Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 104127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
“I hold no world records.” I stop a few feet from her bed.
Her eyes widen, and then she laughs. “You were listening.”
“I was.”
She rolls her eyes. “Your obsession with me knows no bounds.”
I chuckle. “You have no idea.”
“To what do I owe this visit? Meetings done?” She stretches her arms out, reaching up and yawning before standing.
“All done.” I close the space between us, bending down to place a kiss on her lips. As soon as I pull away, she groans.
“Sorry, firefly, I have to leave.”
“Where are you going?”
“I’m going to meet with Jaxson Price.”
“The billionaire?” She sounds confused, and it’s cute.
Fuck, Gideon. You sound like a pussy whipped fool.
“The one and only.”
She lifts a brow. “Do I even want to know?”
“He handles my security. I want to hire more men.”
“Will I ever be safe?”
“You’re always safe with me. But until we find the money, we won’t be able to get the Russians off your back, not without going to war—”
“I don’t—”
“I know you don’t. I’m going to follow up on a few leads. Now that we know who’s after you, it’s easier. And if worse comes to worst, I’ll just kill them all.”
“Gideon!”
“Just keeping it real. I think you don’t understand just how much you mean to me. I’d burn the world down to the ground to keep you safe.”
“I love you.” She lifts on her tiptoes.
“Love isn’t a strong enough word for how I feel.”
I pull away. “As much as I’d love to continue, I do have to go.”
She nods. “I’m free to go to the pool?”
“You are.”
“Thank you.”
“Be a good girl, and I’ll reward you later.”
Her cheeks flush red. “Promise?”
“Yep.” With that, I turn and leave.
I wasn’t lying to Sasha. I’ll kill everyone if it means protecting her. I will never let her go.
45
SASHA
I step into the garden and am immediately enveloped by its beauty. The afternoon sun shines on the landscape, giving it an enchanting quality, and drenching me in warmth as I saunter down the path.
The greenery is so fresh, and the flowers are so vibrant that it’s like I’m wandering through a painting. Various shades of pink, red, yellow, and purple pop out, and I wonder who maintains this meticulous pruning.
Another member of the household staff that apparently hides from me.
How is this real?
Only a few months ago, my life was a canvas filled with nothing but a monotone palette. Now, it’s lush and alive.
Gideon brought color to my life.
From the corner of my eye, I spot an ornate bench and decide to stop and sit down for a while. The view is too perfect not to take it in for a moment.
With no plans to leave, I have nothing but time.
Stationed on the bench, I’m able to explore the view without even moving. There’s a clear opening to observe the entire backyard from here, and it’s absolutely breathtaking.
The lawn is perfectly mowed, and a tree in the corner on the way to the pool provides some shade during the walk.
It’s such a perfect day that I can’t help but smile. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, letting all of the freshness wash over me. This is exactly what I needed—some peace and quiet to clear my head.
I’ve gotten so caught up in Gideon that I haven’t had time to think. To truly process what’s occurred.
I’ve fallen for someone who most—okay, all—people would call a criminal.
He lives a life so outside of mine that I’m not sure where I’d fit outside of the little bubble. One day, it will pop, and what will I do? How will we manage a relationship outside of these walls?
What if Gideon changes his mind? What if he leaves me like everyone else?
My head lolls back, and I allow the fear and questions to flow through me. I own each one of them…and then…I push them away.
This place is too wonderful for all the negativity, and I intend to enjoy it.
I stay here for a while, just taking in the beauty around me. It’s so peaceful and calming that I feel my worries melting away. I guess that’s what happens when you step into nature. It has a way of soothing your soul.
The bench might be a good location, but it’s not the most comfortable.
Standing, I decide to head to the pool instead. I’m not even a few steps down the path when I hear footsteps.
I halt in place, straining my ears to hear if someone is coming down the path. There are two voices, but I’m having difficulty deciphering if they’re both male.
The voices sound like they’re coming from a distance, but it’s difficult to tell with all the outside noises.
It’s not that it’s particularly loud out, but the chirping birds are loud enough to drown out the words echoing across the grass.
The voices are clearer the closer I get, so I continue to inch closer. Up ahead is an oak tree. Its large trunk and branches give me a perfect place to hide and see who it is before making my presence known.