Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 30520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 153(@200wpm)___ 122(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 153(@200wpm)___ 122(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
Once we found our new footing and delegated what was necessary, we were able to take a breath, along with a much-needed vacation. We agreed on quiet alone time with lots of sun…and no women. Even though it was a vacation, we didn’t want to lose focus, and women would only be a distraction.
After a day on our yacht, we decided to disembark and visit the casino. As soon as we walked in, it felt like the whole place was charged with electricity. Everything was expensive, from the velvet seats to the gold tables and the diamonds in the chandeliers. It was more opulent than most castles I’d lived in, but it was nothing compared to the beauty sitting at the bar.
Allison was in a tight black dress that was high on her thighs and cut low in the front. It was a dress that said look at me, and I fucking did. She was laughing with another woman at the bar. She wore a similar dress, but I didn’t really look at her because I was totally focused on Allison.
Her dark hair hung over one shoulder, and her red lips were the same shade as her shoes. I’d never seen anything so tempting in my entire life, and when my brother froze beside me for a split second I was angry. I thought he had his eyes on the woman I wanted, but to my surprise he was having the same reaction to the woman sitting next to her. To Amber.
We didn’t approach them right away, but instead went to the private room we’d reserved for gambling. We sent word to the bar that they were invited to join us and indulge in spending our money while we played together. It was agony waiting on them to enter, but as soon as she stepped a red heel through the door, she was mine.
“You cheated,” Allison hisses under her breath from beside me like she’s recalling the same thing.
“To have you?” I scowl like she’s being ridiculous. “Of course I would cheat. But that night the gods gave you to me, and that’s the end of it.”
She throws up her hands in frustration, and I shrug as the car gets closer to the airport.
We had drinks and food brought in, and then dancers and performers to entertain the women. It was a night of decadence, and I’d never smiled so much. I’d also never drunk so much. I was strict on how much I indulged because I didn’t want to lose my control, but when it came to Allison, I had none.
“I never agreed to marry you,” she huffs.
“You did, and you shall.” My words are final, but she won’t look at me.
The four of us were seated at the round poker table with Allison and Amber in the middle. They were laughing, and when I took her hand in mine, it was the first time in my life that I truly knew what I wanted my future to look like.
I told her that if the next card was the queen of hearts that she would have to be my bride. The way she raised an eyebrow in challenge made my body weak, but I knew I had to try. With a small nod and a curl of her lips, the bargain was made. I prayed to all the gods, and when the dealer turned the next card, it was done.
I must have had more to drink that night than I realized because when Allison excused herself to the restroom with her sister, I didn’t follow. That’s when they made a run for it, and she slipped through my fingers. Since then we’ve been traveling all over the world to hunt them down.
“Where I come from, this is called kidnapping.” She tries the door handle, but it’s locked, so I take hold of her wrist and place it in her lap. I don’t pull my hand away but leave its weight on top of hers and rub my thumb across her wrist.
“Where I come from, this is how you take a bride.” I let my eyes move up and down her body so that she doesn’t miss my desire. “You steal her.”
“Please, Magnus.”
My nostrils flare, and I lift her wrist to my mouth, where I place a kiss on the tender skin and inhale her scent. Sweet lilies invade my mind as I breathe her in and then gently brush my lips in the same spot. “I love how you say my name.” I open my eyes to meet hers, and I feel my wicked smile spread. “And how pretty you sound when you beg.”
Chapter 3
Allison
My heart races, and I know I’m in way over my head. Even more so without my sister by my side, but if their plan was to divide and conquer, it’s a good one.