Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 52178 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52178 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
“I know I fucked up,” I say quickly, “but I wanted to make things right. I never meant to hurt you, and I want the chance to explain. I have nowhere to go tonight, can I please stay here? I’ll be gone by morning. Please, Carter.”
His eyes flash with rage, but also compassion.
He’s a kind man, and I do feel horrible for what I did to him.
“You left me over a phone call and you want me to let you in?” he grinds out.
“Please, it’s just one night. If you don’t want to talk, we won’t talk, but I have nowhere else to go.”
“You ran to the circus, and now you’re running from it,” he scoffs.
“No, it’s not that,” I say quickly, not wanting to give him anything to use against Marek’s show. “I just ... things are complicated. I need a break. Please.”
He stares at me, but then I see him give in. His face softens a touch and he pushes the door open. “One night. I don’t forgive you, Ellie.”
“Fair enough.” I nod. “Thank you. I’ll stay out of your way.”
I head into the apartment, and I already know where everything is. I don’t bother asking where I can stay, I know the spare room is going to be where I’m directed, so I make my way toward it.
“Is this really what you want to do with your life?”
Carter’s voice stops me, and I turn, glancing at him. “I love dancing, you know that, but I was dancing for everyone else. I’m tired of doing what everyone else wants.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you wanted something different? I would have helped you.”
Dammit.
Now I feel even worse.
“I know you would have, but I wasn’t being truthful with you. I do care about you, but not in the way you deserve. It wouldn’t be fair for me to marry you, Carter. You should be with someone who adores you because you are a great man.”
“Still could have told me,” he mutters.
“You’re right, I could have, and I’m sorry I didn’t.”
“That man you’re with, he’s dangerous.”
I swallow, nodding. “I know, but his show ... it’s incredible. It could change my entire life.”
“Then why are you here, and not there ...”
Okay, too many questions.
“I just want to make things right. I won’t stay long. I’ll leave in the morning.”
Where I’ll go, I don’t know.
“Goodnight, Ellie,” he murmurs, holding my gaze for a minute before turning and disappearing into his room.
“Night, Carter,” I mutter into the darkness.
What the hell am I going to do now?
12
Ahand over my mouth startles me awake, and it takes me a moment to realize that I’m not alone in this dark room. Squirming, I wake up quickly, my body struggling to come to life as I untangle my hands from the blankets to try and push whoever it is away. The moment I catch the scent of cologne, I know who it is. I would know that smell anywhere.
“Did you think I wouldn’t find you, Ellie Mae?”
My god.
How did he track me down? Worse, how did he get in here?
I shove his hand away from my mouth, pushing him back as I sit up, my eyes blurry. I can’t see anything in the dark room, but I know he’s right there.
“Why are you so fucking obsessed with me?” I whisper hiss. “There are a million other girls out there you can get to dance for you. Just let me go.”
“You made a deal with me,” he growls, low, “and I’ve given you everything you want. I have given every request you’ve made. You do not run. You do not have that right.”
I grind my teeth together. “There are other girls, I’m sure you’re fully aware of that because you’ve likely fucked every one of them. Go get one of them.”
My tone is snippy, and I’m ashamed by how I’m behaving.
Jealousy looks ugly on me.
“Jealousy doesn’t become you, Ellie Mae,” Marek murmurs, his voice filled slightly with ... humor?
How dare he laugh at my expense.
“Fuck you, Marek. I couldn’t care less what you do.”
“Let me guess, Acacia told you that I used to fuck her? She’s right—” he leans in close, his breath tickling my ear “—I did. I fucked her and she loved it.”
I swallow the rage in my throat as I shove him back. “Leave.”
“Not without you.”
“I’m not coming with you.”
“Oh, but you are. If you don’t, I can go into the room where your precious Carter is sleeping and slit his throat. It’ll take less than a second, and don’t worry, Ellie Mae, I’ll make sure your fingerprints are left on the murder weapon.”
I gasp. “You fucking evil ...”
“Yes, yes, we’ve heard it all before. Get up, we’re leaving.”
Shaking my head, even though he can’t see it, I cross my arms. “No.”
“Very well.”
He stands, and fear lodges in my throat.