Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
"I am."
"We can drive through somewhere, or I can cook when we get home,” I offer.
She whips her head in my direction, brow lifted and a curious smirk on her face. "You cook?"
"A little. I'm not a professional or anything, but a good grilled ham and cheese is no problem."
"My aunt taught me how to cook a little when I found a chance to go over there." That’s a tidbit of information that has more story hidden that I want to slowly unravel. Her family life was obviously fucked up, and I don’t want her to suffer reliving painful or hated memories. My job is to make sure she’s happy for the rest of our lives, even if she doesn’t know it yet.
"I'm surprised you weren't over there more often."
"My mother gave my stepfather whatever he wanted, and he wanted me far away from Penny's family."
"I'm sorry. It looks like Penny could have used you as a friend."
"We tried to be friends."
"So, is that sister your sister or stepsister?"
"Stepsister. I wish my mother hadn't married that jerk five years ago. He's made it his mission to make me feel like I could never do anything right, and his daughter, the perfect angel, is more like a Hell’s angel. I hate him."
"I'm sorry. You're freaking perfect. Don't let anyone tell you any different. I'm sorry for letting you down. I should have been making you mine that night. I swear by the time I'd gotten home, I knew I'd be back begging you to forgive me. I know it's not going to be easy, and once the intensity of the trauma lightens you let me have it for foolishly walking away."
"I'll just remind you anytime you work my nerves."
"Sounds good, baby, as long as you let me eat your pussy when you do. I want to make sure I get on all your nerves."
She clenches her thighs together and then scolds, "You can't say that while you're driving."
“Why? My dick has constantly been hard; it’s only fair if I get you nice and wet.”
“That’s not fair. I need a shower.”
“We have to be careful with your stitches. I’ll have to wash you down tenderly,” I grunt out.
We hit a bump in the road, and Jules grimaces and lets out a groan. Fuck. I forget that she’s so hurt. I can’t have her just yet. As much as I want to dive balls deep into her, we need to take it slow. We can talk dirty, but that’s all it’s going to be until she’s healed.
She’s suddenly gone quiet, and although I’d like to pick her brain some more, it’s probably for the best that I give her space. Well, verbal space, because physical space isn’t something I’m going to be comfortable with anymore. The threat on her life has been too real and unforgettable. My freaking worst fear, the reason I stayed away, ended up coming to life.
Chapter Eight
Jules
I talk a big game, but as we get closer to Steeleville, I feel the weight of everything that’s happened. My heart hurts almost as much as my wounds. Anthony has been utterly amazing, but I haven’t forgotten the way it felt when he said I was too young for him and he left. Will he do that again?
His stolen glances become less and less frequent and they’re cautious, each one of them, so I close my eyes and let the sun lull me into a mini nap.
The soft whisper of Anthony’s voice bleeds through my dream, waking me up. “We’re home, Jules.”
I look around to see that I’ve passed this house on my way back home many times. I can’t believe that he lives here. It’s a family home, larger than most around the area, which is weird because he’s single. Penny told me he doesn’t have any kids and he works from home in the back, but that’s all I know because she’s never been to his place. I stare at the beautiful front porch with wide wooden stairs painted white.
He exits and then comes around to my side as I take in the front of his house. There’s a large driveway that leads to a massive garage. He opens my door and asks, “Are you okay?”
“Yes. I’ve never been here before, so I was just looking.”
“I hope you like it. Roxie helped pick all the colors, but it’s still pretty bare when it comes to a home.”
“I’m sure it’s fine.”
He takes me into his home, tension leaving his body as we cross the threshold, as if now our troubles are over. Perhaps they are getting better, but I'd be foolish to believe everything will be smooth sailing. We hardly know each other, despite our hearts and bodies saying otherwise.
"I'm kind of tired, Anthony. Is there somewhere I can lie down?"
"Of course." He takes my hand and leads me upstairs, although I could see the indecision in his eyes as if he weren’t sure if he should carry me instead.