Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
I feel like my stuff is so small compared to hers, but it’s also nice to talk because I missed out on these conversations when she left Italy all those years ago. So weirdly, I feel like I’m catching up on that sisterly bonding we missed back then.
I’m chopping fresh fruit as Lawson works behind me, preparing the entree. Marco is sitting behind Rya, reading a paper with a coffee in front of him. I know he doesn’t like it here. He bitterly grumbles “So American” under his breath at almost everything we do or see. I know he misses his family, and I feel guilty the longer I stay here because of that. And despite his lack of enthusiasm for being here, I’ve noticed that he reads the paper daily, and at times, I’ve seen him gawking at the drama-filled magazines. It wouldn’t surprise me if he watches drama-filled soap operas in his room at night. The thought is almost laughable.
“I signed up to Bumble,” I tell her, popping a grape into my mouth.
She opens her hand expectantly, so I throw her one. I can tell Lawson is still trying to get used to us invading his space. I think he enjoys it, although he often remains obediently quiet especially if Crue is home.
“Okay…” Rya says around the grape in her mouth.
“I have a few dates lined up already.”
She leans over and takes another grape. She then steps back and says to Marco, “Did you know about this.”
His hands clench around the paper, creasing it. “We have discussed it thoroughly. I made it clear I do not approve.”
Rya chuckles and looks back to me expectantly.
“And to that, I said I need space and can go on a normal date without a brooding, threatening figure leaning over my shoulder.”
Rya chuckles. Despite Crue’s controlling nature, she’s forced him to promise no guards for her. And if she can do that, surely, I can too. Even if for a few hours.
“I am here to protect you,” he reminds me.
I roll my eyes. “Do you know that some of the girls at work ask if he’s my boyfriend because he’s always waiting to pick me up?” They both inadvertently shudder at the preposterous notion. I had a similar reaction when it was first brought up.
“Perhaps I wouldn’t have to be so imposing if someone wasn’t sneaking out,” he says as he licks his finger and turns to the next page.
I shut my mouth.
Rya raises her eyebrows. “Oh no, not sneaking away from the diligent Marco,” she teases. She goes to steal another grape, but I slap her hand.
“Considering the person she snuck off with is someone your father isn’t particularly fond of, I’m lucky I still have all my fingers attached.”
Rya and I both laugh. And although Marco doesn’t crack a smile, I know he’s also amused. He’s been with us since we were kids and is like an uncle. An overbearing one at that.
“Wait,” Rya says. “Was Dawson the person you snuck off with?”
I place the knife down. “Is it that obvious father doesn’t like him?” I ask. I didn’t see them talking at the wedding, but apparently, it’s well-known how much my father hates him.
Rya studies me carefully before speaking, directing her request to Lawson and Marco. “Can you two give us just a few moments.”
Lawson is hesitant to leave his food prep but does so after turning it twice.
“Is there something I should know about you and Dawson?” she asks. And I know she’s not the slightest bit impressed. Okay, I get it. He’s a dangerous man. But she, of all people, can’t reprimand me since she married one.
“No, there’s not.” I shrug. And I think back on the other night, how he walked out on me, which made me feel like something was wrong with me. The anger rises again. I haven’t been able to talk to anyone about it so now is the time. “Actually, I don’t know. But what I do know is, he seriously pisses me off.”
Rya arches her eyebrow and scoots off the chair. “Perhaps we need a drink for this one.”
I lean against the back of the counter with my arms crossed as she pours each of us a drink.
“Look, the guy’s hot, all right? And, sure, I know he’s going to be great in bed, and I really want to give it a go. Like really, really give it a go.”
Rya’s trying not to laugh and has her hand at her mouth.
“It’s different for me, Rya. Don’t laugh.”
“I’m not laughing at you,” she says. “It’s just this is what Dawson does. He brings out people’s desires. And I won’t tell you how much you should avoid Dawson. I like him. But Honey, he can never give you what you want. He’s not the relationship type.”