Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 27474 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27474 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
“When are the two of you leaving?” Landon directs the question at the brown-haired man sitting next to me.
“We fly out on Thursday,” Tatum says.
“You’re flying her, personally?”
“Absolutely. I’ve arranged for a driver to pick us up at the airstrip. We’ll have time to do some sightseeing, maybe take a helicopter over the city. And, of course, the fashion show on Saturday.”
A nervous flutter takes root in my stomach, and I drop my fork with a clang. “I didn’t realize you’d made so many plans.”
“Is it too much?”
“No, it sounds amazing. It’s all just getting...real.”
“Nervous?” Tatum asks with a knowing glint in his amber eyes.
“A little.”
“You’re going to do great. Besides, I have a surprise for you that might help with those nerves.”
“I’m not a fan of surprises.”
Ford snorts. “The only thing you don’t like about surprises is how surprised you are when you enjoy them.”
I send the resident playboy a dark look, to which he shrugs.
Trying to hide his amused grin, Tatum clears his throat. “You’ll like what I have in mind.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I know things.”
“You should know how I hate games.”
Another snort from Ford. More amusement from Tatum.
“No games or tricks, beautiful. In fact, this surprise is my gift to you.”
“I thought flying me to the fashion show was your gift.”
“It is, and so is the plus-one I’m allowing you to invite.” He nods to where Sebastian is watching us with suspicion. “Though I’d wager my wings I know who your choice will be.”
Sebastian meets my eyes, and a thrill of excitement storms through me. Tatum’s gift is almost too good to be true.
“What’s the catch?”
“No catch, and only one restriction.”
“There’s always one,” I say with an ironic roll of my eyes. Tatum’s easy-going nature puts me at ease, despite knowing nothing about him. “Don’t keep me in suspense, please.”
“Has anyone told you about my…particular tastes?”
“Um…no?”
“I’m a voyeur, Novalee.”
“A voyeur?”
He nods, and I analyze the word and what it means. A flutter of…something goes off in my belly.
Excitement?
Nerves?
Not repulsion, which shocks me.
After the kinky masquerade ball last month and my public display of humiliation, one would think I wouldn’t be so eager to repeat it.
Except there’s one glaring difference.
My attention flits over Sebastian again before meeting Tatum’s gaze. “Are you saying you want to…watch?”
“Yes, if you’re comfortable with the idea.”
Am I comfortable with the idea?
Before Ford’s ball, the answer would have been a definite no. I glance around the table and take in every man—from Liam in his impeccable suit to Sebastian in his signature ripped jeans.
Mr. Bordeaux and his rigid indifference.
Vance and the flirty curve of his lips.
Pax epitomizing nefarious black.
They’ve all seen me naked, and maybe that’s why the idea of an audience isn’t as upsetting as it used to be.
The glower on Sebastian’s face tells a different story. “Are you going to stick to just watching?”
“If that’s what Novalee prefers, then I will keep my hands to myself.” Tatum quirks a brow at Sebastian. “Does that sound okay with you?”
“I’m not bothered by other men watching her come undone for me.” Sebastian throws a pointed glance in Liam’s direction, and some of the chancellor’s smugness disappears.
Tatum nods. “It’s settled. Sebastian will accompany us to Los Angeles.”
6
The next three days go by in a stressful whirl, filled with last-minute work snafus, an unexpected addition to the collection that keeps me up into the wee hours of the morning, and on the night before our flight, one of my models comes down sick and can’t make the trip.
So by the time we approach Los Angeles, I’m jacked up on lack of sleep, frayed nerves, and too much adrenaline. Pressing my nose against the thick glass, I gaze at the city as the plane descends.
“I’ve never seen so many lights.”
Sebastian squeezes my hand. “Have you never been to a big city before?”
“Not like this. It’s just so…massive.”
And busy.
Buildings and traffic-filled streets extend as far as the eye can see, creating bright rows of chaos. “Uncle Rowan confined me to the estate grounds for safety reasons.” I arch a brow at Sebastian. “Though now I realize he was concerned with safeguarding my virginity.”
“I’m glad he did,” Sebastian says, tucking an errant braid behind my right ear. “Because you’re all mine now.”
The guilt eats me alive, and I hope he doesn’t pick up on it as I turn back to the window. No matter my busy schedule, or the days that have passed since Liam issued his demand, the chancellor’s words play through my head in a relentless loop.
I want your virginity.
His ultimatum haunts me as the plane touches down on the runway. After we disembark, Tatum leads us to a black limo waiting on the tarmac, and I do my best to shake off Liam’s words and focus on the here and now.
A warm breeze whips my blond locks around my face. Even dampened by the cover of nightfall, the air is fragrant with expectation and a hint of vehicle exhaust. The driver opens the back door, and I scoot in next to Sebastian.