Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 81208 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81208 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Robert has his hand on the handle, about to open the bedroom door, when the sound of a car approaching outside disturbs the quiet. He stills, head cocked, so he can hear better. His chest expands. Hunter and Evan are back and his knuckles whiten as his grip on the handle intensifies.
He turns to me, eyes wide, and my heart skips. This is more than just embarrassment at being caught out. He’s genuinely worried about what might happen now that his brothers are back. His worry is the beginning of my panic.
I shouldn’t have come here under these circumstances. I’m a grown woman. I shouldn’t have to hide relationships or sex from anyone, and I certainly don’t want to be scared again. The run-in with that asshole and the bears today was enough fear to last me a lifetime.
“What’s going to happen?”
Robert shakes his head, looking over my shoulder into the room and then back at the door again. He’s considering whether it’s better for me to stay here or for him to get me to my car. I don’t want to be trapped in this room. I don’t want to be here if he’s so uncomfortable.
“Will you stay here?” he asks. “I’ll have to lock you in.”
I focus on the door and the lock I fitted so recently. I never imagined it would be used to hold me captive. I bite my lip as Robert covers the door with his body. He eyes the window, then me again, puffing out his cheeks with a breath.
“It’s going to be okay. I just need to talk with my brothers.”
“Talk?”
“Yeah.”
“And you need to lock the door for that?” I move closer, imagining the steps it would take me to get past him, down the stairs and past Evan and Hunter. Even if I had the swiftest feet, and the three men were lumbering and uncoordinated, I wouldn’t stand a chance. Sweat prickles beneath my arms as my pulse accelerates.
“It’s for your safety.”
I stare at him intently, looking for signs that he’s insincere, trying to keep my uncertainty from my expression. His posture is uncomfortable but not deceitful. If talking is all it'll be, then I guess I’m okay with it. Robert seems to have broken some bro code that I don’t understand. Families are weird—my own too. I have nothing but sympathy. I convince myself it’s going to be fine because what’s the alternative?
“Okay,” I say. “But don’t be too long. I’ve got to get to bed. I’ve have to work tomorrow.”
Robert nods and turns the handle. He takes the key from the lock and then turns to kiss me. It’s fierce in a way that feels protective and filled with intention. Before, I thought he’d tell his brothers that this was just a one-off and it wouldn’t happen again. Now I’m not so sure.
The sound of the key turning in the lock on the other side of the door makes me shiver. This is the first time I’ve ever been locked in a room by anyone, and it feels way more tantalizing than it should. I’m like a princess trapped in a tower, but there are no spinning wheels here—only enough sex toys to wreck the bodies and minds of a harem of women.
I pace for a while, keeping close to the door, listening out for voices, but I can’t hear a murmur. Wherever this conversation is taking place, it’s not close enough for me to catch anything. I’m desperate to hear what they’re saying.
Time ticks past, and Robert doesn’t return. I’m worn out from a difficult day and an amazing night, so I slump onto the bed. The pillows are soft, and the comforter smells fresh. My body relaxes, but I fight to keep my eyes open. This isn’t a place I should fall asleep. I need to keep my wits about me, but as more time passes, my eyelids get heavier. I’ll just shut my eyes for a few minutes.
This bed is so comfortable.
It’s dangerous, but my body is shutting down, and I can’t fight it.
Just a few minutes.
As if I have any control.
13
ROBERT
I descend the stairs quickly, needing to intercept my brothers before Hunter races up to confront me with Goldie. The conversation we’re about to have isn’t for her ears. Not yet anyway, and especially not immediately after what we did.
My body is singing. My mind, too, like Goldie unlocked the door to my cage and let me fly free.
Fuck.
My hands are trembling, the sting of them meeting her flesh still ringing through me. Her whimpers still flood my ears.
Hunter grips the banister at the bottom of the stairs fiercely, and when our eyes meet, his fury is obvious.
“You brought her here without telling us. You sent us out on a fool’s errand so you could keep her to yourself.” Hunter snarls, his animal rage bleeding through.