Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 138287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
Had I misread the situation?
Maybe I was wrong about his intent. I mean, it was unlikely but completely possible. I swallowed past the shame I felt and made the stupid mistake of reading some of the comments in the thread.
Connor come to DC so I can fuck you!!!
My lip curled. “Ugh.”
Hahaha OMG. Slayed is right. She COLD!
Don’t worry, baby. I’ll kiss you better, trailed by a heart eyes emoji.
My voice still sleep husky, I muttered to myself, “Whatever.”
Yo, why you ship this bitch so much? She’s fucking RANK!
Don’t worry, bro. She looks like a drag queen dominatrix.
My brows lifted. “Ouch.”
Can you just fuck already?
I sighed lightly. “Been there, sister.”
Can’t wait till you guys get married. The sexual tension is killing me! LOL!
A scoff burst out of me. “Also been there.”
I love the new album, dude. You guys freaking killed it.
That one made me smile.
Before I knew it, half an hour had passed and I was ten posts deep into Connor’s InstaFotto account.
Stalker much?
My lips puckered and I threw my phone down onto the covers, staring up at the ceiling. I wasn’t experienced enough to read the signs on my own. I needed help.
Without a second thought, I slid out of bed, taking my phone with me. Taking a left out of my room, I walked into Cherry’s room and dove onto her bed. “Are you awake?”
She blinked at me through sleepy eyes. “I am now, bitch.”
“Good.” I thrust my phone under her nose and she glared at me a moment before taking it from me and clicking on the video.
“Connor who?” I heard myself. “I don’t fuck with you.”
Cherry snuffled out a laugh. “Gets me every time.”
I pointed to the thread. “Read it.” Patiently, I waited, and she handed me my phone. Her muteness was exasperating. I nudged her with the heel of my palm. “What does that mean?”
Silence.
“Cherry.” I leapt on top of her, speaking directly into her face. “Help!”
Her face bunched. “You need to brush your damn teeth.”
Wide-eyed, I quickly covered my mouth and mumbled, “What does it mean?”
A long sigh left her. She looked up at me, and my eyes pled with her to give me something.
Finally, she said tonelessly, “He’s flirting with you.”
My brow lowered. “He is?” Really? Interesting. “Are you sure?”
“No. I’m too jaded to give you honest advice, Emmy.” She turned over. “Go talk to Ettie about it. She’s the most levelheaded one out of all of us. She’ll tell you what’s what.”
I rested on top of her a moment. After a minute, I spoke quietly. “Are you ever going to tell me why you’re so jaded?”
Her hesitance was heartbreaking. It was also very telling.
Whatever had happened to Cherry… it was bad.
“Okay. I won’t push.” Before I got up, I kissed her hair. “You are a beautiful, independent woman who doesn’t need a man.” When she huffed out a laugh, I added a smiling, “But there’s no shame in wanting one, Cher.”
Her head snapped up. “What does that mean?”
“I don’t know,“ I shrugged by the door. “I guess I’ve noticed all the violets around the place.”
The scoff she let out was harsh. “You think I want Helmer Novak?” Her laugh was forced. “Yeah, right.” She tried to look uncaring. “I mean, sure, Hell’s hot if you’re into that whole Viking thing he’s got going on.” She lost herself in thought. “With those green eyes, that long beard, and that savage braid of his.” A small smile played at her lips. “Those full lips.” Cherry added breathlessly, “Sure. If you’re into that.”
It didn’t take a genius to see Cherry was into that. I just didn’t understand why she denied it. Hell was obviously into Cher, and he made no qualms about letting her know.
I smiled inwardly.
It was only a matter of time before they came together. And with the two of them being… well, the two of them, something told me when they finally lit the charge, their relationship would be explosive.
My sarcasm game was strong. “Sure. If you’re into that.” When she flipped me the bird, I chuckled, “Okay, sleeping beauty, I need to see Ettie now, so bye.”
Her call stopped me. “Emmy.”
I poked my head back in and Cherry propped herself up on her elbows. She didn’t speak for a while, but when she did, it came out anxious. “I saw what he did to you.”
Moving back, I came to stand in her open doorway.
“Don’t…” She faltered. “Don’t forget what he did. It’s okay to forgive.” Her voice was deathly calm. “But don’t ever forget.”
I saw the statement for what it was. My friend was telling me to be careful.
“I won’t.”
She took a deep breath in and nodded. “Good.” Then she threw her head back down onto the pillow. “Get out of here. I’m beat.”
And off to Ettie’s I went.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
You’re the Inspiration.
Emmy
I breathed through the squat. “Jesus.” I inhaled deeply then did another, hissing through my teeth, “Crap.”