Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21067 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21067 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
“Fuck,” he mutters, echoing my thoughts. “I have my eyes on her, and I won’t let anything happen,” the efficient bodyguard reassures me, causing my heart to slow a little.
“Where is she?” I’m heading straight for her. I need to see for myself that she’s okay. My fingers tap a stressed rhythm against the steering wheel as I navigate through the Silver Spoon Falls mid-evening traffic.
“We’re over at Ms. Viola’s,” Mark replies. “Yvette wanted to pack a few more things to bring over to your house.”
“Stay put,” I tell him, relief and anxiety intertwining in my soul. “I’m on my way there now. I’ll handle everything when I get there.”
The call ends, and I inhale deeply, doing my best to keep a clear head. Mark’s a solid fucking bodyguard who has proven himself countless times already. But knowing that Richard’s out there, a loose cannon with his sights on my little knockout, has my adrenaline doing acrobatics.
Driving through town seems to take an eternity. My thoughts are laser-focused on getting to Yvette as quickly as I can no matter what.
When I pull up in front of Ms. Viola’s place and see Mark’s SUV parked behind my personal truck, my heart settles into place. Viola’s got her porch lights twinkling, casting a gentle glow across the wooden steps where she sits with Herman, the iguana, perched next to her with an air of dignified superiority.
“Evening, young man!” Ms. Viola calls out, waving an enthusiastic greeting as I climb out of the truck.
“Good evening, Ms. Viola,” I call back, flashing a quick grin despite the swirling storm in my gut. “Is Yvette in the apartment?”
“She sure is.” She gestures toward the side of her house.
I rush past the elderly woman with a wave and race up the stairs. When I open the door, I find Yvette packing a couple of boxes, multitasking like a pro, her movements infused with that relentless determination I’ve come to fucking love so much. Mark’s standing nearby, eyeing the door with a bodyguard’s instinctive protectiveness, nodding at me as I enter.
“Hey there, hunny bunny,” Yvette says, glancing up and catching sight of me. Her smile is momentarily eclipsed by a flicker of concern. “Mark told me about Richard the creep’s stupidity.”
I walk over and pull her into my arms. “Don’t worry, I won’t let that motherfucker get anywhere near you.”
“I know.” She smiles up at me, and I’m able to take a deep breath for the first time since Dillon Armstrong strolled into my office. “You’re pretty much stuck with me from now on.”
“I couldn’t fucking survive without you,” I breathe against her soft lips. “I don’t ever plan to let you out of my sight again.”
“That’s going to make things a little difficult.” She laughs against the side of my neck, sending hunger coursing through me.
“I fucking don’t care.” There’s something I need to do, and it can’t wait another second. “I really didn’t plan on doing this now, but circumstances have changed things.” I lay my forehead against hers, staring into her gorgeous violet eyes. “I need to know you’re mine forever. Will you marry me, little knockout?”
I’m so caught up in holding her close to me that I don’t even realize the door opened behind us. “If you don’t take him up on his offer, I will,” Ms. Viola cackles behind us, and I glance over my shoulder to see her swinging her hips like she’s belly dancing. “They don’t call me Va-va-voom-Viola for nothing.”
“I’m so sorry, Ms. Viola.” Yvette laughs. “But I’m going to have to keep him for myself.” She leans up and places a soft kiss on my chin. “I’ve been yours since the moment we met.”
“I figured as much,” the elderly woman interrupts, sighing dramatically. “The good ones always get snapped up right away.” As I cover Yvette’s lips with mine, I hear Ms. Viola shuffling across the floor. “Come on, young man. You can soothe my ruffled feathers.”
I hear the bodyguard mutter, “Fucking hell,” and I open one eye to watch as Ms. Viola pulls a very panicked-looking Mark out the front door. I’m already calculating the bonus I’m going to have to pay him to make up for this crazy night, but I’ll worry about that later.
Chapter 11
Yvette
The morning light pours through the window, spilling warmth over me like a cozy blanket. I wake up snugly wrapped in Banks' arms, feeling the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest against my back. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and security, a stark contrast to the whirlwind that has been my life these past weeks. I could lie here forever; lost in the haven we’ve created.
But then, the peace is shattered by a loud banging on the front door, jolting me from my blissful state. The sound reverberates through the house, causing my heart to pound in my chest. I glance back at Banks, who stirs, his brow furrowing as if he’s trying to process the intrusion into our little slice of paradise.