Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Something is off.
I survey the room for anything out of place, but it’s worthless. The ballroom is filled with our colleagues, friends, and family. The dance floor is packed, the liquor flowing, and all seem to be enjoying themselves.
Jewls’ sweet laughter hums through the air, pulling my attention to her dancing with my grandfather. He’s smiling wide, and I tamper down my rising irritation when he spins her out and catches her back around the waist.
“I can hear your teeth grinding.” My grandmother lays a hand on my arm. “He’s trying to get your goat.”
“First the twins, now him. Is it normal for all the Powers men to mess with me?”
“Oh, yes, especially when you land a woman as pretty, smart, and lovely as Julianna. It’s your rite of passage.”
“Land her?”
“Whatever you young folks say nowadays.”
I search for another term, but the only word that comes to mind is ‘mine’, which sounds barbaric. Even to my ears.
“How about you give your grandma a spin around the dance floor so we can rescue your darling girlfriend? And you can wipe that hideous scowl off your face.”
She takes the elbow I offer, letting me lead her to the dance floor. We dance our way through the throng of people.
“There’s my beautiful bride,” Grandpa says when we’re side by side.
“And there’s my old charmer, flirting with the beautiful newcomer,” Grandma answers with love in her voice.
“Never, my dear. No other woman could ever turn my head.” He stops, kissing Jewls on the cheek. “Thank you for indulging this old man in a dance.”
“It was all my pleasure.”
I take her in my arms, moving us away from the crowd and to the edge of the floor.
“Major Powers, are you jealous of your own grandfather?”
“Yes.”
“Disgraceful,” she says with a smile.
I close the few inches of space between us, laying my forehead to hers and swaying to the rhythm. “I told you in the limo I wanted you by my side all night.”
“I could hardly turn down a dance with him.”
“You need to learn the word no.”
She circles my neck with her arms, keeping our heads together. “You’re good at this.”
“Dancing?”
“Yes.”
“Baby, I haven’t danced with a woman in over a decade at the last family event.”
“You haven’t lost your moves.”
“Having you in my arms isn’t a move. It’s natural.”
She sighs, scrubbing her nails along my scalp. “You’re good at that, too. Making me feel special.”
“Special doesn’t come close. Did I mention how unbelievably gorgeous you look tonight?”
“It doesn’t get old hearing it.”
“Seriously, Julianna, my mind is reeling, thinking about peeling you out of this dress.”
“I owe Harley and Rowan big time. Especially Rowan.”
“Rowan?”
“We face-timed where she could guide Harley with my hair.”
“Next ladies’ night, her drinks are on me.”
“She’ll like that.”
My heart hammers at the appreciative grin she gives me. “Fuck, baby. I want you right now.”
The desire from earlier reappears, and she nibbles on her bottom lip. “You know, country clubs like this usually have locker rooms. Since it’s late, they may be empty. I’ve never had sex in a public place.”
“There’s my wildcat.” My dick is hard again at the suggestion, and I move us off the dance floor. “Let’s go.”
“Wait, let me go scope it out.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“We’ll be obvious. Let me slip out, and I’ll text you when I think it’s safe.”
“You are not walking around by yourself.”
“You’re being ridiculous again. And it’s wasting time.”
She’s right. My cock pulses in agreement. “Three minutes. Text me or I’m coming after you and won’t care who sees.”
She takes my hand and leads me to the bar, ordering champagne for herself and bourbon for me. I take the drink and bend to her when she tips up to run her lips across mine. “I’ll hurry.”
Reluctantly, I let her go, watching her until she exits the room and the three minutes begin.
The nagging feeling returns the second she’s out of sight, and I scan the room again. An ache pings in my chest, and I make eye contact with Ford, who’s watching me cautiously. One look and he’s on the move, Talon and Ace at his six.
They surround me, searching the room with the same surveillance skills.
“Anyone stick out?” Ace’s rough voice tells me he’s picked up on the vibe.
“No one. Been like this since we walked in.”
“Felt it, too,” Talon claims.
We stand there, watching the area for anything amiss. I find my parents, who are all in a conversation with my dad’s old boss before he left the law firm. My grandparents are still dancing and holding each other close.
Sam and Drake are missing. I search the bars set up in the corners. No sign of them. This normally wouldn’t worry me, but tonight it hits hard.
“The twins,” I state.
“Coming in now.” Ford motions across the way.
Sam and Drake are barreling toward us. They examine the room and swing their eyes back to me. “Where’s Jewls?”