Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44998 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44998 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
With Nate, I never felt ready to take this step, but with Damien, it just feels right, even if it freaks me out a little. Still, I feel a twinge of disappointment when I walk into the bedroom and find it empty. Damien’s not home yet. The guy practically lives at his office, working all hours. Most women might get suspicious, but I’m all too familiar with jobs that call you at crazy times. It comes with the territory.
I strip down and hop into the shower, letting the hot water wash away the day. That bout of sickness hit me out of nowhere and disappeared just as fast, but it left me wiped out. This shower is the only thing keeping me from collapsing into bed.
After about twenty minutes, I step out feeling a little more human, though now I’m starving. I’d kill for that breakfast sandwich I skipped this morning.
I open the bathroom door, only to freeze in place—not just because of the bright lights, but because Damien is sitting on the edge of the bed, looking straight at me.
“Damien,” I say, my heart doing a little flip. “I didn’t think you’d be home yet.”
“I had a stop to make,” he says as his gaze rakes over my body. At least what he can see, which isn’t much since I’m wrapped in one of his large, fluffy towels. “Good day?”
I nod, suddenly feeling a lot better. And prettier. “It was a day,” I say vaguely. “New suit?” It’s an expensive suit with the tie hanging slightly askew, looking like a sexy billionaire fantasy come to life.
“Like it?”
I nod and step forward. “I like you in it.”
“Good. I’ve got something for you.” He tugs the towel away, letting it fall in a heap on the floor, leaving me exposed in front of him. His hand reaches out, gently caressing my hip.
“A gift?” I raise an eyebrow, recalling how men often give gifts to ease their guilt.
“Yes, a gift. I saw this and knew it was meant for you.” He reaches behind him and pulls out a small velvet box. “Open it.” He holds the box out, his eyes locked on mine, waiting for me to take it. “Francesca.”
“Damien,” I whisper, my breath shaky as I take the box. My heart’s racing like it’s in a high-stakes race. Is this a ring? Is he about to ask me to marry him?
“Open it, Francesca.” His soft command sends a shiver down my spine, and when he pulls me onto his lap, my whole body heats up.
I glance at him, curiosity flickering in my eyes. He gives me a subtle nod, encouraging me to see what’s inside. Slowly, I lift the lid, bracing for something dark and intense, but instead, I’m greeted by the sight of sparkling diamond earrings.
“Wow,” I breathe out, the word slipping from my lips before I can catch it. Jewelry. Actual diamonds. Not something I’m used to—especially on a random weekday.
“You… you got these for me?” I ask, my voice tinged with surprise and a hint of disbelief. “I mean, they’re stunning. But why?”
“Because they remind me of you, Frankie.” His voice is steady, and his gaze holds mine. “I know you don’t do flashy, but these are subtle. Something you can wear every day, and they’ll sparkle when you least expect it.”
“They’re incredible, Damien. Thank you.” My voice is trembling as I try to process this unexpected gesture. It’s not just the gift. It’s the thought behind it that has me second-guessing all my doubts and fears. Maybe I’ve been wrong about him.
With gentle fingers, he lifts my hair, his touch sending shivers across my skin, and slides the earrings into place.
“Perfect,” he says, leaning back to admire his handiwork. “Absolutely perfect.”
I reach up to touch my million-dollar ears. “Thank you. But I can’t—” Damien places his finger on my lips to shush me.
“Oh, but you can. Now lie back on the bed, Francesca. Open yourself up for me. I want to see every inch of you in your stunning, sparkling beauty.”
I do as he asks, my heart beating wildly.
“Don’t move.” Damien’s words send a chill through me, and I find myself obediently still. “Keep your eyes on me and don’t say a word.”
I nod, my fingers tightening on the sheets as I open my thighs a little wider, feeling the plush mattress beneath my feet. I want to let out a moan, but I obey him, biting my lip instead.
Damien’s intense gaze holds mine, and I’m completely exposed under his scrutiny. He begins to undress, slowly revealing his perfectly sculpted body. Then he steps by the bed and his fingers trace my thigh, sending sparks through me. I fight to suppress a shudder, wanting to savor this delicious torture just a little longer.
“Frankie, you have no idea how good you look to me right now.” His warm breath caresses my neck. “I could devour you right now.”