Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 114584 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 573(@200wpm)___ 458(@250wpm)___ 382(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114584 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 573(@200wpm)___ 458(@250wpm)___ 382(@300wpm)
“Personally, I would like it if you lost the dress and walked around the house naked, but unless you want me to kill every person in this house, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Whirling around in his arms, I look up at him. “I agree. There has been enough bloodshed on these floors as of lately.”
A shadow crosses Julian’s face. Ever since Lucca’s betrayal came to light, he’s been even warier of his men. I know he feels that if Markus was here, my father never would’ve gotten in, but then he wouldn’t be dead either. We’d still be looking over our shoulders, wondering when the next attack was coming. He says Lucca is a traitor, but I understand why he did what he did. I can’t fault someone for protecting someone they love.
I would do the same, would I not?
“I will always be here to protect you. Nothing will ever happen to you or our child.”
“You can’t protect me from everything, Julian.”
“I can, and I will.”
All I can do is roll my eyes. “Where are we going for dinner?” I ask, wanting to change the subject and divert it away from us.
“Our favorite spot, of course.” He winks and leads me outside to the terrace.
As soon as we walk out, I gasp. The table is decked like usual, but there are candles placed all around the table and along the rail. The outside lights are shut off, so the only light is coming from the hundreds of candles.
“How romantic. I didn’t think you had it in you.” I grin.
“I had help. Plus, it’s a special night.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, sit down, and I’ll tell you.” He pulls out a chair for me, and I take it, wondering what he could possibly want to talk to me about.
“What is it, Julian? Is everything alright?”
“Yes.” He takes the seat across from me. “I realize that I’ve always made choices for you, and before that, your father did the same. I know you have been longing to be free, and even though I can’t give you all the freedom you deserve, I do want to ask you… What do you want, Elena?”
For a moment, all I can do is stare at him. What do I want?
Those words are foreign to me. No one ever asks me what I want. So, what do I want?
“I want to be with you.”
“And that will never change.” Julian gives me a knowing grin. “But what about beyond that? What do you want for your life? Do you want to go to school? Study? Do you want a career, or will you be content being a wife and mother? I don’t want you to feel trapped, and I don’t want to control every part of your life. I want you to have hopes and dreams, be free as much as I can let you, without risking your safety.”
“I don’t know what to say…” Seriously. I’m speechless. “Honestly, I’ve never thought about it.”
“Good thing, you have all the time in the world now.”
Julian’s phone rings, interrupting the moment. He curses under his breath and shakes his head.
“Of course, he would choose now to call…” he growls. “Nice to hear from you, how is your…” He pauses, and the voice on the other end fills the phone. “What are you talking about? Wait… I see. Yes, I suppose I can help.” Julian hangs up the phone and turns to me, a devilish glint in his eyes. “That was Markus. He needs help, killing someone.”