Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“Your fiancée was selfish. Maybe her youth had something to do with it, but she walked away from a great man. That’s on her. You were in an accident. Not your fault. Kids can be adopted and loved. My siblings know that better than anyone. So do I. They become your family. She lost out on that with you. You lost out on that. I hate her for making you feel as if you were no longer enough. Any woman who has you would be so lucky. You are the whole damn package.”
Her thoughts about me surprised me. She held up her hand before I could interrupt her.
“As for the gold digger and not knowing what you were thinking? You were grieving. Vulnerable. I have no doubt if the Luke in front of me met her today, he would see through her before she had a chance to play her sick little games. She’s a snake. A viper. Not worth your time or energy feeling anything but grateful she didn’t sink her claws deeper into you.”
The venom in her tone shocked me. “I should have—”
Again, she interrupted. “Shut up, Luke. I’m talking. She played you because that is the sort of woman she is. One who likes to take advantage. Not attracted to you,” she scoffed. “Proves she had zero taste. You are the sexiest man I have ever seen. You could walk across the room covered in dust and cow shit, and I’d still do you.”
I tried not to smile at her statement, but my lips quirked.
Cow shit?
“I have no doubt she preys on men and will do so until she finds one stupid enough to marry her or make her his mistress. She’ll live her life in a vacuum of uselessness, and good luck to her. You are far better off without her.”
“Can I speak now?”
“No. Any woman—any woman—with a heart would have fallen hard for you with this gift. This wonderful little sanctuary. You are worthy of love and happiness, Luke, but you have to put yourself out there. Love will always find a way. But don’t let her or your ex make you doubt your worthiness. Because I think you are worthy of everything. Everything.”
By the time she finished speaking, she was almost panting in her vehemence.
“Now are you done?”
“Do you believe me?”
I tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and smiled. “I believe that you believe it. I’m shocked you think so highly of me, given how we disagree all the time.”
“Don’t you see? That’s what is so wonderful. You don’t belittle or talk down to me. We meet like equals on the field. Neither giving an inch. I like that.” She cupped my cheeks, forcing me to meet her gaze. “Don’t shut yourself off from love, Luke. You are worthy. Find your person and hold them tight. Don’t let her win.”
“What about you?” I asked quietly.
“What about me?”
“You say you don’t want a relationship either.”
“I said I’m not looking—that I don’t need it like some people do. I haven’t shut the door completely.”
The silence between us was tentative. Rife with words and emotions.
I ran my finger over her cheek. “So certain, Lady. All defensive and sticking up for me.”
“You need someone to stick up for you.”
I pulled her close. “You think I’m sexy?”
“Maddeningly so. I thought so the moment I saw you.”
“I thought you’d be high-maintenance,” I teased.
She glowered.
“Instead, you’re simply a joy,” I murmured, tracing my finger over her cheek. “You bring sunshine to my world, Lady. I hadn’t realized how much I missed that.”
Our eyes locked, something flowing between us. Something so tangible and strong, it made me blink. Words were on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn’t say them. An abstract idea formed in my head, and I had to tamp it down before it bloomed and took hold.
I crushed her to me and kissed her.
The words “Are you my person?” were never spoken. I had no right. She didn’t want it either. She wanted free and easy.
So, I bit back my words, carried her back to my bed, and fucked her.
That was all I could offer.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
SAMMY
Muted voices met my ears, and I opened my eyes. I was still in Luke’s bed, bundled under the covers. His pillow smelled like him, and I inhaled deeply, smiling and stretching, pleased to feel the soreness ebbing. The soak in the deep tub had a lot to do with it. So did the massage Luke gave me around three, before he took me from behind, driving me to another blissful orgasm.
The man had incredible stamina.
I got up, pulling on my clothes, peering out the door. Luke was at the table, sipping coffee, alone. Whoever he was talking to must have left. I sauntered down the hall, staring at his profile, his thick neck and arms highlighted by the tight black T-shirt he wore. The corded muscles. He looked delicious, and I really wanted a taste of him.