Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 129323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 647(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 647(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
I clench my teeth, baring them. “That explains a lot.”
Aiden chuckles, but it dies off quickly. “He was right about one thing.”
I raise an eyebrow, highly doubting that there’s anything Aiden could say to convince me that the guy was right about something.
“And what would that be?”
“You look absolutely stunning.”
I grin. “I don’t remember him saying stunning.”
He smirks while lifting one shoulder. “Regardless, you are.”
“Thank you,” I say, cheeks heating and eyes dropping to the floor.
Aiden’s finger comes under my chin, lifting my head until our eyes meet.
“Dance with me.” He holds his hand out, and I put mine in his, allowing him to lead me to the dance floor.
This night has been full of anxiety and fear, but for a few moments, I’m going to bask in this moment with Aiden. Hand in hand, we shut the world out as we twirl around the room, lost in each other’s smiles.
Whatever’s to come for me tomorrow, I’ll deal with then.
Tonight is for us.
The end of the night came far too quickly. We’ve said our goodbyes to everyone that Aiden wanted, and now we’re making our way to the door.
“Great night, Aiden,” Mike says, clapping him on the back. “Thank you for the invitation.”
Aiden smirks. “Of course. No way was I going to be subjected to this bullshit alone.”
“Get some rest. You have some big days coming up.” Mike looks at me when he says it, and I have to force myself not to react to his words. They’re a veiled threat, and I hear them loud and clear.
The clock is ticking, and you better come clean, so I don’t have to.
“Cassidy, it was a pleasure,” he says, and I nod.
“It was nice to see you again.” Despite his threats, I can’t help but appreciate the fact that Mike has Aiden’s back. He needs someone in his corner.
We’re heading toward the door, but there’s a commotion just on the other side.
“Holy hell. Who let the mob through the gates?” Mike says.
“Well, there were quite a few celebrities at the event. Maybe they got wind that the star of that new Netflix show is here?” I mutter back.
One of the attendants comes rushing in. “It’s crazy out there. Fans are rushing the gates. They’re looking for the cast of The Note. I’m not sure I can get your car through them, sir,” the young man says to Aiden. “I’m going to go try to find someone to help clear them out. This is private property. They shouldn’t be here.”
He rushes off, cursing under his breath.
“I’m calling the police,” Mike says, pulling out his phone and dialing. Someone answers on the other end, and Mike gives them the rundown on what’s occurring, along with the address.
“They’re sending a couple of cars that are in the nearby area over now.” He huffs, running a hand back through his hair. “I think it’s best if we hold tight until then. Unless you want to brave it?”
Aiden sighs, head falling back on his shoulders. “I just want to go home. This is fucking ridiculous.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to go out there,” Mike says, glancing out at the chaos. “The police will be here soon.”
Another couple comes up from behind us, getting a good look at what’s transpiring beyond the door. They’re older, more refined. The man is dressed like Aiden and Mike in an expensive black suit. The woman has on a gold, sparkly, floor-length dress that was likely expensive. She turns to me and smiles kindly.
“Monsters, all of them,” the man says, shaking his head. He turns to his date, who I assume, because of the massive ring she’s wearing, is his wife. “What do you want to do, my love?”
She smirks. “No one knows who the hell we are, Alfred. Let’s make a run for it.”
I smile to myself at the excitement that was evident in her tone.
“I couldn’t have said it better. Could be fun to have our spotlight moment.”
“I’ve always wanted to be in lights.” The woman turns to me and winks.
Hearing the playfulness and obvious love the two of them share makes my heart swell. It’s in the way they speak to each other. The secret smiles they share. It’s what I hope to have one day.
They clasp hands and rush out into the swarm of fans together. But before the doors close behind them, I don’t miss the chilling words that ring through the air.
“Aiden Slate…” I look toward the voice talking, and a shiver runs up my spine. It’s him. The local reporter who has it out for Aiden. This man has got it in his head that Aiden will be the story that will make him national news. It’s disgusting. “I want to know about your rituals.”
When no one answers, the vulture presses on. “Why did you keep them a secret?” My head snaps to Aiden. His shoulders tense, and the color in his face drains. “Are you embarrassed?”