Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 93699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
“Expensive.”
“Well, the future Mrs. Carter looks more than worth it.” He winked at me as he pulled onto the road. “I’m Mr. Faber, Miss. Looking forward to being at your service.”
“Thank you.” I returned his smile.
“Would you care to share the story of how you and your fiancée first met, Mr. Carter?”
“There’s not much to say,” Travis said. “It’s not a long story.”
“So? You used to keep me involved in everything. I didn’t even know you were dating someone.”
“Neither did I…” Travis muttered before looking at me. “I believe I can speak for us both when I say the attraction was instant. She came onto me at first sight.”
“No, I hated you when we first met,” I said. “From the very moment you revealed that your name was ‘Travis Carter.’”
“Maybe I’m mixing my memories then, since I can only remember all the times I made you scream it.”
“I was faking all those screams.” Fuck professionalism. “Just like I’m faking things with you right now.”
“I find that hard to believe.” He hissed. “Back then, your orgasms didn’t cost me a dime. I gave them to you for free.”
“What did you just say?”
“I’m more than happy to repeat it.”
The driver rolled up the partition, and Ralph let out a long sigh.
“Jesus Christ…”
THIRTEEN
PRESENT DAY
TATIANA
Waldorf Astoria Luxury Condominiums
Las Vegas, Nevada
“Welcome to Las Vegas.” A bellman reached for my hand when we arrived at Travis’s condo. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss. I love that Mr. Carter has someone special in his life.”
“He will for at least three months.” I muttered, stepping out of the car with Travis on my heels.
He’d stared at me for the entire drive, trying to bait me into looking his way.
“My name is Benny.” The bellman led me toward an open elevator. “My job is to get whatever you need, whenever you need it. In case you’re not already aware, you can access the closest casino, Mr. Carter’s private garage, and a fine dining restaurant from the elevator in the west wing. Is there anything you’d like at this moment?”
“A lobotomy would be nice.”
“A what?”
“My fiancee said it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Travis narrowed his eyes at me. “She tends to slip out of character sometimes.”
“Ah, I see.”
“The press isn’t aware of you being here yet, Sweetheart,” Travis said. “You should keep honing your skills and enjoy these moments of privacy while you can.”
“Thank you for that update, Honey,” I said sweetly. “I truly appreciate how you look out for me.”
“You’re very welcome.”
The doors opened, and I swallowed the rest of my sarcasm at the sight ahead of me.
A lavish, cream-marbled foyer stretched toward two spiral staircases, looking as if it were plucked from the lobby of a five-star hotel.
Smiling, Benny handed me his business card before disappearing.
I gasped as I stepped forward and took in the colossal living room that overlooked the strip. From the floor-to-ceiling windows, I could see The Atria Resort and Casino and a glittering boardwalk that connected five clubs.
An immaculate grey and white kitchen stood on my left, with a grand stone wall behind me. It was adorned with framed copies of every check he’d ever received for his street fights, along with pictures and trophies from his time in the UFC.
At its center stood an empty shelf with the engraved words, “Forever a Champion: This Belt Never Leaves.”
The belt was long gone, though.
Not wanting to comment, I tried not to stare at the balcony that wrapped around his entire penthouse.
Is that a hot tub and an outdoor kitchen?
“Your suite is down the west hall and on the left,” Travis said. “My housekeeper is more than willing to give you a full tour whenever you like. I left a list on your nightstand with the numbers for my chef, my driver, my personal shopper, and tons of other people who make my life easier. They’re ready to be at your service, too.”
“Does your staff know our engagement is fake?”
“No.” He paused. “I don’t want them to know that.”
“Why not?”
“Because they’re the only people who didn’t leave my side when shit started hitting the fan,” he said. “They’re technically like family to me, and they all seemed very happy to hear the news.”
I nodded. “Noted. Are there any events I need to attend with you over the next couple of days?”
“You have a schedule in your binder, Miss Brave,” he said. “Do I need to show you how to read a calendar?”
“I’m just trying to make small talk with you.”
“Fair enough. Are you enjoying this weather?”
I rolled my eyes, and he looked at his watch.
“Neither of us has ever been good at small talk from what I recall,” he said. “You do have something you have to do on your own today, if I’m remembering things right.”
“Yes,” I said. “Your publicist is making me take a class with a body language expert.”