Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Opening the bedroom door, I slip out of the room and decide that I might as well do what I do best. Be freaking nosy. It gets me into trouble sometimes, but it also gets me information.
I open one door after another, only to find spare bedrooms and a library. As I reach another wing of the house, I realize just how ginormous it is. Every door I encounter opens easily, except for one.
When I grab the knob, it doesn’t even turn, and there isn’t a spot for a key. I step back and glance down the hall, seeing that although this door looks like all the ones around it, clearly it’s different. There’s a painting next to it, and I move closer as I inspect the frame.
Deciding I’ve got nothing to lose, I grip the bottom and pull it back, but somehow, it’s not budging either. I’m about to call this door a bust when I reach for the side of the frame and push. This time, it slides over five inches, revealing a screen that is completely useless to me. I can do some low-level hacking, but there’s no way I’m getting into whatever this is. It wants a handprint and a face scan.
This has to be Gray’s home lab. I push the painting back in place and think for a second.
“House?” I call out, and then there’s a gentle chime.
“Yes, Ms. Sky.”
“You want to open this locked door for me?” I point my thumb toward it.
“I am not authorized.”
“I bet you’re a snitch,” I mutter, but I suppose that’s a bit hypocritical of me.
“I am not programmed to report anything to the authorities,” the house responds.
Well then.
“I meant that you're going to tell Gray everything I’m doing.”
“Yes.” It’s simple in its response.
“Why didn’t he name you? It’s weird calling you House.”
“My name is House. Why do you find this weird?”
“I find this whole conversation weird.” I huff out a breath.
“You should eat.”
“Eat? What kind of suggestion is that?” Can she do body scans and can see my stomach is empty? That sounds crazy, but is it really? This is Gray Malice’s home we’re talking about.
“It is a suggestion Mr. Malice suggested I make once you left the bedroom.”
“I left the bedroom a while ago.”
“Yes, but the chef has only just arrived.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
“For nothing,” I finish before heading for the stairs next. I use the other side this time but don’t head straight for the kitchen and instead go the opposite way to try more doors.
“The kitchen is back in the—”
“Will you hush!” I whisper-yell at the house. I put my hands on my hips, glaring around, trying to figure out where this computer can see me. “I know where the kitchen is. Stop following me.”
“I’m not following you. I'm here.”
“As in everywhere?” Oh shit, did she see last night? Awkward. If the computer recorded us, I’m going to find the cord and unplug it.
“In the house.”
“Talking about yourself in the third person is extra weird.”
“Is there something I can help you find, Ms. Sky?”
“Call me Jade.”
“Is there something I can help you find, Jade?”
“Yeah, a computer? Maybe a phone?”
“I have been instructed to not allow use of those things.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously, Jade.” I roll my eyes. Great, I'm getting sass from a computer.
“What else can’t I do?”
“Leave the home.” I’d laugh that she said “home” instead of “house,” but the reality of my situation is sinking in. Gray wasn’t joking about me being kidnapped. He’d instructed the house to not let me out or even reach out to anyone.
He clearly doesn’t trust me. Why should I trust him?
Chapter Ten
GRAY
“Having fun?” Jade startles and then slowly turns around to see me casually leaning against the door frame of the lounge.
“If by fun you mean arguing with your house, then yes, we’re having loads of fun.” Her eyes narrow as she stalks closer. “Did you film us doing…um…” She hesitates and licks her lips. “You know, last night?”
“Doing what?” I straighten to my full height, and she has to lean her head back to look up at me. My hands go around her waist, and I’m happy to see that she’s not crying anymore.
“Don’t change the subject.” Her cheeks flush pink, and part of me is relieved that she’s letting me tease her.
I’d left her alone for a little while this morning thinking that she might need the time to process what’s happened. I know that this is a huge shock to her all at once, and I didn’t want to overwhelm her. Instead, I watched her on my phone as she poked around the place and opened doors. For a second I thought about opening the door to my lab so that she could go in, but I decided I’d like to take her there myself.
Bending down, I brush my lips against the shell of her ear. “There aren’t cameras in the bedroom, but if you want to put some in, I’m more than happy to accommodate that.” I lick the tender skin there and then taste how soft she is. “I think I’d love to watch you come apart over and over.”