Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 61531 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 308(@200wpm)___ 246(@250wpm)___ 205(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61531 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 308(@200wpm)___ 246(@250wpm)___ 205(@300wpm)
He was also all man. He was taller than my dad. Muscular. His skin was darkened from the sun and jet-setting around the world for business. When I was younger, I would daydream about taking those trips with him, being the beauty on the arm of the beast.
On late nights when he and Dad would drink in his office and discuss anything under the sun, I would sneak in after he left and drink out of his glass. Smell the cushion where he sat. Relish in his masculine cologne. And now, it’s still surreal to think…
“What’s so funny? Is that no to a boyfriend? Yes?”
“No, I don’t have a boyfriend,” I tell him because it’s the truth.
“Well, then go out with me—”
“Will you two please shut up?” the girl next to me hisses. I apologize and focus back on the board. Evan doesn’t say another word to me, but every so often, I peek over to see him drawing a new cartoon on his notepad. Class ends, and I get up, stuffing my notebook in my bag.
“I’ll see ya around,” I say kindly, turning to leave.
“I’ll walk out with you. I saw this girl eyeing me. If she thinks I’m with someone, she’ll leave me alone.”
“Who?” I ask, looking around for a straggler.
“The girl in green. Can you imagine having to kiss her after she was infected with Geller spit?”
Oh my god. “Seriously?”
He flutters his eyes. “Would I lie to a beautiful girl?”
I shake my head. “Whatever. Let’s go.” He grabs my bookbag and walks next to me. We hit the bottom step and make our way across the foyer when he says really loud, “Just carrying out my girlfriend’s things.”
“Was that necessary?” I ask, pushing through the doors of the science building.
“Man, thanks for that. I owe you one. Maybe dinner?” He wiggles his brows at me, and I laugh at his clever attempt.
“Nice try.” My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I retrieve it to see Gabriel’s name across my screen. I almost trip down the step, but Evan grips my arm until I find my balance.
It’s been days since I’ve talked to him. The last time was when I left his house. He was swamped with work, so I never saw him the remainder of the time I was home. I didn’t want to seem eager. Or clingy. So I kept my distance and waited for him to call me.
“Coincidence?”
“Hmm?” I look at him.
“The last time I almost got you to say yes to me, it was the same caller. I’m gonna assume you’re about to ditch me again now too?”
I still feel guilty about never going back into the kitchen to tell him I was leaving. “I know. I’m sorry about that. It’s just…it’s a family friend, and I need to take this. Plus, I’ve got to get to psychology. I’ll talk to you later, ’kay?”
I hurry down the remainder of the steps and answer. “Hello?” I try to sound as cool as a cucumber when I’m really a mess inside.
He doesn’t say anything, and I can’t help but roll my eyes. “I know it’s you, Gabriel. You know, caller ID and all.”
“I was enjoying your voice. Something wrong with that?”
I stumble again. Shit! What’s wrong with me? “Oh yeah? Anything else you want to enjoy?” His chuckle is low and manly, and I love him.
I stumble again.
“Don’t tempt me, little bird. I have many wants. Some too dark for you.”
I tuck my head down, hoping no one notices my flushing cheeks. “Never say never, Master.”
God, his laugh is too addictive. “I don’t have another class until late morning. I can drive home, and you can show me exactly what you mean.”
His sigh is long. He’s stressed. “Wish you could, pet. I’m away on business.”
My mood plummets alongside his. I miss him. His demanding ways. His growl. God, I miss those cold eyes, strong hands, scotch-flavored lips. “When will I get to see you again?” So much for not acting clingy. I can’t hide the desperation in my voice.
“Does that mean you miss me, pet?”
In so many ways. My heart, my body… “I mean, it would be nice to see—”
“Lies have consequences, little bird.”
“Yes! I miss you. I want to see you and touch you. Be touched by you. I want to feel like I’m flying.” I want to surrender myself to him in any way he’ll take me.
“Be good, pet. Maybe your wish will come true.” Then the phone disconnects.
Bastard.
Hazel
Today, the weather is ferocious as the wind picks up, gusting a pile of fall leaves across the quad. I cross my arms over my chest to fight the chill as I wait outside the psychology building while Violet tries to let our hot professor down. He’s been hitting on her since the beginning of school, and for some reason, she’s not into him. This is also the week that will never end. I can’t focus. I just zoned out throughout our entire psychology class, and now I’ll have to beg Violet once again to borrow her notes. This thing with Gabriel is fucking me up. What even is it? An affair? A fun time? Does he truly want me? I wish I could talk to Violet about it, but how do I explain I’m sleeping with my dad’s best friend? And not just regular old sex—whips and chains kind of mind-blowing sex. How does one even admit that?