Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 126060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
Amaranthe tried not to show alarm. “Careful. That wasn’t—um—enthusiastic?”
He swore under his breath. “I’m going to get you in the Jacuzzi. Maybe that will help with the soreness. I can call the doc if you think we need him.”
She pressed her fingertips over her lips to hide her smile. “We definitely don’t need the doctor. It was my first time, Geno, and you’re big. I’m bound to be a little sore. I think the Jacuzzi will help a lot. In case you’re wondering, I liked it and hope to repeat the experience.” She would die of embarrassment if he called the doctor.
Geno smiled at her as he slid off the bed. She tried not to look at the mixture of blood and other evidence of their joining on his cock.
“You liked it?” he repeated. “I think I’m going to have to put a lot more effort into our next time.”
“Your effort was just fine. More effort and I really wouldn’t be able to walk.”
He brushed a kiss on top of her head. “Babe, you didn’t have an orgasm. That’s a matter of pride with me.”
“Women don’t normally have them the first time, especially when their partner is massive enough that part of the time there’s a bit of a burning sensation. I couldn’t decide if it hurt or if it was beautiful. I’m not into pain. If I were, we would have been golden.”
He groaned and put a hand over his heart. “That’s it, woman. I’m getting you into the Jacuzzi and then we’re repeating the experience, so I can do a much better job. We’ll keep going until I get it right. You’ve wounded my pride.”
Amaranthe found herself laughing. “Your pride is just fine.” She didn’t think repeating the experience right away was the best idea in the world. She might really be scarred for life.
“Seriously, Amara, we’ll do much better the second time around.”
“I know we will. I’m going to soak in the Jacuzzi, and I’ll feel fine.” She hoped so. She didn’t want to be afraid of having sex with him. It had been good—sort of. It was just that he was intimidating. Her body was bound to get used to his. Right?
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
From the first moment Amaranthe entered the dance studio, she felt the subtle difference in atmosphere. It wasn’t as though she could put her finger on exactly what was wrong, but a note of discord had been introduced into the normally tranquil and composed dance world. This particular class was made up of various ages, from extremely young, just starting out, to teenagers who had been taking ballet for several years.
Ms. Lyna Marchel, one of the dance instructors, helped to teach the class. She was very exacting, but quite good at her craft. Unfortunately, Amaranthe had noticed she tended to play favorites. The more money a client’s family had, the more she catered to that child, whether they had talent or worked hard or not. She was in a foul mood, already haranguing the students and telling them to hurry to change, that she didn’t have all day to wait for them.
Nicoletta, do you feel the animosity? Can you tell where it’s coming from?
The higher the level of enmity building in the large studio, the calmer and more tranquil vibrations Amaranthe ensured she gave off. She had little pods in various corners of the room with soothing aromatherapy scents she activated to help counter the gathering hostility.
I definitely feel it, Nicoletta confirmed. I searched the shadows to see if someone else was here, but we’re the only riders in the studio or dressing area.
Amaranthe reached out to Geno, but she looped in his brothers and Nicoletta. He was close, patrolling with his brothers on the street and around the studio to ensure no other riders were attempting to get close to Amaranthe.
Geno, this is the exact way the other businesses began to have problems. It started with teenagers doing little things. There are two girls here, Jenny Porthman and Reba Salsberry, regular students, who I suspect are introducing gossip and negative energy into the studio. When I’m close to them, I can feel the hostility pouring off them in waves. There is one other girl as well, I’m not as certain of. She’s very good friends with them. Her name is Priscilla Clake.
Priscilla was the oldest at seventeen. Reba, the youngest at fifteen. Although Jenny was sixteen, she was clearly the leader of the trio.
Have you always gotten along with them? Geno asked.
Amaranthe had. She liked the girls, and they’d always seemed to like her. She couldn’t imagine what had changed. How did the murderers manage to control the teens like they did? What were they doing to get them to agree to turn on their neighbors and friends? If she could figure that out, she might be able to stop them from using the teenagers. She put the question to the others.