Total pages in book: 139
Estimated words: 141281 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 706(@200wpm)___ 565(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141281 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 706(@200wpm)___ 565(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Whatever I’m expecting, I don’t get it.
Smirking, he struts over, puts his hands on my shoulders, and pulls me into a bear hug that leaves me winded.
“Come the hell on, Delia. You think I’d pass up a free trip to Sin City? You’re the one who begged me to play nice.” He pushes his lips to my head, touching my earlobe. “Maybe I decided to listen.”
Oh, boy.
I have to lock my knees to avoid falling over.
What game is he playing?
“Vegas can be a dangerous place, especially for a young lady traveling by herself,” Dad says matter-of-factly. “He’s not there to be your shadow, Cordelia, but we’ll all feel better with Chris along for the ride if anything untoward happens.”
“...guys, I’m not helpless. I can take care of myself. I can—”
“Dudes trying to spike your drinks, biker gangs, mafia sharks—even a few cartels,” Chris barks coldly. “I’m the ace up your sleeve. Vampire repellent. We don’t have to be joined at the hip, but if anybody looks at you wrong, just say the word.”
Eep. The way he winks tells me he’s a far bigger problem than any random creep from the underworld.
A sigh slowly hisses out of my lungs.
“Who knows, Delia,” he continues. “Maybe I can even help you get back on track with that project your old man’s been telling me about. Hang with me in Vegas and find out how I like to play after work.”
His lips curl into something resembling an honest smile.
Have I mentioned how much I hate the way he flips my heart?
Still, even if he’s being a monster dick, teasing me like this, in the back of my mind, he isn’t completely wrong.
He’s holding out an olive branch—assuming it isn’t a carrot.
Yeah.
Everything about this screams terrible idea, but if I hang around watching him drink and gamble his butt off, maybe he’ll loosen up.
Maybe my paper won’t be dead in the water.
Maybe I’ll get something I can use to crack through his mental armor.
There’s also another mystery nipping at the back of my mind.
Why is he suddenly so freaking enthusiastic and jolly about this?
Is it all just a show for Dad? And why would he bother?
Or is it a ploy to get closer to me again?
My throat tightens as I look at him. I swallow and cough, almost choking.
“That a yes, Delia?” Chris whispers.
I don’t answer.
After a few seconds of awkward silence, Dad gives me a tense look.
I know.
I’m sure I look like I’m staring at a speeding bus, frozen in my tracks, mentally locked on the very real idea that I’m going to be spending time with him alone, far from home.
“I know this is rather abrupt, dear,” Dad says. “You’re an adult, of course. If you don’t want your stepbrother tagging along, I’m sure we can figure out a compromise. An alternate itinerary for both of you because I’d still like to send him on a trip.”
“Nah.” Chris turns to face my father, slicing a thick hand through the air. “Bruce, don’t worry about it. I’ll give her as much space as she needs. Separate rooms. One good dinner and a few drinks are all I need anyway. She can check in whenever she wants. Believe me, I’ve got my own plans. I haven’t been to Vegas in years.”
I shake off the shock and walk toward them.
“Guys, it’s fine. It’s doable. I guess I’m just...surprised,” I admit dryly.
One look at Chris grinning leaves me reeling.
If there was ever a smile that’s equal parts hungry and happy...
Oof. It’s amazing how he must’ve evaded death a dozen times, yet still has his teeth set in a smile so flawless it makes me tingle.
Worse, it makes me wonder.
What would that perfect mouth with the wicked tongue feel like between my thighs?
I press my knees together, desperately trying to blunt the dull ache in my core.
Hopeless.
Jesus, how in the flying monkeybutt do I survive a week in Vegas with this man?
“Thrilled to hear you say that, honey! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.” Dad beams at me before he looks at Chris again.
Oh, Dad.
Oh, Dear Lord, if only you knew.
“...make sure you leave enough time for breakfast before you hop on the jet tomorrow.” He’s talking to Chris when I tune back in. “My little girl always gets hangry as a tiger when she’s traveling on an empty stomach. And please don’t worry about your mother, Chris. I’ll look after her.”
Chris’ face darkens for the first time as he says, “Don’t baby her. She can take care of herself, Bruce.”
“She’s my wife,” Dad throws back. “I’ll do whatever helps her. I’m sorry things have been rocky lately. She’s just worried about her family, and I can hardly blame her for that. Surely, you two getting along so well will help set her at ease.”
I can’t breathe.
My stepbrother just snorts.