Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
My mother’s expression falls further, and it pains me to know I’m making her sad, but I don’t understand why they’re pressing the matter so much.
“I can find you a wife,” he says. “I know you don’t like the idea, but Crue’s father found Crue’s wife, your aunty Rya, through an arranged marriage. And look at them. I can do the same for you; it might give you something else to focus on besides sleepless nights and long working hours.”
“No, And I don’t want to talk about it again. Leave it.” I down the rest of my drink and stand, ending the discussion
“Sweetheart, you don’t have to leave,” my mother says apologetically. “We’re just worried, that’s all.”
“You have no need to be,” I say coolly. “Thank you for dinner. I’m tired from my travels, and I’d like to excuse myself.” I press a kiss on my mother’s cheek. My father stands and hugs me, but it’s Billie who follows me out.
When I’m collecting my coat, she leans against the wall and crosses her arms over her chest.
“You know they’re just worried about you being too focused on work, right? That, and they’re not entirely sure if you’re a psychopath or not,” she says casually.
“And that will never change,” I grit. I fish a gift box out of my pocket and toss it in her direction. It’s not a matter of if I’m a psychopath; I’m certain I’m not. But my cold, calculated nature has always been unsettling, even to my family. And I have no idea why they think me having a wife will fix that.
She catches the present, and her expression lights up. “See, I knew you weren’t a psychopath.” She beams as she comes up to hug me. Her voice quietens. “But in all seriousness, you can’t only focus on work and this family. We’re all living our separate lives and doing our own things. Are you sure you want to be left behind? I know you’re busy, but are you fulfilled?”
I kiss her forehead. “My work is fulfilling. As long as you’re all safe and provided for, I have no issue or complaint. Goodnight, Billie. Stay out of mischief.”
She rolls her eyes as I open the door. “But if I do that, how will you get to flex your knight-in-shining-armor muscles? Which I despise, by the way. Also, can we talk about the last time you—”
I close the door, cutting off Billie’s temper, which is about to snap at any moment. At times, it reminds me of a particular little monster who enjoys throwing things at my face.
CHAPTER 19
Posie
“And you are?” I turn in my chair to find a man standing at the door, looking at me expectantly. I’ve been coming into work for the last two weeks without anyone else being here. Usually, by the time I leave, a few of the staff working that evening are coming in. But that’s the extent of it. Sometimes Paula is in earlier in the afternoon, but those days are few and far between.
I was so focused on scheduling the social media that I didn’t even hear the man enter the office. I’m assuming he has keys—I fucking hope so anyway. He’s far too attractive to be a thief.
How rude of him to ask for my name before he offers his own; it reminds me of a certain asshole boss.
“Sorry. Do I know you? I didn’t know anyone else was here,” I say cautiously because I was supposed to be the only one in today.
“You’re in my son’s office. Does he know this?”
Ohhh. My eyes widen, and I stand from behind the desk, gathering my things and roping in my sassy attitude.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know anyone would be coming in here. This office has the best internet connection, so I thought I’d work from here since he’s out.”
“And he allows that?” he asks.
I take a moment to really look at him. While he looks a lot like Dutton, with high cheekbones, eyes that seem to stare straight through me, and dressed impeccably, he also gives off a warmer vibe than his son. Dutton is cold, even when his head is between my legs. And that’s saying something.
I want to slap myself. I have to stop thinking about that night. It happened over a month ago.
“Yes. I received his permission while he was in Italy. He’s not here today if you’re looking for him.”
“He told you where he was? Interesting.” His expression turns thoughtful. “You don’t have to leave on my account.” He waves at my belongings as he takes a seat on the other side of the desk. The chair looks far too small for his bulky frame. Much like his son, he has an aura around him that seems to suck in everything and anything within its reach.