Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 122550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 613(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 409(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 613(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 409(@300wpm)
Her mouth dropped open. “You have a freaking library?”
“Yes, I have a freaking library,” he repeated. “I thought you might like this room.”
“Like it? I love it. It’s all moody and dark.” Every wall was covered in bookshelves except for the wall with an open fireplace flanked by two large windows.
The carpet was a rich burgundy, the shelving was dark wood, and the colors perfectly matched the two burgundy velvet chairs in front of the fireplace.
She could see herself using in this room in the evenings. Curling up in front of the fire, even if it wasn’t on.
Wandering around, she took in the titles of the books.
Urgh. Bit old and stuffy for her liking. And where were the romance books?
If this was her library, it would be filled with romance novels.
But it’s not. And maybe it wouldn’t hurt you to read a different sort of book once in a while.
If Regent had these books in his library, that had to mean he enjoyed them, right?
“I have another room to show you if you can tear yourself away.”
“Another room?” she asked, taking the hand he held out. “Lead on.”
He led her out of the library and down the hallway again, walking through a door she hadn’t even noticed. Then down another corridor with large windows on either side and into a vast room.
“You have a swimming pool?” She gaped at the pool. It was in a building attached to the back of the house. When she looked up, she saw that the roof had multiple skylights in it, so you could see the sky beyond.
“The skylights recess. So when the weather is nice you can open that up. Plus, open all of these sliding doors. Then it’s like an outdoor pool. So it can be used all year round.”
Wow. How the other half lived.
“I thought we could go for a swim,” he told her, taking her hand and leading her into the massive room. The floor around the pool was tiled, with several comfortable loungers surrounding it. She wouldn’t mind just curling up on one of them with a book.
“I don’t have a bathing suit.”
“Well, then, you’ll just have to go naked.”
She could feel herself blushing. Naked? Yeah, that wasn’t happening.
“I’ll just dip my feet in.”
Regent shook his head. “No. I think we can do better than that. There are some spare bathing suits in the changing room.” He gestured back toward a door off to the side.
They had a changing room? Wow.
This just got more and more crazy.
“The pool will feel nice on your skin.” He placed a hand over her forehead.
“I don’t have a fever anymore, though.”
“You still feel a bit warm to me.”
She did feel a bit flushed. Although that was due more to his suggestion that they swim naked.
“Go get changed. I’ll meet you back here.”
“You’re going to go swimming?” She gaped at him.
“Yes. Why is that so surprising?” he asked.
“I dunno. I just can’t see you swimming. Unless it’s in a suit.”
“I don’t always wear suits, you know.”
He didn’t?
“Go get into a bathing suit.” He turned her around, giving her a slap on the ass.
“Hey! What was that for?” She turned back, rubbing at her bottom cheek.
“That was a warning to do what you’re told. You might want to pay attention. You’re owed several spankings. You don’t want to add to them.”
“I’m not !” she protested.
“Hmm, let’s see. Someone kept doing too much while they were ill and disobeying orders given to keep them healthy. And they kept things from me.”
“Yes, well, someone is bossy and has too many rules. I don’t think I should be spanked while I’m ill.”
“Ahh, but weren’t you the one that just told me you’re no longer ill?” he said. “I could take care of those spankings right now since you’re feeling better.”
“You know what? I am feeling a bit flushed. Best we don’t take care of those right now.”
“Go,” he said sternly. “Before I decide to add to your punishment.”
Sheesh. Talk about strict.
But she headed into the changing room where she found a selection of bathing suits. It wasn’t until that moment that she realized she’d have to show plenty of skin.
In front of Regent.
She had always dressed in long skirts and sleeves. But why?
Sitting on a bench, she thought about that for a moment. For as long as she could remember, that’s how she’d dressed. But was it her choice?
Or something her father had insisted on? Because she remembered Mama wearing the same sorts of things.
Until after he’d died.
God. Was she letting him dictate to her . . . even from the grave?
There was a knock on the door and she startled. How long had she been sitting here?
“Yes?”
“Are you all right, baby?” Regent asked. “You’ve been in there a while.”
“I, um, well . . .”
“I’m coming in.”
She rolled her eyes as he opened the door and strode in. That was Regent. Walking in like he owned the place.