Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 71034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
“Worth—”
“We’ll have time later.” He pulled me against him, rubbing his hard cock against mine. “When we get home, I’m going to fuck you until you can’t breathe. I’m going to make sure you won’t want to get out of bed all day tomorrow.”
“How on earth am I supposed to focus tonight when that’s all I’ll be thinking about?”
“I have a feeling you’ll do all right. Also, I have another surprise.”
“Another one?” I didn’t know if I could take much more.
“I know you didn’t want me to confront Tommy myself.”
“Worth—”
He held up a hand. “Just listen. I found a way to keep my distance and still make him pay.”
“Oh my God, did you have him killed?”
“As much as I wanted to, no, because you said not to. I did some digging with Carter’s help and discovered that he’d been embezzling from his employer. He’s in jail on a bond he can’t afford, and I’m assured he’ll be going to prison.”
“You bribed the court?”
Worth grinned. “Maybe, but the crime is very real.”
“And he’s going to be locked away.”
“For a very long time, and if you ever change your mind, more steps can be taken.”
I imagined Tommy sitting in jail, with no one to bring him food or take care of his needs. I pulled Worth into my arms. “Thank you. That’s perfect. It’s…the best surprise except for your proposal. I…This is all too much.”
“No. It’s exactly right.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too. Now come on, we’ve got to get ready.”
A laugh burst out of me as I followed him. “We’re getting married.”
He turned around, grinning. “That’s right. I’m going to give my princess whatever kind of wedding he wants, and we’re going to be together forever.”
“I really am living a fantasy.”
“True, but there are a lot of very real people waiting on us.”
We hurried down the stairs to our bedroom.
worth
We arrived at the auction venue far later than we should have but before the scheduled start time. I had a chance to speak to several of my friends. Eudora Weeks had come with her good friend Robert and a few other members of the knitting circle Ford, Jay, and Ben attended at her house. She’d been a friend of Miles’s family for decades, and she was a major supporter of charities in the city. She’d agreed to publicize our new foundation and bring her friends, which meant major donors would be in attendance.
It made me so happy that she’d taken to Laurie immediately. She was going have him knitting before long, I was sure of it. Not that I minded in the least. The idea of wearing a hat, a scarf, or something else he’d made for me warmed me all over. I didn’t care what he made or how I would look in it. I’d wear anything for him.
“I’m so excited about tonight,” Eudora said. “I may have to have a piece for myself.”
“Have you taken a look at everything?”
She nodded. “I have my eye on a few items.”
Laurie gave her a hug. “Thank you again, so much. Your help has been invaluable.”
“I’m happy to do it. This is a wonderful cause.”
“I’m just excited we’re going to be able to help so many people,” he said.
My friends and I had had already contributed large amounts to the new foundation, but the more we brought in, the more people we could help, and our auction would also raise awareness about the issue among people who had the means to help.
When it came time for the evening to begin, Eudora took the stage to a roar of applause. The attendance was everything we’d hoped for.
She introduced me and Laurie, then stepped aside, returning to her table to sit with our friends.
I started to adjust the mic, but Laurie shook his head.
“I’ve got this,” he whispered.
I’d wanted him to be the one to give the introduction, but he wasn’t sure he could, so I was prepared. The fact that he felt ready made me want to grab him up, spin him around, and kiss him. That would have to wait. My fiancé needed to make this speech.
“Hello everyone.” Laurie’s voice was steady and confident. “Thank you for being here tonight. This project has a very special meaning to me. I myself have been a victim of domestic abuse. I’m one of the lucky ones. I was able to find a way out, and thanks to some very special friends, I’ve been able to not only put my life back together, but to follow a dream of mine, two dreams really. One as an artist and designer of unique clothing, and one as the co-founder of this charity. I want everyone who is stuck in a horrible situation like I was to be able to get out and have a home, clothes, and other necessities, and the resources to find a job. I want to give these men, women and children as much support as possible. Your purchases and donations tonight are going to help with that. Please consider the importance of the situation as you bid on the pieces we have on offer tonight.”