most endearing sounds. In the end, I stop reading and watch my woman as I’ll always watch over her.
“Not that I know where there is,” she says, sitting up and smiling angelically.
“I love you,” I say.
She gasps, and I know I’ve waited long enough. The other thing will happen, and it will be the best thing in our lives, but this is sweet, too—saying the truth I’ve been trying to hold back.
“I didn’t want to say it before Cameron gave his blessing, but I love you, Bonnie. I loved you the second you walked into my office. I love you so much. You’re changing me, and I want it. I need it. I need you.”
I’m stumbling over my words in my passion.
“I love you, too,” she says, throwing herself at me.
We meet in a steamy kiss, my hand gliding up her leg, pushing aside her dress and inching toward her sex. It’s hot, tempting me.